President Isaac Herzog hinted yesterday evening (Monday) at the possibility of forming a unity government that would work together to secure the release of the hostages. “The political system must fully unite behind the effort to bring the hostages home swiftly,” he said during a meeting with the families of five female lookouts who were kidnapped from the Nahal Oz base on October 7.
The president said, “I look at you and see incredible strength. And I ask, how is it possible? How can one go through 11 months of this hell? I am doing and praying every minute and every moment for their return. I have seen the pathological reports on the six hostages who were murdered in captivity, and I was shocked to my core. Whether you are accompanying them to their final rest or reading the reports – you grasp the magnitude of the evil. Let’s not be mistaken for a moment, the evil starts and ends with Sinwar – that is where the evil lies, with him and his despicable terrorist soldiers.”
“After saying this – it’s clear that all they want is to divide and create conflict among us, and to revel in our internal disputes,” Herzog added. “It is obvious to all of us that any deal to free hostages will come with painful costs. We understand that. But I believe that without bringing the hostages home, the societal costs will be far greater for Israeli society. We must do everything possible to bring them home quickly.”
Herzog’s wife, Michal, who was also present at the meeting, added: “Your cry is so right and just. Israeli society will never be whole if we don’t bring everyone back. Time is critical, but so is the responsibility of leaders to work together to achieve this sacred goal and to keep Israeli society united. We are with you with all our hearts.”
