Israel Katz: Hamas can agree to the Witkoff deal - or face annihilation

Defense Minister Israel Katz said today (Friday) that Operation Gideon's Chariots is following the "Rafah" model of occupying territory in the Gaza Strip and destroying all threats within.

Here is his full statement:

"The IDF continues its operations in Gaza at full strength, striking and dismantling Hamas strongholds, while evacuating the local population from every combat zone and attacking the area from air, land and sea on an unprecedented scale for maximum protection of our soldiers ahead of the entry of maneuvering forces in every area and during the maneuver.

"We are committed first and foremost to protecting our heroic soldiers in regular and reserve service above any other consideration.

"After neutralizing the terrorists and clearing the area, the IDF removes every threat according to the Rafah model, staying to hold the area.

"In this way we will achieve the goals of the war: freeing all the hostages while subduing and defeating Hamas.

"Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accepting the terms of a "Witkoff deal" for the release of the hostages, or be destroyed."

As of this writing, Hamas has expressed reservations and objections towards the Witkoff deal, but said that it's examining the deal together with other Palestinian terrorist factions.