After 11 years since Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was killed and kidnapped during Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip in 2014, Israeli authorities formally identified him following his return to Israel at noon.
The Prime Minister's Office said, "Following completion of the identification process by the National Center for Forensic Medicine, in coordination with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives notified the family of the deceased hostage, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and his identification has been completed. The Government of Israel shares in the profound grief of the Goldin family and all the families of the deceased hostages. The government and the entire security establishment of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all our deceased hostages for proper burial in their homeland. The Hamas terrorist organization is required to meet its obligations to the mediators and return them as part of implementing the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all the hostages, every last one of them."
President Isaac Herzog said, "After 11 painful and far too long years, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, may his memory be blessed, hero of Israel, returned to the land today. In the 11 years that have passed since he fell in battle and was kidnapped in Operation Protective Edge, Hadar's picture stood on my desk in the various roles I have filled, and his image remained constantly engraved in my heart... The people of Israel embrace them with deep love and endless appreciation for their steadfast and tireless struggle for Hadar's return, for the hope that never faded, for the dignity, for the Zionism, and for the faith that were a 'light unto their feet.' We will remember and commemorate beloved Hadar. May his memory be blessed. Thanks to United States President Donald Trump, his team, and the mediators for their significant contribution during the process that led to the end of this painful chapter. We will continue to work in every way to return the four deceased hostages still held by murderers. Until the last one!"
Lt. Hadar Goldin was held captive for over 11 years after he was killed and kidnapped by Hamas during a ceasefire in Gaza during the 2014 Operation Protective Edge. His remains were recovered following a decade of relentless intelligence and operational efforts by the IDF and ISA.
