Shortly after this latest exercise in futility (aka a cease-fire) began, Hamas fired at Israeli civilians and IDF targets, killing two Israeli soldiers–and perhaps kidnapping a third soldier, 23 year-old Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, from Kfar Saba, who holds joint British-Israeli citizenship.

A Hamas homicide (suicide) bomber near Rafah is suspected in this attack upon the Givati Brigade.

Secretary of State John Kerry found the kidnapping and truce-breaking “outrageous” and an “affront.” The EU did not condemn Hamas but “regrets the breakdown of the cease-fire.” Egypt has postponed the planned “peace” talks. The United Nations claims that it does not know which side is telling the truth.

However, Hamas may have captured a soldier who had orders to blow himself and his kidnappers up.

The IDF is resolved to avoid giving Hamas the “weapon” of an Israeli captive like Gilad Shalit, an IDF soldier kidnapped in 2006. Thus, Goldin may have not been captured– or, rather, may not have been captured alive. He may have been under orders to blow himself and his kidnappers up with his own grenade; IDF troops may have obeyed an order to fire upon the vehicle in which the kidnappers were fleeing. Goldin and his abductors may be wounded or dead. Or not. The exact scenario is not yet entirely clear. But one thing is: From now on, the Hannibal Protocol will be strictly enforced.

Earlier today, Israel Radio military correspondent, Carmella Menashe reported that “the moment it was realized that Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin may have been kidnapped the IDF engaged in massive fire in the area where the terrorists might be with Goldin.”

According to an interview done with Hadar last year, “Hadar and his brother grew up in a religious environment, attending yeshiva-high school in Ra’anana and volunteering as madrichim (leaders) at their local chapter of the Bnei Akiva religious-Zionist youth movement.” He has lived in Britain and is believed to be a UK dual citizen.

The Hannibal Protocol was first instituted in 1986. I do not know if it has been used consistently and effectively from that time on.

What IS the Hannibal Protocol?

Here is an audio of the IDF Commander of Golani Troop 51 briefing his troops in 2011, during Operation Cast Lead.

Here is what he is saying:

“The strategic weapon, the ‘Judgment Day Weapon’ that Hamas wants to acquire, is to capture a soldier. But no soldier in Battalion 51 will be kidnapped at any price. At any price. Under any condition. Even if it means that he blows himself with his own grenade together with those trying to capture him. Also, even if it means that now his unit has to fire a barrage at the car that they are trying to take him away in. There is no situation. No situation that they will have this weapon.”

This video was re-broadcast on Israel Television Channel 2 News on October 16, 2011.

Judaism strongly believes that we are obligated to redeem a captive. “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your brother”(Leviticus 19:16). However, some sages believe that if the price is too high that it must not be paid–lest it endanger others and ultimately impoverish the entire community of Jews. Rabbi Meir ben Baruch, the Maharam of Rotenberg (Germany) was captured by the local King, and his followers raised the exorbitant sum, but he ordered them not to pay it. He spent seven years in jail and died there.

This decision was also highly controversial since Jews are also commanded to save lives–that a single life is a universe unto itself. But, if the price is far too exorbitant and endangers the very same community–what then? Clearly, Gilad Shalit was worthy of rescue, but the terrorists released were lauded as role models; many returned to terrorize Israel. Some of them have now been re-captured since Hamas, arguably, broke the rules of their release.

If Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, (ben Chedva Leah) is alive, we have been asked to pray for him. If he is dead, then Hamas must pay for this–and they will.