Defense Minister Katz Rejects Opposition's Demand on Military Actions

Defense Minister Israel Katz has rejected a warning from National Unity Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot against undertaking significant military operations during a transitional government period. Katz stated that Israel's security does not await political processes.

Katz criticized opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a letter Eisenkot sent to Netanyahu. In the letter, Eisenkot urged the avoidance of major military actions while the government is in a transitional phase. Katz dismissed this demand, asserting that security decisions would continue to be made by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and the government, without requiring opposition approval.

"We do not need approval from the opposition or any legal entity to instruct the IDF to carry out eliminations in Gaza, defensive and offensive operations in Lebanon, maintain the security zone in Syria to protect the Golan Heights settlements, evacuate a terrorist neighborhood in Hebron, an operation that proved itself beyond measure in creating a strong deterrent effect, and continue offensive operations against terrorism in Judea and Samaria," Katz declared. He also addressed the possibility of military actions against the regime in Tehran, stating, "Even against Iran, we have demonstrated decisiveness and judgment, in full coordination with the IDF, and so it will be now as required."

The Defense Minister emphasized the need to separate the political situation from the government's security responsibilities. "Israel's security is not in transition and does not await the political processes unfolding concurrently. There is one Prime Minister, one Defense Minister who direct the IDF, and one government responsible for making decisions regarding Israel's security and the defense of the residents of the State of Israel, and this is, of course, under existing and required oversight. This is how it was and how it will be in the future," he concluded.