Israeli Captive Rom Breslavski Reveals Harrowing Moment He Disclosed His Soldier Identity in Gaza

Rom Breslavski, an Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza since the deadly October 7 attack, shared a detailed account of his ordeal on social media about six months after his abduction. Posting a photo from his military service taken shortly before he was kidnapped, Breslavski described the intense psychological and physical pressures he endured while concealing his identity as a soldier during his captivity.

He recounted how for the first half-year in captivity, he managed to hide his military status despite harsh interrogations. However, the situation escalated when his captors intensified their efforts, using a laptop to gather information, leading him to realize his cover was about to be blown. At 5:30 a.m. in the central camps of Deir al-Balah, he pretended to be asleep but overheard his captors preparing to expose him. Seizing the moment, Breslavski confessed to senior leaders of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza that he was an Israeli soldier. He admitted feeling fear but did not hesitate to reveal his identity.

Breslavski refrained from detailing what happened afterward, describing it as unbearable, but expressed gratitude that the ordeal ended. He also raised critical questions about the events of October 7, questioning why the Israeli Air Force did not respond with strikes, why no one was held accountable, and how militants managed to infiltrate Israel and kill many civilians. His testimony highlights the ongoing trauma and unresolved issues stemming from the attack and his captivity.