“In Gaza, Israel will never completely withdraw. There will be a significant security zone inside the Strip, even if we move to the second phase (of the peace deal), if Hamas gives up its weapons, we will arrange security inside Gaza to protect Israeli communities,” Katz said during a conference organized by Makor Rishon, one of Israel’s leading newspapers.
He added, “At the appropriate time, we will establish Nahal checkpoints in northern Gaza to replace the settlements that were uprooted.” The Nahal is a unit of the Israeli military that combines civilian functions with military service and has historically played a role in the establishment of Israeli settlements.
Katz stressed the need to control the Philadelphia Corridor (the border between Gaza and Egypt). Said that if this does not happen then Iran will be successful in smuggling weapons.
He said that if Hamas does not disarm, Israel will do so itself. Clarifying his statement, Katz said that this is not an announcement to establish settlements, but it is being said from security point of view. He said in a joking tone, “I do reverse only while driving,” meaning he is not backing down from his statement.
He claimed that his “vision” for Gaza would be fulfilled “at the right time”. Katz claims that “people tried to interpret my words as an announcement of the establishment of settlements inside Gaza,” and that was not his intention.
Earlier on Tuesday also, Katz had said that the Israeli army will never completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip. For security reasons, a significant military area will remain inside Gaza and a military unit will be established.
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