Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel does not need approval from the opposition or any judicial authority to direct the military and carry out military operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Iran.
Katz said Israel does not require approval from the opposition or any judicial body to order the military to carry out targeted killings in the Gaza Strip, launch defensive and offensive operations in Lebanon, maintain the security zone in Syria to protect communities in the Golan Heights, evacuate a neighborhood in Hebron where militants are present, or continue offensive operations against what he described as “terrorism” in the West Bank.
He added that the operation to evacuate the neighborhood in Hebron had proved more effective than expected and had helped create a strong deterrent effect.
Regarding Iran, Katz said Israel had demonstrated “resolve and sound judgment” in full coordination with the Israeli military, stressing that this approach would continue as necessary.
Katz: Israel’s Security Is Not in a Transitional Phase
The Israeli defense minister stressed that his country’s security was not in a transitional phase and would not be put on hold pending parallel political procedures. He emphasized that the prime minister and the defense minister are the ones who issue instructions to the military.
He added that there is one government responsible for decisions concerning Israel’s security and the protection of its residents, within the framework of existing and necessary oversight.
Katz concluded his remarks by saying: “That is how it has been, and that is how it will remain in the future.”
Dispute With Eisenkot Over Security Decisions
Katz’s remarks came in response to positions expressed by Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party and the politician tasked with forming the next government. Eisenkot had called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to take serious security-related steps before a new government is formed.
Eisenkot pointed out that Netanyahu heads a transitional government that no longer enjoys the confidence of the Knesset. He warned that deploying security forces without a clear course of action and explicit authorization could have serious consequences for Israeli democracy and public confidence in government institutions.
He also called on Netanyahu to summon the heads of the security agencies and brief them on their responsibilities and the decisions required during the transitional period.
