Defense Minister Katz Slams Ofer Vinter's Criticism of Gaza War Effort

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sharply rebuked Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, following Vinter's criticism of the ongoing war in Gaza. Vinter questioned the continued existence of a Hamas brigade in Rafah after three years of fighting, asking if there was still a Rafah brigade commander. Katz responded that Vinter was "not updated," stating that 70% of Gaza is empty of residents, tunnels are destroyed, and homes are demolished. He asserted that the IDF occupies dozens of positions around the remaining 30% of Gaza, creating an unprecedented security zone that protects Israeli communities and eliminates terrorists weekly.

Katz accused Vinter of offering "distorted criticism" similar to that of former security officials who ignore facts and achievements in Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to attack the government. He suggested this outdated security perspective is worrying for future scenarios. Katz also referenced a "ceasefire" that led to the release of all hostages, with the US and allied nations committed to disarming Hamas and destroying its tunnels.

Vinter retorted that while there have been achievements, there has been no decisive victory or voluntary emigration from Gaza. He claimed he was offered the role of establishing an emigration directorate but was not given the necessary authority, and that Katz "ran away" from the plan. Vinter alleged that Katz received an open check from the US administration for this purpose but discarded it. He further criticized the deployment of magnetometers and the daily transfer of hundreds of supply trucks to Hamas, the same organization responsible for the October 7th attacks.

Vinter concluded by questioning why, three years after October 7th, Hamas has not been eliminated and why terrorists who committed atrocities in Israel are still alive. He urged the Defense Minister to abandon current strategies and achieve a decisive victory.