What’s happening

Yehuda Beinin, whose daughter Liat Beinin Atzili was held hostage by Hamas and subsequently released, has penned an op-ed for CNN where he vehemently criticizes the Israeli government for its perceived lack of effort in rescuing the remaining hostages. He also calls for US intervention to secure their release.

Why it matters

The criticism comes from a man deeply affected by the conflict, both as a parent of a released hostage and as a family member of a victim; Liat’s husband Aviv Atzili was killed during the crisis. This public outcry is a significant indicator of the frustration and anguish that families of hostages and victims feel towards the current Israeli administration’s priorities in handling the situation in Gaza.

The human cost

Liat Beinin Atzili, a 49-year-old mother, high school teacher, and Yad Vashem guide, was abducted by Hamas terrorists and only discovered her husband’s death upon release. The ongoing situation for other hostages is desperate, with daily threats to their well-being and lives.

Hostage release versus military strategy

Beinin accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of prioritizing military operations over the lives of Israeli citizens being held captive. His contention revolves around the notion that the government is more focused on disabling Hamas rather than securing the safety and freedom of hostages still in danger.

The US’s role

The op-ed extends gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his efforts and compassion but also serves as a plea for more intense pressure on both Israel and Hamas to ensure the release of all hostages. Beinin perceives every delay in securing a deal as a potential death sentence for those still in captivity.

Netanyahu’s leadership questioned

Beinin questions Netanyahu’s capability to manage the situation effectively and criticizes the current strategy, which inflicts severe destruction in Gaza. He insinuates that there’s a disregard for civilian casualties, painting a bleak picture of Netanyahu’s commitment to the safety of Israelis and innocent lives in the conflict zone.

Bottom line

Yehuda Beinin’s public plea shines a light on the intense emotional and political pressures surrounding hostage situations during conflicts. His concerns represent a broader question of policy and priorities when governments are faced with the dual challenges of safeguarding citizens and managing military objectives.

This story was first published on jpost.com.