Freed Hostage Avinatan Or Opposed Deal 'At Any Price' While Captive

Avinatan Or, a former hostage held in Gaza, stated that during his captivity, he opposed any deal that would secure his release through concessions he believed would encourage future abductions. In an interview with Ilana Dayan for the program Uvda on Keshet 12, Or recounted seeing protests on television advocating for the release of hostages and expressed his conviction that his parents were not participating in these demonstrations.

Or explained the dilemma as a choice between saving lives immediately or protecting future lives. He stated, "It was clear to me that if we reached an agreement, I would be released, but later someone else would find themselves in my place." He maintained this stance throughout his detention, asserting, "It was clear to me that we should not reach an agreement at any price. Israel had to emerge victorious from this war."

He also revealed telling one of his captors that he was prepared for a prolonged period of captivity, saying, "I will stay here a day, two days, a year, two years, even ten years. Eventually, you will understand that it is not worth keeping me, and that will be the victory."

Or also spoke about a prayer he recited on the 70th day of his captivity, after seven years without addressing God. He invoked the commandment to honor parents and the biblical promise of a long life in the land of Israel.

Upon his reunion with his parents, Or recounted their first words being, "We hope you are not angry with us." He responded, "I am not angry with you. I am proud of you. My parents fought for me like crazy."

Separately, actress S. Sweeney met with former hostages Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or.