Katz Vows to Defeat Hamas as Gaza Occupation Plan Unfolds
Defense Minister Katz pledges to eliminate Hamas as cabinet approves Gaza occupation, despite IDF hostage concerns. Arab and European condemn the move while Netanyahu faces military dissent over strategy.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday vowed to eradicate Hamas and secure Israeli communities, declaring that the militant group “must not exist in Gaza” following a cabinet decision to press ahead with intensive operations in the territory.
In a statement posted on X, Katz said Hamas poses “a danger to Israel’s security” and, beyond the “horrific massacre” it carried out, remains part of the Muslim Brotherhood movement and continues to seek Israel’s destruction.
“Such a terrorist organization must not exist in Gaza,” Katz stressed. He said Thursday’s security cabinet decision to intensify operations sends a “clear message”—that Israel is determined to achieve the war’s objectives: the complete defeat of Hamas, the creation of conditions for the return of all hostages, and the establishment of a strong and comprehensive security perimeter in Gaza.
Katz noted that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been authorized to approve the IDF’s plans to implement the cabinet’s decisions and that the army is already preparing for their full execution. “Our enemies will find us as one strong and united fist that will strike them with great force,” he said, adding that international condemnation and sanctions threats “will not weaken our resolve.”
“The days when Jews did not defend themselves are gone,” he continued. “We must be worthy of our heroic soldiers… the hostages’ families awaiting their loved ones, the families of the fallen… and all the wounded who fought like lions to defend the homeland. Together we will act and prevail.”
החמאס מהווה סכנה לביטחון ישראל.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) August 8, 2025
מעבר לטבח הנורא שביצע, זהו ארגון קיצוני שהוא חלק מתנועת האחים המוסלמים ולא מפסיק גם כיום לחתור להשמדת ישראל.
אסור שארגון טרור מהסוג הזה יהיה בעזה.
החלטת הקבינט אתמול על המשך פעילות עוצמתית בעזה מעבירה מסר ברור - ישראל נחושה להשיג את מטרות…
IDF Chief: Gaza Plan Will Be Executed “In the Best Way”
Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Friday that the army would execute the Gaza occupation plan “in the best way,” despite reports he had warned of its implications, particularly for hostages held by Hamas.
According to a military statement, Zamir told commanders: “We are dealing with the new plan, we will deepen its planning, and we will prepare at the highest level as we have done every time in the past.” He pledged to maintain readiness for both the state’s security and the safe return of hostages, alongside the goal of eliminating Hamas. “As the battle develops, the army will work to preserve the lives of the hostages,” he said.
The Gaza occupation plan, approved by Israel’s security cabinet, has drawn strong criticism. Palestinian leadership labeled it a “new crime,” the United Kingdom called it “wrong,” and Germany suspended arms exports for use in Gaza. In Israel, hostage families warned the move would endanger the lives of their relatives.
According to the Times of Israel, the plan—focused initially on Gaza City—was approved overnight Thursday to Friday despite IDF warnings about risks to the 20 hostages believed to be alive. Residents have been given until Oct. 7, 2025, to evacuate, with the possibility of the IDF moving into other areas later.
Rift Between Netanyahu and IDF Chief
Before the cabinet meeting, Zamir reportedly opposed the full occupation of Gaza. The session followed the collapse of ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, with Zamir expected to present Netanyahu with multiple military options.
Netanyahu has informed ministers of his intent to seek full cabinet approval for occupying the Gaza Strip, a move Zamir is said to oppose. This disagreement has sparked fierce backlash from Netanyahu’s allies, with some urging Zamir to resign if he refuses to follow orders.
