A scene involving Sara, the wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has sparked controversy in Israel in recent hours after she revealed the number of Israeli prisoners still alive in the Gaza Strip.
During an event marking the "National Day for Victims of Armed Attacks in Israel, both soldiers and civilians," Netanyahu stated that there are up to 24 hostages still alive in Gaza. Sara, sitting beside him, whispered, "Fewer."
Netanyahu then reiterated, "Up to 24 hostages are still alive." This sparked uproar among Israelis and triggered debate on social media, with journalists from official media outlets also participating.
Israeli Broadcasting Authority (KAN) reporter Michael Shemesh tweeted on Tuesday, questioning how information under censorship reached Sara Netanyahu and was revealed to the public through an official video from the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson.
The "Forum of the Families of Hostages" accused Netanyahu of "instilling panic among families already suffering from uncertainty" and demanded clarification on the meaning of "fewer," questioning whether they knew something that was not public.
Later, a member of the Israeli negotiation team confirmed that there are 24 hostages alive in Gaza. This was the official number also communicated by the Coordinator for Hostage and Missing Persons Affairs to mediators during negotiations, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Fifty-nine Israelis remain held in Gaza since the war erupted on October 7, 2023, with more than half estimated to have been killed, according to Israeli assessments. Meanwhile, negotiations with Hamas via mediators continue in efforts to secure their release and the return of bodies, but no resolution has been reached so far.