Bennett and Lapid Pledge to Escalate Shin Bet Involvement in Haimnot Kassao Case

Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid met with the family of Haimnot Kassao, who was kidnapped 949 days ago, and pledged to approach the head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, regarding the transfer of the investigation to the security agency. The meeting took place at Bennett's office in Ra'anana and was also attended by members of the "B'yachad" party, who are assisting the family in their struggle. The family had previously sought assistance eight months prior but received no response.

Concurrently, hundreds of people participated in a march in Jerusalem advocating for Haimnot Kassao's return and a proper investigation. The march, led by Tsephya and Bentsi Kassao, proceeded from a protest tent to the Western Wall, where a prayer was held. The protest tent has served as a focal point for public engagement and advocacy for Haimnot's return. The Kassao family's father, Tsephya Kassao, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support, stating, "The strength people give us is beyond expectation. Thousands came to visit and support the tent. The entire nation of Israel is with us, and it is very moving."

The protest tent is scheduled to be dismantled after the holiday, though the Jerusalem Municipality is reportedly seeking a compromise to establish a permanent protest encampment for the family. Further activities are planned, including a Kabbalat Shabbat and Simchat Torah gathering at the tent on Friday evening.