Families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have intensified their criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for a return to negotiations and criticizing his appointment as Shin Bet head. The opposition to Netanyahu’s decision comes amid large protests across the country and concerns over the escalating military operations and deadly bombardment in Gaza.
At a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday, families demanded that the Israeli government prioritize securing their relatives’ release. Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan Zangauker, addressed Netanyahu directly, saying “How do you sleep at night knowing you’re abandoning 58 hostages?” The mounting anger among families has deepened following Netanyahu’s nomination of Major General David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet.
Zini has reportedly opposed any deal to bring an end to Israel’s war on Gaza, stating “I oppose hostage deals. This is a forever war.” Families are outraged by these comments, seeing them as a threat to their loved ones’ lives. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has condemned Zini’s appointment, calling it a “crime” that ignores the people of Israel.
Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Zini comes amid international pressure to end the blockade of Gaza and stop the war. However, Netanyahu’s government remains opposed to any ceasefire deal. The Supreme Court ruling that Netanyahu could not appoint a replacement for outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was ignored by the prime minister, who proceeded with the appointment anyway.
The criticism of Netanyahu comes as he faces an international arrest warrant request from the International Criminal Court over war crimes committed during the Gaza war.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/24/families-of-israeli-captives-criticise-netanyahu-amid-large-protests