Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has strongly criticised a military decision to withdraw an army division from the northern Gaza Strip.

The army withdrew its 36th Division from the Gaza Strip yesterday for rest and training while three other divisions remain in the bombarded and besieged Palestinian territory. The move was seen as part of the Israeli army’s plans for a long war in the Gaza Strip.

“The decision to withdraw the Israeli army from Hamas strongholds in Gaza is a grave and dangerous mistake that will cost human lives,” Ben-Gvir said on X.