The return of the hostages from Gaza is a “very important goal” but it is “not the most important” one, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism Party, said on Monday, earning him a wave of criticism from the political opposition.
The chief aim is to destroy Hamas and prevent “the possibility of another Oct. 7,” Smotrich argued in an Israel Radio interview.
The minister received backlash from families of hostages, the political opposition and unexpected corners.
Knesset member Moshe Gafni of the United Torah Judaism Party, a coalition member, countered Smotrich’s remarks, saying, “The return of the abductees is the most important issue.”
He added, “The United Torah Judaism faction will convene this week to bring [this matter] before the Torah sages and formulate its position on this matter as well.”
Smotrich responded sharply to Gafni, who represent Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, Jews, who generally don’t serve in the Israeli army.
After accusing Gafni of belonging to sector that doesn’t view the State of Israel as representing “the return to Zion and the Ingathering of the Exiles,” Smotrich said:
“Thank God, Gafni represents a growing minority in ultra-Orthodox society, most of which is getting closer and closer to the State of Israel and to the natural health of a people that is returning to its land after 2,000 years of exile and re-establishing its national and religious home there.”
Smotrich said that a victory over Hamas is meant to preserve human lives, and nothing will endanger lives more and encourage more hostage-taking and bloodshed then leaving the terrorist group in power in the Gaza Strip.
He added that it was time for Gafni to honor the spiritual leaders of Religious Zionism, who fulfilled important mitzvot, or commandments, such as serving in the Israeli Defense Forces.
