Why Israel’s hostage families are turning against their government

These family members of hostages held in Gaza have stepped up their protests, such as one blocking a street in Tel Aviv. A 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 abducted from his home last Oct. 7. He is now a vocal critic. The Netanyahu government has said it will not stop fighting until Hamas is completely eliminated, which Einav and other hostage families say is unrealistic and could be a death sentence for their family members. In the immediate aftermath of October 7, many past political divisions within Israel were pushed aside in a moment of unity. Hostage family members met with leaders. But as the months passed, frustration at the lack of progress in the negotiations grew. Relations between the Netanyahu coalition and many of the hostages’ families have become openly hostile. Over the past 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 October 7 in Einav’s hometown, where most are government supporters. Now with an escalating regional conflict and no ceasefire agreement in sight, these hostage families are becoming desperate.