Jerusalem: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has come under fire following his statement that forming a government with support from Arab lawmakers would be 'worse' than the events of October 7, 2023. His comments have sparked a widespread backlash across Israel's political spectrum.

According to Anadolu Agency, Smotrich's remarks come amid opinion polls indicating that Israel's main opposition bloc may struggle to form a government without the backing of Arab parties. The next general elections in Israel are slated for October unless early polls are called. Current polls suggest that if elections were held now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc would secure around 50 seats, the opposition about 60, and Arab parties approximately 10 seats. A government requires the support of at least 61 members in the 120-seat Knesset to form.

In a recent interview on local 103 FM radio, Smotrich, who leads the Religious Zionism party, commented, "A government with Mansour Abbas is worse than Oct. 7," highlighting the potential influence of Arab parties in coalition outcomes. Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, had previously supported a coalition led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid in 2021, which prevented Netanyahu from forming a coalition government.

In response to Smotrich's remarks, Abbas stated, "Even on its worst day, the Change Government was a thousand times better than the disaster government Smotrich is part of." He further criticized the current government, expressing intentions to change the administration he described as extremist.

Smotrich's comments have incited strong reactions from various political figures and media personalities. Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief and head of the opposition Yashar Party, condemned Smotrich, accusing him of failing to heed expert warnings that could have prevented the October 7 disaster. Eisenkot denounced what he called the government's failure and refusal to accept responsibility.

Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, accused Smotrich of prioritizing political survival over citizens' lives, implying that Smotrich values the continuation of his government more than the well-being of Israeli citizens. Golan vowed to replace the current government and seek justice for the victims of October 7.

The media also weighed in, with Maariv columnist Ben Caspit arguing that Smotrich's statements reveal his true beliefs rather than a mere editorial error. Caspit criticized Smotrich's portrayal as a rational politician, asserting that his real views equate the formation of a change government with the tragic events of October 7.

In the face of mounting criticism, Smotrich defended his comments, accusing detractors of twisting his words for political purposes. He expressed concern over the media's portrayal of his statement, claiming that attempts to downplay the attack were 'unacceptable.'

Last month, Together Party leaders Bennett and Lapid echoed a similar stance against forming a coalition with Arab parliament members, a position criticized by over 80 Arab and Jewish peace organizations. In a joint statement, these organizations argued that excluding Arabs from the political process is both a moral issue and a strategic mistake, emphasizing the necessity of including Arabs in any future solutions and political settlements with Palestinians.