JERUSALEM – Bezalel Smotrich’s Gaza settlement plan has drawn renewed attention after the Israeli finance minister called for Israel to expand its control over the Gaza Strip and establish Jewish communities inside the Palestinian territory.

Smotrich, a prominent figure on Israel’s far right who also holds responsibilities within the Defense Ministry, has repeatedly argued that Israeli settlements in Gaza would strengthen security for communities near the border.

In late June 2026, Smotrich said preparations had already been completed for three settlements in northern Gaza. According to him, the proposal now requires approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before it can move forward.

Smotrich Calls for Greater Israeli Control of Gaza

During a visit to southern Israel, Smotrich urged the government to take control of additional territory in Gaza.

He argued that Israel should complete its military objectives against Hamas and create a belt of Jewish settlements. In his view, those communities could function as a security buffer for Sderot and other Israeli towns close to Gaza.

Smotrich has made similar statements several times during 2026.

In February, he predicted that Israel would eventually occupy Gaza, establish military rule and create Jewish settlements there. He also said the Israeli military was preparing different operational options should Hamas refuse to disarm.

Therefore, his latest statements are consistent with a broader political position he has promoted for months.

Plans Prepared for Three Settlements

The proposal has moved beyond general political rhetoric in at least one respect.

Smotrich said the Defense Ministry’s Settlement Administration had completed preparatory work for three settlements in northern Gaza. However, construction cannot simply begin on the basis of his announcement.

The proposal would still require political authorization.

Smotrich specifically called on Netanyahu to approve the plan. He argued that establishing communities there would improve security for southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has previously rejected the idea that Israel intends to permanently resettle Gaza. Reports in July noted that the prime minister had repeatedly said Israel would not reestablish settlements there.

Israel Withdrew Its Settlements From Gaza in 2005

The debate carries major historical significance.

Israel removed its military installations and evacuated approximately 8,000 Jewish settlers from Gaza under its 2005 disengagement plan. The settlements, including the Gush Katif bloc, were dismantled.

However, calls to return to Gaza have grown among parts of Israel’s religious nationalist right since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack and the subsequent war.

In July 2026, thousands of activists joined a march toward the Gaza border demanding renewed Jewish settlement inside the territory. Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir were among the senior politicians participating.

Smotrich Wants a Larger Return to Gaza

Smotrich has gone further than simply advocating the restoration of settlements evacuated in 2005.

In a July interview, he said a future Israeli settlement project should encompass much more of Gaza than the former Gush Katif communities.

His position reflects an ideological argument that permanent Israeli civilian communities could reinforce military control and prevent another cross-border attack.

However, critics strongly dispute that argument. Furthermore, any attempt to establish permanent Israeli settlements in Gaza would face major diplomatic, political and legal opposition internationally.

Gaza Settlement Proposal Remains Politically Contested

For now, Bezalel Smotrich’s Gaza settlement plan remains a proposal rather than an implemented government program.

Although preparatory plans for three communities have reportedly been completed, Netanyahu’s approval has not been announced.

The issue also remains deeply divisive within Israel and abroad.

Moreover, settlement policy is already a major source of international criticism regarding the occupied West Bank. The United Nations and most governments consider Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory illegal under international law, while Israel disputes aspects of that legal characterization.

Therefore, any attempt to establish permanent Israeli civilian settlements in Gaza would likely trigger significant international opposition.