Minister Struk’s Call to Escalate Gaza Operations Ignites Outrage

Minister Orit Struk of Israel’s Religious Zionism party sparked intense controversy during an interview on Kol BaRama radio. She advocated for expanding military operations in Gaza, including into areas where Israeli hostages are believed to be held, stating, “Efforts must be made to avoid harming hostages, but that may be the outcome.” Speaking with hosts Israel Cohen and Yaki Adamker, Struk argued that intensifying military efforts is necessary despite the risks. She added that she cannot prioritize one life over another, comparing the potential harm to hostages to threats faced by civilians in border communities or soldiers at risk of abduction.

The remarks drew fierce backlash, particularly from the families of hostages. Einav Tsangauker, mother of Matan, an IDF soldier held by Hamas, condemned Struk, saying, “I pray to the Creator to have mercy on your dark, death-eating soul.” Tsangauker accused Struk of being willing to sacrifice her son, emphasizing that soldiers fear only one outcome: that Matan and other hostages may not return. She urged for a deal to secure the release of all hostages, stating, “They need their bravery to translate into a deal that brings everyone back together!!”

Similarly, Vicky Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod, challenged Struk directly: “As a mother to a mother, do you have the courage to stand before me, look me in the eyes, and say that you want to abandon my son, sentence him to death, and leave him in Gaza forever?” The Families’ Forum for the Return of Hostages also issued a strong rebuke, calling Struk’s stance a betrayal of Israel’s values and a “disgrace” to the government. They accused her of risking hostages’ lives for an “endless war without purpose” and obstructing rescue efforts.