Israel’s Far-Right Pushes to Relocate Palestinians in Gaza, Gains Spotlight

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli soldiers have been seen in a video circulating on Telegram, standing in front of a damaged building in Gaza, discussing their actions in the region. In the video, one soldier talks about “occupying, deporting, and settling” in the area, addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli government has been relatively quiet about its post-war plans for Gaza. Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, following Israel’s withdrawal in 2005. The future governance of Gaza post-conflict remains uncertain, with Netanyahu stating that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority should rule, and Israel should maintain “full security control.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, of Netanyahu’s Likud party, suggested that Israel should have no presence in Gaza, but did not provide details on the proposed governance structure.

Amidst this backdrop, a group within Israel’s governing coalition is advocating for full Israeli control and the resettlement of Gaza, including the potential expulsion of Palestinians. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have made statements supporting these ideas, stirring controversy and concern.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has publicly criticized these plans, warning they complicate the path to a Palestinian-led Gaza free from Hamas control and terrorist threats to Israel.

In Israel, public opinion on re-establishing settlements in Gaza is divided, with some polls indicating support for the idea. However, there’s a history of extreme ideas gradually becoming normalized in Israeli politics.

Palestinian human rights lawyer Diana Buttu expressed skepticism about Netanyahu’s stance against resettling Gaza, suggesting that Israeli politicians often find excuses to implement policies regardless of their initial opposition.

The issue is deeply rooted in Israel’s history, particularly the 2005 disengagement from Gaza, which continues to influence public and political opinion. Some Israeli soldiers have been seen expressing support for resettling Gaza through social media posts and symbolic gestures.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has warned that any attempts by Israel to deport or permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza would violate international law. The United Nations reports that approximately 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced since the start of the conflict on October 7.

Recently, South Africa accused Israel of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, a charge Israel strongly denies, calling it a distortion of the term “genocide.”

In Jerusalem, the Gush Katif museum and former settlers are reigniting the movement to resettle Gaza, symbolized by orange-themed merchandise and slogans. Some Israeli soldiers in Gaza have also shown support for the settlement movement.