Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, testified today to the Civil Investigation Committee for the Simchat Torah Disaster, claiming she was told by Mossad chief Dedi Barnea that a hostage release deal is not currently possible.
According to Zangauker, during a private meeting in May, Barnea told her, "Einav my dear, unfortunately in the current political constellation, a deal for the release of hostages is not possible."
Zangauker stated that Barnea's office manager, Rotem, was present and took notes of the conversation. She believes these notes are part of a confidential protocol.
When asked about her reaction, Zangauker said she was disappointed. She added, "I know that this statement was made so that I would echo it in the public sphere."
Zangauker criticized Barnea for "speaking in two voices," noting that recent briefings from sources close to the Mossad chief have conveyed a different message, supporting the Prime Minister's position on the deal.
The Prime Minister's Office, speaking on behalf of the Mossad, denied Zangauker's claims: "The things attributed to the Mossad chief were not said at all. In his meeting with Einav Zangauker, the Mossad chief did not refer to any political constellation in the context of negotiations, as claimed."
The statement added that the Mossad chief "continues to work to bring an agreement for the release of all female and male hostages as soon as possible."
This testimony comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
* Kikar Shabbat contributed to this article.