Smotrich responds to accusations: "Simply fake" 

After it was reported yesterday (Tuesday) that Prime Minister Netanyahu tried to coordinate an attack on Rafah with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who replied that he would only deal with increased prices in Israel after an operation was launched, Smotrich flatly denied the accusations, labeling them as "fake news."

"Simply a fake. No such thing took place. I have never refused to meet with the Prime Minister on the issue of the cost of living," he wrote on his X account. "I am working to curb price increases that are harming all of us and promote moves to correct years of market failures through the reform we passed, the committee I established to break up centralization in the food market, and other moves."

Smotrich received criticism after it was reported that he was "holding Israelis hostage." Media outlets in Israel blasted the minister, saying that his role consisted of making life more affordable for everyday people - not issuing ultimatums to the Prime Minister.