Prime Minister's Office apologizes for premature publication of Bibas family fate

The Prime Minister's Office apologized today (Wednesday) for the premature release of the Bibas family's names as being on the list of slain hostages being returned to Israel tomorrow.

According to the office's statement, "this is a serious mistake in the behavior of IDF liaison officers toward the Bibas family, which stemmed from an unfortunate human error. The officers authorized publishing the names to reporters, despite not receiving approval from the family - as they are required to verify with each family according to established protocol."

The IDF Spokesperson also issued a statement regarding the error: "The IDF is responsible for communication with the families of the hostages. The IDF conducted an investigation into the matter and spoke with the families. We apologize for the mistake that was made in good faith toward the families and for the distress caused."

Ofri Bibas Levy, sister of Yarden Bibas, sharply criticized the decision to publish the list without first gaining all families' approval: "The list that has already transformed Shiri, Ariel & Kfir into casualties, released by the Prime Minister ostensibly 'with the permission of the families' did not come for our approval. For 16 months we've been waiting for certainty that no one could give us and now it's been determined before they're even here?? Before they've been identified?? Before we are informed? An entire country has become casualty officers & is knocking on our door. It's a disgrace."

The Bibas family also released a statement to the public asking them not to mourn any of them until there is clear confirmation that they are dead, meaning after their bodies have been examined forensically.

The bodies of the Bibas family and of Oded Lifshitz are expected to be delivered to Israel tomorrow morning, after which they will be sent to be examined forensically to confirm their identity. They will then all be given a proper Jewish burial.