Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Wednesday that Israel will maintain security control over Gaza following Hamas's defeat, marking a clear stance on the territory's future governance. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Katz emphasized that Israel would exercise "full freedom of action" in Gaza, similar to its operations in Judea and Samaria.
"We will not allow any terrorist organization against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from Gaza," Katz stated. The Defense Minister stressed, "We will not allow a return to the reality of before October 7."
The statement comes amid ongoing international discussions about Gaza's post-war governance and growing debate about the territory's future administration. This declaration provides one of the clearest indications yet from a senior Israeli official about the government's vision for Gaza's security framework once military objectives are achieved.
