Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s choice of Shin Bet chief was “un-Jewish” and “inhumane” on Saturday night.
“Netanyahu wants to appoint as head of the Shin Bet, which is responsible for returning my son, a person who declared that he is against returning my son,” Zangauker said. “This is un-Jewish, inhumane, and will not pass.”
עינב צנגאוקר בהצהרת המשפחות:נתניהו רוצה למנות לראשות השב”כ, שאחראי להחזיר את הבן שלי, אדם שמצהיר שהוא נגד החזרת הבן שלי. זה לא יהודי לא אנושי ולא יעבור!הגיע הזמן לקרוא למבצע הזה בשמו האמיתי – מבצע מרכבות המוות! המבצע שיביא אך ורק למוות מיותר של חטופים ושל הלוחמים הקדושים שלנו pic.twitter.com/C8ubV3vCCv
— Or-ly Barlev אור-לי ברלב (@orlybarlev) May 24, 2025
Reports claim Zini is against hostage deals
Maj. Gen. David Zini, Netanyahu’s pick for the new Shin Bet chief, had expressed strong opposition to hostage exchanges in internal military discussions, Channel 12 reported on Friday. Zini reportedly said behind closed doors, “I am against hostage deals; this is an eternal war.”
The remarks have sparked concern among hostage families and added to existing criticism regarding Zini’s suitability for the post.
Hostage families, who are looking to the government and security agencies for renewed efforts to secure the release of 58 Israeli captives still held in Gaza, reportedly worry Zini’s approach could impede progress. As one source told Channel 12, his views could significantly shift the tone and direction of future negotiations.
In response to Channel 12’s report, the military stated it does not comment on statements made during internal discussions.
The families of the hostages are “outraged by Maj. Gen. Zini’s reported remarks. If the report is accurate, these are shocking and reprehensible comments from someone who may soon hold the fate of the hostages in his hands,” a statement from the Hostages Families Forum wrote.
“Appointing a Shin Bet chief who prioritizes Netanyahu’s war over the return of the hostages is a grave injustice and a betrayal of the entire people of Israel. It undermines the value of solidarity and the sacred duty of leaving no one behind. The families demand clarification,” it declared.
‘Operation Chariots of Death’
Zangauker also condemned the IDF’s renewed offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariots.
“It is time to call this operation by its true name – Operation Chariots of Death!” Zanguaker added, referring to the offensive.
“The operation will only result in unnecessary deaths of hostages and our holy warriors,” she said.
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