Katz visited troops in Gaza City shortly before Hamas attacked nearby army post

By Emanuel Fabian

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8 October 2025, 6:44 pm

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Defense Minister Israel Katz (center) speaks with officers, including Southern Command chief Maj, Gen. Yaniv Asor (right) and 36th Division commander Brig. Gen. Moran Omer, in Gaza City, October 8, 2025. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited troops in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood earlier today, shortly before Hamas launched an attack on a nearby army position.

Katz’s office says the defense minister was briefed by commanders on the IDF’s activities in the area and he “praised them for their powerful actions, which created the conditions for negotiations to secure the release of all the hostages and the achievement of the war’s objectives.”

Hamas attempted to attack a Golani Brigade position on the southern outskirts of Gaza City after Katz’s visit. At least three gunmen were killed in the attempt, and two fled, according to the IDF.