Hostage Survivor Yocheved Lifshitz Slams Netanyahu Amidst Political Feud

Yocheved Lifshitz, a former hostage held by Hamas, responded sharply on Monday to comments made by Itzik Bonzel, a candidate for the Likud party and bereaved father. Bonzel had stated he wished there was a way to return Lifshitz to Hamas, citing her perceived ingratitude.

Lifshitz accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of orchestrating Bonzel's remarks to divert attention from intelligence failures preceding the October 7th attacks. "Netanyahu sent his armored vehicle to incite against me, so they wouldn't talk about the warnings he received and the personal conversations that could have prevented the disaster," Lifshitz stated.

She further blamed Netanyahu for the October 7th massacre and the ongoing hostage crisis, asserting that the Israeli public understands his responsibility. Lifshitz also recounted her own experience, claiming her husband, Oded, and 45 other hostages were abandoned to die in captivity. She accused Netanyahu of attempting to divide families affected by the attacks.

Despite the personal attacks, Lifshitz affirmed her resolve to continue speaking out. "There is nothing lower and more despicable than Netanyahu's method of inciting division among the families of those harmed by the disaster," she said, adding that she fears neither Netanyahu nor his associates. Lifshitz invited the public to an event at Hostages Square to keep the failures of October 7th on the public agenda until those responsible are held accountable.