Israeli Defense Minister Affirms No Palestinian State and Military Presence on Golan Heights
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reiterated his firm stance, declaring that Israeli policy is "clear and unequivocal: there will be no Palestinian state."
In remarks made on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Katz emphasized that Israeli forces will remain "at the summit of the Golan," which overlooks Damascus, the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, and the occupied Golan Heights, according to local media reports.
* Military Presence on the Golan Since 2024
Katz revealed that Israeli forces have been operating in the buffer zone and Golan Heights along the Syrian border since December 2024, where they have established military bases and new observation posts, in addition to specialized surveillance and intelligence operations.
* Tunnel Destruction and Disarmament of Hamas
Regarding the Gaza Strip, the Defense Minister confirmed that the Israeli military will continue to dismantle tunnels in Gaza until the last one is removed. He added that the disarmament of Hamas will be carried out by the Israeli army within the "green line," while an international force or the Israeli army will handle it in "Old Gaza."
* Internal Criticism of Netanyahu
In this context, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have intensified their rhetoric, attacking any international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state and accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "silence and political failure."
* Tunnel Crisis in Rafah and the Next Phase of the Gaza Agreement
On the international front, the U.S. government continues its efforts to find a solution for Hamas fighters trapped in the tunnels of Rafah in southern Gaza, aiming to transition to the next phase of the Gaza agreement. However, Tel Aviv maintains its refusal to allow their exit unless they surrender and disarm.
* Continuation of Previous Threats
These statements reflect Katz's previously expressed positions, as he has consistently reaffirmed Israel's intent to remain in the Golan and in areas it controls in southern Lebanon.
