Katz Says Israel 'Organised and Prepared' to Remove Gaza Population Once Trump Approves

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 that Israel remains ready to facilitate the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza 'by any means' — 'by sea, by air, by every way possible' — once US President Trump approves the plan and destination countries are identified, though he acknowledged Trump has 'frozen' the initiative under pressure from Arab governments. Katz said, without citing a source, that 80% of Gazans want to leave but Hamas prevents them, and that a green light would come 'when it becomes clear that Hamas is not fulfilling its commitments' under the US plan. Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu visited an IDF post in Gaza and said Israel will not withdraw from territory it currently controls. Forced displacement of a civilian population in occupied territory is considered a war crime under the Geneva Conventions; Trump's October 2025 ceasefire plan explicitly ruled out forced displacement.