Bereaved Father Slams Hostage Survivor Over Netanyahu Remarks

A bereaved father and Likud party list candidate, Itzik Bonzel, issued a scathing response to released hostage Yocheved Lifshitz, after she claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "did not want the hostages back" and that Miriam Adelson was responsible for their return through Donald Trump. Bonzel, whose son was killed in combat, directly addressed Lifshitz, stating, "I wish there was a way to turn back time and return you to Hamas." He emphasized that it was "hundreds of heroes" who risked their lives to rescue her from Gaza, with some never returning. Bonzel asserted that "our sons paid with their lives and the blood of every home in Israel" so she could be safe. He called her statements "pathetic, infuriating, and detached," expressing immense anger and pain over her perceived ingratitude in light of the sacrifices made. Bonzel further stated that Lifshitz's "hatred for Netanyahu has made you lose your mind, shattered any trace of morality and shame, and trampled the honor of those who rescued you at the cost of their lives." He concluded that silence in the face of such degradation is an unforgivable sin.

Lifshitz had previously stated that the claim Netanyahu was responsible for returning hostages was "a big lie." She alleged that Miriam Adelson "bought us for one hundred million dollars" which she gave to Trump, instructing him to secure the return of all captives. Lifshitz added that "His Excellency the Israeli Emperor did not want the hostages, it was not good for him that they would come and tell everything."