Counterterrorism expert Aaron Cohen delivered a crucial message to the Israeli military on Sunday, stressing the need for swift action in retrieving hostages before the situation spirals out of control.
Cohen, a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces, emphasized the urgency of conducting hostage rescues in Gaza without delay. He pointed out that any delay would provide terrorists with more opportunities to move hostages, making it increasingly challenging for Mossad and Shin Bet security and intelligence agencies to locate them. He asserted that Israel must act swiftly to target these locations.
According to Cohen, prolonged inaction would result in hostages being relocated, deteriorating health conditions, increased fatigue, and a growing separation between Israeli intelligence agencies and the hostages due to the layers created by Hamas.
The declaration of war by Israel’s security cabinet came after a surprise barrage of thousands of rockets by Hamas terrorists into southern Israel, resulting in hundreds of casualties and thousands of injuries.
Cohen, appearing on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” expressed confidence in Israel’s capabilities in hostage rescue, highlighting their expertise in this area. He recalled the remarkable hostage rescue operation in 1976 when Israel successfully rescued 103 hostages held in Entebbe, Uganda, following the hijacking of an airplane by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Cohen explained that Israel has mastered the art of hostage rescue, and they face a dual challenge in this current situation—hostages within Israel and those in Gaza, including tunnels, buildings, and apartments.
He stressed the importance of time in this operation, believing that Israel will employ its signature tactics, including discretion, surprise, audacity, and tenacity. Cohen praised Israeli assets, comparing them to elite units like Delta Force and SEAL Team Six, describing them as highly skilled and well-prepared for such operations.
