Israel is “very close” to launching a military campaign in the Gaza Strip in which the leaders of the terrorist organizations in Gaza will be “wiped out” and their forces “destroyed,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday.
Katz’ remarks followed a significant uptick in tensions between Israel and the terrorist forces in the coastal enclave over the weekend, which saw multiple rockets launched at Israel, an armed-drone attack and a renewal of violent riots at the border fence. Israel responded by striking multiple Hamas targets on Saturday.
Speaking to Israel’s Reshet Bet radio just nine days before Israel’s Sept. 17 general elections, Katz pointed a finger squarely at Iran.
“Israel’s conflict with the terrorist organizations in Gaza is close to reaching the tipping point thanks to Iranian influence,” said Katz.
“In this campaign, it is clear that the top leaders of the terrorist organizations will be wiped out and its force destroyed,” he said.