Defense Minister Israel Katz has outlined Israel’s vision for the “day after” the current war in Gaza, signaling potential diplomatic and humanitarian shifts while preserving strategic ambiguity on several critical issues.

Katz expressed optimism that a 60-day ceasefire will soon be in place. He revealed that, as part of the agreement, Hamas is expected to return 10 living hostages and approximately half of the remaining deceased hostages, reducing the total number of hostages from about 50 to around 25 (originally approximately 250).

Katz confirmed that the IDF will withdraw from most of the 75% of Gaza it currently controls, while maintaining a security perimeter that could be as extensive—or more so—than the one held after the January ceasefire. He emphasized that pushing further into the remaining 25% of Gaza could unnecessarily endanger the remaining Israeli hostages.

Outstanding Disputes

Several key issues remain unresolved and are expected to be addressed either before or during the ceasefire:

• Terms of Ending the War – especially regarding Hamas future role.
• Humanitarian Concerns – including whether the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in southern Gaza will continue operations.
• Security Boundaries – determining the precise limits of Israel’s new security perimeter.

Katz noted that Hamas has accepted Israel’s control over the Philadelphia Corridor, a critical border area in southern Gaza. However, the status of the newly created Morag Corridor, which separates Rafah from Khan Yunis, remains uncertain. This corridor provides the IDF with enhanced operational access into southern Gaza’s central region.

Hamas Survival Strategy

Hamas continues to seek the ability to:

• Retain weapons—even covertly.
• Operate politically behind the scenes, despite not holding official power.

Israel aims to expel Hamas’ leadership, although Katz acknowledged the challenge of defining which leaders remain. Over the past 20 months, Israel has reportedly eliminated nearly all of Hamas’ top figures, including Saleh al-Arouri, Marwan Issa, Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Sinwar.

New Humanitarian Zone in Rafah

Katz announced the establishment of a humanitarian safe zone in Rafah for at least 600,000 Palestinians, designed to be free of Hamas influence.

• Entry to the zone will be tightly controlled with security screenings.
• Once inside, civilians will be shielded from IDF operations and assured that they will not be targeted.
• The area will receive adequate food and shelter, thereby minimizing civilian suffering and uncertainty during the war.

The broader strategic objective is to weaken Hamas’ civilian grip by showing that life can be better without its control. Over time, the zone could expand to accommodate even more civilians.

No Role for the Palestinian Authority

Despite increasing international pressure, Katz maintained that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will not have a role in governing Gaza. However, Israel’s regional allies have made it clear that they will not assist in rebuilding or administering Gaza unless the PA is involved.

Previously, some Israeli and U.S. officials suggested an indirect role for the PA—possibly through affiliated personnel—without formally acknowledging its authority. But Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected such compromises, insisting the PA stay out entirely. The PA, in turn, has refused involvement unless its role is officially recognized.

Whether any party will show flexibility on this issue remains unclear.

Hostage Concerns Shaping Strategy

Katz acknowledged that attempting to control the remaining 25% of Gaza could jeopardize the safety of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. This aligns with a new position being advanced by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, who is reportedly pushing to bring the war to a close.