Israel's defence minister vows permanent presence in Gaza, expansion in West Bank

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Israel would never leave Gaza and that the occupied West Bank would see more settlements, military bases and the expulsion of Palestinians.

"Israel will never leave Gaza's territory," he said. "There will be a significant security zone that will surround Gaza in controlled places to protect the settlement."

"In the northern part, it will be possible, in my view, to establish Nahal outposts in an orderly manner when the time comes," he said, referring to the military service in which soldiers combine active duty with work on outlying settlements or outposts.

Speaking at an education conference held by the Israeli newspaper Makor Rishon, Katz said: "We are implementing a policy of practical sovereignty there [the West Bank]. It is impossible now, due to the circumstances, to declare sovereignty. Practical sovereignty means... [evacuating] the Palestinians from the terror camps and stationing the Israel Defense Forces there, and establishing settlements."