Israeli Minister: We will never withdraw our troops from Gaza

“We are deep inside Gaza and will never leave this entire area. That will never happen. We are there to protect and prevent what happened,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said today, referring to Hamas’ attack on the country in July 2023.

The statement goes against the commitments in the US-backed peace plan, as well as the stance repeatedly affirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the peace plan signed by Israel and Hamas in October, the Israeli army will gradually withdraw its troops and end its presence in the Gaza Strip, and Tel Aviv will not establish civilian settlements in this territory.

Referring to the future of Gaza, Minister Katz affirmed that Israel will build Nahal units in northern Gaza at the appropriate time, replacing the Jewish settlement communities that were dissolved when Israel withdrew from the territory in 2005.

Nahal is a model militia unit, for citizens who wish to join the army. The program typically lasts a year and includes military reserve training and volunteer activities before citizens serve in the military. The model played an important role in the formation of Jewish settlement communities.

The speech was made at a ceremony in the Israeli-controlled West Bank settlement of Beit El, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has just announced plans to build 1,200 new houses for Jews on the grounds of an Israeli military base that is about to close.

Hamas officials have not commented on the information.

Minister Katz’s statements also caused controversy within Israel. Former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot criticized the government for “going against the national consensus” during a sensitive security period.

Israel plans to hold elections in 2026. The issue of the Gaza Strip and settlements is expected to become key topics in upcoming voter mobilization campaigns.