Hostage mom to Netanyahu: I’ll be your ‘worst nightmare’ if my son isn’t returned alive

Some 2,000 people gather outside the IDF headquarters on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road to rail against the government and demand a hostage deal, as the Hostages and Missing Families Families Forum holds its more staid weekly rally a block away at Hostages Square.

Speaking into a megaphone at the entrance to the army base, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of purposely derailing negotiations, saying she will be his “worst nightmare” should he fail to bring her son back alive.

“I know from talks with officials in the negotiations that you have no intent to being back Matan, that you lied to me,” she says. “That you have no intent to end the war in return for a comprehensive deal.”

“You said you are committed to bring back everyone, but you are planning to bring only a few home and kill the rest with military pressure,” she charges.

“I’m not threatening, I’m letting you know: you will have no forgiveness, no clemency,” Zangauker continues. “I, personally, will chase you if my Matan comes home in a body bag. I will be your worst nightmare.”

“Ben Gvir and Smotrich have made you into a rag, but I know how to handle rags like you,” she says.

Yifat Calderon, cousin of hostage Ofer Calderon, speaks before Zangauker, assailing the premier for alleging his wife and spokesman are being mistreated.

“Stop messing with the public’s head,” she says. “The victims are those who were murdered, raped and kidnapped on October 7.”