World

Israeli Hostage Families Gain Influence Amid Changing Political Landscape

By Emily Rose and Estelle Shirbon

JERUSALEM/LONDON – A survey conducted in January indicated that when asked, many Israelis expressed a desire to see family members of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza enter politics. This reflects a growing sentiment among the public seeking political change, particularly as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval ratings have significantly dwindled.

The survey, which has not been previously reported, highlights a shift in Israel’s political dynamics following the October 7 Hamas attack, an upheaval that is anticipated to gain momentum after the most intense phase of the Gaza conflict subsides and discussions about the day’s security lapses commence.

"The hostage protests are crucial in catalyzing broader anti-government demonstrations," stated Nimrod Nir, a political psychologist from the Truman Research Institute at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which administered the survey.

Among the individuals mentioned by survey participants was Gil Dickmann, whose cousin, Carmel Gat, is among the hostages, and who is active within the Hostages Families Forum. Another figure cited was Jonathan Shamriz, whose brother, Alon, tragically died when Israeli forces mistakenly shot him in Gaza in December. Shamriz has since become a vocal critic of the government, stating, "I will do what I need to in order to fix this country. If that means going into politics, then I’ll have to see."

Many respondents referred to "hostage families" without naming individuals, which underscores the influence of the Forum and its "Bring them home now" initiative. Following the October assault, Hamas militants reportedly killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted 253. In retaliation, Israel has conducted a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in more than 27,000 Palestinian deaths according to local health officials.

LEFT-RIGHT DIVIDE

The Forum’s members and most hostage relatives have endeavored to maintain a non-partisan stance, steering clear of direct confrontations with the right-wing coalition government while their loved ones remain in captivity. Elad Or, whose brother Dror is being held by Hamas, emphasized, "Our struggle right now is not a political struggle." Dror’s wife was killed, and their two teenage children were held hostage until they were released during a brief truce in late November.

Reflecting the public empathy directed toward these families, Netanyahu has refrained from directly criticizing them, despite rising tensions. Protests outside his residence organized by families have provoked frustration, leading him to state in a January news conference that such actions "only strengthen the demands of Hamas."

During a week-long ceasefire in late November, over 100 hostages were released by Hamas in exchange for approximately 240 Palestinian prisoners. Since then, the debate surrounding the conditions for securing the return of more than 100 remaining hostages has intensified, polarizing public opinion about the price Israel should pay in this context and how it aligns with its broader objective of eradicating Hamas. Ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage agreement mediated by Qatar and Egypt, and backed by the U.S., are still underway with uncertain outcomes.

Netanyahu has acknowledged divisions within his coalition concerning the terms of any potential agreement, stating recently that Israel is not prepared to meet any price for the hostages.

Polls conducted by the Truman Institute and the Israel Democracy Institute reveal a stark left-right division on the hostage issue. Support for concessions, such as a ceasefire or prisoner releases in exchange for the freedom of hostages, is more pronounced on the political left, whereas the right displays stronger opposition to such agreements, favoring the continuation of military action.

Political scientist Tamar Hermann at the Israel Democracy Institute noted that solidarity with hostage families is merging with the growing anti-government sentiment, which has its roots in a significant pre-war protest movement aimed at disrupting Netanyahu’s judicial reforms.

KIBBUTZ INFLUENCE

A notable portion of the hostages come from kibbutzim, communities traditionally associated with the political left. As political aspirations emerge among hostage relatives, left-wing parties could naturally align with their interests. Meretz’s secretary-general, Tomer Reznik, indicated that the party is restructuring for future elections, aiming to identify new candidates relevant to current sentiments.

Conversely, some in right-wing circles, particularly among the ultra-nationalist factions, view the hostage families as adversaries. The dynamics are intensified by the fragile nature of Netanyahu’s coalition, where far-right ministers staunchly oppose any agreement with Hamas, jeopardizing his government’s stability.

There are efforts by Netanyahu’s hard-right allies in politics and media to frame the hostage families as leftist activists seeking to exploit public compassion for their anti-government agenda. Political scientist Gideon Rahat noted that some supporters amplify voices among the very few right-wing hostage relatives who oppose negotiations with Hamas, such as Eliyahu Libman, a settler whose son Elyakim is held captive. Libman has publicly asserted that Israel must prioritize the destruction of Hamas above all else to prevent future attacks on its citizens.

"My son is the most important thing in the world to me, but the state of Israel is also the most important thing in the world to me," he stated during an interview.

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