From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 4, 2025
Holding draft order, brother of hostage soldier asks MKs why he should fight for them
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Tensions run high at the Knesset House Committee as the family of hostage Matan Angrest pleads with lawmakers to bring him home.
“I received my draft order in the mail yesterday,” says Matan’s brother, Ofir Angrest, holding it up.
“Who am I supposed to fight for? For you, who wouldn’t bring me back if I were kidnapped?” Ofir demands of lawmakers. “For a country that abandons its hostages and its soldiers?”
Angrest was kidnapped as a soldier defending Gaza border communities on October 7, 2023.
“I want to submit this form that I received yesterday to you,” Ofir says, handing his draft order to MK Boaz Bismuth, who is set to replace Yuli Edelstein as chair of the powerful Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. “You tell me if I should serve a country that doesn’t bring its soldiers home.”
He says he will show up for the draft once his brother is back home.
The Times of Israel Community.