Could Israel really build settlements in Gaza?

What Happened

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signaled consideration of establishing new Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Smotrich told reporters his ministry had prepared plans for three settlements in northern Gaza and was awaiting Netanyahu's approval. The following day, on Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu refused to rule out settlements, stating cryptically that he preferred not to address the matter. The article notes that over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military campaign and that the area north of Gaza City has been largely razed. It frames the statements as politically motivated, with Israeli elections due by October and Smotrich's Religious Zionist party struggling in polls, while Netanyahu faces a corruption trial and anger over his government's October 7 failures.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The consideration of settlements in Gaza reverses the 2005 disengagement and would constitute a further illegal expansion under international law. It signals growing influence of far-right settler movements and could worsen the humanitarian crisis, entrench occupation, and fuel further conflict.

Watch For

Israeli elections by end of October 2026 (as stated in article) and whether Smotrich or Netanyahu formalize settlement plans; any government approval or ground preparation; reactions from mediators (Qatar, Egypt, US) and international bodies (ICJ, ICC); Nachala or other settler groups advancing concrete construction steps.