As Shalit talks fail, IDF soldiers worry they may be next

Officers and soldiers serving along the Gaza border were upset by the news that negotiations on a deal to return Gilad Shalit had failed.

"We always feel that he is one of us, a soldier like us, so we take it hard," said an officer who recently served near Kerem Shalom, where Shalit was kidnapped in a cross-border raid in 2006. "We also have veteran officers who were serving in that sector at the time, and the fact that this matter still isn't over greatly disturbs us. Our people say the government isn't making the necessary effort to secure his release."

Not all the soldiers agree that Shalit should be brought home "at any price;" some oppose releasing hardcore terrorists as part of a deal. Nevertheless, said one, "the feeling is that they haven't made the necessary effort in the negotiations, regardless of one's views about the price."

One combat soldier whose unit is heading for the border soon said everyone fears he "might be next" and is wondering whether he can rely on his comrades and commanders to bring him back. "You certainly can't rely on the government," he added.

A reservist said some of his comrades had brought pistols with them, "so that in the event of a kidnapping, they can use them to prevent the worst."