Rom Braslavski, who survived captivity in Gaza, launched a blistering public attack Monday on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, criticizing both his handling of fuel pricing and his treatment of former hostages.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Braslavski opened by acknowledging his personal animosity toward the minister. "It's well known that I personally despise Smotrich because of the disgraceful stipend he gave to hostage survivors. But I'll put that aside, for now", he wrote.
Braslavski then turned his attention to recent fuel price fluctuations. He accused Smotrich of raising fuel prices approximately two weeks ago, only to lower them again and present the reduction as part of the government's effort to combat the rising cost of living.
"Smotrich, you fool, you raised fuel prices two weeks ago, and now you're lowering them back and claiming this is how you fight the cost of living", Braslavski wrote, adding sarcastically: "Wow. Simply a genius"!
The criticism extended beyond economic policy. Braslavski called for Smotrich's removal from political life entirely, emphasizing that his objections transcend traditional political divisions.
"Enough already, someone please send him home, it doesn't matter anymore right or left, the man is a fraudster", he wrote in the pointed post.
Braslavski concluded with a grave allegation regarding combat trauma victims and government funding. "I'll just note, six combat trauma victims committed suicide in the last month because they're not receiving funds from our successful finance minister", he claimed.
The public confrontation highlights growing frustration among some Israelis, including those who endured Hamas captivity, with government policies affecting vulnerable populations.
Smotrich, who leads the Religious Zionism party and serves as finance minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, has not yet responded to Braslavski's accusations
