Ex-IDF General Slams Defense Minister Over Gaza Hostage Threats

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Amcha Israel" movement, sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday. Katz had revealed intelligence warnings that Hamas is planning to abduct Israeli soldiers or civilians.

Winter questioned Katz's statement, noting that Hamas had already abducted 251 soldiers and civilians on October 7th. "Excuse me??? You probably forgot that this already happened," Winter stated, adding, "On October 7th, 251 soldiers and civilians were abducted! You are confused."

Winter argued that Israel needs to take initiative rather than merely warning of future Hamas actions. "Gaza should have been evacuated on the second day of the war and the population pushed south. Instead of threatening, start implementing migration," he declared.

He accused the Defense Minister's remarks of reflecting a passive security approach where Israel waits for enemy action before responding. "You have a warning that the terrorist organization that massacred, murdered, and abducted hundreds of civilians plans to do it again, and you are threatening what will happen if they actually do it?" Winter questioned.

Winter called for a fundamental change in Israel's security policy, advocating for initiative and decisive action over containment and reactivity. "Israel's security concept must change from the ground up. Containment and reactivity must be thrown in the trash can, and in their place must come initiative and decision," he concluded.