Israel Katz issued a festive announcement - and surprised defense establishment officials

Defense Minister Israel Katz published a festive statement in which he congratulated the elimination of three Hamas terrorists in Gaza and declared that the time for dismantling the organization is approaching. Sources in the defense establishment said this was a relatively routine targeted operation, and the statement raised eyebrows among senior officials.

Defense Minister Israel Katz published a festive statement in which he praised the IDF and Shin Bet for eliminating three Hamas terrorists in Gaza and declared that "the time for dismantling the organization is approaching." However, according to defense establishment sources, this was a relatively routine targeted operation, and the statement raised eyebrows among senior IDF officials. The IDF reported that it eliminated a cell leader and two terrorists from Hamas's military wing in the Daraj Tuffah area of northern Gaza. According to estimates, about 900 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists have been eliminated since the ceasefire in Gaza began in October 2025. The gap between the minister's festive tone and the routine nature of the operation stands at the center of the report.