Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told journalist Nadav Perry that the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza is 'thanks to me,' according to a report from the Israel Yamim B'the source. The remark drew immediate attention and criticism across the political spectrum.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich personally took credit for the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza in a statement to journalist Nadav Perry, according to a report circulated Sunday by the Israel Yamim B'the source. The full quote — 'Thanks to me, all the hostages are here' — was shared without a direct audio or transcript confirmation from the source. Smotrich's claim comes amid ongoing political debate over the hostage deal and the government's handling of the crisis. The remark has already drawn criticism from opposition figures and some within the coalition who view it as dismissive of the IDF and security services' role. The Zioneer previously reported a similar Smotrich remark on Sunday at 16:38 Jerusalem, which this update appears to expand or reiterate. No official response from the Prime Minister's Office or Smotrich's office has been published as of this bulletin.
4 developments
- StrongSmotrich says Gaza deal bad for Israel, vows to continue campaign in 'creative ways'
- StrongReleased hostage Or Levi confronts Smotrich: 'You mean hostages were killed while you torpedoed deals'
- DevelopingBezalel Smotrich comments after new ceasefire violation in the North
- DevelopingSmotrich backs Lebanon deal, in apparent shift
Source and signal
- Internal intake