Bereaved Father Apologizes for Remarks on Hostage Survivor, Stands by Criticism

Itzik Bonzel, a bereaved father whose son was killed in Gaza and who is a Likud party candidate, has apologized for personal remarks made against hostage survivor Yochved Lifshitz, but maintained his sharp criticism of her statements regarding the return of hostages. The controversy erupted after Lifshitz told Channel 13 that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government "did not return any hostage, it is one big lie." She further claimed that the release of hostages was facilitated by a donation from Miriam Adelson to Donald Trump, and suggested Netanyahu "did not want the hostages so they wouldn't tell everything."

Bonzel, who lost his son Staff Sgt. Amit, responded harshly to Lifshitz's comments, at one point stating he wished there was a way to return her to Hamas. He later issued an apology, explaining in an interview with Channel 7 that while he does not wish for any hostage to return to Gaza, Lifshitz's statements are "unforgivable and unacceptable, vile and pathetic."

Bonzel asserted that the credit for the return of hostages belongs primarily to the IDF and the political leadership, specifically naming Prime Minister Netanyahu. He questioned Lifshitz's claim about Miriam Adelson paying $100 million for the hostages, asking, "To what depth of depravity can one sink?"

Addressing Lifshitz directly, Bonzel stated, "You are sitting in the tent of hatred built by the left. I am very happy you returned, and more than that, if I were required to send my sons again to bring you back to your family, I would tell them: Go and do everything, despite the price."

Bonzel explicitly denied that Prime Minister Netanyahu or his staff had contacted him to demand an apology, stating that no one had spoken to him or sent him to apologize.