Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated on Monday that the return of hostages from the Gaza Strip “is not the government’s most important goal,” a remark that sparked uproar within Israel.
In a radio interview, the far-right minister said: “We have to tell the truth: returning the hostages is not the top priority.”
He added: “It is a highly important goal, but if we want to eliminate Hamas and prevent a repeat of the October 7 scenario, we must understand that Hamas cannot remain in Gaza.”
His statement immediately provoked outrage among the families of the 59 remaining hostages, who described his words as “shameful.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement: “This morning, the families had no words other than shame.”
The statement continued: “The minister has revealed the bitter truth to the public — that this government has deliberately decided to abandon the hostages.”
It added: “Smotrich, history will remember how you closed your heart to your captive brothers and sisters and chose not to save them.”
There are still 59 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, of whom only 24 are confirmed to be alive.
Israel is seeking to recover the hostages through a temporary ceasefire, but Hamas demands an end to the war and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for their release.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he is not willing to end the war until Hamas is eradicated.
