Gal Hirsch

Gal Hirsch faces backlash over Independence Day torch-lighting amid tax fraud trial

The prosecution filed charges against Hirsch and three other individuals in October 2021 for tax offenses in the "Defensive Shield" case.

|ByGILAD MORAG
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing in the Prime Minister's Office hold a press conferene at the Prime Minister's office in Jerursalem, January 27, 2026.
Former hostage Rom Braslavski at the Israeli Premier League match between Maccabi Netanya and Beitar Jerusalem at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on November 30, 2025.

Former Gaza hostage Rom Braslavski faces online attacks after criticizing Gal Hirsch

Former hostage Rom Braslavski wrote on social media that the choice to have Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony is “a slap in the face” to hostage families.

|ByMIKI LEVIN
A TORCH burns on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

Argentina’s Milei to light torch at Israel’s 78th Independence Day ceremony

Argentina President Javier Milei will light a torch at Israel’s 78th Independence Day ceremony, with Regev citing his strong support for Israel and fight against antisemitism.

|BySHOSHANA BAKER, ARIELLA ROITMAN
This week's episode of The Deep Dive explores the complex and uncertain path forward for Gaza's governance following phase II announcements.

Was Israel honest about the war's past, Gaza's future?

Unpack the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire and the mounting frustrations of hostage families in a post-war world.

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

Netanyahu backs Ben-Gvir's death penalty for terrorists law, Hirsch tells Knesset

The statements came during Ben-Gvir’s discussion and vote to advance the death penalty for terrorists bill ahead of its first reading in the plenum.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025ByKESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushes for a bill to see terrorists receive the death penalty.

IDF Hostages Recovery Chief Nitzan Alon to return to civilian life

Netanyahu's personal hostage coordinator, Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, will take Alon's place.

NOVEMBER 2, 2025ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon attends a replacing ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem on July 8, 2024.

Gal Hirsch tells 'Post' he will not end role until all Gaza hostages, living or dead, are returned

Hostage coordinator Gal Hirsch told The Jerusalem Post he will not step down until every hostage, living or murdered, is brought back from Gaza.

OCTOBER 9, 2025ByAMICHAI STEIN
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset on September 28, 2025.

Israel committed to securing release of all hostages, Gal Hirsch tells families

“As in the past, I will do my utmost to stay in contact with you from there as well, as much as possible," Hirsch said in a message to the families of the hostages.

OCTOBER 6, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, AMICHAI STEIN
A massive banner has been unfurled at Hostages Square during the two-year rally with a direct appeal to President Trump: “It’s Now or Never”

Ben-Gvir pushes terrorist death penalty bill despite PMO warnings it could endanger hostage deal

Despite objections from officials and hostage families, the Knesset panel pushed forward a bill Ben-Gvir says is key to deterrence against terrorism.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025ByKESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on September 28, 2025.

After negotiation team recalled from Doha, hostage coordinator promises 'talks are continuing'

“The negotiation team has been operating in Doha for 18 days. During this extended period, we have come a long way in order to make progress," said Hirsch.

JULY 24, 2025ByAMICHAI STEIN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Families of hostages, former hostages, and supporters march to the US embassy branch in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of all hostages, July 19, 2025.

Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal possible, despite Hamas changes to truce proposal - exclusive

The gaps between Israel and Hamas are narrow, a source familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post.

JULY 6, 2025ByAMICHAI STEIN
Families of Israelis who were killed in recent war and of hostages held in the Gaza Strip set up a tent near the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, urging the government not to end the war in Gaza, July 6, 2025.

Hostage mother Ruhama Bohbot describes her suffering after seeing Hamas's video of son

Ruhama Bohbot, mother of hostage Elkana Bohbot, spoke with Netanyahu after Hamas released a video showing her son and another captive alive.

MARCH 26, 2025By103FM
Ruhama Bohbot holding a picture of her son, on a poster reading "Don't leave my son behind."

Trump threatens ceasefire deal after seeing 'emaciated' Israeli hostages

Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi appeared on Saturday morning, looking very frail with sunken faces, leading to comparisons with those liberated from the Holocaust death camps.

FEBRUARY 10, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. February 4, 2025

Coordinator for hostages returns to Israel before fifth wave of hostage release

Hirsch will update Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the fifth wave of hostage releases while the Israeli leader is meeting with US officials in Washington, DC.

FEBRUARY 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Gal Hirsch, the government's point man on missing and kidnapped citizens attends the lobby for releasing the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, April 10, 2024.