Why Israeli hostage families rebel against the government

Families of hostages held in Gaza have stepped up protests, similar to the latest incident that led to road blockades in Tel Aviv. A year ago, many Israelis rallied behind them. Now they are polarizing figures. Einav Zangaukar is a longtime supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Her son, Matan, was abducted from his home on October 7 last year. She is now a vocal critic. Netanyahu’s government has vowed not to stop fighting until Hamas is completely eliminated, but Einav and other hostage families say this is unrealistic and could be a death sentence for their families. I am doing it. Immediately after October 7, many of Israel’s past political divisions were pushed aside in a moment of unity. Families of the hostages met with their leaders. But as the months passed, frustration at the lack of progress in negotiations grew. Relations between the Netanyahu coalition and many of the hostage families have become openly hostile. Last year, Einav became a prominent voice in the pro-deal protests, which many on the Israeli right say are dividing the country and making it look weak. More than 50 people were killed in Einav’s hometown on October 7, and most of the residents are government supporters. Currently, the hostage families are in deep despair as the regional conflict intensifies and there is no prospect of a cease-fire agreement.