Defense Minister Israel Katz participated this evening (Monday) in an event marking 33 years since the passing of Prime Minister Menachem Begin, of blessed memory, at the Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem. In his remarks, Katz addressed the situation in Gaza, the ongoing hostage release negotiations, and the peace agreement with Egypt.
We Will Not Allow Them to Violate the Agreement
In light of various reports about Egypt’s armament in the Sinai Peninsula, the minister stated that Egypt is the largest and most powerful Arab nation. According to him, the peace agreement with Egypt was a leadership decision that changed history and the state’s situation. “But,” Katz added, “we will not allow them to violate the agreement; we will not permit violations of our infrastructure. We are addressing this matter, but the agreement remains in effect.”
We Have Halted Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Katz mentioned the return of the fallen hostages. “In recent days, we brought to burial in Israel, with a heavy heart, eight more fallen who were murdered by terrorists in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement with Hamas terrorists, and the heavy prices Israel has paid, and is willing to pay in the future, are aimed at bringing about the quick release of all living Israeli hostages and ensuring the burial of all hostages who are no longer alive. This is our moral obligation and our utmost goal.”
He noted that the government is currently working to achieve this goal. “Despite the repeated violations by the Hamas terrorist organization and its refusal to accept the framework proposed by President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Witkoff, we responded to the mediators’ request to allow for a few more days of negotiation, and in the meantime, we have halted humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
But Hamas Should Not Misunderstand – This is Just the Beginning
“If Hamas does not release the hostages soon, the gates of Gaza will close, and the gates of hell will open. We will return to fighting, and they will meet the IDF with forces and methods they have never known, until a complete resolution is achieved. We will never allow Hamas to control Gaza again.”
The Defense Minister concluded by stating that the fighting will end with two clear achievements: “The release of all our hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’s rule in Gaza.”
