Eli Albag Reveals Efforts to Obtain Intelligence on Daughter Liri’s Captivity in Gaza

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, an Israeli observer who was kidnapped and later released from captivity in Gaza, shared in a July 5 interview how he sought information about his daughter during her captivity. Speaking on 103FM, Albag revealed that he met with various Palestinian contacts, including some he described as "the bad people" in the Palestinian Authority, to gather intelligence. He disclosed receiving accurate medical information about Liri’s injury, specifically a nail injury, while she was held captive.

Albag criticized the Israeli leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming him for the ongoing internal divisions and the tragic events of October 7, when over 1,200 Israelis were killed, burned, raped, and slaughtered in a single day. He said, "Many cemeteries will be registered under Netanyahu’s name," emphasizing the severity of the consequences under his leadership. Albag expressed doubt that a state inquiry into the October 7 events would be established as long as Netanyahu remains prime minister.

Regarding political leadership, Albag voiced support for former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot as the next prime minister, calling him a "worthy man" who stood with families during difficult times. He criticized the current government’s approach and called for a change in leadership, stating, "We need to know what we leave behind and how we leave it."

Albag also recounted paying businessman Tzvika Naveh one million shekels to help obtain a foreign passport for Liri, a mission that ultimately failed, with Naveh returning the money. He stressed the family’s relentless efforts to bring Liri home, saying they left no stone unturned and never regretted their actions.

The interview highlighted Albag’s personal struggle and his call for new leadership amid ongoing national trauma and political turmoil.