Overview
- Speaking at a conference hosted by the settler-friendly outlet Makor Rishon, Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will never fully leave Gaza and will create a considerable security zone inside the Strip.
- Katz stated that this policy would remain in place even if the process moves to phase two of President Trump's plan and Hamas is disarmed.
- He suggested establishing Israeli settlement cores in northern Gaza to help protect the proposed security zone.
- His stance diverges from the U.S. plan, which calls for a gradual IDF withdrawal with stabilization handled by an international force and only a perimeter Israeli presence.
- U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff recently reported progress on phase one of the plan, highlighting a growing gap between the diplomatic track and Katz's declared approach.