Mother of Kidnapped Soldier Warns of Civil War if Current Israeli Government Loses Election

Maayan Sherman, mother of Ron Sherman, an Israeli soldier kidnapped and killed by Hamas militants in October, has issued a stark warning about the potential for civil war in Israel following the upcoming elections. In a Facebook post on Monday, she expressed concern that if the current government coalition loses, its supporters and ministers will not peacefully accept the defeat, potentially leading to violent street clashes. Sherman specifically questioned whether ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir would willingly relinquish power to opposition figures such as Yair Golan, and whether Health Minister Tali Gottlieb would leave office quietly. She also questioned former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response, asking if he would quietly step down or incite his followers to unrest.

Sherman described a scenario where, despite alleged electoral fraud and voter suppression attempts, the government led by Benny Gantz, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Golan might win, which she believes would provoke violent reactions from the opposing electorate. She concluded that this conflict would not be a civil war among brothers, as Israelis are no longer united, but rather a civil war in the true sense.

The warning follows a recent post by Sherman announcing her daughter Eden's upcoming enlistment in combat service, stating she would withdraw her from service if the "government of slaughter and deserters" remains in power, urging other mothers to do the same. Sherman's family has faced harsh backlash online, including insults directed at her and her late son, highlighting deep social divisions. Ron Sherman was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and died in captivity due to Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas leadership, according to the IDF.