Defense Minister Katz Slams Ofer Winter's Criticism as Outdated

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sharply rebuked Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, following the elimination of Hamas's Rafah brigade commander. Winter had questioned the ongoing presence of a Rafah brigade after three years of war and five divisions fighting in Gaza, asking if such a formation could still exist.

Katz responded directly to Winter, stating, "Winter, you are not updated. Rafah and 70% of Gaza are empty of residents, the tunnels are destroyed, and the houses are demolished. The IDF is positioned in dozens of outposts, surrounding the remaining 30% from all directions in an unprecedented security zone that protects Israeli residents and eliminates many terrorists weekly, removing threats." He added that this is within the framework of a ceasefire that led to the release of all hostages, with the US and allied nations committed to disarming Hamas and destroying all tunnels.

Katz compared Winter's security analysis approach to that of former security establishment figures. "Your distorted criticism against the government and the IDF is very similar to that of the 'former officials' who sit in studios, holding outdated security views, ignoring facts and major achievements in Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, in order to attack the government," Katz stated. He concluded, "The people of Israel do not need more of this product, and it is very worrying regarding future scenarios."