Weinstein also held Canadian citizenship. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the recovery and extended condolences to the families. “Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Weinstein and Haggai were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas terrorists launched their cross-border attack into Israeli territory. According to Israeli authorities, the couple was shot during the assault. Weinstein managed to call emergency services to report the shooting and send a message to her family before being taken into Gaza.
Israel Defense Forces said the couple was killed in the attack and then abducted by a smaller Palestinian militant faction operating alongside Hamas. Their bodies were found as part of an overnight military operation and returned to Israel.
Their daughter, Iris Haggai Liniado, posted on Facebook after the recovery: “My beautiful parents have been freed. We have certainty.” She thanked the Israeli military, the FBI, and both the US and Israeli governments, and called for the return of all remaining hostages.
As of now, 56 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, according to Netanyahu’s office. Of those, 20 are thought to still be alive. Among the dead are two American citizens, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
