Israel’s defense minister said Tuesday that Israeli forces will not completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip, citing long term security concerns, despite provisions in a US backed peace framework that calls for a gradual pullout.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops would remain inside Gaza to prevent a repeat of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, marking a sharp contrast with the terms of an agreement signed by Israel and Hamas in October.
The remarks underscore growing uncertainty over the future of Gaza’s governance and security arrangements as Israel’s war with Hamas stretches into its second year.
Speaking at a public ceremony, Katz said Israel could not rely on outside forces to guarantee the safety of its citizens.
“We are located deep inside Gaza and we will never leave all of Gaza. There will never be such a thing,” Katz said, referring to the Hamas led assault on southern Israel in October 2023. “We are there to protect, to prevent what happened.”
Under the US backed plan announced in October, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw fully over time and Israel pledged not to re establish civilian settlements in Gaza. Katz also said Israel plans to establish Nahal units inside Gaza once conditions allow. Nahal units combine military service with civilian and agricultural programs and have historically played a role in founding Israeli communities.
“When the time comes, in northern Gaza, we will build Nahal units instead of the communities that were displaced,” Katz said, adding that the process would be carried out “in the right way at the right time.”
His reference appeared to allude to Israel’s 2005 disengagement, when it removed all Jewish settlements and military installations from Gaza.
Netanyahu has repeatedly ruled out rebuilding settlements in Gaza, though several hardline members of his coalition have openly advocated reoccupation.
Katz said Israel must also maintain a strong military posture beyond Gaza, pointing to threats from Lebanon and Syria. “We do not trust anybody else to protect our citizens,” he said.
The defense minister made the remarks while attending an event in the occupied West Bank announcing plans for 1,200 new housing units in the Beit El settlement. The construction will replace an Israeli military base that is being closed.
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Referring to settlement expansion, Katz said Netanyahu’s government was committed to advancing Israeli control in the West Bank. “If we can get sovereignty, we will bring about sovereignty,” he said. “We are in the practical sovereignty era.”
Israel is expected to head into a national election year in 2026, with settlement policy and the future of Gaza likely to be central political issues.