TEL AVIV — The Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah has offered $100,000 for
the abduction of an Israeli soldier.
Israeli security sources said Hizbullah has relayed its offer to
Palestinian insurgency groups in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The sources
said the abduction of Israeli soldiers has become a priority for Hizbullah,
which seeks to win the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
"It has become a major impetus for terrorist groups," a security source
said.
On June 30, the Fatah-dominated Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades announced the
capture of two Israeli soldiers. The Fatah insurgents told a news conference
in Gaza City that the soldiers were captured in the northern West Bank city
of Nablus.
The Fatah announcement prompted a widespread search by Israeli military
and security forces throughout Nablus. Later, Al Aqsa denied the abduction
claim.
By July 1, the military said it did not find any evidence of an
abduction. The Israeli force was withdrawn from Nablus.
Earlier, the Palestinian Authority said security forces found an Israeli
soldier separated from his unit near Bethlehem. A PA official said
the soldier was returned safely to his unit.
Israeli sources said Hizbullah has long sought to abduct an Israeli
soldier along the northern border with Lebanon. But after months of failed
efforts, Hizbullah offered a reward of at least $100,000 for every captured
Israeli soldier in either the West Bank or Gaza Strip.
