"Destroy!" "Forgive Us" Israeli leaders respond to news of Bibas family deaths

Otzmah Yehudit leader MK Itamar Ben Gvir called for Israel to "destroy" and "crush" in the wake of the news that the all three remaining members of the Bibas family - Yarden's wife and two small children - will not be returning alive tomorrow (Thursday), and that their bodies will be returned for burial, instead.

In his post, Ben-Gvir demanded that Israel "Destroy, shatter, eliminate, erase, crush, smash, burn, be cruel, punish, devastate, crush. Destroy!" in reference to the terrorists responsible for the kidnapping and death of the Bibas family.

Meanwhile, MK Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee, posted this on his X account:

"The first Ram wept bitterly, for his sheep were led to slaughter.

The Bull cried out in the heights, for we were all pursued at our necks.

The Twins star appeared divided, for brothers' blood was spilled like water.

The Crab wished to fall to the earth, for we fainted from thirst.

The heights trembled before the Lion, for our roar did not reach the heavens.

Virgins and young men were killed, therefore the Virgin darkened her face.

How long will there be weeping in Zion and mourning in Jerusalem? May You have mercy on Zion and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem."

(From the lamentations for the Ninth of Av/Tisha B'Av)

Meanwhile, Yesh Atid MK Shelly Tal-Meron posted this on her Instagram page, together with a picture of a broken heart:

"My heart is shattered to pieces.

I'm sorry Shiri

I'm sorry Kfir I'm sorry Ariel

I'm sorry Oded

Yarden and Yocheved, you have returned from hell, I'm sorry we couldn't save your loved ones.

I'm sorry to all of your family members This could and should have ended differently.

The entire people of Israel are with you in these inconceivable moments.

May their souls be bound in the bond of life."

State Camp party leader MK Benny Gantz had this to say:

"Tomorrow we will all hold our breath – together. We will mourn – together. We will stop the arguments – nothing will happen, they can wait. And we will embrace the dear families as a strong and united nation. They deserve it, we deserve it."