politics
Netanyahu Leaves Gaza Settlement Plans Unresolved After Smotrich Says Approval Is Only Step Left
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to exclude settlements in Gaza during a June 29 television interview. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the previous week that his ministry had prepared plans for three settlements in northern Gaza.
Jul 4, 3:30 AM·1m read2 sources
AJ
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to rule out new Jewish settlements in Gaza during a June 29 interview on Channel 14. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had told reporters on June 28 that his ministry had prepared plans for three settlements in northern Gaza and that only Netanyahu’s approval remained required.
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Netanyahu said on the broadcast, “The question is whether you prefer to do or to talk.
” @AJEnglish reported the statements on July 4. Israel dismantled 21 settlements in Gaza in 2005. The area north of Gaza City has been largely razed. Israel’s current settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem are illegal under international law.
Israel has killed more than 73,000 people in Gaza. Israel’s next election must be held before the end of October 2026. Ofer Cassif is the only Jewish member of the Knesset expected to resist potential settlement in Gaza.
