Israel’s Katz doubles down on support of settlements in Gaza Israel’s defence minister has doubled down on remarks suggesting he envisions the construction of settlements in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Israel Katz said he continues to support the establishment of outposts in Gaza by the Nahal military unit, which often later become officially recognised settlements. All forms of Israeli settlement in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. Katz said this was the vision he believed in and that it would be carried out “in due time”. Earlier this week, Katz said that “when the time is right”, Israel would create what he described as “Nahal” settlements in northern Gaza. Read more: Israel’s Katz doubles down on support of settlements in Gaza Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz pictured at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem on 10 November 2024 (AFP/Menahem Kahana)