Katz warns of full Gaza evacuation over any new abductions by Hamas

• Katz affirmed that 'Israeli' forces will maintain active security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, adding that 'Israel' remains ready to strike Iran to bring down its regime if necessary.

'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that any abduction of an ‘Israeli’ soldier or civilian would trigger the immediate, total evacuation of Gaza City.

Speaking at a state memorial service at Mount Herzl, Katz emphasized that ‘Israeli’ forces will maintain active troop deployments across multiple regional security zones and warned that ‘Israel’ remains prepared to strike Iran to target its ruling regime if necessary.

Directing his remarks toward Hamas, Katz stated that ‘Israel’ would respond with maximum force to any attempt to take ‘Israeli’ hostages.

"If one Israeli soldier or civilian is abducted, the entire city of Gaza, with its homes and terror towers, will be evacuated south of its one million residents," Katz warned. 

He added that the area would face total destruction similar to past offensives in Rafah and Beit Hanoun.

Katz also reaffirmed that 'Israeli' forces will not withdraw from their positions in Gaza as long as Hamas retains a presence and the territory remains un-demilitarized.

Outlining 'Israel's' broader defensive strategy, Katz confirmed that military forces will remain deployed in designated security zones in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria.

He addressed the wider geopolitical conflict by warning Tehran directly, stating that ‘Israel’ stands ready to conduct further military strikes against Iran to bring down the regime if provoked.

"We are acting against threats across all fronts," Katz said, citing heightened intelligence regarding regional threats.