MK Yaakov “Ketzaleh” Katz (Ichud Leumi) had strong criticism for President Shimon Peres after the latter praised residents of southern Israel for their bravery in the face of rocket fire.

“Seven years after the crime of the IDF’s retreat from Gush Katif, the expulsion of ten thousand Jews and the abandonment of the entire south – one third of the state of Israel – by Sharon and Peres, it would be best for Peres to watch his words when talking about the bravery of those in the south in the face of a rocket barrage,” Ketzaleh said. “He is directly responsible for their situation.”