Israel’s defense minister envisions Israeli post-war security control in Gaza

The silhouettes of a military vehicle and a soldier are seen near the Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Israel, Dec. 16, 2024.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel would have security control over Gaza after its war against the Hamas militant group.

"After eliminating Hamas\’s military and governmental capabilities in Gaza, Israel would have security control over Gaza with complete freedom of action" Katz posted on X.

He compared the vision for Gaza to the situation in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces routinely conduct raids they say are aimed at disrupting terrorist activity.

Israel has said its war aims include ensuring the military defeat of Hamas and ensuring militants cannot attack Israel like Hamas did in its October 2023 assault that killed 1,200 people.

Israeli control of Gaza would go against the stated post-war vision of the United States, the United Nations and others.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in October that the war in Gaza needs to end “in a way that keeps Hamas out and makes sure Israel doesn’t stay.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in September that the U.N. envisions the Palestinian Authority, which governs some of the West Bank, would assume authority in Gaza.

Gaza health officials said Tuesday that Israeli strikes had killed at least 10 people in Gaza City, while Israel’s military reported the deaths of two of its soldiers during operations in southern Gaza.

In addition to those killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, the militants also took about 100 people hostage, with at least one-third of them believed to be dead.

Israeli officials in recent days have cited optimism about a potential breakthrough in long-stalled talks to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages still held by the militants.

Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,000 people, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count but has previously said more than half of those killed have been women and children.

Hamas has been designated as a terror group by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and others.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

By：VOA