Group of hostage families slam PM for week’s political machinations, say deal only possible if he is ousted

A group of hostage families say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is incapable of reaching a deal to free their loved ones and call for his ouster, at a weekly press conference in Tel Aviv.

“As long as Netanyahu feels safe in his seat, there won’t be a deal, there won’t be a solution in the north, there won’t be a solution for the country,” says Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held in Gaza.

“There won’t be a deal and there won’t be rehabilitation without the fall of Netanyahu’s government. Take to the streets to save the hostages and the country. He can surround himself with walls and guards, but it won’t help him because we won’t give up,” she says.

Danny Elgert, whose brother Itzik is held captive, accuses Netanyahu of doing nothing the past week to save the hostages, instead focusing on personal political goals, citing legislation that aimed to expand the Chief Rabbinate’s influence before it was withdrawn.

“Instead of working with the US in order to bring an immediate deal to save lives, you have chosen to feud with them,” he adds, referring to the prime minister’s public comments that sparked agitation in Washington this week, in which he claimed they had withheld arms.

Ayala Metzger, whose father-in-law Yoram’s body is held in Gaza, cited a report earlier this week that only around 50 hostages remain alive in Gaza.

“Time passes, a deal is stuck, and the hostages are dying in captivity because Netanyahu doesn’t want a deal. The blood of the hostages is on the hands of Netanyahu and his government,” Metzger says.