Finance Minister and Cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich called Tuesday for renewed Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip, saying it should be the next phase following the return of hostages from Hamas captivity.
Speaking at hakafot shniyot (second Simchat Torah celebrations) in the southern city of Sderot, Smotrich said, “Out of the immense joy we all experienced today, with the emotional return of all our living hostages, I say again—just as I said here a year ago—there will be no Hamas in Gaza, there will be no threat from Gaza toward Israeli civilians for decades to come. And yes, this too must be said: There will be Jewish settlement in gaza.
Smotrich argued that settlement is essential for long-term security. “Without settlement, there can be no lasting security,” he said. “First, because it is part of the Land of Israel, and second, because only a Jewish presence guarantees that we won’t return to a situation where rockets are fired on Sderot and the south.”
He added, “We have patience, but also determination and faith. With God's help, we will continue this series of victories and the great miracles He has performed for us. The sounds of joy and dancing will be the only sounds heard in Sderot. A good month—of joy, construction, growth, security and settlement.”
Speaking in Sderot after hostage returns, finance minister says settlement key to long-term security; Strock warns new deal lacks firm guarantees on Hamas disarmament or Israeli control, fueling tensions within Netanyahu’s coalition
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