Title: Israeli Finance Minister: We Failed in the Mission to Protect Israeli Citizens

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that "the leadership of the state and the security establishment failed to protect Israelis." He added in statements reported by the "Cairo News" channel, "As a member of the government, I bear responsibility for what has happened and what will happen." Smotrich continued: "I urge Netanyahu to stand firm against the irresponsible pressures that endanger Israel and harm the objectives of the war." He had previously emphasized the need to make every effort to quickly secure the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip and achieve victory in the war.