“This is the language that the jihadist terrorist organizations in Gaza and Lebanon understand,” Katz warned.
By United with Israel Staff
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas on Tuesday that any attempt to abduct an Israeli soldier or civilian would trigger a sweeping Israeli response in Gaza, saying the warning came amid intelligence indicating possible kidnapping plans.
Speaking at the state memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers of the Yom Kippur War at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Katz issued the warning to Hamas and its supporters, specifically mentioning Iran and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“In light of various intentions and intelligence, I warn the terrorist organization and its supporters, from Iran to Erdogan: If even one Israeli soldier or civilian is abducted, Gaza City, with its homes and terror towers, will be completely evacuated, and its one million residents will be moved south,” Katz said.
Katz said Israel would respond as it did during Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, threatening to treat Gaza City in the same manner as Rafah, Beit Hanoun and large portions of the Gaza Strip until the abducted Israeli was returned.
“This is the language that the jihadist terrorist organizations in Gaza and Lebanon understand, and this is the language we speak: evacuating the population, destroying infrastructure and taking territory,” Katz said.
The remarks came amid heightened Israeli concern that Hamas could attempt to abduct troops in Gaza. Ynet reported that forces operating in the Strip have been instructed to increase their vigilance amid fears Hamas could seek to retaliate for a series of recent Israeli targeted killings.
Katz also said Israel would not withdraw from the current “yellow line” deployment in Gaza to new positions as long as Hamas remains in place and the territory has not been demilitarized of weapons and tunnels.
The defense minister framed the policy as part of Israel’s lessons from the October 7 attacks, saying the IDF is maintaining security zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to prevent jihadist forces from establishing themselves close to Israeli communities.
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