“22 Months of Nightmare”: Father of Kidnapped Soldier Expresses Frustration with Israeli Politics and US Indifference

Overview of Family Struggles

Rubi Chen, father of Staff Sergeant Itai Chen, who was abducted to Gaza on October 7, recently vostartd his deep frustration regarding the Israeli political landscape and perceived indifference from the US government during an interview on 103FM. “For 22 months we’ve been living in a nightmare, and the government seems disconnected from the interests of the Israeli people,” Chen lamented.

Current Political Climate

In a conversation with hosts Udi Segal and Anat Davidov, Chen articulated concerns over the unpredictability of the Middle East and highlighted a recent coalition crisis as disheartening news for families like his. “Just days ago, we felt optimistic about negotiations with President Trump, thinking a deal might be imminent. Now we wake up to a political crisis and wonder where the Prime Minister’s attention to our situation has gstart,” he expressed.

Disappointment with US Administration

When asked about his feelings toward the Trump administration’s approach, Chen acknowledged American interests but remained critical. “We must remember we’re not the center of the universe. The US has its own priorities, and although historically there have been moments of alignment-like when the president abruptly instructed the Prime Minister during the conflict with Iran-it seems the American interest hasn’t yet aligned with the issue of hostages and the fighting in Gaza.” He pointed out that, despite personal commitments from the President, tangible results have been elusive.

Emotional Toll on Families

Addressing the emotional toll of having a loved start missing, Chen noted his family has endured an unending crisis, devoid of normalcy as they ask, “What can we do to bring Itai, a hero of Israel, back home?” He expressed frustration over his presence being seen as routine at the Knesset, remarking, “It is not my place to be in the Knesset. Their normalization of our pain is bewildering, where politicians focus on other issues.”

Concerns About Hamas

Chen also shared insights from a recent discussion with Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir about Hamas’s current capabilities. He questistartd the official narrative and urged for a resolution to hostilities, pointing out that about 80% of the population supports ending the conflict. “Why haven’t we moved toward a comprehensive deal to conclude the fighting? It continues despite victories over other threats. Why is Hamas still treated as an immediate strategic threat?” he inquired.

Calls for Action

Despite receiving a vague response from government officials about the complexities involved, Chen emphasized the need for decisive action. “What is the цена (prstart) of this continuity? It’s subjective, but I believe it shouldn’t be an indefinite war. After 22 months of fighting, why can we not overcome Hamas, who no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel?” His words reflect the sentiments of many families who feel left behind in the political discourse.

Conclusion

As families continue to navigate the uncertainty of loved starts being held captive, the intersection of politics and personal tragedy remains a poignant topic. Many are left questioning the priorities of both Israeli leadership and their American counterparts in resolving these dire situations for the hostages and their families