As Gaza faces ongoing airstrikes and devastation, Israeli settlers, backed by influential members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, are planning the future settlement of the Gaza Strip. During a conference held near the Gaza border, settlers and political figures discussed establishing settlements in Gaza without any negotiations, pushing for the displacement of Palestinians.
The event, organized by the settler group Nahala, took place just three kilometers from Gaza and was protected by Israeli military forces. Many prominent figures, including supporters from the U.S., South Africa, and Australia, attended, advocating for Gaza’s settlement as a “solution” to Israel’s housing crisis.
Nahala leader Daniella Weiss emphasized that plans are already in motion, boasting of multimillion-dollar deals for temporary housing units, while far-right activists like Or Yomtovyan described the economic opportunity that Gaza’s seafront could present. Despite these bold plans, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir were key figures supporting the vision, with Ben Gvir pushing for the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza.
Ben Gvir’s calls for a “voluntary transfer” of Gaza’s residents were echoed by other government ministers, who argued that only by taking full control of Gaza would Israel ensure its long-term security.