The United States has criticized Israel following remarks by Defense Minister Israel Katz supporting the establishment of settlements in northern Gaza. Katz's comments appeared to contradict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment to President Donald Trump's peace plan, which calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Although Katz later clarified that there were no plans to re-establish settlements and that his comments were made in a security context, the US expressed concern that such statements could undermine cooperation with Arab countries and hinder peace efforts. The White House reiterated its expectation that all parties adhere to the agreed peace plan, emphasizing a phased approach to security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza.