Defense Minister Katz Slams Ofer Winter Over Gaza War Criticism

Defense Minister Israel Katz launched a sharp verbal attack on Ofer Winter on Wednesday, responding to Winter's criticism of the war's progress in the Gaza Strip. Winter had questioned how Hamas still controls parts of Rafah and operates in Gaza after years of fighting.

"Winter, you are not updated," Katz stated, asserting that the reality on the ground differs from Winter's portrayal. The Defense Minister claimed that Rafah and 70% of Gaza are now depopulated, tunnels are being destroyed, and the IDF occupies dozens of positions around the remaining 30% of the territory. He added that this security zone protects Israeli communities and eliminates terrorists weekly.

Katz explained that the current situation is part of a ceasefire that led to the release of all hostages and included commitments from the US and allied nations to disarm Hamas and destroy its tunnels. However, he believes these commitments will not be met without further action, stating, "We all understand that this will not happen, and the IDF is prepared, given the directive to eliminate Hamas, to complete the job so that we can also implement the emigration plan."

The Defense Minister then directly accused Winter of presenting a distorted picture of the war's achievements. Katz likened Winter's "distorted criticism" against the government and the IDF to that of former officials and outdated security thinkers who ignore facts and achievements in Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to attack the government.

Katz concluded with a pointed remark, suggesting that "the people of Israel do not need more of this product, and this is very worrying regarding future scenarios."