Ofri Bibas, the sister of former hostage Yarden Bibas, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, urging him to “remain silent” after he repeatedly revealed details about the killings of Yarden’s wife, Shiri, and their young sons, Ariel and Kfir, despite the family’s objections.
She also rebuked media outlets, social media users, and public figures for disregarding the family’s requests to withhold details, calling it “unnecessary cruelty” toward a family that had endured “16 months of unimaginable suffering” with more hardship ahead.
Ofri Bibas voiced her frustration on Facebook just a day before the funeral of her sister-in-law and nephews. Her remarks followed Netanyahu’s speech at the America Israel Public Action Committee, where he graphically described the children’s deaths. Days earlier, he had also displayed their photos while speaking at a military ceremony.
After the initial speech, the Bibas family sent a legal notice to Netanyahu’s office and other government officials, demanding that they stop publicizing details of the murders, according to reports. On Saturday, the family had also issued a statement through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, asking media organizations to refrain from adding details about the killings.
Yarden, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that resulted in around 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, triggering the war in Gaza.
Last Thursday, Hamas released the remains of hostages Oded Lifshitz, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, along with the body of a woman they initially claimed was Shiri Bibas. Following objections from Israel, Hamas handed over Shiri’s body on Saturday. Yarden Bibas had been released alive on February 1.
The bodies were returned as part of a temporary ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, which included the release of 33 individuals, such as women, children, elderly civilians, and those classified as humanitarian cases.
On Friday, Israeli authorities confirmed the identities of Ariel, aged four, and Kfir, a nine-month-old infant. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Hamas militants had murdered the boys “in cold blood” with “bare hands” in November 2023 and had attempted to cover up the crime. His statement contradicted Hamas’s claim that the Bibas family was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Hagari also conveyed that Yarden Bibas had asked him to ensure that the world “knew and was horrified” by the brutal way his children were killed.
Responding to a journalist who accused the media of exploiting the tragedy for propaganda, Ofri Bibas asserted that “it is easy for outsiders to speak on behalf of the family.”
“As someone who was in the room with Hagari that day, let me clarify: Yarden and our family approved every word of the official statement. Nothing beyond that,” she wrote.
She expressed frustration that authorities had yet to complete their report on the murders or present it to the family. Instead, they had to learn new details from the media, public officials, and even Netanyahu himself.
“If I could say one thing to everyone on behalf of the Bibas family: Just stop talking,” she wrote.
She emphasized that public diplomacy could be handled in a way that was “respectful, sensitive, and coordinated with the family,” adding that Israel had failed to conduct such efforts properly since October 7.
“We are preparing for tomorrow and trying to find the strength to bury Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir,” she said.
The funeral will be held in a private ceremony in Zohar, near Nir Oz, following a public procession. The family has invited the public to join the procession and announced that the eulogies will be livestreamed.
Previously, Ofri Bibas had criticized Netanyahu for not apologizing to her family, stating on behalf of her brother that “forgiveness should begin with the return of all hostages.”
Netanyahu has delayed negotiations for the next phase of the hostage deal, which could lead to the release of remaining captives. His right-wing coalition partners have threatened to dissolve the government if the deal proceeds, as it would require Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
