When asked by The Jerusalem Post if there will always be an Israeli military presence in Gaza, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said: “My working assumption is that in the foreseeable future, only we can ensure our security,” Al Jazeera reports.

According to the newspaper, he also clarified that this does not mean the country will reestablish Jewish settlements in Gaza.

“Although I opposed the disengagement [from Gush Katif, the Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip in 2005], the goals set by the cabinet do not include such plans,” he was quoted as saying.

The newspaper added that Saar expressed scepticism on the existence of an external force capable of effectively guaranteeing security in Gaza.