In a dramatic operation, Israeli forces successfully secured the release of four female hostages who had been held captive for several weeks. The women, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag, were reportedly abducted during a cross-border incident and held in undisclosed locations. Their safe return has been met with widespread relief and celebration across the country, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailing the operation as a “triumph of courage and determination.”
However, the joyous occasion has been overshadowed by renewed criticism of Israel’s controversial military protocol known as the Hannibal Doctrine. The doctrine, which has been unofficially practiced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), allows for extreme measures—including the use of lethal force—to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers or civilians by hostile forces, even if it risks the lives of the hostages themselves.
Critics argue that the Hannibal Doctrine prioritizes national security over individual lives, raising ethical and humanitarian concerns. “While we celebrate the return of these brave women, we must also confront the harsh reality of a policy that has, in the past, led to the deaths of innocent hostages,” said Avner Gvaryahu, executive director of Breaking the Silence, an organization of former IDF soldiers critical of military practices.
The doctrine has been a subject of intense debate since its alleged use during the 2014 Gaza War, where reports suggested that Israeli forces may have caused civilian casualties while attempting to prevent hostage situations. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for the policy to be abolished, citing violations of international humanitarian law.
In response to the criticism, an IDF spokesperson stated, “Our primary goal is always to protect the lives of Israeli citizens and ensure their safe return. Every operation is conducted with the utmost care and precision to minimize harm to civilians.”
The release of the four hostages has reignited discussions about the balance between national security and human rights. While many Israelis view the operation as a success, others are calling for a reevaluation of the Hannibal Doctrine and its implications.
As the nation celebrates the return of its citizens, the debate over Israel’s military policies continues to simmer, highlighting the complex moral and ethical challenges faced by a country in a region fraught with conflict.
