Israel Plans to Stay in Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will not completely pull its forces out of the Gaza Strip, citing long-term security concerns, and announced plans to establish a combined civilian-military unit inside the territory.

Speaking publicly, Katz said yesterday Israeli troops are positioned deep inside Gaza and would remain there to prevent a repeat of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. He stressed that Israel does not rely on external actors to guarantee the safety of its citizens.

The remarks contrast with provisions of a US-supported peace framework signed by Israel and Hamas in October, which outlines a phased and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and rules out the return of Israeli civilian settlements in the enclave.

Katz also referred to the creation of Nahal units in northern Gaza, suggesting they could replace Israeli communities that were evacuated in the past. Nahal units traditionally combine military service with civilian national development programs and have historically played a role in establishing Israeli communities.

The defense minister’s comments appeared to reference Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza, when all Jewish settlements were removed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed rebuilding settlements in Gaza, though some far-right members of his governing coalition advocate for reoccupation.

Netanyahu’s office declined to respond to Katz’s statements.

Israel is expected to enter an election cycle in 2026, with settlement policy likely to emerge as a central political issue.

Katz made the remarks during a ceremony in the occupied West Bank marking the construction of 1,200 housing units in the Beit El settlement, replacing a former Israeli military base. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are regarded as illegal under international law by the United Nations and most of the international community.

Addressing settlement expansion, Katz said the current government is committed to advancing what he described as “practical sovereignty,” arguing that conditions are favorable for expanding Israeli control in the West Bank.