Katz Urges Likud Vote to Continue Offensive Security Policy

Defense Minister Israel Katz urged voters on October 27 to back Likud, arguing that Israel faced a choice between continuing an offensive security policy and returning to containment and restraint. In a Hebrew Telegram post published at 7:45 a.m. Israel time, he linked his appeal for votes to the continuation of military initiative and decisive action. His message asked the public to give his side the strength to carry on its work. Katz presented his account of Israel's recent military actions as the case for that support. He said Israel had struck Iran twice and removed threats of destruction. He also said Israel had expanded its security boundaries in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, describing those measures as intended to protect Israeli communities. These were the achievements Katz invoked in advocating the offensive approach over the policy of containment he opposed. Turning to the eastern frontier, Katz said Israel was reinforcing and fortifying its border and the Jordan Valley. He also portrayed Israel's strength and determination as a concern for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israel's enemies. “Give us the strength to keep working!” Katz wrote. He concluded by urging a vote for Likud using its Hebrew ballot letters, מחל.