Israeli hostage mother warns Netanyahu: 'I’ll be your worst nightmare' if son isn’t returned from Gaza

Thousands gathered throughout Israel Saturday night for weekly protests against judicial reform and demand hostages be released

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Since the beginning of the Gaza War last Oct. 7, there have been standing protests and rallies across Israel calling for both judicial reform and the release of Israeli hostages.

This weekend was no different as thousands took to the streets and gathered in prominent locations within large cities like Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheva and Tel Aviv. The Times of Israel reported that “some 2,000 people gathered outside the Israel Defense Force’s headquarters on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road” on Saturday.

While some people maintained their regular posts at what is known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to call for the return of the hostages in Gaza, a demonstration against the Israeli government gathered at what is called Democracy Square by political activists, decrying the government's efforts to revive the judicial reform plan.

Winter has arrived and the temperatures have not yet reached their lowest points, which has left many family members and friends concerned for the wellbeing of their loved ones in Gaza.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters released a statement saying, “As winter approaches, there is concern that the deteriorating physiological condition of the living hostages will make it impossible for them to survive in the substandard conditions in which they are being held.”

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan who is still being held in Gaza, following the first sign of life in a Hamas propaganda video.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that Netanyahu "fully understands the terrible suffering endured by Matan, all the hostages and their families.”

Zangauker publicly stated at the rally on Saturday night that the prime minister "has no intention of ending the war in exchange for a comprehensive deal" that would guarantee the safe return of her son.

She declared, “I’m not threatening, I’m letting you know: you will have no forgiveness, no clemency. I, personally, will persecute you if my Matan comes home in a body bag. I will be your worst nightmare.”

Specific details of a hostage release deal have not been disclosed at this time, but it has been revealed that the first group to be released would include individuals classified as “humanitarian cases,” such as women, children, the elderly, and those who are ill.

Matan and young men his age would not be eligible for release at this time, and perhaps would only be considered if Israel reaches a permanent ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been called upon by several hostage families in a desperate plea for assistance.

Just before the rallies began on Saturday, Danny Elgarat, brother of hostage Itzik Elgarat, urged Trump to help them, saying, "We believe in your strength to secure a swift deal. Don’t back down from Netanyahu –demand a comprehensive agreement that will bring everyone home and end the war."

The Hostage Families Forum has stated that a phased release of the hostages is not sufficient because at this point “they are all humanitarian cases.”