Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that Israel’s military would never fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip, citing security concerns, and announced plans to establish a civilian-military army unit within the enclave.
Speaking at a ceremony in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Katz said, “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,” referring to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, raid on Israel.
The U.S.-backed peace plan signed by Israel and Hamas in October envisioned a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and a prohibition on re-establishing civilian settlements in the territory. Katz’s remarks signal a departure from the withdrawal component, emphasizing ongoing security priorities.
Katz also highlighted plans to deploy Nahal units—civilian-oriented military groups historically involved in community building—in northern Gaza. “When the time comes, in northern Gaza … we will build Nahal units instead of the communities that were displaced. We will do so in the right way at the right time,” he said. These units combine pre-military preparation and volunteer service, reflecting Israel’s integration of civilian engagement with defense operations.
The announcement comes as Israel heads into an election year in 2026, with settlement policies and military strategies expected to dominate the political agenda. Katz framed the current administration as a “settlements government,” asserting that it is pursuing practical sovereignty and leveraging opportunities long unavailable.
As reported in Reuters, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Katz’s statements, though the defense minister underscored Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon and Syria.
Katz made the remarks while announcing the construction of 1,200 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, replacing a military base being decommissioned, further reinforcing Israel’s focus on settlement expansion alongside security measures.
