Channel 13Security10:05

Defense Minister Blames Opposition for Future Attacks

Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba

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Hebrew · 16 newsrooms covering

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that opposition leaders would be blamed for any future attacks on Israel, citing intelligence about enemy intentions. Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot, fiercely criticized Katz, calling his statements irresponsible and a sign of the government's failures and panic. They accused the current leadership of prioritizing political survival over national security and warned of further disasters if they remain in power, urging voters to remove them in the upcoming election.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed opposition leaders for any future attacks on Israel.
Katz claimed the opposition's criticism of the government undermines Israeli deterrence.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called Katz's statement "irresponsible and hysterical."
Gadi Eisenkot stated the leadership is corrupt and dangerous, prioritizing political survival.
Yair Golan described the minister's declaration as a sign of panic and hysteria.
Efrat Rayten accused Katz of being a political operator endangering citizens.

Defense Minister Blames Opposition for Future Attacks — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Thursday that opposition leaders Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Yair Golan, and their colleagues would be held responsible for any future attacks or terror incidents against Israel. Katz made these remarks following criticism he received for a previous speech threatening Iran. He accused the opposition of undermining Israeli deterrence and encouraging enemies by attacking the Prime Minister and himself, claiming they possess intelligence about adversaries planning attacks, potentially to influence upcoming elections.

Katz emphasized that Israel remains vigilant and prepared for any eventuality, regardless of political processes. He asserted that the opposition's criticism, attributing ulterior motives to the government's warnings, demonstrates a disconnect from reality and narrow political interests, which he believes emboldens enemies.

Opposition figures strongly condemned Katz's statements. Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of "Yisrael," called the minister's accusations unprecedentedly low, stating that while the army is strong, the leadership is corrupt and dangerous. He argued that Netanyahu and Katz prioritize their political survival over Israel's security and urged voters to end their tenure in the upcoming election.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid described Katz's announcement as "irresponsible and hysterical" and a gift to Israel's enemies. He accused the government of seeking excuses for its failures in combating Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, and on the international stage, and warned that continued leadership by the current government could lead to further disasters like October 7th.

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, characterized the Defense Minister's declaration as a sign of panic and hysteria, indicating the minister is not mentally fit for the role and that such irresponsible statements incite violence. Efrat Rayten, Chairwoman of the Democrats faction, called Katz a political operator lacking responsibility and leadership, suggesting he and his allies are willing to endanger citizens and incite against opposition leaders to avoid electoral defeat.