Israel’s Smotrich calls for settlements, ‘conquest’ of Gaza Strip
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the immediate establishment of Jewish settlements in the northern Gaza Strip, claiming that nearly 70% of the territory is already under Israeli military control.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged the immediate creation of Jewish settlements in the northern perimeter of the Gaza Strip. He asserted that nearly 70 percent of the territory is already occupied by the Israeli military.
The statement was made on June 29, 2026, and highlights Smotrich's continued advocacy for settlement expansion, which is widely considered illegal under international law. His use of the term “conquest” signals a push for aggressive territorial control.
Smotrich, a far-right figure in Israeli politics, has a history of supporting settlement activity and opposing Palestinian statehood. His latest remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the region, though no official response from Palestinian authorities or the international community has been reported yet.
Critics argue that such calls undermine peace efforts and violate international norms. The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly condemned Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
