Barak: 2 kidnappings thwarted abroad
Defense minister addresses threats by terrorist groups to abduct Israelis, says security forces working in conjunction with foreign authorities to foil attempts
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday afternoon, Defense Minister Ehud Barak addressed reports regarding attempts by terrorist groups to kidnap Israelis abroad.
"We've already, in conjunction with foreign authorities, thwarted at least two attacks in different corners of the globe," said Barak, adding that the motive behind the planned abductions is Hizbullah's quest for revenge following the death of Imad Mugniyah.
"The threat is primarily linked to the fact that Hizbullah attributes the assassination of the Mugniyah to Israel, and they're out for revenge. The risk is clear to us, especially for former senior military officers traveling to Muslim countries without security arrangements," the minister added.
"We don't have an intelligence network in those places, we don't have security detail. These are places where they know in advance that you're coming, so it's very dangerous."
"I think that Israeli officers and official or unofficial envoys and even just ordinary Israeli citizens out in the world – they have to be alert and careful and pay attention to the situation they're in, and they should also
heed the warnings issued by the Counter Terrorism Bureau."
Barak said "we must work to make sure those plotting to kidnap Israelis fail, but it would be a mistake to belittle this threat as unfeasible. We have to take this seriously."
A senior defense official confirmed abduction attempts had been thwarted in a conversation with Ynet on Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense advised several IDF reserve generals working abroad to return home immediately because their personal safety was at risk. The ministry did not say how many former officers received the warning, but said it was primarily aimed at those working in Africa and the Persian Gulf.
