Israeli President Apologizes for Failed Hostage Rescue, Vows to Hold Hamas Accountable

In a somber eulogy, Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized for the state's failure to protect Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five others murdered by Hamas. Herzog pledged to hold the terrorist organization accountable and bring all remaining hostages home.

In a profoundly moving eulogy, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow and apologized on behalf of the state for the tragic loss of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages murdered by Hamas. Speaking at Goldberg-Polin's funeral in Jerusalem, Herzog acknowledged the government's failure to secure their safe return.

"I apologize on behalf of the State of Israel, that we failed to protect you in the terrible disaster of October 7, that we failed to bring you home safely," Herzog said, his voice filled with emotion. "I apologize that the country you immigrated to at the age of 7, wrapped in the Israeli flag, could not keep you safe."

Israeli President Apologizes for Failed Hostage Rescue, Vows to Hold Hamas Accountable

Herzog emphasized that the state of Israel has an urgent and unwavering obligation to rescue those who remain captive and bring all missing citizens home. "This is not a political goal," he stressed, "but a supreme moral, Jewish, and human duty."

"We did not fulfill this duty," Herzog acknowledged, but vowed to rectify the situation. "We have a sacred and shared obligation, to stand up and bring them all back to their homeland."

Israeli President Apologizes for Failed Hostage Rescue, Vows to Hold Hamas Accountable

The president also condemned the heinous actions of Hamas, vowing to continue fighting relentlessly against the terrorist organization. "We do not forget for a moment our obligation to hold accountable the despicable murderers who butchered you, Hersh, your friends, our sisters, and our brothers."

In a sign of unwavering support for the bereaved families, Herzog sought their forgiveness and expressed the nation's solidarity in their grief. "We will never forget the heroism, the nobility, and the resilience of Hersh Goldberg-Polin," he said.

Israeli President Apologizes for Failed Hostage Rescue, Vows to Hold Hamas Accountable

The funeral procession for Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old native of Berkeley, California, drew thousands of mourners to the streets of Jerusalem. Goldberg-Polin was one of the most well-known hostages, and his parents had tirelessly campaigned for his release, meeting with President Biden, Pope Francis, and addressing the Democratic National Convention.

The Israeli military recovered Goldberg-Polin's body, along with those of five other hostages, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sergeant Ori Danino, in tunnels under Rafah. Hamas terrorists murdered the six hostages as Israeli forces closed in during a rescue mission in Gaza.

The gruesome killings sparked outrage and condemnation from around the world. U.S. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris convened with a hostage negotiating team in the Situation Room upon returning from vacation, while U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed outrage and affirmed that Hamas leaders must be held accountable for their crimes.

Despite the tragic events, Hamas still holds 101 hostages, including seven Americans, following the October 7 attacks. The Associated Press contributed to this report.