Parents of soldiers killed in Gaza demand halt to street violence

Relatives of those who lost their lives after October 7 gathered journalists near the main IDF cemetery on Mount Herzl to issue an "urgent statement."

The families strongly condemned the recent large-scale demonstrations against the government and what they referred to as "street violence," urging for national unity instead.

Itzik Bunzel, whose son Amit was killed in action in Gaza in December, began the briefing by expressing the collective sentiments of the bereaved families seated beside him.

He said their mission is to appeal to those "who are tearing Israeli society apart out of sheer hatred for the government," emphasizing their disregard for the families of abducted individuals, soldiers fighting in Gaza, and particularly for their fallen sons.

Bunzel warned that the bereaved families would not tolerate disrespect towards national symbols nor allow minorities to destabilize Israeli society. He directly addressed the protesters, stating, "If the unrest persists, you will leave us no choice but to take to the streets. Instead of grieving privately, we will come out and put an end to your disruptions."

Yoni Eitan, father of Netanel Eitan, who died on December 10 from battle wounds sustained in Gaza, expressed his anger towards the protests led by non-democrats. He said that he feels "his son is being killed again".