Israel to retain control over Gaza after war, says defense minister

Pushing back on report claiming he told US that Israel had no interest in controlling post-war Gaza, Israel Katz says IDF will remain in charge of security in the coastal enclave even after Hamas is defeated.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Israeli forces will remain in the Gaza Strip after the current war with the Hamas terror organization ends, Israel’s defense chief announced Tuesday, emphasizing that the IDF will be responsible for the long-term security control of the coastal enclave.

Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud) took to X/Twitter Tuesday morning to respond to Hebrew media reports earlier in the day claiming he had vowed to U.S. officials that Israel had no interest in controlling post-war Gaza and downplayed calls within the Israeli government to resettle the Gaza Strip.

“Israel does not want either military control or civilian governance over the residents. There are no decisions regarding settlement in Gaza,” Israel’s Channel 12 quoted Katz as telling American officials, adding that the Netanyahu government was working to strengthen the Palestinian Authority against Iranian influence and Hamas encroachment.

In his tweet Tuesday morning, however, Katz said Israel would maintain longterm “security control” over Gaza and retain the right of “full freedom of action” militarily.

“In response to various publications – my position on Gaza is clear,” Katz wrote.

“After we defeat Hamas’ military and governmental power in Gaza, Israel will have security control over Gaza with full freedom of action, just as it does in Judea and Samaria.

“We will not allow any terrorist organization against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from Gaza. We will not Katz did not mention the push within the Netanyahu government to resettle the Gaza Strip 19 years after the Sharon government evacuated all Jewish towns in the area.

On Monday, an MK from the ruling Likud party submitted a bill to the Knesset to lift the ban on Israelis entering the Gaza Strip. In its explanatory notes, the bill says the move marks the first step in Israel’s resettlement and annexation of the Gaza Strip.

“The war against the Islamists in Gaza must end with their complete loss of control over the territory. Therefore, one of the first actions the Knesset should take is to remove the disgraceful provision of a ‘no-go zone for Jews’ from Israeli law,” it says.