Herzog responds to Smotrich: ‘Disrespectful discourse is developing around the hostages’

President Isaac Herzog is the latest official to come out against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, after the far-right minister said yesterday that securing the return of the hostages was “not the most important thing” for Israel at the moment.

“A very disrespectful discourse is beginning to develop around the hostages and their families,” Herzog says, according to the Ynet news site.

“There is no greater mitzvah in Judaism than redeeming captives. One can argue about the way to reach the goal, but I call on the public and especially the elected officials to take into account the feelings of the families of the hostages,” he says. “One needs to know how to behave with maximum sensitivity, and understand that sometimes there are things that should not be said in public.”

Smotrich sparked fury when he was asked if, in his view, bringing back the 130 hostages who are still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 Hamas onslaught was the most important goal.

“No,” he replied. “It’s not the most important thing.”

“Why make it a competition? Why is it so important at the moment?” Smotrich asked. “We need to destroy Hamas. That is very important.”

Smotrich also lashed out at those who are calling for a deal that would bring the hostages home “at any price.”