Five Released IDF Lookouts Requested Return to Active Duty

Four released IDF lookouts reunite with Agam Berger. (X screenshot) X screenshot

The IDF has responded by saying it is too early for the hostages to resume active duty. “This is their time to recover.”

By Shula Rosen, United with Israel

Five female IDF lookouts released from Gaza last month have expressed a desire to return to active duty.

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Agam Berger were kidnapped while performing surveillance duties at Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023.

The released lookouts are eager to rejoin the army, although they have made it clear they do not wish to return to their previous roles as lookouts.

The IDF responded by saying it is too early for the former hostages to resume active duty. “This is their time to recover.”

Ori Megidish, another lookout who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, was rescued by the IDF on October 30, 2023. Megidish’s request to return to IDF service was granted, and she joined the Intelligence Division just four months after her release.

The IDF said that Megidish’s return to service was motivated by her “personal desire and sense of duty to serve the country.”

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared a video of freed hostage Agam Berger, who expressed gratitude for his efforts in securing her release and advocating for the release of other hostages.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the hostages,” Berger said in the video. “Because of you, we came home,” she added, noting that many others are still waiting to be rescued.

Berger went on to say that Trump “has the power to make it happen.”

The hostage deal, which facilitated the release of the lookouts and other hostages, took effect on January 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States.

“I beg you, don’t stop until all the hostages, both the living and the deceased, are brought home,” Berger urged Trump.

Throughout their captivity, Agam Berger and other hostages maintained their religious observance. According to Liri Albag, Berger remained steadfast in her faith, keeping kosher and observing Shabbat despite the difficult conditions.

“Despite the challenging circumstances and limited options, Agam chose to stay true to her values and faith,” Liri said.

Liri’s mother, Merav, also shared that her daughter refused to eat the non-kosher meat offered to her during captivity, even though food was scarce.

Before her daughter’s release, Merav requested that if Agam’s release takes place on a Saturday, those involved, including the media, refrain from violating Shabbat.