Israeli Hostage Survivor Strongly Condemns Finance Minister Smotrich's Claims on Hostage Releases

A political controversy erupted after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed in a podcast interview that all hostages released so far returned due to his policies and insistence. Or Levy, a survivor of captivity who was held for 491 days by Hamas and whose wife Einav was killed in the attack on the Re'im outpost, sharply criticized Smotrich's statements as "detached and offensive." Levy accused the minister of taking credit for the hostage releases despite being part of the government responsible for what he called the country's greatest failure. "Bezalel Smotrich did not bring anyone back. It was public pressure, the families' struggle, and the fighters on the ground," Levy said.

Levy also condemned Smotrich's stance during the months of fighting regarding hostage release deals, accusing the political leadership of being completely disconnected from the suffering of those held in Gaza. He stressed that instead of taking responsibility for the neglect on October 7 and the fact that dozens of hostages remain captive, government ministers focus on public relations and self-credit. Levy's remarks echoed concerns from the Hostages' Families Headquarters, which warned that such political rhetoric could harden coalition positions and jeopardize efforts to secure the release of remaining captives.

Smotrich also revealed that his approach caused a rift between him and the ultra-Orthodox parties. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions within the Israeli government over handling the hostage crisis and the broader conflict with Hamas.