In a dramatic and controversial move, members of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party are spearheading a campaign to reestablish Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. This initiative, following National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s provocative call, aims to reshape the region's geopolitical landscape. The proposed “Knesset Caucus for the Renewal of Settlement in the Gaza Strip” is set to launch on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in Israeli settlement policies.

A Vision of Security Through Settlement

MKs Zvi Sukkot and Limor Son Har-Melech, leading figures in this movement, released a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of Jewish settlements in Gaza for Israel’s security and future. Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2005 Disengagement from Gaza and the subsequent surge in terrorism, they argue that establishing a robust Jewish presence in Gaza is crucial to deterring threats and stabilizing the region.

“Only by a dense presence of Jewish settlements throughout Gaza will it be possible to prevent the continuation of terrorist threats and deter the enemy,” they declare, underscoring their belief that settlement is synonymous with security.

MK Tzvi Sukkot and MK Limor Son Har-Melech from Ben Gvir’s fascist and Kahanist party will establish a "caucus for the renewal of settlement in the Gaza Strip" in the Knesset.

This criminal government coalition is the biggest threat to our future. https://t.co/olulqdiJjV

— Mauricio Lapchik (@MauricioLapchik) June 17, 2024

Radical Measures for a Radical Solution

Sukkot, a well-known radical settler activist with a controversial past, passionately asserts that Jewish settlements are the key to ending terrorism. “Only settlement will bring security,” he declares. “Only Jewish children playing in the Strip will make the Nova terrorists realize that they have lost.” Sukkot, who has been arrested multiple times and was once suspected of involvement in the arson of a mosque in the northern West Bank, presents a vision where Jewish presence in Gaza is a strategic necessity.

He further elaborates, “When they realize that they are losing control of Gaza and losing the land of Gaza, they will be ready to release hostages without setting conditions that pose a threat to the existence of the State of Israel.”

Planting Deep Roots for a Secure Future

Son Har-Melech, who experienced the upheaval of the Disengagement firsthand as a resident of the northern West Bank settlement of Homesh, echoes Sukkot’s sentiments. She warns that failing to establish deep Jewish roots in Gaza will allow enemies to expand their reach and continue their attacks. “Without settlement, not only the residents of the Gaza border area, but also the residents of the north and other parts of the country will never feel safe,” she insists.

🚨🇵🇸🇮🇱BREAKING: ISRAELI KNESSET MEMBERS CREATE A LOBBY TO ESTABLISH SETTLEMENTS IN GAZA.

Members of the Knesset are establishing a lobby for settlement in Gaza: 'Only Jewish children playing will make the enemies understand that they have lost'

MK Limor Son Har-Melech and MK… pic.twitter.com/ZdgBJtZE8c

— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) June 17, 2024

A Divisive Proposal

Despite the enthusiasm from Otzma Yehudit, the proposal faces significant opposition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the idea of Israel governing Palestinians in Gaza post-war. Nonetheless, a significant faction within the government supports the initiative. In January, 11 ministers and 15 coalition lawmakers attended a mass conference advocating for the rebuilding of Jewish settlements in Gaza.

Public opinion, however, appears to be at odds with the ultranationalist vision. A poll conducted by Hebrew University in December revealed that more than half of Israelis oppose annexing the Gaza Strip and reestablishing settlements uprooted during the 2005 Disengagement.

"The only optimistic vision for the day after is the re-settlement in the Gaza Strip"
Fanatic settler Member of Knesset Limor Son Har-Melech, of "Jewish Power" party, talks about the work already being done behind the scenes to prepare for the colonization of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/8IhzRgswzt

— B.M. (@ireallyhateyou) April 13, 2024

The Road Ahead

As the “Knesset Caucus for the Renewal of Settlement in the Gaza Strip” prepares for its launch, the debate over the future of Gaza intensifies. The bold and controversial proposals from Otzma Yehudit highlight the deep divisions within Israeli society about the best path to security and peace. Whether the vision of a densely settled Jewish Gaza will come to fruition remains uncertain, but the discourse it has sparked is likely to shape Israeli policy for years to come.