Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says he played a decisive role in shaping Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, arguing that his insistence on continuing the offensive prevented an early end to the war and ultimately helped secure the return of all the hostages.

Speaking in an interview on Nadav Perry’s All In podcast, the Religious Zionism Party chairman claimed that, without his intervention, the fighting would have been halted before Israeli forces reached Rafah.

“I think that if not for me, the war in Gaza would have been stopped even before Rafah. In fact, if not for me-contrary to the way some people try to portray me as someone who is cold-hearted and doesn’t care about the hostages-I think that thanks to me, all the hostages are here,” Smotrich said.

He went on to describe a critical moment following the January 2025 hostage agreement, arguing that Israel was on the verge of accepting another limited deal that would have prolonged negotiations with Hamas.

“After the previous deal, in January 2025, we were left with 20 hostages and the bodies of others, and another deal was beginning to take shape under which only eight would return. If, at that moment, I hadn’t drawn a red line and told Netanyahu, ‘Absolutely not. Once our soldiers have entered Gaza to maneuver, there will be no pause just to improve our negotiating position,’ we would still be negotiating with Hamas today over one hostage after another.”

Smotrich also asserted that he has substantial influence over the government’s wartime decision-making, attributing that influence to his preparation, strategic clarity, and willingness to focus on military objectives rather than political considerations.

“According to Smotrich, “I have a very significant influence on the war. That stems from being absolutely clear about where I want this war to end. I read all the intelligence material, study it thoroughly, and come to the discussions fully prepared. I am also capable of being pragmatic and not playing politics during the war-unlike others.”

{Matzav.com}