Katz: Scenario for a new kidnapping attempt is being prepared

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that a scenario for a possible kidnapping of a soldier or citizen is being prepared, threatening Hamas with a harsh response, including relocating Gaza City southward. Katz also mentioned preemptive strikes against Iran and security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Ofer Winter criticized the statement, pointing out that kidnappings had already occurred on October 7.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday, September 22, issued a statement on the security situation. He reported that a scenario for a new attempt to kidnap an Israeli soldier or civilian is being prepared, and warned Hamas and its supporters of a harsh response. Katz threatened that in the event of a kidnapping, the entire city of Gaza would be moved south along with its residents, as was done during Operation "Chariots of Gideon — 2." He also spoke of preemptive strikes against Iran, the elimination of Ali Khamenei, and the creation of security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Ofer Winter, the party chairman, criticized Katz's statement, noting that kidnappings had already occurred on October 7, when 251 people were abducted. Winter called for a change in security policy towards initiative and decisive action, rather than restraint and reaction.