Israel’s right-wing ministers, undeterred by warnings from the White House and the United Nations’ top court, have participated in an event advocating for the reconstruction of Israeli settlements in Gaza after the recent conflict. The event, titled “Settlement Brings Security,” was attended by thousands, including high-profile right-wing ministers such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The conference, organized by the right-wing Nachala organization, promoted the expansion of Jewish settlements in Gaza and the northern parts of the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal by international and humanitarian bodies. The attendees called for the reestablishment of settlements in Gaza, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population.Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after 38 years of occupation, leaving the territory to the Palestinian Authority. However, following a power struggle with Fatah, Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. The event’s organizers presented a map outlining their vision for expanding settlements in Gaza, with the director of Nachala, Daniella Weiss, expressing a desire for the entire Gaza Strip to be part of the state of Israel. She emphasized that the event marked a significant turning point and the end of the presence of Arabs in Gaza, envisioning the return of many Jewish settlements and the establishment of new ones. During the conference, Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to show courage and prioritize the development of Israeli settlements in Gaza, as well as encourage Palestinians to leave the enclave, while Smotrich emphasized the essential link between security and settlement. Their remarks were met with enthusiastic support from the audience, including several ministers who joined in song and dance during the event.In addition to Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu and Tourism Minister Haim Katz, from Netanyahu’s Likud party, were also present at the conference, despite recent warnings from the Biden administration to refrain from advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. The International Court of Justice had also issued an order for Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide in its offensive in Gaza. However, the participation of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in the event signaled their disregard for these warnings. The Biden administration emphasized that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain so, even though Hamas no longer controls its future and no terror groups can threaten Israel. The Prime Minister’s office declined to comment on the attendance of the Israeli ministers. Netanyahu has been navigating the challenge of maintaining support from the Biden administration, while leading the most far-right government in Israeli history. While the event drew thousands of attendees, a December poll found that more than half of Israelis opposed annexing the Gaza Strip and reinstating settlements that were dismantled during Israel’s 2005 withdrawal. The event was also criticized by centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid, who raised concerns about its potential impact on negotiations to release hostages held in Gaza and Israel’s international standing as it faces scrutiny over its offensive in Gaza.Chantal Da Silva is a breaking news editor for NBC News Digital based in London. Paul Goldman and Matt Bradley contributed.
