Finance Minister Smotrich Considers Resignation After October 7 Massacre but Finds No Fault

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed in a podcast interview on Tuesday that he contemplated resigning from his position following the October 7 massacre. He explained that the thought of stepping down did not arise immediately after the attack but emerged weeks later, once he had time to reflect on his personal responsibility for the tragedy. Smotrich described the initial period after the massacre as a nonstop, robotic effort managing the war, economy, legislation, and regulations around the clock.

Only after about six weeks did he begin to grasp the full weight of the disaster, calling it the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust and acknowledging it happened during his tenure. Despite reviewing his decisions and political path, Smotrich stated he found no mistakes in his actions. He reiterated his long-standing political positions, including opposition to the Oslo Accords and the disengagement from Gush Katif, for which he faced physical retaliation and imprisonment.

Smotrich recalled being detained for three weeks during protests against the disengagement plan, held alongside security prisoners, and accused of organizing roadblocks. He contrasted the harsh treatment of protesters then with the current approach to roadblock protests, criticizing Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for allegedly praising disruptions as essential for effective protest. Smotrich implied that today he would receive commendation for actions that previously led to his imprisonment.