Released hostage Or Levi publicly criticized Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of obstructing the hostage deal. In a post on social media, Levi stated: 'If it were up to you, we wouldn't be back yet.' The remarks come amid ongoing political controversy over the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
Released hostage Or Levi, who was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for months, took direct aim at Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday evening. In a social media post, Levi said: 'If it were up to you, we wouldn't be back yet' — a sharp critique directed at Smotrich, who has been a vocal opponent of the recent ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. The post, which was widely shared, taps into an ongoing Israeli domestic debate over the terms of the agreement and the political responsibility for the October 7 disaster and the subsequent war. Levi's accusation is particularly pointed given his personal ordeal: he was among the hostages freed in the last round of releases. Smotrich and other right-wing coalition members had publicly opposed the deal, arguing it would strengthen Hamas and undermine Israel's military achievements. The exchange highlights the deep political divisions in Israel even as the hostage crisis remains unresolved for dozens of families.
2 developments
- StrongSmotrich: Hostages are back 'thanks to me' — draws criticism
- DevelopingSmotrich backs Lebanon deal, in apparent shift
- DevelopingMinister Smotrich says time to 'speak in fire' and 'open the gates of hell'
- DevelopingFinance Minister Smotrich tells Oded Harosh he considered resigning after October 7
Source and signal
- Internal intake