Hostage Mother Feels Betrayed by Netanyahu's PR Stunts

Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage Matan Tsengauker, has broken her silence regarding her disappointment with the handling of her son's captivity and the perceived lack of follow-through on agreements. She expressed regret over party leader Yair Golan's personal choice, stating, "Policy changes only through elected officials; they are the decision-makers." Tsengauker believes entering politics is the only way to effect change, a sentiment born from her transformation since the war's outbreak and her son's release.

Initially, security forces provided uncertain information about Matan's fate, with one casualty officer stating a "40% chance Matan is alive, 60% he is not." A turning point for Tsengauker was a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. She recounted Sara Netanyahu's surprisingly well-prepared appearance, even with her stylist present, and described the Prime Minister focusing solely on his own past heroism and that of his brother, Yoni. "When I saw the disrespect from the Prime Minister and his wife, this crazy PR show done on our backs, the families, it's not easy to understand that the person you believe in, and believe in what he's doing and see as 'Mr. Security,' I feel betrayed," Tsengauker stated.

Tsengauker revealed that the security establishment possessed accurate intelligence on Matan's location and that senior military officials assured her public activism posed no risk. She also disclosed a special Shin Bet operation where she was asked to film a video with a direct message to Hamas, requiring her to memorize Arabic phrases in a safe house. The most acute crisis occurred when she learned through foreign media about negotiations for the release of only hostage Idan Alexander, not her son who was held alongside him.

In a private meeting, Tsengauker confronted Netanyahu, demanding answers and stating, "If Idan gets out, Matan gets out." She understood the deal for Alexander was a gesture to then-President Trump to advance a larger agreement, and that Matan would not be released. Her request for Netanyahu to insist on moving Matan to an area with other living hostages was, she claims, never relayed. The Prime Minister's office responded, "We are happy for the release of Matan and all our hostages, achieved thanks to the bravery of our fighters and the Prime Minister's assertive policy. We will continue to do everything for the survivors of captivity and their families."