Rabbi Asks Israeli Interviewer to Apologize to Hostage Families

Rabbi Elchanan Danino requested during a radio interview that interviewer Yinon Magal apologize to the families of hostages for his remarks made the previous day. Danino urged Magal, "for the sake of the unity of the people of Israel," to say something different to the families who lost loved ones and to ask for their forgiveness.

Magal responded that he had made an exception for the hostage families and admitted it was a mistake not to have done so from the outset. He clarified that his point was not to target the hostage families but to address what he called a "blood libel" against Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting Netanyahu had abandoned the hostage families. Magal stated this claim was proven false by American sources and that he was not referring to the events of October 7th, as everyone has the right to speak about it, especially the families.

Danino expressed his pain, having heard from families who felt Magal was being treated leniently. He acknowledged knowing Magal outside of his broadcast hours, which made the situation more difficult. Magal countered that families on both sides had been spoken about terribly and that Netanyahu had not abandoned the hostages, referencing a two-year period where "his blood was shed."

Danino cited information he had seen, including from Americans, about the pain of a hostage murdered in a tunnel. He asserted that a prime minister should be open to criticism, just as they receive praise. Danino also referenced a book by Bret Baier, agreeing with journalist Ben Caspit that the book suggests the release of hostages was contingent on Trump, Vitkoff, and Kushner. Danino added that Vitkoff, a bereaved father himself, was instrumental in progress, understanding the pain of parents. He also noted that the Biden administration fought for Israel and that the person who made the controversial statement was one of many with differing opinions.