Katz renews push for Nahal outposts in northern Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated his proposal on Monday to establish Nahal outposts in northern Gaza, a plan he first unveiled in late December 2025. Speaking to Channel 14 during a tour of the Gaza Strip, Katz stated, "I intend to establish three Nahal outposts, which is also a military entity, in those places that were in northern Gaza." He believes a permanent presence will "improve the hold and defense of the communities" along the border. This initiative, which combines military service with community building, has previously drawn scrutiny for potentially contradicting U.S. administration plans for Gaza and earlier statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Jewish settlement in the Strip. During the tour, IDF officials informed Katz that approximately 70,000 Palestinian terrorists have been neutralized since October 7, 2023, and the IDF now controls about 65% of Gaza.