Finance Minister Smotrich Claims Key Role in Preventing Hamas Negotiations and Advancing Hostage Return

Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich asserted his significant influence on the current conflict with Hamas and the efforts to secure the release of hostages from Gaza. In an interview on Nadav Perry's All in podcast, Smotrich stated that without his intervention, the war in Gaza would have halted before reaching Rafah, and negotiations with Hamas over hostages would have continued on a case-by-case basis. He emphasized that his firm stance prevented Prime Minister Netanyahu from engaging in piecemeal negotiations, which he believes ensured that all hostages remain in Israeli custody.

Smotrich recalled that after a previous deal in January 2025, 20 hostages and fallen soldiers remained captive, and a new deal was unfolding to return eight of them. He said that at that critical moment, he drew a red line and told Netanyahu there would be no pause in military operations inside Gaza to improve Israel's position. According to Smotrich, his influence stems from a clear vision of the war's objectives, his thorough review of intelligence materials, and his pragmatic approach that avoids political considerations during wartime, contrasting himself with others.

His comments highlight his role in shaping Israel's military and diplomatic strategy amid the ongoing conflict and hostage crisis with Hamas.