Israeli Defense Minister Katz Vows No Withdrawal from Gaza Until Hamas Disarmed and Tunnels Destroyed

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, in a special interview on the program "The Patriots," addressed escalating tensions with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Katz warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would be met with a powerful counterstrike, stating, "If Iran attacks Israel, it will receive a crushing blow." He criticized the Israeli media for allegedly downplaying Israel's achievements against Tehran, emphasizing the public deserves to know about these successes.

Regarding Gaza, Katz firmly stated that Israel will not withdraw from its security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria until its military objectives are met. He highlighted the extensive underground tunnel network in Gaza, describing it as far larger than previously estimated and dismissing claims that Israel had destroyed Gaza's "metro" tunnel system as a joke. Katz pledged, "We will not move from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed and the tunnels are destroyed."

On the security situation in the West Bank, Katz said that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have ordered an investigation into which refugee camp is the source of terrorism there, with plans to take control of it. Katz's comments underscore Israel's commitment to maintaining security zones and intensifying efforts against Hamas and Iranian threats in the region.