Israel’s Defense Minister Yisrael Katz arrived today (Wednesday) for a visit to the Morag Corridor in the Gaza Strip – a zone where the IDF has begun operating with increased force. The visit was conducted alongside senior IDF officials, including Southern Commander Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman and 36th Division Commander Brig. Gen. Moran Omer.
During the tour, Katz received an intelligence and operational briefing on the military activity taking place in the area, while expressing appreciation for the soldiers and commanders on the ground.
Watch the Minister:
“Gaza Is Becoming Smaller and More Isolated”
In his remarks, Katz clarified that the IDF is continuing Operation “Iron Swords” with determination, delivering ongoing blows to Hamas’s terror infrastructure and military capabilities. He stated that IDF forces are “eliminating terrorists, locating terror infrastructure, and slicing through the Strip—even in areas where we have not previously operated.”
The minister noted that entire regions in the Gaza Strip are being incorporated into Israel’s security buffer zones, creating a new reality on the ground: “Gaza is becoming smaller and more isolated.”
A Clear Warning: “We Will Escalate If the Hostages Are Not Returned”
Katz emphasized that the main objective of the operation is to reach a hostage deal. “If Hamas continues its refusal—we will move to intensified fighting across all of Gaza.”
He also addressed the voluntary emigration plan for Gaza residents, which he said aligns with the U.S. President’s vision, and added a direct message to Gaza’s civilians: “Remove Hamas and return the hostages—this is the only way to end the war.”
