What Is the Truth Behind the Video of Netanyahu’s Son “Yair” Held Captive in Gaza?

Israeli prisoner families have circulated a video, created using artificial intelligence, depicting Yair Netanyahu, the son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as if he were being held captive in one of the resistance tunnels in Gaza.

In the video, Yair addresses his parents, saying: “I plead with you, father, mother—release us.” According to the families, the video aims to shed light on the suffering of the captives and to pressure the Israeli government to intensify efforts to secure their release.

“We Want a Deal Now”

Last Saturday, the Association of Families of Captives and Detainees in Gaza called on Israelis to participate in protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, urging the government to strike an immediate prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.

Israeli Channel 13 reported that the association sees a prisoner swap as the only way to secure the captives’ release, stating that “all conditions are ripe for such an agreement to be reached.”

The association emphasized that the time is right for a swift deal to end the ongoing war in Gaza, which has now stretched into its 13th month. It accused Netanyahu of obstructing the deal and refusing to move forward, citing his focus on settlement expansion in Gaza. It specifically pointed fingers at Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, claiming they are prioritizing political ambitions over the lives of Israeli captives.

The families have ramped up their protests since the recent Lebanon agreement, which concluded an extended confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel lasting over a year.

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Yair Enjoying Himself in California

Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Yair Netanyahu is currently vacationing at Yosemite National Park in California, accompanied by an aide and two security guards—all funded by Israeli taxpayers.

The report criticized Yair, calling him “Netanyahu’s pampered son,” for indulging in California’s recreational activities while his father sends thousands of soldiers to their deaths in Gaza.

The newspaper highlighted that Yair’s security and leisure expenses cost the Israeli government hundreds of thousands of dollars. The internal security service (Shin Bet) has allocated $275,000 from its budget to cover his protection and entertainment.

Moreover, Yair does not contribute to the occupation army’s efforts upon his return to Israel. Instead, according to the report, he goes as far as criticizing the performance of the military and security forces, accusing them of failure.