Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the country must maintain full control over security in the Gaza Strip even after the end of the war, according to the Times of Israel.

According to Katz, the Palestinian group Hamas will not dictate the future of this territory.

“The goal is to defeat Hamas, whose military and civilian wings will not determine what happens in Gaza,” Katz said during a visit to the Tel Hashomer recruitment center, where he met with new recruits to the IDF's artillery corps and air defense system. “We need the IDF to be in and around Gaza to protect communities that may come under attack again, to protect our soldiers, and to prevent weapons smuggling and rearmament.”

Speaking about post-war plans, Katz emphasized: “In order for Hamas to no longer be effective, the Israel Defense Forces must be able to operate safely anywhere in Gaza, just as it does in the West Bank. We must take responsibility for security in Gaza ourselves.”

According to the Israeli defense minister, the IDF's current operations are still linked to efforts to rescue the remaining hostages.

“Any maneuver we need to take — even a deal with such enemies — to rescue 10 more people, even those who are no longer alive, we will carry out while maintaining security,” he said.