Smotrich says he considered resigning after October 7, but could not find anything he did wrong

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed he contemplated resignation following the October 7th attacks but ultimately concluded he had done nothing wrong. In an interview on the Geekonomy podcast, Smotrich stated that while he considered stepping down about two months after the massacre, he could not identify any personal failings in his conduct.

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I thought about it... when I tried to think about what I had done wrong, I could not find anything.

Smotrich described the initial period after the attacks as operating on "autopilot," working 24/7 to manage the war effort, the economy, and related legislation. He acknowledged that "the most horrific massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust happened on my watch." However, he maintained that he had opposed past policies like the Oslo Accords and the expulsion from Gush Katif, suggesting a consistent stance against actions that he believed endangered security.

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In the first month and a half or two months, you work like a robot, on autopilot, truly 24/7, managing the war, managing the economy, legislation, and regulations.

His comments were met with strong condemnation. The October Council issued a scathing response, stating, "Our children, siblings, and parents are the ones to blame for trusting you and being murdered on your watch." They sarcastically wished the victims had been an "asset" to him, as Hamas apparently was.

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The most horrific massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust happened on my watch.

Former hostage Or Levy also criticized Smotrich's remarks, particularly his claim that he was responsible for the return of hostages. Levy stated, "Had it been up to you, we would still not have returned." He further asserted, "To you, we are collateral damage in your madness. Bezalel Smotrich, you are a disgrace as a minister, a disgrace as a citizen, and a disgrace as a human being."

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You are fine. Our children, siblings, and parents are the ones to blame for trusting you and being murdered on your watch. We wish the 2,200 murdered victims and fallen soldiers had been an asset to you, as Hamas was. We apologize on their behalf for troubling you with nonsense such as responsibility.