Smotrich Claims Credit for Keeping All Hostages Alive Amid Gaza Conflict

Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted in a June 28, 2026 interview with Nadav Perry on "All In" that he believes his actions are responsible for all the hostages currently alive. He explained that after a previous prisoner exchange in January 2025, 20 hostages remained alive, and a deal was underway to return eight of them. Smotrich said that if he had not drawn a red line and told Prime Minister Netanyahu that there would be no pause in military operations inside Gaza to negotiate with Hamas, negotiations would still be ongoing, potentially prolonging the hostage situation.

Smotrich also discussed his strained relations with ultra-Orthodox parties, stating bluntly that he does not respect them and feels he has more Torah knowledge and connection to the land than they do. He criticized Knesset member Yitzhak Goldknopf for claiming Smotrich only represents those who study Torah, calling Goldknopf "impudent."

He shared a personal story about his cultural shock when his wife visited Bnei Brak during the war. Despite the ongoing conflict and national anxiety, she found the city seemingly unaffected, with open stores and celebrations continuing, which he described as "a state within a state."

Smotrich revealed his break with the ultra-Orthodox community began after his eldest son was injured in the war and married during Hanukkah 2025. The family debated whether to hold the wedding amid the tense atmosphere, and his wife's experience in Bnei Brak deepened his frustration with the ultra-Orthodox sector's response to the war.