Following the IDF’s recovery of the bodies of Judith Weinstein Haggai and her husband, Gadi Haggai, from Gaza, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Thursday called on the IDF to occupy Gaza and encourage Palestinian emigration from the Strip.
“It is time to stop hesitating, authorize the IDF to implement the plans to occupy the Strip, enter with full force, dismantle Hamas, release the hostages, and encourage immigration,” he wrote on social media. “We must not miss this historic opportunity!”
He said the return of the bodies of the couple is both painful and good news, and that he feels the pain of the family and the Nir Oz community.
Ben-Gvir said that although the return of the bodies is a difficult moment, it is proof that military force can bring our loved ones home. Surrender is not an option in the face of cruel terrorism, he said.
Many others sent their condolences while also calling for the return of all hostages, using any means necessary. Opposition head and Yesh Atid chair MK Yair Lapid sent condolences to the family and congratulated the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on their operation.
“We will not stop fighting until the 56 abductees are returned to Israel,” he said.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the State of Israel has a moral and national obligation to bring back “all of our brothers and sisters, both living and deceased.”
“We will continue to act decisively until this mission is complete,” he said.
Sending condolences to the Weinstein, Hagai families
National Unity head MK Benny Gantz posted that his heart goes out to the families and the entire Nir Oz community. He spoke of the determination of the IDF and Shin Bet to continue operating and not give up trying to find the hostages, dead or alive. This “is precisely our DNA as Israelis and as Jews. No one must be left behind.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shared his condolences with the Hagai-Weinstein and Nir Oz families and saluted the soldiers in reserve and regular service.
“Our commitment to the return of the kidnapped and Israel’s security accompanies us every day. We will continue to do everything to bring everyone home.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared in a statement the details of the special operation to retrieve the hostages. He extended condolences from him and his wife to the families and honored the commanders and fighters for their successful mission.
“We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home – the living and the dead alike.”
President Isaac Herzog posted, “The return of the bodies of the late Judy Lynn Weinstein Hagai and the late Gadi Hagai is a moment of deep pain, alongside comfort and the resolution of doubts.
“We will continue to work with all our might to restore our sisters and brothers from hell – the living to rehabilitation and healing, and the dead to the grave of Israel. Until the last of them!”
Democratic leader Yair Golan said he shared the grief of the family and the entire Nir Oz from the bottom of his heart. He said his heart is with the 56 captives in Gaza and their families. “We will not recover until they all return. We have to bring everyone back.”
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman (Likud) stated, “This is our duty – to bring back all the hostages, both the living and the deceased. This is not mere rhetoric. Unity and mutual responsibility are the bedrock of our society’s existence here, and it is our obligation to bring them all home.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (Likud) posted on behalf of the Knesset that he shares the grief of the families and loved ones of the recovered hostages.
“This operation, like its predecessors, emphasizes the State of Israel’s commitment to returning all 56 of our kidnapped brothers and sisters who remain in captivity by terrorist organizations.”
Nir Oz shared the statement from the couple’s family.
They thanked the IDF and security forces that performed the rescue operation and have been fighting for the last year and a half. They also wanted to thank “everyone who supported, fought, prayed, and struggled on our behalf and for all the people of Israel.”
They also thanked the Trump administration, along with the Israeli government and the FBI, for all of their work and support.
“However, our hearts will not be at peace until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz, and all 56 hostages overall, are brought back.”