Likud Candidate Bonzel Apologizes After Saying Released Hostage Should Be Returned to Hamas

Itzik Bonzel, a bereaved father placed 29th on the Likud slate by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparked controversy after expressing a wish that a released hostage be "returned to Hamas." Bonzel later issued an apology for the remarks, as reported by The Jerusalem Post and Behadrey Haredim.

In his apology, Bonzel stated that he wrote the comment in a "storm of emotions" and emphasized that he "did not mean" it. Following the remarks, Lifshitz sharply criticized the candidate, accusing Netanyahu of sending his handpicked appointee to incite against her.

Further details surrounding the exchange have not yet been released.