Ben Gvir reignites discussions about feasibility of resettling Gaza

6/24/2024 5:03:48 AM

(MENAFN) Recent comments from Itamar Ben Gvir, the Minister of National Security in the Israeli Occupation government, have reignited discussions about the feasibility of resettling Gaza. Ben Gvir suggested that establishing settlements in Gaza would be realistic if Tel Aviv decided to pursue it, a statement that came in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments on the matter.

Using his social media platforms, Ben Gvir stated, "If we wanted that [settlement in Gaza], it would be something realistic."

Contrastingly, Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken a more skeptical view. Acknowledging the significant support for resettling Gaza, he nevertheless deemed the idea impractical. "I know there is a lot of support for resettlement in the Gaza Strip; but I am realistic, and I think that is not realistic," Netanyahu said. He pointed out his aim to establish a civil administration in partnership with local Palestinians, a plan that has so far proven unsuccessful.

Zvika Vogel, Chairman of the National Security Committee and a Knesset member, contributed to the discussion by advocating for the war in Gaza to conclude with the re-establishment of Jewish settlements throughout the Strip. This stance is consistent with the views of various right-wing factions within Israel's political scene.

On Sunday evening, Netanyahu addressed the broader strategy in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighting the setbacks of the proposed civil administration involving local Palestinian clans. Reflecting on the aggressive military actions since October 7, 2023, he admitted the failure of efforts to empower Palestinian families and tribes to take control of the Strip. He hinted at an alternative strategy currently in the works, but withheld further details.

Netanyahu reiterated his refusal to halt military operations in Gaza, even suggesting the possibility of initiating a new conflict in northern occupied Palestine. "I am not ready to stop the war [in Gaza] before the elimination of Hamas," he declared, noting that the current phase of intense fighting in Gaza was approaching its end.

These divergent opinions among Israeli officials underscore the complexity and contentiousness surrounding resettlement plans in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.

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