Eldad Regev
Reproduction photo: Hagai Aharon
Ehud Goldwasser
Photo: Reuters
Gilad Shalit
Photo: Noam Rotem
Families: Don't forget abductees
Brother of kidnapped IDF soldier Eldad Regev hopes to create Knesset lobby in effort to secure release of abducted troops
Families of kidnapped soldiers take action: Relatives of abducted IDF troops will be meeting Tuesday with faction leaders at the Knesset in order to make clear that any diplomatic agreement with Lebanon must also include the return of the Israeli soldiers.
Eyal Regev, whose brother was abducted by Hizbullah, told Ynet: "The idea is to create a lobby at the Knesset that will back and continue the government's obligation to return the abductees."
Regev made it clear the move is not meant to show dissatisfaction with government actions thus far.
"We're working in full cooperation with the government and support it, this move is not undertaken as criticism," he said. At the same time, it's important for us that a clear declaration comes out of the Knesset so that the abductees remain in our consciousness. We don't see the end; we'll start seeing the beginning only after we receive a sign of life."
'Clear message from Knesset needed'
Earlier, the Regev family approached Knesset Member Zevulun Orlev (National Union-NRP) and asked him to arrange a meeting with all Knesset party leaders.
Orlev agreed to join the initiative and said that an important part of the Lebanon war objectives as defined by the government is meant to ensure the quick return of the soldiers to Israel.
"It's worthwhile that a clear message come from the Knesset that backs the families' position," Orlev said.
Earlier, representatives of the abductees' families traveled to France in an effort to use French influence in Lebanon in order to return the abductees or at least receive information on their fate.
Representatives of the families are expected to meet with Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik (Kadima) and during the Knesset session will be seated at the VIP section. Later, they will meet with faction leaders at the Knesset lecture room.
