Gaza Herald _As Israel faces mounting international criticism over the devastation in Gaza and growing calls for accountability, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz openly praised the destruction across the enclave, calling it the result of a “deliberate policy.” His remarks, alongside a proposal to establish new military-linked outposts in northern Gaza, signal Israel’s intention to deepen its hold on parts of the territory despite widespread international condemnation of the war’s humanitarian toll.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the extensive destruction across the Gaza Strip gives him a “good feeling,” describing the devastation as the outcome of what he called a deliberate Israeli policy to eliminate perceived security threats.
During a visit to northern Gaza, televised Monday by Israel’s Channel 14, Katz also revealed plans to establish three military-linked Nahal outposts in the territory, signaling a deeper and more permanent Israeli presence in the area.
Asked about his reaction to the widespread destruction in Gaza, Katz responded, “A good feeling, isn’t it?” He said the devastation reflected a deliberate strategy rather than the temporary military operations Israel had previously carried out.
According to Katz, Israel has shifted away from conducting short-term incursions into Gaza.
“Instead of entering and leaving, the army is inside, the terrorists are outside, and the houses are destroyed,” he said.
Channel 14 reported that one of the key announcements during the tour was Katz’s proposal to reestablish a permanent Jewish presence in northern Gaza.
He said the plan involves creating three Nahal outposts at locations where Israeli settlements existed before Israel’s 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip. Nahal outposts are military-affiliated settlement sites that have historically served as the foundation for future civilian settlements.
Katz argued that the initiative would strengthen Israel’s military control over northern Gaza and enhance security for nearby Israeli communities.
Since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, the territory has experienced widespread destruction. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 173,000 injured. Palestinian officials also report that roughly 91 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed during the offensive.
