Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, February 28, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Friday, February 28, 2025
Minister says he didn’t watch interview with freed hostage because he was ‘dealing with more important things’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
Economy Minister Nir Barkat attends a vote on the state budget at the Knesset plenum in Jerusalem, March 13, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Economy Minister Nir Barkat says he didn’t watch last night’s chilling interview with freed hostage Eli Sharabi because he was “dealing with more important things.”
“What could be more important?” Barkat is asked during the interview on Channel 12.
“Matters in the world. I have a role, I am a minister,” he responds.
In last night’s interview, Sharabi described being chained, beaten and starved by Hamas terrorists throughout his 16 months of captivity, with the abuse getting worse when his captors perceived Israel to be worsening the conditions of captured Hamas operatives.
The 53-year-old lost 40 percent of his body weight. His wife and two teenage daughters were murdered by terrorists on October 7, 2023.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here