ARUTZ SHEVA
Security Cabinet discussion: IDF Chief opposes deporting Rafah terrorists
November 7, 2025

The Security Cabinet convened on Thursday evening to review developments across multiple combat zones, including the escalation on the northern border and ongoing operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. One item on the agenda was how to deal with the “trapped” terrorists in Rafah. According to a Channel 12 News report, Defense Minister Israel Katz said the idea of deporting the roughly 200 terrorists from Gaza had been considered previously. Katz told the Cabinet that, after repeated ceasefire violations by Hamas and incidents in which three IDF soldiers were killed following the agreement, the deportation option was removed from the table. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz reportedly asked IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir whether he supported deportation. Zamir answered bluntly: “Absolutely not. I’m not in favor of releasing them. They should be killed. As far as I’m concerned, they should either be eliminated or surrender.” READ MORE

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