Defense Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed that Israel will maintain a permanent security presence inside the Gaza Strip, even after any potential peace agreement. Speaking at a conference, Katz emphasized that Israel will not fully withdraw from Gaza, citing the need to protect Israeli communities and prevent the flow of weapons from Iran if control is lost over key areas. He clarified that his recent remarks about building settlements in Gaza were misinterpreted, insisting that his statements were not an official announcement of new settlements. Katz also stated that if Hamas does not disarm, Israel will take action to ensure its own security in the region.