Israel Gaza Genocide

Katz Boasts About Destruction of Gaza Strip: 'A Good Feeling' as Result of Deliberate Policy

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced during a field tour in the northern Gaza Strip his intention to establish three military-style settlement outposts in the area, as reported by Israeli Channel 14.

Katz's statements come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in widespread destruction and heavy human losses.

Zein Khalil

July 13, 2026 • Update: July 13, 2026

ISRAEL

Istanbul / Zein Khalil / Anadolu

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz boasted during a tour in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday about the destruction that has occurred, considering it 'the result of a deliberate policy,' and said that seeing it gives him 'a good feeling.'

Katz, in an interview conducted during the tour and published by Israeli Channel 14 on Monday evening, reported that he intends to establish 3 military-style settlement outposts in the Strip.

When asked about his feelings regarding the scene of destruction in Gaza, Katz answered without hesitation: 'A good feeling, isn't it?' claiming that 'this destruction is the fruit of a deliberate policy aimed at removing threats.'

He added: 'Instead of the raid method - entering and exiting - the Israeli army is inside, the saboteurs are outside, and the houses are destroyed.'

Channel 14 said: 'One of the most exciting moments during the tour was when Katz set a new strategic goal of establishing a permanent Jewish presence in the northern Gaza Strip.'

Katz added: 'I intend to establish three Nahal nuclei, which are military entities, in the sites that existed in the northern Gaza Strip' before the Israeli withdrawal in 2005.

'Nahal nuclei' are youth groups with a military-settlement character, historically used to establish new residential clusters or settlements, later turning into civilian towns.

Katz claimed that this step is 'necessary from a security perspective,' and alleged: 'It would enhance control and defense of the towns, and this is required when the right time comes.'

Israel continues to violate the ceasefire agreement in effect in Gaza since October 10, 2025.

The latest count by the Ministry of Health reports that Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement have resulted, as of Sunday, in the deaths of 1,108 Palestinians and injuries to 3,578 others.

During the Israeli genocide war in Gaza, ongoing since October 8, 2023, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 173,000 injured, along with widespread destruction that has affected about 90 percent of civilian infrastructure.

The 'Nahal nuclei' are youth units with a military-settlement character, historically used to establish new settlements that later become civilian towns. Katz's statements raise questions about the future of the Strip in light of international criticism of Israeli settlement. They also show the Israeli government's adherence to a policy of imposing facts on the ground.