Israel
Far-right minister claims IDF chief supports ‘security annexation’ of sections of Gaza
Bezalel Smotrich predicted that Israel would maintain a ‘permanent presence’ in the enclave even after the war ends
July 23, 2025 14:30
Bezalel Smotrich predicted that Israel would maintain a ‘permanent presence’ in the enclave even after the war ends
July 23, 2025 14:30Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that the IDF’s chief of staff supports the idea of annexing parts of the Gaza Strip for security purposes, Israel National News reported.
Speaking at a Knesset conference titled “The Riviera in Gaza – From Vision to Reality,” Smotrich seemingly revealed details of a recent conversation he apparently held with IDF chief Liutenant General Eyal Zamir.
“I had a conversation with the chief of staff last week, and he told me that there is a need for a security annexation,” Smotrich, a long time advocate of Israeli terratorial expansion, said. “I genuinely believe we have an enormous opportunity here.”
He elaborated that he envisions Israel beginning this process in the northern Gaza border region, where he suggested establishing three settlement communities.
“We’ve been talking about this already; starting in the northern perimeter and setting up three settlements,” he said.
But the minister framed the move not merely as an expansion of Israel’s borders, but as a strategic necessity for its long-term security following the war against Hamas.
“Some people call it a ‘security annexation,’ but the bottom line is the same, ensuring Israel’s safety by maintaining a permanent presence,” Smotrich remarked.
The proposal echoes long-held views on the Israeli right advocating for re-establishing settlements in Gaza, which Israel unilaterally evacuated in 2005.
While Smotrich did not specify whether Zamir endorsed civilian resettlement, he emphasised that military control and authority would be essential for security.
The IDF’s Spokesperson's Unit refused to comment on Zamir's alleged remarks when asked by JNS on Wednesday morning.
Tuesday's Knesset conference was attended by MKs, ministers, mayors from Israel's south, members of the security forces, representatives of hostage families and researchers, according to Israel Hayom.
A plan presented at the conference calls for building 850,000 housing units, an international airport, public transportation and a new port connecting the enclave to the land route between India and Europe.
It comes after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases all of the hostages.
“If the Hamas terror organisation continues to refuse to release the captives, I instructed the IDF to capture additional areas, evacuate the population and expand the security zone around Gaza for the protection of Israeli communities through a permanent hold of the area,” said Katz.
“As long as Hamas continues its refusal, it will lose more and more land to Israel,” he added.
Meanwhile, this afternoon, the Knesset passed a non-binding motion calling for the annexation of the West Bank with the backing of 71 MKs.
Only 13 MKs, drawn from the Arab-Israeli parties and the leftist Democrats, opposed the move.
The move to apply what its supporters call "Israeli sovereignty" over the area follows the resounding passage a similar measure ruling out the establishment of a Palestinian State.
Today’s motion does not sign the annexation into law, nor does it force the government to do so, but its strong passage represents significant political will in favour of the move.
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