Finance Minister Smotrich Claims Credit for Continued Gaza War and Hostage Returns

Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich sparked public controversy on Sunday by asserting in a podcast interview that his policies were crucial to the ongoing intensity of the Gaza conflict and the return of hostages. Speaking with former journalist Nadav Perry, Smotrich confidently stated, "Thanks to me, all the hostages are here," claiming his influence on the political echelon and decision-making in the security cabinet was decisive during key moments of the war.

Smotrich explained that without his intervention, the war in Gaza would have ended prematurely before reaching Rafah. He emphasized that his insistence prevented concessions to Hamas that could have undermined the ground operation's achievements. He revealed that after a previous prisoner exchange in January 2025, 20 hostages and fallen soldiers remained captive, and negotiations were underway to release eight more. Smotrich said he drew a red line, telling Prime Minister Netanyahu that there would be no halting of the military maneuver to improve positions, which he credits with preventing ongoing negotiations with Hamas for additional hostages.

He attributed his significant influence to thorough preparation and pragmatism rather than political considerations, stating he studies all intelligence materials and approaches discussions with clarity of purpose. However, his remarks contrast with his public positions and voting record during the conflict. Smotrich opposed all hostage exchange deals except the initial one executed in November 2023. Earlier in the war, in February 2024, he sparked outrage among hostage families by downplaying the priority of their return, saying the main goal was to destroy Hamas and rejecting the notion of "at any cost" exchanges.

Smotrich's statements reveal internal tensions within Israel's leadership over the war strategy and hostage negotiations, highlighting his role as a hardliner influencing the course of the conflict and the government's approach to Hamas.