Israeli Defense Minister Denies Resettlement Plans for Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz firmly denied any plans to resettle the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, following remarks that initially suggested a potential intention to do so. His comments stand in contrast to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the region, which calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli military presence from Gaza.

While speaking at a settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Katz stated that the Israeli military would maintain a presence in Gaza, emphasizing that it would never completely abandon the area. He specifically mentioned the establishment of a Nahal military unit in northern Gaza, a force historically involved in the creation of Israeli communities, including settlements.

Following reports from some Israeli media interpreting his comments as a potential plan for resettlement—despite Israel having dismantled settlements in Gaza in 2005—Katz clarified his position. He asserted, “the government has no intention of establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip.”

According to the U.S.-backed peace plan signed by both Israel and Hamas in October, the Israeli military is expected to gradually withdraw from Gaza, with no new civilian settlements being established. The plan does, however, allow for an Israeli “security perimeter presence” to remain until the area is deemed secure from any resurgence of terrorism.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem characterized Katz’s statements as “a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement” and argued that they contradict the core principles of Trump’s peace plan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently ruled out the re-establishment of settlements in Gaza during the ongoing conflict, although some members of his ultra-nationalist coalition advocate for a renewed occupation.

Katz made his initial remarks while at the West Bank settlement of Beit El, located near the Palestinian Authority’s administrative headquarters in Ramallah, where he announced plans for the construction of 1,200 new housing units. He stated, “When the time comes, in northern Gaza… we will establish Nahal (military) units instead of the (Israeli) communities that were displaced. We will do so in the right way at the right time.”

In his follow-up statement, Katz reiterated that his mention of integrating Nahal units into the northern Gaza Strip was intended strictly in a security context.

The situation poses challenges for Trump’s Gaza plan, particularly as he is set to meet with Netanyahu at the White House next week. The peace initiative has so far managed to secure a ceasefire following the violence that erupted after October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks into southern Israel.

Despite this, there has been minimal progress towards achieving the plan’s other objectives. Hamas has refused to disarm, which is a key requirement of the agreement. The plan also outlines the establishment of a transitional authority and the deployment of a multinational force in the region.

Katz emphasized Israel’s commitment to security, stating, “We are located deep inside Gaza and we will never leave all of Gaza. There will never be such a thing. We are there to protect, to prevent what happened.” He also highlighted the necessity of maintaining a military presence in Lebanon and Syria for the protection of Israeli citizens.

The issue of Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank has accelerated under Netanyahu’s administration, which many Palestinians and members of the international community view as illegal. Israel disputes this characterization, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.

Katz affirmed, “Netanyahu’s government is a settlements government… it strives for action. If we can get sovereignty, we will bring about sovereignty… We are in the practical sovereignty era,” highlighting opportunities that he believes have not been present for a long time.

As Israel approaches an election year in 2026, the support of settlers remains crucial for both Katz and Netanyahu’s Likud party. A Palestinian official condemned Katz’s initial remarks, labeling them as a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.