Families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have intensified their criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing the government of prioritizing war over securing their loved ones’ release. Protests erupted across Israel, with demonstrators in Tel Aviv, Shar HaNegev Junction, Kiryat Gat, and Jerusalem calling for a return to negotiations.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum demanded that decision-makers reach an agreement to bring all captives home, stating, “We demand that the decision-makers return to the negotiating table and not leave it until an agreement is reached that will bring them all back.” Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan Zangauker, directly addressed Netanyahu: “Tell me, Mr. Prime Minister: How do you go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning? How do you look in the mirror knowing that you’re abandoning 58 hostages?”
The families’ anger deepened after Netanyahu’s nomination of Major General David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency. Zini reportedly opposes hostage deals, saying, “I oppose hostage deals. This is a forever war.” The forum condemned Zini’s words, stating, “Appointing a Shin Bet chief who puts Netanyahu’s war before the abduction of the kidnapped is tantamount to committing a crime and doing injustice to the entire people of Israel.”
Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut noted that Netanyahu’s appointment of Zini indicates a desire for military escalation in Gaza, despite international pressure to end the blockade and stop the war. “Family members say the intensified attacks will only kill the remaining captives,” she added.
Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Zini came despite an Israeli Supreme Court ruling that his attempt to fire outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was “unlawful” due to a conflict of interest tied to Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. The attorney general warned that Netanyahu had defied legal guidance, tainting the appointment process.
The conflict in Gaza has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with the UN chief stating that Gaza is entering its “cruellest phase” and famine fears rising. A four-year-old boy recently died of malnutrition amid the Israeli blockade.