$5M Reward Sought for Kidnapped Teen Murder Info

Rachel Fraenkel greets visitors mourning the death of her kidnapped son, Naftali.

By JTA July 11, 2014

Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives would post a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of the murderers of an Israeli-U.S. citizen.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Co.) authored the legislation concerning the death of Naftali Fraenkel, one of three Jewish teens whose June 12 kidnapping in the West Bank launched a massive hunt. Their bodies were discovered June 30.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) co-sponsored the legislation in the House.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Hamas is behind the kidnappings and killings, which were an element leading to the war launched this week between Israel and Hamas in and near the Gaza Strip.

“The Israeli government’s recent action against Hamas is a just and appropriate mission to both bring the terrorists responsible to justice, and to degrade their capability to launch further attacks,” Cruz said. “No one doubts Israel’s ability to carry out this mission, but given Naftali’s citizenship, I believe the United States should demonstrate our clear support for Israel by offering a reward as we traditionally have in terrorist attacks involving Americans.”

The bill would require Secretary of State John Kerry to use the Rewards for Justice program to offer a $5 million dollar reward.

Also killed in the attack were Eyal Yifrach and Gilad Shaar.

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