Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated this morning (Tuesday) that Israel will maintain security control in Gaza and maintain full freedom of military action.
"My position on Gaza is clear. After we defeat Hamas's military and governmental power in Gaza, Israel will control Gaza with full freedom of action, just like in Judea and Samaria. We will not allow any terrorist organization against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from Gaza. We will not allow a return to the reality before October 7," Katz said.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded: "Better late than never. Israel should not settle in Gaza, and the IDF should not continue to lose fighters in Jabaliya forever because of hallucinations."
The defense minister responded to a report on Channel 12 News that he had met with a senior American official and conveyed a message that Israel was not interested in controlling Gaza. According to the report, the defense secretary told the senior American official, "Israel does not want either military control or civilian rule over the residents. There are no decisions regarding settlement in Gaza."
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the official claimed that Katz told him that "Israel is protecting the PA from Iran and Hamas. It must be transferred to the moderate side."
Yesterday, Minister Katz participated in a discussion of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and said that Israel is closer than ever to a hostage deal. "There will be an overwhelming majority for the deal that is on the table, we are the closest we have ever been, it is better to talk less," Katz said. "The Philadelphi Route and the Netzarim Corridor will not constitute an impediment to the execution of the transaction. There is flexibility on the other side in these things."
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.
