Former hostage Liri Albag will return to the IDF, five months after she was released from Hamas captivity, her father Eli told Kan Bet on Monday.
In his interview, Eli Albag said that his daughter, who was released in January after 477 days in Gaza, would be taking on a “very significant role" in the military, and that he gave her his blessing.
"It is impossible to say what role she is returning to," he said. "I understood that another one of her fellow observers also wants to return to the army, but we are maintaining their privacy as we always have. Liri is very mature and knows exactly what she wants. We supported her return to the army, it's part of the way we raise our children, as long as it is a good thing, we approve."
Liri Albag was kidnapped on October 7, during her first Shabbat as an observer with the IDF.
Eli Albag explained that after being freed, Liri underwent rehabilitation, and then traveled abroad to “seize the world.”
“She seized and continues to seize, and she is returning to the army this week," he said, adding that she would no longer be an observer.
"She wants a significant role, and she will have a significant role. She has stepped back from the headlines, and she is doing quiet work."
Liri Albag received threats after speaking out against Netanyahu
He discussed Liri’s progress and spoke about how she’s hidden large parts of her captivity from her family.
“She keeps sharing with us all the time, and at any given moment, another drawer opens. We don't want to open everything all at once – whatever she chooses to share, she tells us."
Eli addressed the harassment and threats Liri faced since her release, many of which were sent to her after she stated in an interview that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for the failures of October 7.
"Only when they kidnap your child will you understand what we are going through – and then you will have permission to speak,” he said, adding that he credited Netanyahu for the attack on Iran.
"Criticizing the prime minister is legitimate and okay, and it's also okay to praise,” he said.
“A commission of inquiry should have been set up long ago, but for me, as a family of a hostage and for families who still have hostages, it’s not the most important thing – the most important thing is to focus on bringing back all the hostages."