Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has warned that Israel could eventually resume a full-scale military campaign in Gaza, while again linking the conflict to a controversial plan for the relocation of Palestinians from the territory.
Katz made the comments ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026 general election, while responding to criticism from another right-wing political contender. He said Israel’s military had already displaced a large proportion of Gaza’s population during the war that began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack.
According to Katz, the October 2025 ceasefire was highly significant to Israel because it secured the release of remaining hostages and included a US commitment aimed at achieving the disarmament of Hamas.
However, he said the agreement had not produced the outcome Israel expected.
Katz said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was prepared to resume major military operations if ordered to eliminate Hamas, adding that such an operation could pave the way for what he described as a migration plan for Gaza’s population.
The defence minister had previously said Israel was prepared to facilitate the departure of Palestinians from Gaza by land and sea. He also said Israel was waiting for the United States as discussions continued over possible destinations for Palestinians who might leave the territory.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has rejected the existence of any plan to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza. Israeli officials have described the proposed relocation as voluntary, with Katz arguing that many Palestinians would prefer to leave.
The issue has generated significant controversy as Gaza remains devastated by the prolonged conflict. Most of the territory’s more than two million residents have been displaced at least once, while large parts of Gaza have suffered extensive destruction.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. The attack triggered Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Gaza health authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli campaign.
Although the October 2025 ceasefire brought a major reduction in the intensity of the fighting, Israeli military strikes have continued. Reuters reported in September 2026 that more than 1,300 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza health officials.
Efforts to implement the remaining stages of the ceasefire agreement have also remained contentious. Hamas indicated in July that it was prepared to discuss disarmament, a development US President Donald Trump described as a major breakthrough.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has maintained that Israel would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas had verifiably surrendered its weapons.
Katz’s latest remarks come amid renewed debate within Israel over proposals described by government officials as “voluntary emigration” from Gaza. Reuters reported earlier in September that Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had renewed calls for the removal of Palestinians from the territory ahead of the Israeli election.
The proposals have faced strong opposition from Palestinians and several countries, while Israeli officials continue to distinguish the plans from forced displacement. The future of Gaza, the presence of Israeli forces and the question of Hamas’ disarmament remain central issues in negotiations over the territory.
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