Netanyahu's kidnapping nightmare leads to refocus on Hamas

Like the sword of Damocles, this is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's worst nightmare. Indeed, it is the nightmare of any Israeli prime minister or of any Israeli citizen for that matter: kidnapping.

In terms of ranking the pain and pressure, soldiers would always be at the top of the list. That was the case with Gilad Shalit, whose abduction occurred eight years ago (June 25, 2006). After more than five years in Hamas captivity and following rallies, marches and heavy pressure wielded on Israel's decision-makers on his behalf by a whole country, he was returned home. Ranked second would be civilians. Yet, it would depend also on where they hail from. Tel Avivians would enjoy a broader consensus compared with settlers, for example. And the younger they are, the more painful the situation.