Calm down
Israel's Defense Minister Katz Vows No Withdrawal from Gaza, Igniting International Fury
Israel Katz got everyone's attention today by saying we are never leaving northern Gaza and we are even going to establish settlements there. His office quickly released a statement backtracking after the internet went crazy.
In a provocative address at a conference in the settlement of Beit El, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel has no plans for a full withdrawal from Gaza, vowing to establish new Nahal nucleus settlements, military-agricultural outposts, in the northern Strip "at the appropriate time" to replace those dismantled in 2005.
"We are deep inside Gaza and will never leave all of Gaza, there will be no such thing," Katz stated, emphasizing the move as part of "practical sovereignty" amid opportunities arising from the post-October 7 landscape. He extended the stance to Syria, insisting Israel "will not move a millimeter" from occupied territories there.
The remarks, delivered amid fragile ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, have unleashed a torrent of global condemnation, with critics decrying them as a blatant violation of international law and a death knell for peace efforts. Palestinian officials and rights groups labeled it a "declaration of perpetual occupation," while the UN and EU voiced alarm over potential escalation.
On X, the statement exploded, with users from pro-Palestinian activists to diplomats slamming it as inflammatory; one viral post called it "a settler colonial blueprint," garnering thousands of shares.
Even within Israel, Katz's office issued a statement backtracking shortly after, clarifying that the government has "no intention" of establishing settlements in the immediate term.
Katz framed the policy as essential for security, preventing a repeat of October 7, and tied it to broader West Bank sovereignty ambitions. Nahal nuclei, blending military outposts with civilian farming, echo Israel's historical settlement strategy, drawing ire from those who see it as entrenching occupation. Reactions poured in swiftly: Israel-hating TRT World called it "undermining fragile peace," while Azerbaijan's hesitation on Gaza forces highlighted regional ripples.
As debates rage on X, the statement risks derailing U.S.-backed talks and inflaming already tense fronts.