The American commitment, and Katz's message: "The IDF is prepared to eliminate Hamas"

Defense Minister Israel Katz attacked "Amcha Yisrael" chairman Ofer Winter over criticism he published regarding the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Katz referred to the American commitment to disarm Hamas and destroy the tunnels, but clarified that everyone understands this will not happen, and that the IDF is prepared to complete the job given the directive, including implementing the emigration plan.

Defense Minister Israel Katz attacked this morning (Wednesday) the chairman of the "Amcha Yisrael" party, Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, following criticism he published regarding the conduct of the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Winter questioned how, after three years of war, the Rafah Brigade still exists. In response, Katz claimed that Rafah and about 70% of the Strip's area are empty of residents, the tunnels are being destroyed and the houses are demolished, and that the IDF is sitting on the "yellow line" in dozens of outposts. According to him, the forces are surrounding the remaining 30% as part of an "unprecedented security zone." Later, Katz referred to the existing arrangement and the United States' commitment to disarm Hamas and destroy the tunnels, but added a remarkable statement: "We all understand that this will not happen, and the IDF is prepared, given the directive, to eliminate Hamas and complete the work so that we can also implement the emigration plan." Katz accused Winter that his criticism is "distorted" and compared it to the criticism of "former people sitting in studios."