Bibas Accuses Magal of Deflecting Blame for October 7 Failures

Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden Bibas, has sharply criticized Israeli lawmaker Yinon Magal, accusing him and the ruling coalition of attempting to divert public discourse away from the failures surrounding the October 7th attacks. Bibas stated that the current narrative of division and incitement is designed to foster fear and prevent critical questions from being asked, suggesting this strategy underpins the Prime Minister's tenure. She characterized Magal as a "messenger" for the Prime Minister, relaying messages that the premier cannot publicly state himself.

Bibas asserted that the government has no genuine achievements to show in the three years since the massacre, claiming that Israel's situation is worse in many respects. She argued that the focus on her and other families is a tactic to avoid responsibility for the failures. Bibas contrasted the online vitriol she faces when criticizing the government with the widespread public support and affection she encounters offline. She emphasized that her criticism extends to the military as well, but noted the military's willingness to accept responsibility and face investigations, unlike the political echelon.

Addressing Magal's dismissal of the term "abandonment" (הפקרה), Bibas firmly maintained it is the accurate word to describe what happened on October 7th. She explained that the state, army, and systems collapsed, leaving people to die. Bibas extended this concept to her own family's ordeal, stating that her relatives Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were alive for at least the first 15 days of their captivity because Israel did not prioritize their return as a war aim, which she also defines as abandonment.

Bibas invited Magal, the Prime Minister, and all coalition members to visit "The Space That Remains" exhibition at the Peres Center for Peace in Jaffa. She urged them to look the victims' families in the eye and ask for forgiveness, and encouraged the public to attend the exhibition.