Netanyahu Criticizes Defense Minister Katz Over Social Media Comments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz during the government meeting on Sunday, without naming him directly. He accused Katz of "overstepping procedures" and having an "excess of tweets," suggesting that Katz was attempting to take credit for security achievements, according to Channel 14 Israel.

Netanyahu emphasized that sensitive security appointments, including the military prosecutor position, are made in direct coordination with him, signaling his disapproval of any actions or statements made by Katz without consulting the Prime Minister's office.

"Election Tweets"

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

Sources added that Katz's statement about prohibiting the establishment of a Palestinian state represents a direct intervention in political matters exclusive to the government and its leader. Additionally, Katz's comments regarding the Israeli military's position in southern Syria could impact strategic issues related to future political agreements, thus requiring more than individual posts to address.

Efforts to Curb "Tweets"

According to Israel's Army Radio, Netanyahu is attempting to limit Katz's increasing social media statements. However, observers are skeptical about his ability to do so amid rising internal competition within the coalition.

Tensions from Katz's Statements

Katz stated in a post on "X" that "Israeli policy is clear... There will be no Palestinian state," asserting that Israeli forces will remain on Mount Hermon and in the buffer zone within Syrian borders, while reaffirming the destruction of all tunnels in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.

U.S. Pressures and Complicated Negotiations

These statements come as the U.S. administration intensifies efforts to address the crisis involving Hamas fighters entrenched in tunnels in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip, alongside pressures on Netanyahu's government to advance the second phase of the Gaza agreement.

The verbal clash between Netanyahu and Katz underscores the increasing tensions within Israel's governing body amid the complexities of both internal and external security and political issues.