Katz promises settler presence in Gaza, what is the Nahal Core?

• ‘Israeli’ defense minister hints at establishing Nahal-based facilities north of the Gaza Strip, triggering political and diplomatic backlash.
• Washington seeks clarification as remarks clash with Netanyahu’s pledges and the Trump plan rejecting Gaza resettlement.

‘Israeli’ Defense Minister Israel Katz has ignited controversy after suggesting the future establishment of Nahal-based facilities north of the Gaza Strip, on the sites of settlements evacuated in 2005, prompting confusion in Tel Aviv and reported anger in Washington.

Speaking at a conference in the ‘Israeli’ settlement of Beit El in the West Bank, Katz told settlement leaders: “When the time comes, we will establish Nahal core facilities in place of the settlements that were evacuated.”

Read more: Gaza: death toll from ‘Israeli’ ceasefire breaches hits 410

He added: “We are inside Gaza, deep inside it, and we will never give it up. That will never happen.”

What are Nahal core programs?

Nahal core programs operate under the ‘Israeli’ army’s Nahal Brigade and combine military service with community-building activities. Such programs are typically implemented in areas where the government seeks to encourage settlement, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Hebrow Channel 7 described the groups, known in Hebrew as garinim, as collectives of young people or young families who live and work together, often in agricultural or volunteer-based communities. Members enlist together in the army, serve as a cohesive unit, then return to establish or expand civilian communities.

Media split over intent

‘Israeli’ media offered differing interpretations of Katz’s remarks. The public broadcaster said the minister was referring to establishing outposts north of Gaza at the sites of former settlements such as Dugit, Nisanit, and Elei Sinai.

Haaretz and Channel 7 said Katz was referring to a military-based youth program that later forms civilian communities, while other outlets framed the comments as a pledge to restore permanent ‘Israeli’ settlements in the Gaza Strip.

The Times of Israel said Katz’s statement directly contradicts repeated assurances by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that ‘Israel’ does not intend to resettle Gaza, as well as the Trump plan, which explicitly rejects occupation or annexation of the territory.

Settlers welcome, critics warn

The settlers’ council welcomed Katz’s comments, thanking him for what it called an “important announcement” on establishing new military settlements for youth in Gaza. It claimed settlement activity historically strengthened ‘Israeli’ security.

Former ‘Israeli’ army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot sharply criticized the remarks, saying: “While the government votes with one hand in favor of the Trump plan, it promotes illusions about isolated settlements in Gaza with the other.”

He accused the government of making irresponsible statements driven by narrow political interests that harm ‘Israel’s’ standing.

US seeks clarification

‘Israeli’ public broadcaster Kan reported that the US administration expressed surprise and anger over Katz’s remarks, requesting clarification. An unnamed American source was quoted as saying: “We did not understand the source of this statement.”

The source added that under the Trump plan, the ‘Israeli’ army is supposed to withdraw from Gaza and that Washington is not prepared to see a resumption of ‘Israeli’ settlement there.

Read more: White House frustrated with Netanyahu over Gaza peace process: Report

Shortly afterward, Katz’s office issued a statement saying the government does not intend to establish any settlement in the Gaza Strip, claiming the reference to Nahal facilities was made in a “purely security context”.

Broader context

Katz’s comments come as ‘Israel’ continues genocidal crimes in Gaza, where more than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 171,000 wounded since October 2023, most of them women and children. Despite a ceasefire framework linked to the Trump plan, ‘Israeli’ violations have continued, killing hundreds more Palestinians.

At the same time, ‘Israeli’ settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank has sharply intensified, undermining any remaining prospects for a two-state solution, Palestinian officials warn.