From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 13, 2025
Smotrich films video at Western Wall celebrating hostage release
Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the Religious Zionism party chair, posts a video celebrating the release of seven Israeli hostages from Gaza, despite having voted against the deal that secured their release.
“We receive them with joy, with open arms, and [give] thanks to the Master of the Universe,” he says.
In the video, filmed at the Western Wall, Smotrich speaks with emotion, describing coming out of Sukkot morning prayers and learning of the release of the first seven hostages.
“May the rest return today, with God’s help,” he says, referring to the 13 living hostages in the process of being released today, and the remaining deceased hostages whose bodies are meant to be subsequently returned.
The Times of Israel Community.