Why Israel’s Hostage Families Are Turning on Their Government

These family members of hostages held in Gaza have stepped up their protests, like this one blocking a road in Tel Aviv. One year ago, much of Israel rallied behind them. Now, they have become polarizing figures. Einav Zangauker was a longtime supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Her son, Matan, was kidnapped from his home last Oct. 7. She‘s now a vocal critic. The Netanyahu government has declared it won’t stop fighting until Hamas is completely eliminated, something that Einav and other hostage families say is unrealistic and may be a death sentence for their family members. In the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7, many past political divisions within Israel were pushed aside in a moment of unity. The family members of hostages met with leaders. But as the months dragged on, frustration over a lack of progress in the negotiations grew. Relations between the Netanyahu coalition and many of the hostage families have become openly hostile. Over the course of the last year, Einav has become a prominent voice in the protest movement pushing for a deal, a movement that many on the Israeli right say makes the country look divided and weak. More than 50 people were killed on Oct. 7 in Einav’s hometown, where most people are supporters of the government. Now with an escalating regional conflict and no cease-fire deal in sight, these hostage families are growing desperate.