From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 7, 2025
Call me, not the media, if you want to discuss blocking hostage deal, Smotrich chides Ben Gvir
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticizes National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for making a public appeal for the pair to unite to prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from agreeing to a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage deal, rather than approaching him directly.
Ben Gvir has made repeated public statements in recent days saying that he wants Smotrich to join him in forming a united front within the coalition, though Smotrich’s office claims the minister has not reached out directly.
Smotrich says during his Religious Zionism faction meeting that it is “interesting” that Ben Gvir turns to the media “every time” rather than calling directly. He proceeds to give reporters his personal phone number.
The number “has been public since I was transportation minister, for those who don’t know, and it is also the same phone that I have had since I was 18 years old,” Smotrich says. “If my friend Itamar really wants to sit down and talk seriously… he is always welcome to do so.”
The Times of Israel Community.