Netanyahu to Discuss Gaza Military Occupation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a meeting with his top security ministers for Thursday to examine the evolving conflict with Hamas, which may include discussions on a potential military occupation of the Gaza Strip.
The idea of resettling in Gaza is gaining traction, especially with Israel marking 20 years since its withdrawal from the territory. This discussion is becoming more prominent in government circles, particularly after the tragic events of October 7, when Hamas launched an attack.
Israel’s development minister, Yitzhak Wasserlauf, described the reestablishment of Jewish communities in Gaza as a “historical correction to national injustice.”
Wasserlauf emphasized the need for a strong response to Hamas’s actions, asserting that the forced removal of Jewish inhabitants from their homes was not just a strategic blunder but a moral one that enabled the rise of Hamas. He stated, “This mistake allowed Hamas to unleash violence, leading to the massacre on October 7, which saw horrors like murder, rape, and abduction.”
Referring to a group of 17 Israeli communities previously established in Gaza, known as Gush Katif, Wasserlauf noted that the return of these communities could serve as a deterrent against future violence. He made it clear that there shouldn’t be any agreements with terrorists, and that establishing settlements would signal that such actions have repercussions.
Historically, the Gaza Strip was under Egyptian control from 1948 to 1967. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel gained full control until administrative responsibilities shifted to Palestinian authorities in 1994 under the Oslo Accords. This led to Yasser Arafat’s return from exile.
After Israel’s unilateral withdrawal in 2005, Hamas gained power through elections and subsequently disrupted the existing Palestinian authority, establishing a violent regime.
Wasserlauf pointed out that past warnings about land concessions leading to increased terrorism were ignored, only to be validated by subsequent events. He did concede that the notion of returning to Gaza might result in backlash, but he believes steadfast allies would support Israel, regardless of the opposition from some nations.
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Amir Avivi noted that the core principles of Israel’s national security are being challenged by extremist groups like Hamas. He suggested that future actions may depend heavily on U.S. backing, possibly from President Trump, who could offer support for a massive relocation and renewed control over Gaza.
Current estimates suggest the Israeli Defense Forces control about 75% of Gaza, although the remaining parts present complex strategic challenges, especially in relation to U.S.-Israel relations and Jewish settler politics.
Major General Yakov Amidler, a former national security adviser, expressed that resettling in Gaza should not be among Israel’s priorities. “Our mission now is to dismantle Hamas,” he asserted, emphasizing that, without knowing future partners, security should remain managed by the IDF.
Inevitably, he also acknowledged that while the idea of reestablishing settlements in Gaza is being discussed, it is not an official part of the current military objectives.
Simcha Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, expressed a need to redefine what peace means in the region, asserting that barring Jews from settling in what he called their ancient lands conflicts with achieving lasting peace. However, he also admitted that this isn’t part of the current military strategy.
Former IDF military intelligence chief Amos Yadrin reinforced that resettlement is not aligned with the Israeli government’s current war objectives. He highlighted the need to address Hamas decisively without annexing Gaza.
General Eyal Zamir inspected preparations in Gaza, reaffirming the focus on dismantling Hamas without assuming the burden of daily governance.
Daniela Weiss from the Nachala village movement, advocating for the return of Jewish settlers, stated they have created groups of families ready to move back and will push for public support to influence governmental decisions. “Historically, Gaza is part of our territories,” she asserted.
