Netanyahu List Candidate Apologizes for Hamas Remark About Hostage Survivor

Itzik Bonzel, who was placed 29th on the Likud party's Knesset list, issued an apology after facing widespread backlash for a Facebook post suggesting it would be preferable for hostage survivor Yocheved Lifshitz to be returned to Hamas.

Bonzel's comment came in response to an interview Lifshitz gave to Channel 13, in which she criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he had not secured the release of any hostages and that Miriam Adelson had 'bought us from Trump.' Lifshitz, 88, also warned that the current government remaining in power after the elections would be a 'disaster for the country.' She referenced Adelson's significant political donations to Donald Trump and her alleged influence on him regarding hostage negotiations, though no evidence suggests the donations were quid pro quo for hostage actions.

Bonzel, whose son was killed in Gaza in December 2023, initially accused Lifshitz of ingratitude, attributing hostage releases to soldiers' actions. He later retracted his statement, claiming it was made in a 'storm of emotion' and not intended. Bonzel has been a prominent voice in the 'Forum of Valor' since his son's death.

Lifshitz, who was held by Hamas for 17 days after being abducted from her kibbutz on October 7th, responded by saying Netanyahu sent his 'ranked candidate to incite against me.' She accused Bonzel of attempting to divert attention from prior warnings about the October 7th attacks and urged the public to attend the 'Failure Tent' at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

National Unity party leader Gadi Eisenkot defended Lifshitz, calling her a 'hero' and criticizing Bonzel's remarks and Netanyahu for ranking such an individual on the Likud list. Eisenkot apologized to Lifshitz on behalf of the public and pledged to work towards responsible leadership for Israel.