Smotrich’s Statement on Hostages: Political Honesty or Cold Betrayal?

Bezalel Smotrich.

In a moment that sent shockwaves through Israeli society, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly declared that bringing home the remaining hostages in Gaza is not the government’s top priority. Speaking on Galey Israel Radio, he claimed, “We have to say the truth… If you want to destroy Hamas so that there can’t be another October 7, you need to understand that there can’t be a situation where Hamas remains in Gaza.”

While Smotrich insists the hostages' return is "very important," his phrasing—and the apparent shift in government priorities—drew immediate fire.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum responded with fury, accusing the government of giving up on its citizens. “Shame,” they wrote. “History will remember how you closed your heart.”

Family members of hostages took to social media. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains captive, denounced Smotrich’s “messianic and psychopathic delusions.” Lishay Miran-Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, sarcastically thanked him for “saying publicly what the prime minister is afraid to say.”

Even within Smotrich’s own coalition, backlash was swift. MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism rejected the minister’s stance, calling it reminiscent of ancient zealots who prized national ideology over human life. Smotrich fired back, accusing Gafni of a “diaspora mindset” and asserting that the war’s end goal is to save lives.

Opposition figures went further. Yair Golan likened Smotrich’s position to offering “human sacrifices” on the altar of religious zeal. Yisrael Beytenu’s Avigdor Liberman reminded the public that Smotrich once called Hamas “an asset.” And Yesh Atid’s Yorai Lahav-Hertzano declared he and Smotrich “are not part of the same people.”

Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza. Of them, 24 are believed to be alive, awaiting a deal that stalled after Israel resumed military operations in March. Despite increasing public support for a deal—even at the cost of ending the war—the government remains firm. Netanyahu insists there will be no peace until Hamas is toppled.

But as the days go on and hope fades, many in Israel are asking: At what cost?

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