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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have fuelled speculation over the possible establishment of new Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, nearly three years into the war in the enclave.
Smotrich said his ministry had prepared plans for three settlements in northern Gaza and was awaiting approval from Netanyahu to proceed. A day later, Netanyahu declined to rule out the possibility, saying he preferred “to do rather than talk” when questioned about the issue.
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are widely regarded as illegal under international law. Any move to establish settlements in Gaza would likely face similar international opposition.
The proposal comes as large parts of northern Gaza have been devastated by the conflict, with supporters of the plan arguing that settlements could create a buffer zone between Israel and Gaza.
Analysts say the statements may also be linked to domestic politics ahead of Israeli elections, although they warn that the possibility of renewed settlement activity in Gaza should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric.
