Likud election candidate Bonzel says he wishes former hostage were 'returned to Hamas,' apologizes
Itzik Bonzel, a bereaved father placed 29th on the Likud slate by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, later apologized, saying he wrote the comment in a “storm of emotions” and “did not mean” it.
Likud candidate Itzik Bonzel expressed regret over a Facebook post in which he wished former hostage Yocheved Lifshitz had been returned to Hamas. Initially, Bonzel apologized for his insensitive remarks, but later reiterated his stance, accusing her of spreading hatred and attempting to shift focus from the October 7 hostage crisis.
Yocheved responded by accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of orchestrating the attack to divert attention from intelligence warnings he allegedly ignored. Both women have since rallied support, with Democrats and other political figures condemning the divisive comments and demanding accountability for the October 7 massacre.
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