Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, says Israel is prepared to “finish” the war in Gaza and remove Palestinians, suggesting the conflict will escalate toward further displacement. Speaking amid domestic political debate ahead of Israel’s 27 October elections, Katz frames the next phase as an inevitable continuation of the military offensive that followed the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack.
Katz claims that about 70% of Gaza’s population has already been “emptied” as a result of Israel’s operations, according to the accounts reported by both outlets. The South China Morning Post adds that his remarks come in response to criticism from another right-wing election contender, highlighting the extent to which the statements are tied to election messaging.
Free Malaysia Today and the South China Morning Post both report the same central figures and assertions: Katz’s promise of a “finish job,” his claim about the current extent of population displacement, and his stated intent regarding Palestinians. Neither outlet provides additional substantiating detail or official confirmation beyond attributing the claims to Katz.
