Father of Slain Israeli Victim Confronts Finance Minister Over Hostage Deal Opposition

A heated confrontation took place on Monday between Il Ashel, father of Roni Ashel who was killed in the October 7 massacre at Nahal Oz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during a cornerstone-laying ceremony for 1,000 new homes in the Gaza envelope region at Ein HaShlosha. Il Ashel accused Smotrich of opposing all hostage return agreements except the first one in November 2023, saying, "Dozens of hostages returned in coffins because you fought against their release. How dare you show your face here?" He interrupted Smotrich's speech, challenging his claim that all hostages are back thanks to him.

Ashel demanded a state commission of inquiry, stating that there would be no recovery without it and criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, calling it disgraceful and responsible for irreversible disaster. Smotrich responded by expressing respect and affection for Ashel. Liora Ben Tzur, a resident of Ein HaShlosha and daughter of Marcel Talia who was also killed on October 7, urged protesters to stop their interruptions, emphasizing unity among the Israeli people despite the pain.

Smotrich acknowledged the anger directed at him but thanked the pioneers rebuilding the area, calling them the true victory. Outside the kibbutz, 20 to 30 protesters gathered in response to Smotrich’s presence. The Jewish Agency noted that the housing expansion project in the Gaza envelope represents a shift from mere rehabilitation to long-term demographic and community growth, with 14 settlements participating, including Ein HaShlosha, Kerem Shalom, Nir Yitzhak, and Nahal Oz.