Israel’s far-right openly boasts of resettling Gaza as election looms

Far-Right Forces Rally for Gaza Resettlement Ahead of October Vote

A Strategic Push for Permanent Presence

Goldlaner.com – As the October ballot draws near, the Israeli political right has elevated the restoration of Jewish communities within Gaza to a primary focus of their electoral strategy. This initiative forms a crucial component of a wider campaign aimed at compelling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to undo the unilateral disengagement of 2005, which resulted in the removal of Israeli presence from the coastal territory. During a Sunday gathering, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir guided a crowd of thousands of settlers and political activists toward the boundary of Gaza. Their objective was clear: to restore three specific communities located in the northern sector, namely Nisanit, Dugit, and Elei Sinai.

Coordinated by the staunch Nachala settler organization, the event featured prominent government officials and legislative members. This gathering represents far more than a mere political maneuver designed to capture support from the right. The expansion of habitation zones in the West Bank and the revival of communities in Gaza constitute a long-held aspiration for Israel’s most conservative factions. They view the current period, marked by Israeli military dominance over a significant portion of the territory, as an ideal window to force Netanyahu to accelerate their vision.

Marching Against Barriers

To stop the demonstration from crossing into Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces designated the surrounding region as a closed military zone, compelling the organizers to modify their planned path. Nevertheless, the participants remained undeterred, pressing forward toward the perimeter while navigating obstacles erected by security forces. Transport vehicles carried households, along with younger members, traveling from established communities in the West Bank. Meanwhile, energetic supporters affiliated with the parties led by Ben Gvir and Smotrich distributed informational leaflets and campaign literature to the attendees.

At the rally, Ben Gvir expressed astonishment at the current geopolitical reality. He remarked on the unexpected extent of Israeli control, highlighting the shift in power dynamics. His comments reflected a growing confidence among the far-right regarding the future of the territory.

“If someone had said three years ago that we would control 70% of the Gaza Strip, no one would have believed it,” Ben Gvir said at the rally. “So today I say: there will be Jewish settlement throughout Gaza,” he said, adding that Israel should “encourage voluntary migration” of Palestinians – an idea briefly floated by the Trump administration before it was ultimately rejected in the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Ben Gvir further emphasized the emotional connection to the land, declaring that the population is returning to its ancestral home. He asserted that the territory belongs to the Jewish people, reinforcing the narrative of permanent ownership.

Political Stakes and Historical Precedent

Smotrich framed the situation in stark political terms, cautioning that a shift in leadership could reverse the progress made over the last four years. He warned that the achievements of the most conservative government in Israel’s history might be undone if the opposition gains power. Consequently, he promised that supporters would continue to demonstrate to stop any potential evacuations.

“All of this could go down the drain – and we will march here again to prevent evacuations,” he said.

During his tenure, Smotrich has overseen a significant increase in settlement construction within the West Bank and has signaled his intention to continue this trajectory. Both he and Ben Gvir have advocated for the reconstruction of Gaza communities since the onset of the conflict following October 7, 2023. They have consistently portrayed the ongoing war as a unique opportunity to reverse the decisions made during the 2005 withdrawal.

Smotrich, who holds responsibility for settlement affairs within the defense ministry, noted in June that finalized blueprints for the three northern Gaza settlements are pending Netanyahu’s sign-off. He has characterized Gaza as an integral component of the land of Israel, arguing that renewed habitation would function as a vital security buffer. His philosophy is summarized by his statement that security cannot exist without settlement.

Looking Toward the Future

Defense Minister Israel Katz has independently announced plans to create three military outposts in the region. These outposts typically serve as precursors to civilian development, eventually evolving into full-fledged communities. While Netanyahu has neither fully supported nor opposed these proposals, the plans have yet to reach the Israeli cabinet for formal discussion. Currently, the prime minister heads a caretaker administration until the scheduled election on October 27.

Israeli forces presently maintain control over approximately 60% of the Gaza Strip, with Netanyahu stating he directed the military to secure 70% or more of the area. Under the US-mediated ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025, Israel was obligated to withdraw to roughly 53% of the territory. However, the IDF has since extended its operational reach beyond that designated line. It is worth noting that Trump’s peace framework explicitly prohibited the annexation or permanent occupation of Gaza by Israel.

Historically, prior to the 2005