Finance Minister Smotrich Faces Outcry During Speech at Gaza Envelope Ceremony

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attended a cornerstone laying ceremony for the expansion of settlements in the Gaza Envelope region on June 29, 2026. During his speech at Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, he was repeatedly interrupted by Ayel Eshel, father of Roni Eshel, a lookout who was killed on October 7. The confrontation erupted shortly after Smotrich took the stage, with Eshel accusing him of opposing the return of hostages, stating, "Many hostages returned in coffins because you were against it." This incident followed a recent interview in which Smotrich claimed, "Thanks to me, all the hostages are here," a statement that drew sharp criticism from survivors of captivity. The tension highlighted deep divisions over the handling of hostage returns and the ongoing conflict in the region.