IDF officers asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a graduation ceremony on Sunday why he did not bring the Bibas family back in time.
During a speech to a graduating class of officers, Netanyahu held up a picture of the Bibas family and said, “We will always remember what we are fighting for and who we are fighting against.”
Someone in attendance then asked, “Why didn’t you bring them back?”
Other attendees cheered the question.
Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi asked for forgiveness from the Bibas and Lifshitz families.
“We lower our heads and request forgiveness from the Bibas and Lifshitz families for not being able to return their loved ones alive,” he said.
“Where human lives are at stake, learning is not optional. Be quick to learn. Be determined to correct mistakes. Seek out constructive, strengthening criticism.”
Failing to save the Bibas family
Netanyahu has faced heavy criticism for failing to save the Bibas family in the November 2023 hostage deal. The Bibas family was slated for release in the original deal, which collapsed following mutual accusations of violating the ceasefire.
Ofri Bibas, the sister of Yarden Bibas, who was released alive earlier in phase one of the hostage deal, has blamed Netanyahu and said the family has not received an apology.
She said the victims’ relatives had not been informed prior to the announcement of their loved ones’ deaths, which caused shock and anguish throughout the country.