Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz pledged Tuesday that Israel would not fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip. He also announced plans for the construction of 1,200 housing units in a West Bank settlement.
Speaking at a press conference held in the Beit El settlement near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Katz stated that Israel would establish settlements in northern Gaza. This declaration appears to contradict the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories.
“Israel will never fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip,” Katz asserted. “We are deeply entrenched in Gaza and will never leave. This is impossible.”
He further vowed to establish new agricultural-military outposts, known as Nahal outposts, in northern Gaza, replacing the settlements that were evacuated as part of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Nahal outposts are part of a military program where groups of young Israelis volunteer together and later form civilian communities.
Katz stated, “When the time is right, Israel will establish Nahal sites in northern Gaza.”
Following Katz’s comments, the Israeli Defense Ministry issued a statement clarifying that the government has no intention of establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip.
These pronouncements come despite a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that has been in effect since October 10th. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been hesitant to move to the second phase of the agreement, citing the need to disarm Hamas. Hamas, however, has declared its commitment to the agreement.
Yedioth Ahronoth notes that Katz’s statements come amid increasing speculation about Israel’s long-term plans for the Gaza Strip following the ceasefire with Hamas. They also coincide with President Trump’s dismissal of the possibility of Israel annexing the West Bank.
Katz also highlighted the construction of 1,200 units in the Beit El settlement, boasting that “the government is pro-settlement.” He added, “If sovereignty can be achieved, we will apply it.”
