Defense Minister Smotrich Ready to Establish Three New Settlements Along Northern Gaza Border Immediately

Israeli Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Monday during a meeting with Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi that the settlement administration within the Defense Ministry has completed preparatory work to establish three new settlements along the northern border of the Gaza Strip. Smotrich emphasized that construction can begin immediately once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu grants political approval. "We are ready to establish three settlements as soon as we receive the green light from the Prime Minister," Smotrich declared, urging Netanyahu to authorize the plan to restore true security to southern residents.

Smotrich framed the initiative as part of a broader security strategy to change the reality in the Gaza envelope area. He noted that the Israel Defense Forces currently control nearly 70% of Gaza's territory and called for completing control over the remaining area, defeating Hamas, and creating a belt of Jewish settlements to serve as a security buffer for Sderot and surrounding communities. "Where there is no settlement, there is no security," he stressed, adding that Israel will not return to the situation before the October 7 attacks.

Mayor Davidi thanked Smotrich for his efforts on behalf of the Gaza envelope communities, expressing support for continuing the fight until the threat to Sderot and the region is removed. Smotrich’s announcement follows recent significant settlement policy moves, including the declaration of 465 dunams as state land for the Givot Roah settlement and the historic approval of construction in Hebron without the Palestinian municipality’s consent, effectively overriding parts of the Hebron agreement.

The plan to establish settlements along northern Gaza is politically contentious, but Smotrich views it as essential for securing southern Israel. The key question remains whether Prime Minister Netanyahu will provide the necessary political authorization or if the plan will remain on hold despite operational readiness.