Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to the release of footage showing hostage Evyatar David in a severely weakened state by insisting that Israel will not yield to what he described as emotional manipulation by Hamas. Smotrich argued that the video's purpose was to pressure Israel into halting its military campaign. He declared that the only appropriate response is the total destruction of Hamas and the unconditional return of all hostages. Smotrich emphasized that Israel's fight against Hamas will continue relentlessly.