Israeli Defence Minister Vows Permanent Gaza Military Presence, Defying US-Backed October Peace Plan

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday declared that Israel's military will never fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip and plans to establish a permanent army unit inside the enclave. The statement represents a direct challenge to a United States-backed peace plan signed by Israel and Hamas in October, which explicitly calls for a full Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.

A Direct Challenge to the Ceasefire Accord

Speaking at a ceremony in Jerusalem, Katz asserted that Israeli forces would remain deployed throughout Gaza. We are located deep inside Gaza, and we will never leave all of Gaza,” he said, adding, “We are there to protect.”

According to Israeli media reports, Katz also detailed plans for long-term military infrastructure. “In due course, we will establish Nahal [an Israeli infantry brigade] outposts in northern Gaza in place of the settlements that were uprooted,” he stated.

US Pushback and a Swift Clarification

The initial comments reportedly caused displeasure among US officials, who demanded clarification. Hours later, Katz issued a revised statement in English to the Reuters news agency, reframing the plan. He stated that Nahal units would be stationed in Gaza “only for security reasons,” appearing to walk back the implication of establishing new civilian-linked outposts.

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Settlement Expansion in the West Bank

Katz's remarks on Gaza were delivered at an event in the occupied West Bank celebrating the approval of 1,200 new housing units in the illegal Israeli settlement of Beit El. He described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition as a “settlements government,” emphasizing its commitment to expansion ahead of an expected election year in 2026.

Ongoing Violence and Human Toll

Despite the ceasefire agreement, violence continues. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the conflict has resulted in a staggering human cost:

• Since October 7, 2023: 70,942 Palestinians killed and 171,195 wounded.
• Since the October 11 ceasefire: At least 406 Palestinians killed and 1,118 injured.

Separately, Palestinian officials report that violence by Israeli forces and settlers across the West Bank has led to more than 1,100 Palestinians killed, about 11,000 wounded, and over 21,000 arrested.