Katz Vows Israel Will Never Fully Withdraw from Gaza

Defense Minister Katz has reiterated that Israel will not fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip. This follows his clarification of earlier remarks that some interpreted as a policy shift.

He stated that his position remains unchanged and that the goal is to establish military pioneer sites within the enclave. These outposts are designed to secure Israel's strategic interests in the region.

Defense Minister Katz addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments on Israel's future in the Gaza Strip. He stated that he did not 'reverse' his position regarding the establishment of settlements or military outposts in the area.

His remarks came just days after he walked back previous statements about establishing settlements in the Palestinian enclave. Katz emphasized that his core message remains consistent: Israel will never fully withdraw from Gaza.

The defense minister outlined a vision for maintaining a security presence through the creation of military pioneer sites. These sites are distinct from civilian settlements but serve a similar purpose of establishing a permanent Israeli footprint in the territory.

Katz's strategy involves:

• Ensuring long-term military control
• Preventing the regrouping of hostile forces
• Establishing strategic outposts for security operations

This approach is intended to guarantee that Gaza cannot pose a future security threat to Israel.

The defense minister's latest comments are a direct response to confusion over his previous remarks. Earlier, he had suggested a potential shift in policy, which he later described as a misunderstanding.

Katz maintained that the objective of creating military pioneer sites has been a consistent part of his strategic outlook. He dismissed any notion that he had abandoned the plan for a continued Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip.

The commitment to never fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip signals a significant long-term policy direction for Israel. The establishment of military pioneer sites would formalize a semi-permanent security infrastructure within the enclave.

This strategy is designed to address security concerns while avoiding the full re-occupation of Gaza. It represents a middle ground between a complete pullout and a full military takeover, focusing instead on strategic control points.

Defense Minister Katz has firmly established that Israel's policy toward the Gaza Strip involves a permanent security presence. His clarification that he did not 'reverse' his stance underscores the government's commitment to this strategy.

By focusing on the creation of military pioneer sites, Katz aims to balance security imperatives with operational realities. The message is clear: Israel does not intend to fully relinquish control of the Gaza Strip in the near future.