Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proclamation that there are definitively 20 living hostages in Gaza,the Hostages Families Forum has issued a statement asserting that the government is missing a crucial chance to revitalize Israel. The forum argues that the ongoing conflict is taking a severe toll on the nation.

The forum’s statement emphasized the broad impact of the prolonged war, stating: Those who will pay the price are the people of Israel, the hostages, the evacuees, and tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and their families.

The forum further lamented the lack of progress and hope for recovery, adding: After more than 19 months of war, there is no end in sight; no chance for recovery and rehabilitation on the horizon. The truth is that there can be no national revival without the return of all hostages, down to the very last one.

The Hostages Families Forum urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize the return of the hostages to end the conflict: Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to listen to the will of his entire nation – to sign an agreement that will immediately bring back all hostages and end this war. Only when they return will we be able to rise.

‘Shame is Lost’: Mother of Hostage Criticizes Netanyahu

Einav Zangauker, the mother of matan Zangauker, who is held hostage by Hamas, sharply criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu. She referred to him as a bloodstained prime minister for wearing the hostages’ pin while, in her view, contributing to their potential deaths.

Ms.Zangauker expressed her dismay on X, formerly Twitter, stating, Shame is lost.

צופה בראש ממשלת הדמים עונד את סיכת החטופים בזמן שהוא מסביר איך הוא יביא למותם.אבדה הבושה pic.twitter.com/lkuyYbFClJ

— עינב צנגאוקר (@enavezangauker) May 21, 2025

Opposition Warns of prolonged gaza Occupation and Economic Repercussions

Opposition leader Yair Lapid cautioned that Israeli citizens would bear the brunt of the continued military engagement in Gaza. He painted a grim picture of the future, stating:

The meaning of Netanyahu’s words is the occupation of Gaza for many years. Our children will be wandering the streets of Khan Yunis and Rafah in the coming years, and every morning we will wake up to the words ‘approved for publication.’ The Israeli taxpayer – the middle class – will have to pay for education, healthcare, and garbage removal in Gaza. Our international standing will collapse. Our economy will suffer severely.

Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

Mr. Lapid also claimed that Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost the confidence of the Trump administration, asserting, Netanyahu lied tonight when he said he has full coordination with the American administration. He does not. He has lost Trump’s sympathy and attention.

yair Golan Threatens Defamation lawsuit Against Netanyahu

During the press conference, prime Minister Netanyahu criticized Democrats chair Yair Golan for his statement that Israel is on the path to becoming a pariah state among the nations due to its actions in Gaza.

ראיתי מופע של אדם שקרן,לחוץ ורדוף שמטיל רפש על כולם,ולא לוקח אחריות על כלום. יש לי 2 הבטחות לנתניהו הערב:1.אתבע אותך דיבה על השקרים שאתה מפיץ נגדי.2. ננצח אותך בבחירות בקרוב מאוד ונשלח אותך לדפי ההיסטוריה.

— Yair Golan – יאיר גולן (@YairGolan1) may 21, 2025

In response, Mr. Golan vowed to sue Prime Minister Netanyahu for defamation, stating:

I saw a show of a man who is a liar, stressed, and paranoid, who throws mud at everyone and takes no responsibility for anything. I have two promises for Netanyahu: First, I will sue you for defamation over the lies you spread against me. Second, we will defeat you in the elections very soon and send you to the pages of history.

Yair Golan, Democrats Chair

Mr. Lapid also defended Mr. Golan, saying, Whoever brought convicted criminal and supporter of terrorism Itamar Ben-Gvir into the Security Cabinet should not preach to us or lecture us about extremism.

מי שהיו עם כפכפים זה החטופים שנחטפו בגלל ארגון הטרור שבנית במזוודות של דולרים במזומן והכסף הקטארי שמרוח גם עליך. מפקיר ומקריב. ארור תהיה.

— Naama Lazimi – נעמה לזימי (@naamalazimi) May 21, 2025

Democrats Member of Knesset Naama Lazimi criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu on X, calling him a pathetic tyrant. She added:

You have abandoned the state’s security. While you hid in Palik’s bunker and signed a cozy deal with Qatar, Yair Golan went to the Gaza envelope and saved civilians you abandoned. To Hamas, he is an asset. You are not worthy of the fighters’ bravery. They are everything you are not.

Naama Lazimi, Democrats MK

Smotrich Urges Netanyahu to Appoint New Shin bet Head

In contrast to the criticism, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately appoint a new head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service. This comes despite Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara’s advice that the Prime Minister is not permitted to do so.

Mr. smotrich stated:

The head of the Shin Bet must be appointed immediately, completely ignoring the attorney-general’s directive. If the High Court invalidates the appointment, responsibility for managing the Shin Bet, including its budget, should be transferred to it.I suggest the attorney-general and High Court judges take their hands off Israeli democracy and stop harming the security of the state.

Bezalel smotrich, Finance Minister