Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that Israel “will never leave” Gaza, pledging to establish military-overseen Nahal outposts in the north and a wide buffer zone—moves that directly contradict the U.S. - brokered October 2025 ceasefire, which required full withdrawal.

Katz rejected reports suggesting he had softened his stance after similar remarks earlier this week angered the Trump administration, insisting Israel will exercise “de facto sovereignty” in Gaza, mirroring its long-standing West Bank policy.

Army chief Eyal Zamir reinforced the message, stating: “The mission has not ended; all arenas remain active.”

Recent analysis indicates Israeli forces have advanced beyond the ceasefire’s “yellow line,” occupying an additional ~10% of territory in just two months.

Meanwhile, violence in the West Bank—occupied since 1967—has surged since the 2023 Gaza war, with over 1,102 Palestinians killed, ~11,000 injured, and 21,000 abducted. Rights groups warn these trends risk escalating into ethnic cleansing.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in July 2024 that Israel’s occupation is unlawful and demanded settlement removal.

Katz’s statements threaten the fragile truce that ended the 2023–2025 Gaza war, which left more than 70,000 Palestinians dead.