Netanyahu didn't even know soldier hostage Matan Angrest was wounded

At a silent protest in northern Israel yesterday (Tuesday), the parents of Matan Angrest, a 22-year-old soldier held captive by Hamas for 557 days, expressed deep frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to secure their son’s release. Speaking to hundreds gathered at a Shift 101 demonstration, Anat and Hagai Angrest described their son’s severe, irreversible injuries and contrasted Netanyahu’s apparent detachment with the emotional response of US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

Matan, abducted from a burning tank during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, is one of 24 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza, alongside 35 confirmed dead, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Anat wore her son’s army uniform to mark the anniversary of his scheduled military discharge.

She demanded that soldiers like Matan be prioritized in future hostage deals. “They deserve to come home because they’re Israeli, not because of foreign citizenship,” she said, referencing dual Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.

Hagai recounted showing Witkoff a video of Matan’s abduction last week, noting that the US envoy “cried” at the footage.

In contrast, he said Netanyahu seemed unaware of Matan’s injuries during their meeting. If it's true, it's totally unacceptable.

A March 2025 Hamas propaganda video revealed Matan’s dire condition, with a non-functional right hand, facial asymmetry, and possible leg damage from battle wounds and torture, including electric shocks. Anat referenced another unreleased video showing Matan as “desperate” and “angry,” with doctors warning his injuries may be permanent.

The Angrests also highlighted the exclusion of soldiers, including Matan and Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held by Hamas for over a decade, from past hostage releases, urging the government to act swiftly.

Times of Israel contributed to this article.