The Hannibal Directive: Did Givati Battalion Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin Blow Himself Up?

Israel's "Hannibal Directive" indicates that if an Israeli soldier is abducted he should blow himself up, rather than be taken into captivity.

Considering the case of Gilad Shalit, it's not clear if or when the directive is operational.

But with the developments today of Hamas rejecting the latest cease-fire truce, and the suspected kidnapping of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, there's some chatter that the Israeli military operationalized Hannibal.

At Israel Matzav, "Report: IDF implemented Hannibal Protocol right after kidnapping, and Toronto's National Post, "Israel ... employs ‘Hannibal Procedure’ to bombard kidnappers’ escape routes — even if it kills captured soldier."

And from Phyllis Chesler, at Big Peace, "Did Kidnapped Israeli Soldier Follow IDF Hannibal Protocol, Blow Himself and Kidnappers Up?"

Massive #Israel bombardments now in the southern #Gaza Strip in attempt to prevent IDF captive being spirited away (Hannibal directive)

— Anshel Pfeffer (@AnshelPfeffer) August 1, 2014

Netanyahu tells Kerry ‘Hamas will pay’ as IDF hunts for soldier seized in Rafah during truce http://t.co/rQLePjZdHr pic.twitter.com/nDVxwc8dnL
— Adam Milstein (@AdamMilstein) August 1, 2014

Brief Statement from Dr Simha Goldin, Father of Kidnapped Israeli soldier Hadar, req IDF do e/thing to bring son home pic.twitter.com/UQVO60mIaD
— Lisa Daftari (@LisaDaftari) August 1, 2014