In a rare move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday apologized to the family of slain hostage Alexander Lobanov for not rescuing him and five other hostages held in Gaza alive.
Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister plans to speak with other families later today.
“The prime minister expressed his deep regret and apologized to the family for the failure of the State of Israel to bring Alexander and the other five hostages back alive,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Netanyahu’s military adviser had returned from a visit to Moscow in the morning. The purpose of the visit was to advance efforts for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.
Alexander Lobanov and other hostages were also discussed at the meeting in Moscow. Lobanov, a father of two, had dual Israeli and Russian citizenship.
