Israeli Defense Minister Vows to Eliminate Hamas, Citing IDF Readiness

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday criticized retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, for questioning the continued existence of the Hamas Rafah Brigade after three years of war. Winter had publicly asked how a brigade could still be operational after such a prolonged conflict.

Katz responded that Winter was "not updated," asserting that Rafah and approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip are now empty of residents, with tunnels being destroyed and homes demolished. He stated that the IDF occupies dozens of positions along a "unprecedented security line" surrounding the remaining 30% of the territory, aimed at protecting Israeli communities and targeting militants. The minister also mentioned that the current situation operates under a "ceasefire" that facilitated the release of all hostages.

He acknowledged a commitment from the United States and allied nations to disarm Hamas and destroy its tunnels. However, Katz made an unusual statement regarding the likelihood of this commitment being fulfilled, saying, "We all understand that this will not happen, and the IDF is prepared, given the directive, to eliminate Hamas and complete the job so that we can also realize the immigration plan."

Katz accused Winter of presenting a "distorted" critique of the government and the IDF, comparing it to commentators with an "outdated security concept" who ignore Israel's achievements in various arenas, including Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The Defense Minister concluded that "the people of Israel do not need more of this product, and it is very worrying regarding future scenarios."