He stressed that IDF units in northern Gaza are deployed solely for security purposes and have nothing to do with the reconstruction of civilian settlements.
The agency noted that Katz's comments had previously been perceived as a possible Israeli intention to restore the settlements, which drew criticism from the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, which called it a violation of the truce agreement. The minister clarified that the government does not intend to create settlements in Gaza.
The United States reaffirmed its support for US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which calls for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a ban on the restoration of civilian settlements. The document also talks about the creation of a transitional administration and the deployment of a multinational force to oversee security.
Katz added that Israeli troops remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria because the government does not trust outside forces to protect citizens. He also commented on the active construction of settlements in the West Bank, noting that this is part of the policy of “practical sovereignty.”
Context
Since October 2023, Israel has been waging war against Hamas in response to its attacks on the country, killing civilians and taking hostages.
After lengthy negotiations, the parties reached a ceasefire agreement on January 15, 2025, but hostilities soon resumed. On August 8, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced its intention to fully control the sector.
On September 29, during a meeting at the White House, Trump and Netanyahu presented an American plan of action to end Israel’s war against Hamas. It contains 20 points, and Israel agreed to it. Later, the US President repeatedly rushed Hamas to agree to an agreement and threatened consequences. The terrorist group agreed to some conditions, but also put forward its own.
On October 13, in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), Trump, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
