Minister Katz: The IDF's operational capability is a condition for any political arrangement in Lebanon
Defense Minister Israel Katz visited one of the IDF Intelligence bases in central Israel this morning (Wednesday), along with the head of Military Intelligence, Major General Shlomi Binder, and the unit commander, Brigadier General Y. Katz thanked the IDF Intelligence personnel for their significant contribution to Israel's security and for the many achievements that save lives and enable the decisive campaign against Israel's enemies.
During the visit, Minister Katz received a comprehensive intelligence briefing on the intelligence and operational efforts across all arenas, with an emphasis on the arena in Lebanon.
Minister Katz: "I came to visit here on one of my first visits to the IDF because here lies the ability to grant Israel a relative advantage over all the arenas we are currently confronting." If I take the last operation 'Days of Repentance' in Iran, intelligence was the foundation and basis for the planning capability and the Air Force's ability to operate in an amazing and precise manner, and to hit targets in a way that was effective and astonished the Iranians and the enemy.
"We were attacked on October 7, and this unit is also part of the deep intelligence failure that occurred here in the State of Israel. It wasn't just in intelligence; it was across all fields. However, the unit is also a huge part of the recovery and the ability to restore Israel to its status." This intelligence capability, this operational capability, this decision-making capability is the asset that the State of Israel possesses, and with it, we need to move forward.
"In Gaza, the situation is complex; the hostages are at the top of the value priority list, and our ultimate goal is to bring them home by any means possible. The enemy there is an enemy that is exceptional even compared to other enemies who have all inscribed the destruction of Israel on their banners. We will need to act in every possible way to achieve the goals, bring back the hostages, and ensure that Hamas will not be there the day after."
"In all other arenas, it's black and white. We need to be on the side of the capable and the good, and they are on the side of the bad and the failures, and you need to contribute your unique contribution so that we can achieve this. The condition for any political arrangement in Lebanon is the preservation of intelligence capabilities and the maintenance of the IDF's right to operate and protect Israeli citizens from Hezbollah."