Father of Hamas Hostage Killed in Attack Blames Ministers for Failed Negotiations

Rabbi Elhanan Danino, father of Uri Danino who was killed while held hostage by Hamas, spoke on 103fm radio about the failed hostage release negotiations and recent revelations. He responded to former General Nitzan Alon’s claim that 40 hostages could have been saved if leadership had accepted earlier deals, saying he was aware of these details in real time through direct communication with Alon and the negotiation team.

Danino accused ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir of sabotaging the efforts, alleging that Smotrich threatened to dissolve the government if even one deal was approved. He described a personal confrontation with Smotrich, urging him to stop harmful social media posts that crushed hope for the hostages and their families. Danino called Smotrich’s behavior irrational and damaging.

He revealed that during his son’s captivity in Gaza, he received extensive information from the cabinet and Prime Minister’s circle. Danino disclosed that the hostage’s father independently negotiated with Turkey for Uri’s release but was warned by Mossad to cease after three days. He criticized the current government for failing to investigate the October 7 events thoroughly and expressed hope that a future government will establish a state inquiry commission.

Addressing the "Bild" report about six hostages killed in a tunnel, Danino said there is no consolation for losing a child and lamented that his son died after 328 days of hope. He noted that videos showed these hostages were ready for release three times during tunnel transfers, but the opportunity was lost. Danino concluded that after 300 days, hope faded, and his family chooses to live alongside their grief, hoping for a better future for Uri’s siblings.