Katz: No real solution for Gaza without emigration. It is frozen due to Arab pressure on Trump
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated at the "Time of Decision" conference that emigration from Gaza remains a viable solution, though currently frozen due to Arab pressure on the US administration. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited IDF positions in the Gaza Strip, reiterating the commitment to the demilitarization of the enclave.
Minister of Defense Israel Katz spoke on Wednesday at the "Time of Decision: Democracy and Society" conference, organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth in collaboration with the Israel Democracy Institute, regarding the future of the Gaza Strip. He argued that emigration from the Strip remains on the table.
"In the end, there is no real solution for Gaza. The Immigration Authority is ready to facilitate it by sea, by air, and in any way. Egypt is not willing for it to be through its territory," he stated. Katz raised these points after "Am Yisrael" chairman Ofer Winter expressed support for emigration from the Gaza Strip.
"80% want to emigrate. We check this constantly in polls," the minister shared. "Hamas does not allow it, and there are no countries in the world currently taking them in. What is delaying it is that potential host countries want US support."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Gaza Strip at an IDF post near the yellow line that separates territory under army control from that under Hamas control. The Prime Minister stated:
"We control the territory and we are staying on this line. We are doing everything to reach our goal — the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza. Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."
Netanyahu visited the post together with Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Southern Command Chief Major General Yaniv Assur, and commander of the 99th "Ha-Bazak" Division Brigadier General Elad Tzuri. He received a briefing on IDF activity in the yellow line area and efforts to remove threats.
"We control the territory here — you can see Ashkelon, you can see all our settlements from all directions: Sderot, Netivot, the kibbutzim," said Netanyahu. "We are not retreating, we are staying on this line. We control 60% of the Strip, and there is more to come because we are eliminating the terrorists who threaten us, day in and day out. Yesterday we captured the head of Hamas's Shin Bet. We will surely learn a few things."
According to the Minister of Defense, the emigration plan is not cancelled, but frozen:
"Every country that is willing wants American backing. At the moment, Trump has not cancelled it; he has frozen it. All the Arab countries came to him, under pressure on this matter, and said: 'We will give you whatever you want — investments. We will provide the disarmament of Hamas in exchange for a freeze.' It has not been cancelled; it is being discussed constantly. I believe there is no other solution for the benefit of everyone. When it becomes clear that Hamas is not meeting its commitments, we will get the green light to advance militarily and territorially."
Regarding the Strip, the minister added that about 70% of the area is effectively desolate, without residents or tunnels. He noted that 90% of the tunnel network, which was of an unprecedented scope, has been neutralized. The IDF continues to maintain strategic control, including the Philadelphi Corridor, and strikes with force daily.
