America News Agency

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement on social media regarding opposition figure Yair Golan.

Katz alleged that Golan had previously accused Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers of "killing Palestinian babies in Gaza as a hobby," arguing that the remarks amounted to "a terrible blood libel" against the Israeli military worldwide.

Katz said that following those remarks, Golan was barred from entering IDF bases.

In his statement, Katz also criticized Golan's recent speeches, alleging that the opposition politician had targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, and had made inflammatory remarks against Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Katz claimed that such rhetoric encouraged Palestinian attackers to carry out attacks against Israeli soldiers and settlers.

Katz also referred to the security policies implemented since taking office, claiming that the strategy he has pursued together with Prime Minister Netanyahu had reduced terrorist attacks in the West Bank by 80 percent. He said that camps in Jenin, Nur Shams and Qalqilya where armed groups had been operating had been dismantled.

Katz further argued that the Israeli military continues to protect Israeli settlements and soldiers by maintaining control over security zones in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

Concluding his statement, Katz said the government would continue its "determined and offensive" security policy for Israel's security, while claiming that the opposition was boosting the morale of Israel's enemies.