In a deeply emotional and contentious session of the Knesset Law, Justice, and Constitution Committee, MK Simcha Rothman denied requests from the families of two hostages to play videos depicting their loved ones in captivity. The refusal sparked outrage among the families and ignited broader criticism of the government's perceived inaction in securing the release of those abducted during the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Families Denied Voice and Visibility

Relatives of Sasha Troufanov and Matan Angrest, both held captive in Gaza, made heartfelt appeals to show videos of the hostages. These recordings, while harrowing, are some of the only evidence of life and health the families have seen since their loved ones were taken. Rothman, however, dismissed the requests, stating that "playing any recordings must be coordinated ahead of time."

Gaza hostage's brother: Should I opt for combat service, knowing that if something happens to me you won't do everything to save me? Education Committee Chair MK Taieb: When you send people into battle, you have to make sure to bring them back https://t.co/jxd3qrd2iB pic.twitter.com/9vZuHCJIno

— The Knesset (@KnessetENG) November 18, 2024

The response drew immediate ire. Ofir Angrest, Matan’s brother, retorted emotionally:
"How can I coordinate? This is the only way I have seen my brother!"

Angrest accused the government of abandoning the hostages, his voice trembling with anguish:
"He doesn’t have time. He needs you. Why aren’t you fighting for him? He went to battle knowing he might die. Hamas kidnapped my brother from a tank. Where is the IDF? You have abandoned my brother."

Heartbreaking Details of the Abductions

Matan Angrest, an IDF soldier stationed at the Nahal Oz base, was captured on the morning of October 7 when over 3,000 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists launched a brutal assault on Israel by land, air, and sea. The attacks left approximately 1,200 dead and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. Angrest’s mother disclosed that he was seen in a video recovered by IDF forces, showing him bruised and likely mistreated.

בדיון בהשתתפות היועמ"שית: רוטמן סירב להשמיע הקלטת חטוףhttps://t.co/EyYFOhS1Zj@liorvero pic.twitter.com/CBC7LMxiJP

— חדשות 13 (@newsisrael13) November 18, 2024

Similarly, Sasha Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli engineer, was taken during the same attacks from Kibbutz Nir Oz. His family has endured a nightmare of uncertainty, with sporadic propaganda videos from Palestinian Islamic Jihad serving as painful reminders of his captivity. Troufanov, in a recent video, appeared malnourished and spoke of dire conditions, including limited food, hygiene supplies, and fears of harm from Israeli military actions.

A Government Under Fire

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly declared the return of the hostages a "top national priority," but critics argue that actions have not matched rhetoric. David Mencer, an Israeli government spokesperson, lambasted Hamas for its "unreasonable and impossible" demands, which have stalled negotiations. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad continues to exploit its hostages for propaganda, releasing videos to sow despair among Israelis.

The brother of the hostage Matan Angrest tried to play his video at the Constitutional Committee hearing contrary to the procedures, and Chairman Rothman prevented him.

— Netanel Worthy - נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) November 18, 2024

These tactics have only deepened the pain for families, who see little progress in efforts to bring their loved ones home. Troufanov’s father, Vitaly, was killed during the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, adding another layer of tragedy to a family already enduring profound loss.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

The refusal to play the videos in the Knesset committee meeting has triggered a wave of public backlash. Critics argue that Rothman’s decision symbolizes a broader failure of empathy and leadership within the Israeli government. Families of hostages are now demanding immediate action, including increased pressure on Hamas and Islamic Jihad through diplomatic and military channels.

As protests grow outside government offices and public support for the hostages’ families swells, the question remains: how much longer can Israel wait to act decisively? For the families of Sasha Troufanov, Matan Angrest, and the 249 other hostages, time is a cruel and dwindling resource.

The anguish of the families stands as a stark reminder that behind every negotiation and political maneuver are human lives—sons, daughters, parents, and siblings whose fate hangs precariously in the balance.