IDF Lookouts Released from Captivity Express Desire to Rejoin Forces

Five female IDF lookouts who were freed from Gaza captivity last month have expressed a strong desire to return to active duty. Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Agam Berger were abducted while performing surveillance duties at the Nahal Oz base during Hamas’s brutal October 7, 2023, attack.

While the released lookouts are eager to rejoin the army, they have made it clear that they do not wish to return to their former roles as lookouts. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to their request with caution, stating that it is “too early for the former hostages to resume active duty.” An IDF spokesperson emphasized, “This is their time to recover.”

Their story draws parallels with that of Ori Megidish, another lookout kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, who was rescued by the IDF on October 30, 2023. Megidish’s request to return to service was approved, and she rejoined the Intelligence Division just four months after her release. The IDF noted that her return was driven by a “personal desire and sense of duty to serve the country.”

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared a heartfelt video from Agam Berger, who thanked him for his role in securing her release. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the hostages,” Berger said. She urged Trump to continue his efforts until all hostages, “both the living and the deceased,” are brought home.

The hostage deal that facilitated the release of the IDF lookouts and other captives took effect on January 19, just a day before Trump’s inauguration. Throughout their captivity, Berger and her fellow hostages demonstrated remarkable resilience and faith. According to Liri Albag, Berger remained steadfast in her religious practices, 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,” Albag shared. Liri’s mother, Merav, added that her daughter also refused to eat non-kosher meat during captivity, even when food was scarce.

Merav Albag had previously requested that if her daughter's release took place on a Saturday, all involved, including the media, respect Shabbat by refraining from violations. This deep commitment to faith under duress has become a symbol of strength and hope for many.

As the released lookouts focus on recovery, their resolve to return to the IDF demonstrates their unwavering dedication to Israel’s defense. The nation stands behind them, celebrating their bravery while hoping for the safe return of all remaining hostages.

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