In a notable about-face, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz contradicted his own statements on the future of Gaza. While he affirmed the day before in front of a senior American official that “we do not want Israel to control Gaza” and that “Israel does not want either military control or civil administration over the inhabitants”, he radically changed his tone on his account X. “In response to various publications – my position regarding Gaza is clear,” he wrote.
“After defeating the military and government force of Hamas in Gaza, Israel will control Gaza in security terms with complete freedom of action, exactly as in Judea and Samaria. We will not allow any terrorist organization against Israeli localities and citizens of 'Israel from Gaza. We will not allow a return to the situation before October 7.'
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the minister stressed that “Israel protects the Authority against Iran and Hamas. It must be shifted to the moderate side”, suggesting that Israel wishes to maintain the Palestinian Authority despite contradictory statements of certain politicians.
These statements come as hostage negotiations intensify. A sign of this development: the 98th division will leave Lebanon for Gaza, an IDF decision which could constitute an additional lever of pressure on the current negotiations.
One of Hamas' main demands remains an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip. According to foreign sources, previous discussions discussed a “reform” of the Palestinian Authority, including cooperation with Arab and European countries, with the aim of granting a one-year “stabilization mandate” to the Authority. reformed.
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