Israel Katz: Security Operations Will Continue Despite Political Transitions
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel's government will continue directing military operations across all fronts despite political transitions, following an IDF strike in Khan Yunis.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that the incumbent government will continue making security decisions and directing the IDF across all arenas, regardless of political negotiations to form a new administration. His remarks came hours after an airstrike at the Nasser Hospital complex in Khan Yunis, which reportedly eliminated senior Hamas commander Khaled Abu Awwad.
"We do not need approval from the opposition or any legal authority to direct the IDF to carry out targeted eliminations in Gaza, defensive and offensive operations in Lebanon, maintaining the security zone in Syria to protect Golan Heights communities, evacuating a terrorist-backed neighborhood in Hebron—an operation that proved exceptionally effective in creating a strong deterrent effect—and continuing offensive counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria," Katz declared.
The Defense Minister emphasized that this stance applies equally to Iran, against the backdrop of ongoing security tensions and the potential for further actions to counter threats emanating from Tehran.
"We have demonstrated decisiveness and sound judgment vis-à-vis Iran, in full coordination with the IDF—and that will remain the case moving forward as required," he said.
Israeli Security Defies Political Transitions
Katz stressed that ongoing political developments do not alter the current government's authority and responsibility to manage security affairs. "Israel's security is not in transition and does not wait for concurrent political proceedings," he emphasized.
Katz added: "There is one prime minister, one defense minister guiding the IDF, and one government responsible for decision-making regarding Israel's security and the defense of its citizens, alongside necessary oversight." The Defense Minister concluded with a sharp message: "So it was, and so it will be in the future."
Katz's remarks follow an airstrike carried out by the Israeli Air Force early Thursday morning at the Nasser Hospital complex in the southern Gaza Strip.
According to reports, Hamas's Khan Yunis brigade commander, Khaled Abu Awwad, known as Abu Osama, was killed in the strike. According to announcements by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit and the Shin Bet, the targeted terrorists were hiding within the hospital compound and advancing terror plots against Israel.
Defense establishment officials revealed that Hamas had transformed the medical complex into a headquarters used for storing weaponry, operating command-and-control rooms, and conducting surveillance. Furthermore, Hamas security and intelligence operatives reportedly used the compound to carry out interrogations and torture.
According to Palestinian reports, six people were killed and more than 20 others were wounded in the strike, with reports indicating a doctor working at the facility was among the dead. The IDF emphasized that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance.
Katz's statement extends beyond the latest Gaza operation, signaling broadly that the incumbent government will continue exercising its security powers across all fronts while the political establishment negotiates the formation of the next coalition.
