Ex-Israeli Settlers Express Desire to Reclaim Residences in Gaza Post-Conflict

An Israeli real estate developer’s advertisement, “A house on the beach is not a dream!”, has resonated with former Gaza settlers longing to return to the Palestinian territory post-war.

Decades after the withdrawal of Israeli settlers from Gaza, Harey Zahav, a real estate developer known for building unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank, stirred controversy with this slogan on social media amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Zeev Epstein, owner of Harey Zahav, clarified to Israel’s Channel 13 television that while the campaign reflects a yearning to return to Gaza, the company has no current projects there. This statement came amidst Palestinian supporters’ outrage, perceiving the campaign as a proposal to construct homes on Gaza’s war-torn lands.

Israel ended its presence inside Gaza, which started in 1967, with the final withdrawal of troops and settlers on September 11, 2005. However, Israel still exercises significant control over Gaza’s borders and is internationally regarded as an occupying power, despite imposing a blockade on the territory.

International law considers all settlements on occupied Palestinian land illegal, regardless of Israel’s approval.

No official Israeli plans have been announced to resettle Jews in Gaza since the war’s outbreak on October 7. However, Israeli coalition lawmaker Zvika Foghel suggested on public radio the establishment of new Jewish settlements north of the Gaza River.

Hannah Picard, a French-Israeli who lived in Gaza for 16 years, expressed her belief in an eventual return, viewing the current war as a precursor.

The recent Gaza war, marked as the bloodiest, saw Hamas gunmen attack Israel, leading to significant casualties and hostages.

The idea of resettling in Gaza is gaining traction among some Israelis. Oded Mizrahi, associated with Jerusalem’s Gush Katif Museum, which commemorates a bloc of Israeli settlements in Gaza, believes in the possibility of returning to govern Gaza.

The U.S. stance, as stated by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, is that the future control and security of Gaza should transition to the Palestinians, opposing long-term Israeli occupation.

Memories of the 2005 evacuation, with emotional scenes of Israelis leaving Gaza, are still vivid in the Israeli collective memory. The Gush Katif museum showcases this history with photos, maps, souvenirs, and books on Jewish history in Gaza. Merchandise like T-shirts with “We are going home” slogans are also sold, indicating a continued interest in this narrative.