From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Visiting troops in Gaza, Katz says Israel won’t ‘give up or compromise’ on defeating Hamas, recovering hostages
Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF troops in Rafah today, accompanied by Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, Tourism Minister Haim Katz, and senior officers from reserve brigades operating in the Strip.
According to a statement from the defense minister’s office, Katz met with reservists, heard firsthand about the challenges they face and pledged continued support.
“The maneuver is aimed at achieving two goals — returning the hostages and ensuring Hamas no longer exists here. We will not let go of this objective,” Katz said.
“To kill the enemy, bring the hostages home and win — that is our mission. There’s no chance we’ll give it up or compromise on it,” he said. “Hamas has not changed. It wants to continue what it did and to destroy [Israel].”
Katz also accused Hamas of working with Iran to implement its plan to destroy Israel by launching missile attacks and coordinating invasions from Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and other fronts.
The Times of Israel Community.