Hostage Survivor Slams Finance Minister Smotrich Over Fuel Prices and Survivor Grants

Hostage survivor Rom Barsheshet launched a scathing attack on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday, criticizing his handling of fuel prices and the grants provided to former hostages. In a post on X, Barsheshet stated his personal animosity towards Smotrich due to "shameful" grants for survivors, but chose to set that aside for the current criticism.

Barsheshet accused Smotrich of raising fuel prices two weeks prior and then presenting their subsequent reduction as a measure against the rising cost of living. "Smotrich, you embarrassment, you raised fuel prices two weeks ago, and now you're lowering them back and claiming this is how you fight the cost of living," Barsheshet wrote, sarcastically adding, "Wow. Simply a genius!"

The former hostage also called for Smotrich to be removed from political life, asserting that his criticism transcended political divides. "Please, someone get him out of here already. It no longer matters right or left, the man is a scoundrel," he posted.

Furthermore, Barsheshet made a grave claim regarding the situation of combat-disabled veterans, alleging that six such veterans committed suicide in the past month due to not receiving funds from the Finance Ministry.