Sara Netanyahu embarrassed her husband, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during an official meeting on Monday, when he stated that 24 hostages were believed to still be alive in Gaza. Sara then whispered to him, saying "less", prompting Netanyahu to correct himself: “Up to 24 hostages.”
اضافة اعلان
According to The Times of Israel, Sara Netanyahu’s remark sparked outrage among the families of the hostages on Tuesday and fueled public debate across Israel.
Public and Political Reactions
During Israel’s Independence Day ceremony last night, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a lengthy speech highlighting Israel’s successes against Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran.
However, the Hostage Families Forum accused Netanyahu of spreading fear among families already plagued by uncertainty, asking in a statement:
"What did you mean by 'less'? Do you know something we don't?"
The forum demanded that the Prime Minister clarify his wife’s statement and disclose any new or classified information regarding the condition of the hostages.
Official Clarification
In response, an Israeli negotiation team member later confirmed that 24 hostages are currently alive and held in Gaza. This figure, the source said, is the same official count provided by the Hostage and Missing Persons Coordinator to the mediators during negotiations, according to The Times of Israel.
Media Backlash and Security Concerns
Michael Shemesh, a journalist with Israel's public broadcaster KAN, questioned in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
"How did Sara Netanyahu gain access to classified information, and then disclose it to the public in a video released by the Prime Minister’s Office?"
Ongoing Negotiations
Negotiations between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, are still ongoing in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and secure the release of the hostages.
