Israeli Hostage Survivor Omri Miran Urges Netanyahu to Take Responsibility on 1,000 Days Since October 7 Attack

Omri Miran, an Israeli who survived two years in Hamas captivity after being abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, spoke on Kan News Radio marking 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre. Miran called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take responsibility and focus on the consequences of leadership decisions rather than political maneuvers like the Torah study law, which he said only prolongs Netanyahu's hold on power.

Miran criticized the national leadership for failing to change its approach since the attack, saying, "We do not see any change in conduct at the national level. We have not learned this lesson." He relayed that military personnel have expressed to him feelings of shame and apology, but he does not see this reflected in the government.

Responding to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's claim that the released hostages were freed thanks to him, Miran rejected the assertion, stating that while pressure and refusing to give up until all hostages return is legitimate, Smotrich should support the comprehensive deal he boasts about. Miran accused Smotrich of undermining past negotiations and possibly contributing to the deaths of other hostages.

On his personal recovery, Miran said he grows stronger daily and values the simple act of waking up at home, which was not guaranteed during captivity. He described 1,000 days since the attack as a milestone that cannot be ignored, emphasizing that although he was alive in captivity, he was not truly living.

Miran also declined to meet with Netanyahu, expressing skepticism about any positive outcomes from such a meeting. The interview highlighted ongoing criticism of the government’s handling of the aftermath of the October 7 attack and the hostage crisis.