Netanyahu Criticizes Defense Minister Katz Over Social Media Comments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong criticism of Defense Minister Israel Katz during the cabinet meeting on Sunday, indirectly accusing him of "overstepping procedures" and "excessive tweeting." This was reported by Israeli Channel 14.

Netanyahu emphasized that sensitive security appointments, including that of the military attorney general, must be coordinated directly with him, signaling a clear rejection of any actions or statements made by Katz without consultation with the Prime Minister's office.

"Election Campaign Tweets"

Israeli sources indicated that a tweet posted by Katz on Sunday morning, which Netanyahu described as part of an "election attack," was not coordinated with him. The tweet appeared to reflect political positions that fall outside the Defense Minister's authority.

These sources added that Katz's statement regarding the prevention of a Palestinian state constitutes direct interference in political matters that are solely the domain of the government and its leader. Additionally, his comments about the positioning of the Israeli army in southern Syria touch on strategic issues linked to upcoming political agreements, which cannot be determined through individual statements.

Efforts to Curb "Tweets"

According to Israeli Military Radio, Netanyahu is attempting to rein in Katz's increasing social media comments, though observers doubt his ability to do so amid intense internal competition within the coalition.

Katz's Controversial Statements

Katz stated on "X" on Sunday morning that "Israeli policy is clear... There will be no Palestinian state," adding that Israeli forces will remain at the forefront of the Golan and within the buffer zone of Syrian territory. He emphasized that "all tunnels in Gaza will be dismantled and Hamas's weapons disarmed."

U.S. Pressure and Complex Negotiations

These statements come as the U.S. administration intensifies efforts to resolve the crisis involving Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels in the Rafah region of southern Gaza, while also pressuring the Netanyahu government to proceed with the second phase of the Gaza agreement.

The verbal dispute between Netanyahu and Katz reflects rising tensions within the Israeli government, given the complexity of security and political issues both domestically and internationally.