Hostage's Father Calls for New Leadership, Cites Lack of Lessons Learned

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, who returned from Hamas captivity, expressed strong criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent interview. Speaking on 103fm radio on the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre, Albag stated that Netanyahu "knows how to take half a nation and put it against the other half" and has failed to identify the enemy for 18 years. Albag suggested that Gadi Eisenkot would be a more suitable leader, believing Eisenkot's experience would enable him to understand the situation better. He asserted that no lessons have been learned from the events of October 7th, calling it the "biggest problem." Albag also expressed doubt that a state inquiry commission would be formed while Netanyahu remains Prime Minister, stating his hope that Eisenkot would become Prime Minister, describing him as a "worthy person with different values."

Beyond political commentary, Albag shared the emotional toll of anniversary commemorations and meeting families of those still held captive or killed. He spoke of the ongoing pain for families whose loved ones did not return, emphasizing that his daughter's return was "thanks to" the fallen. Albag revealed that Liri is recovering but struggles with survivor's guilt, recently visiting the grave of a murdered friend and asking for forgiveness. "She carries guilt with her, as if she is responsible for something, it's incomprehensible, she is alive and they are not," he said, adding that he often feels speechless in the face of such pain.