Hostage Mother Recounts Betrayal by Netanyahu During Captivity

Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage Matan Tsengauker, has broken her silence for the first time since her son's release, expressing deep disappointment with the government's handling of hostage negotiations and her personal interactions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tsengauker described feeling betrayed by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, during a meeting with hostage families. She recounted Sara Netanyahu arriving with a stylist and the Prime Minister focusing solely on his own past heroism and that of his brother, Yoni, rather than addressing the families' plight. "When I saw the disrespect from the Prime Minister and his wife, this crazy PR show that was done on our backs, the families' backs, it's not easy to understand that the person you believe in, and believe in what he is doing and consider him 'Mr. Security,' I feel betrayed," Tsengauker stated.

She also revealed that the security establishment possessed precise intelligence on her son's location and had assured her that her public activism did not endanger him. Tsengauker further disclosed a special Shin Bet operation where she was asked to record a message in Arabic directly to her son's captors, requiring her to memorize the script in a safe house.

A significant turning point for Tsengauker was learning through foreign media about a potential deal to release only fellow hostage Idan Alexander, not her son. In a private meeting, she confronted Netanyahu, demanding to know why Matan was not included. She claimed Netanyahu admitted the deal was a gesture to then-President Trump to advance a larger agreement and that she had agreed to leave Matan behind, believing there was no other way. However, she asserted that her request to move Matan to an area with other living hostages was never relayed.

The Prime Minister's office responded by stating they are pleased with the release of Matan and all other hostages, attributing it to the bravery of soldiers and Netanyahu's assertive policy, and pledged to continue efforts for survivors and their families.