Smotrich Blasts Netanyahu: “This Is a Leadership Failure at the Top”
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accuses IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir of failing to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Hamas, and criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu for not enforcing cabinet decisions.
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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a scathing attack Monday morning on IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, accusing him of failing to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Hamas, and criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for not enforcing the cabinet’s directives.
“In managing the humanitarian effort in a way that prevents it from reaching Hamas, the Chief of Staff is not fulfilling his duty,” Smotrich said in a sharply worded post on social media. “This aid has effectively become logistical support for the enemy, in the midst of war.”
Referring to the cabinet’s decision to resume aid distribution via what he called “the old method,” Smotrich claimed the policy enables Hamas access to supplies and warned that he and his party are now “weighing their next steps.”
He said, "The truth must be told: Alongside the great achievements in all combat zones, when it comes to managing the humanitarian effort in a way that it does not reach Hamas - the Chief of Staff is not meeting his mission and is forcing the political echelon to introduce aid that reaches Hamas and turns into logistical supply for the enemy during wartime.
This is not a criticism against the IDF, God forbid. Not against the heroic soldiers in regular and reserve duty, nor against most of the commanders. On the contrary - this is a clear demand coming from them, from their families, and from everyone with common sense, aimed at preventing the strengthening of the enemy and endangering our soldiers' lives, God forbid ... t’s about a leadership failure at the top,” he said.
Smotrich also pointed a finger at the Prime Minister, saying: “"With all due respect, my criticism is also directed at the prime minister, who throughout the months of the war has not succeeded in implementing the decisions of the political echelon and enforcing them on the senior command of the IDF on this critical issue for victory - the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages."
“Israel’s defense establishment has proven its extraordinary capabilities against Iran, Hezbollah, Syria and Hamas,” Smotrich added. “To claim that the most powerful military in the region can’t ensure aid isn’t diverted to the enemy is unacceptable.”