Ofer Winter Slams Defense Minister Katz Over Gaza War Strategy

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Israel' party, sharply criticized Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday, accusing the government of failing to achieve decisive victory against Hamas and advance a plan for Gazan emigration.

Winter stated that while the war has seen many achievements, Hamas has not been defeated, nor has a voluntary emigration plan for Gazans materialized. He revealed that Gallant had previously approached him to establish an emigration directorate, a role Winter accepted because he believed "there is no decision without voluntary emigration." However, Winter claimed the initiative stalled when he demanded real authority and submitted a detailed plan, accusing Gallant of backing down. "You had an open check from the American administration and you threw it in the trash," Winter asserted.

Winter also criticized the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and preparations for inspection mechanisms. He argued that while Gallant highlights combat achievements, he is simultaneously "building magnetometers to satisfy Hamas" and allowing hundreds of aid trucks daily. Winter questioned why, three years after October 7th, Hamas has not been eliminated, and why living terrorists who murdered Israelis remain in Gaza while the IDF is described as prepared.

Winter's remarks followed an earlier attack by Gallant, who questioned Winter's inquiry about the continued command of the Rafah brigade after three years of war. Gallant dismissed Winter as "not updated," listed IDF achievements in Gaza, and characterized his criticism as similar to that of former officials with an "outdated security concept." Gallant added that the IDF is prepared to eliminate Hamas and complete operations in Gaza if given the order.