Israel Katz Declares No Palestinian State Will Exist, Vows to Maintain Control Over Mount Sheikh
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has made provocative statements reaffirming his government's stance that "there will be no Palestinian state." In a speech delivered on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Katz insisted that Israeli forces would continue to maintain their position atop Mount Sheikh, which overlooks Damascus, the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, and the Golan Heights, as reported by local media.
* Military Presence at Mount Sheikh Since 2024
Katz disclosed that Israeli forces have been operating in the buffer zone and Mount Sheikh along the Syrian border since December 2024, establishing military positions and new concentration points, as well as specialized observation posts for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
* Tunnel Destruction and Disarmament of Hamas
Regarding the Gaza Strip, the Defense Minister stated that the Israeli military would persist in dismantling Hamas tunnels until every last one is destroyed. He added that the disarmament of Hamas would occur within designated areas, with either an international force or the Israeli military overseeing operations in "Old Gaza."
* Internal Criticism of Netanyahu
In a related context, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have ramped up their rhetoric against any international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of political inaction and silence.
* Tunnel Crisis in Rafah and Next Phase of Gaza Agreement
On the international front, the U.S. administration is continuing its efforts to address the situation of Hamas fighters trapped in the tunnels of Rafah in southern Gaza, preparing to move into the second phase of the Gaza agreement. However, Tel Aviv remains firm in its refusal to allow their exit unless they declare surrender and relinquish their weapons.
* Recurring Threats
Katz's latest statements are consistent with his previous declarations, reiterating Israel's intention to remain in Mount Sheikh and in areas it has controlled in southern Lebanon.
