US official claims Israel ‘provoking’ Arab nations over ‘resettling Gaza’ comments

Defense minister retracts earlier statement that Israel would resettle northern Gaza.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified remarks he made earlier in the day about Israel’s intentions in Gaza, saying the government does not plan to establish settlements in the territory, after his comments about northern Gaza triggered political and diplomatic backlash.

In a statement issued by his office Tuesday afternoon, Katz said his earlier reference to integrating Nahal settlements in northern Gaza was made strictly in a security context and did not reflect a policy shift. “The government has no intention of establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said.

Nahal programs, which operate under the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, traditionally combine military service with community-building efforts in areas where the government seeks to strengthen civilian presence.

The clarification followed comments Katz made Tuesday morning at a conference in Beit El in Samaria, where he said Israel would not withdraw from territory under its control in Syria and spoke of establishing the Jewish settlements in northern Gaza in place of evacuated communities.

Later Tuesday, Katz also told Reuters that Israel has “no intention of establishing settlements in Gaza,” in remarks that were released only in English. His office did not immediately respond to questions about the discrepancy between the morning comments and the subsequent statements.

The remarks drew attention in Washington, where US officials expressed concern over the broader regional impact of Israeli statements related to Gaza. “The more Israel provokes, the less the Arab countries want to work with them,” US officials told The Jerusalem Post.

Those officials reiterated US support for President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, saying Washington remains committed to the framework agreed to by all parties and endorsed by the international community. “The plan envisions a phased approach to security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza,” they said, adding that all sides are expected to adhere to their commitments under the plan.

Despite the clarification, Katz’s initial comments were welcomed by parts of the Israeli settlement movement. The Nahala movement praised the remarks as a meaningful step toward restoring a Jewish presence in Gaza.

Katz also reiterated earlier statements rejecting any Israeli withdrawal from Syria, saying Israel is in what he described as a period of “practical sovereignty” and pointing to what he called new strategic opportunities.

Israeli officials have sought in recent weeks to balance domestic political pressures with international expectations as discussions continue over postwar arrangements in Gaza and broader regional stability.