Katz says opposition leaders to blame for any future attacks on Israel

Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Thursday that future attacks on Israel would be blamed on opposition leaders who questioned government security warnings, sparking backlash from the opposition. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Katz of handing Israel's enemies a "gift" by making the statement.

Katz accused opposition figures Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Golan, among others, of repeatedly attacking him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, casting doubt on their reasons for warning of potential attacks during the election or while voting. He said the warnings were based on government information and did not disclose the intelligence or identify a specific attack.

Katz emphasized the importance of demonstrating to enemies that Israel is aware, determined, and prepared for any possibility. He argued that accusations of ulterior motives reflected narrow political considerations, undermined Israeli deterrence, and encouraged enemies to act.

Lapid responded, calling Katz's statement a "gift to Israel's enemies," accusing the government of failure in eradicating Hamas, bringing down Iran, and eliminating Hezbollah, while seeking to blame opposition figures. He criticized the government's inability to run the country and provide security for its citizens, portraying it as a circus.

Other opposition leaders, including Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Democrat head Yair Golan, decried Katz's statement, accusing him of laying the groundwork for future disasters and shifting responsibility. Golan criticized Katz's "lack of mental fortitude for the job" and called the incitement a reason not to join a coalition with these individuals.