Sunday, Sept. 1, 6:08 am MDT
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today spoke with Oxana and Grigory Lobanov, the parents of Alexander Lobanov, of blessed memory, who was murdered while being held hostage by Hamas.
Netanyahu expressed deep regret, and apologized to the family, that the State of Israel did not succeed in returning Alexander and the other five hostages alive.
Netanyahu told Alexander Lobanov’s parents [translated from Hebrew]: “I would like to tell you how much I regret and request forgiveness for not succeeding in bringing Sasha back alive.”
During the conversation, it was revealed that the Netanyahu’s military secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman returned this morning from a visit to Moscow, the goal of which was to advance the hostages deal and during which he discussed Alexander Lobanov and the other hostages.
Netanyahu has spoken, and will speak, with additional families in the course of the day.
Sunday, Sept. 1, 2:47 am MDT
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning:
“This is a difficult day for us.
“Together with all citizens of Israel, I was outraged to the depths of my soul by the horrific, cold-blooded murder of six of our hostages:
“Carmel Gat,
“Eden Yerushalmi,
“Hersh Goldberg-Polin,
“Alexander Lobanov,
“Almog Sarusi,
“and Master-Sergeant Ori Danino.
“May G-d avenge them.
“Together with the entire nation, my wife and I share in the families’ deep mourning.
“I would like to express deep appreciation for our forces, for the brave IDF soldiers and ISA fighters, who risked their lives in order to return our sons and daughters.
“I say to the Hamas terrorists who murdered our hostages and I say to their leaders: You will pay the price. We will not rest, nor will be silent. We will pursue you, we will find you and we will settle accounts with you.
“Citizens of Israel,
“We are fighting on all fronts against a brutal enemy who wants to murder us all. Only this morning, it murdered three police officers in Hebron. My wife and I send heartfelt condolences to their families.
“We saw the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas murderers on Oct. 7 and we have seen it again in the tunnels under Rafah.
“The fact that Hamas is continuing to perpetrate atrocities like those it carried out on Oct. 7 requires us to do everything so that it will be unable to perpetrate these atrocities again.
“Citizens of Israel,
“Our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly. Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations.
“Three months ago, on May 27, Israel agreed to a hostage release deal with full backing from the US. Hamas refused.
“Even after the US updated the deal framework on August 16 — we agreed, and Hamas again refused.
“In recent days, as Israel has been holding intensive negotiations with the mediator in a supreme effort to reach a deal, Hamas is continuing to steadfastly refuse all proposals.
“Even worse, at the exact same time, it murdered six of our hostages.
“Whoever murders hostages — does not want a deal.
“For our part, we will not relent. The Government of Israel is committed, and I am personally committed, to continue striving toward a deal that will return all of our hostages and ensure our security and our existence.”
Sunday, Sept. 1, 1:02 am MDT
Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant:
“The cabinet must gather immediately and reverse the decision made on Thursday.
“It is too late for the hostages who were murdered in cold blood. We must bring back the hostages that are still being held by Hamas.
“The State of Israel will pursue all Hamas leaders and murderers.”
Saturday, Aug. 31, 11:50 pm MDT
Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant:
“During this painful and difficult time, my thoughts and my heart are with the families of the hostages who were killed:
“Ori Danino
“Alexander Lobanov
“Almog Sarusi
“Hersh Goldberg-Polin
“Carmel Gat
“Eden Yerushalmi
“They were held hostage by Hamas and murdered in cold blood.
“May their memory be a blessing.
“I commend the IDF and ISA forces for conducting a complex operation to retrieve the bodies of the hostages for burial in Israel.”
Saturday, Aug. 31, 11:12 pm MDT
Israel President Isaac Herzog:
“The heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces with the news of the murder of Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lonanov, Almog Sarusi, and Eden Yerushalmi, whose bodies were brought back from Gaza in a military operation.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I embrace their families with all my heart, and apologize for failing to bring them home safely.
“We will continue to fight relentlessly against the criminal, terrorist organization Hamas, which has once again proven there is no end to its willingness to commit murder and crimes against humanity.
“The blood of our brothers cries out to us. Our sisters and brothers are still there enduring Hell. The supreme covenant between the state and its citizens is to ensure their safety. We have the sacred and urgent mission to bring them home.”
