Ofer Winter, Avigdor Lieberman Criticize Government Over Hamas Kidnapping Threats

Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, and MK Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, have both sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's statements regarding intelligence about Hamas's intentions to carry out kidnappings. Both politicians are positioning themselves to the right of the government's policy.

Winter argued that Israel should not merely issue threats in response to potential kidnappings, especially after the events of October 7th, when 251 soldiers and civilians were abducted. He stated that Gaza should have been evacuated on the second day of the war, with its population moved south, and that the government should pursue "migration" from Gaza instead of issuing threats. Winter emphasized that with intelligence indicating Hamas plans further abductions, Israel's security concept needs a fundamental change, moving from containment and reactivity to initiative and decision.

Lieberman focused his criticism on the fact that the threat of kidnappings still exists three years into the war. He asserted that this situation indicates the "bankruptcy" of the government responsible for the October 7th massacre. Lieberman claimed that Hamas has not been defeated, security has not been restored, and Katz's statement is another empty declaration from the government. He concluded that a government that has not defeated Hamas in three years never will.

Both Winter and Lieberman, in their distinct approaches, are challenging the government's response. Winter calls for immediate initiative, evacuation, and migration, while Lieberman insists that the government has failed to achieve a decisive victory and never will.