Netanyahu enrages families after using incorrect hostages figure as poll shows most Israelis want him to quit
Netanyahu under fire for miscounting hostages again
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu incorrectly stated the number of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza during an interview, claiming there were 46 when the correct figure is 48.
- The Hostages and Missing Families Forum publicly corrected Mr Netanyahu, demanding an explanation and emphasising that all 48 hostages were taken “on your watch”.
- The error occurred on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas's cross-border attack into Israel, which saw 251 people taken captive.
- Mr Netanyahu has faced similar criticism previously for misstating hostage numbers, including in August when he referred to “all 20 of our hostages” while 50 were still held.
- His government faces increasing domestic criticism, with a recent survey indicating 66 per cent of Israelis believe the war should end and 64 per cent think Mr Netanyahu should resign.