It has been cleared for publication that, in a joint operation by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the IDF, the body of hostage Itai Svirsky was recovered from Gaza and brought to Israel for burial. Itai, a member of Kibbutz Be’eri, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, murdered in captivity, and his body was held in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated:
“Alongside the operational efforts, the Hostages and Missing Persons Team within the Manpower Directorate, responsible for supporting the families of the hostages, worked in coordination with the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Israel Police in the identification process. Representatives from the Shin Bet and the IDF informed the family today.”
“Our Hearts Break Over the Profound Loss of the Svirsky Family”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, stating:
“Our hearts break over the profound loss suffered by the Svirsky family, who also lost Itai’s parents, Orit and Rafi, may their memory be a blessing, who were murdered in Hamas’ heinous attack.”
Netanyahu shared that he met yesterday with Shin Bet employees:
“I want to express my deep appreciation to them and to the IDF forces for their brave actions in recovering Itai. We will continue to act with determination and relentless effort to bring back all our hostages—both the living and the fallen.”
