Israel prepared to build three new settlements in Gaza pending Netanyahu's approval

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Tuesday that Israel is prepared to immediately establish three new settlements in the northern Gaza Strip, with the only obstacle being approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We are ready for the immediate establishment of three settlements in the northern perimeter of the Gaza Strip," Smotrich said. "We are waiting for the green light from Netanyahu."

The statement is among the most direct public calls from a senior cabinet minister for the formal resettlement of Gaza. Smotrich, who leads the Religious Zionism party and is a key figure in the governing coalition, has long pushed for Israeli civilian presence inside the territory as part of his post-war vision.

The northern Gaza Strip has been the site of prolonged and intense military operations since October 2023. Large parts of the area have been devastated, and the Israeli military has maintained a sustained presence there for months. Smotrich's proposal envisions converting that military foothold into a permanent civilian presence.

Israel withdrew all settlers and military forces from Gaza in 2005 as part of the disengagement plan led by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Any reversal of that policy would represent a historic shift in Israeli strategy and is expected to draw sharp international condemnation.

The announcement comes amid continued ceasefire and hostage negotiations, raising concerns that publicizing settlement plans while talks are ongoing could complicate diplomatic efforts. Supporters within the coalition argue that establishing civilian presence in northern Gaza is both a security and ideological imperative, and that deferring the planning until after the war would be a strategic error.

Netanyahu has not publicly responded to Smotrich's statement. The Prime Minister has so far avoided committing to a clear post-war governance plan for Gaza, facing pressure from the far-right flank of his coalition alongside international opposition and the demands of the hostage negotiations. No official response has been issued from the Prime Minister's Office, and no date has been set for a government discussion on the matter.