Gal Hirsch

Israel committed to securing release of all hostages, Gal Hirsch tells families

“As in the past, I will do my utmost to stay in contact with you from there as well, as much as possible," Hirsch said in a message to the families of the hostages.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, AMICHAI STEIN
A massive banner has been unfurled at Hostages Square during the two-year rally with a direct appeal to President Trump: “It’s Now or Never”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on September 28, 2025.

Ben-Gvir pushes terrorist death penalty bill despite PMO warnings it could endanger hostage deal

Despite objections from officials and hostage families, the Knesset panel pushed forward a bill Ben-Gvir says is key to deterrence against terrorism.

|ByKESHET NEEV
Families of hostages, former hostages, and supporters march to the US embassy branch in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of all hostages, July 19, 2025.

After negotiation team recalled from Doha, hostage coordinator promises 'talks are continuing'

“The negotiation team has been operating in Doha for 18 days. During this extended period, we have come a long way in order to make progress," said Hirsch.

|ByAMICHAI STEIN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Families of Israelis who were killed in recent war and of hostages held in the Gaza Strip set up a tent near the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, urging the government not to end the war in Gaza, July 6, 2025.

Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal possible, despite Hamas changes to truce proposal - exclusive

The gaps between Israel and Hamas are narrow, a source familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post.

|ByAMICHAI STEIN

Hostage mother Ruhama Bohbot describes her suffering after seeing Hamas's video of son

Ruhama Bohbot, mother of hostage Elkana Bohbot, spoke with Netanyahu after Hamas released a video showing her son and another captive alive.

MARCH 26, 2025By103FM
Ruhama Bohbot holding a picture of her son, on a poster reading "Don't leave my son behind."

Trump threatens ceasefire deal after seeing 'emaciated' Israeli hostages

Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi appeared on Saturday morning, looking very frail with sunken faces, leading to comparisons with those liberated from the Holocaust death camps.

FEBRUARY 10, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. February 4, 2025

Coordinator for hostages returns to Israel before fifth wave of hostage release

Hirsch will update Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the fifth wave of hostage releases while the Israeli leader is meeting with US officials in Washington, DC.

FEBRUARY 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Gal Hirsch, the government's point man on missing and kidnapped citizens attends the lobby for releasing the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, April 10, 2024.

Israel offers Sinwar safe passage out of Gaza in exchange for hostages 

“I’m ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him. We want the hostages back," Israel’s chief negotiator for hostages and missing persons, Gal Hirsch, said.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A pro-Palestinian protester holds up a portrait of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar outside of a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in New York City, U.S., August 14, 2024.

Israeli hostage negotiator: 'Hamas is killing hostages in Gaza as we negotiate'

Hirsch also noted that the war will not end under pressure. “There is a direct correlation between the international pressure on Israel and Hamas' desire to negotiate."

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
MEAD conference

Most Gaza hostages are held in Rafah, Israel's hostage coordinator says

"We do not want to cause collateral damage. Rafah has many people there that Hamas uses right now as human shields," Gal Hirsch stressed.

FEBRUARY 18, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
GAL HIRSCH, the government’s liaison on the issue of the hostages, arrives for a meeting earlier this month with families of those held in Gaza, and with hostages since released.

Israel's hostage rescue chief to receive NIS 500,000 salary for role

Hirsch is forbidden to set policy, he must only advise policymakers on policy implementation, neither can he manage civil servants nor give them instructions.

FEBRUARY 9, 2024ByYUVAL BARNEA
GAL HIRSCH, the government’s liaison on the issue of the hostages, arrives for a meeting earlier this month with families of those held in Gaza, and with hostages since released.

Gaza war pause extended by 2 days says US as 11 captives freed

Qatari mediators are working to resolve the issue and avoid any delay in Monday's planned releases, an official briefed on the matter told Reuters.

NOVEMBER 27, 2023ByTOVAH LAZAROFF
A convoy of Red Cross vehicles believed to be carrying hostages drives by in the southern Gaza Strip, November 26, 2023

Who is really at the helm of Israel's hostage release efforts? - analysis

The IDF said there were top civilian minds from the hi-tech community, some of whom are reservists, along with the police and other civilian teams that were working with them on the issue.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
People gather in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Jerusalem demanding for action to be taken to return the hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, in Jerusalem November 13, 2023.

Closing bribery case, police recommend charging Hirsch in tax fraud case

Police, Tax Authority complete investigation into Defensive Shield case

AUGUST 8, 2019ByMAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
Gal Hirsch at The Jerusalem Post elections conference, April 3rd, 2019

'Georgian Case' against former police chief candidate Hirsch to be closed

Police fail to establish a proper case to prosecute Hirsch.

JULY 5, 2019ByAVISHAI GRINZAIG/MAARIV
GAL HIRSCH, chairman of both the Israel Leadership Institute and Magen Party