Yedidya Meir Hails Approval of 34 New Settlements in West Bank, Calls for Gaza Expansion

During a broadcast of Channel 14's program The Patriots, panelist Yedidya Meir expressed strong support for the recent cabinet approval to establish 34 new settlements in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Meir described the decision as highly significant, noting that it brings the total number of settlements in the area to approximately 150, with additional plans underway for the Negev and Galilee regions. He praised the government for making what he called "important decisions."

Meir highlighted the timing of the approval, which coincides with the Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av, a day commemorating the destruction of the Temple and other tragedies, including the evacuation of the Gush Katif bloc in Gaza. He reflected on the historical losses, saying, "The homes we destroyed with our own hands, the homes in Gush Katif that we uprooted, that we expelled, even removing the dead from their graves."

Looking ahead, Meir expressed hope that the settlement expansion would not be limited to Judea and Samaria but would also extend to the Gaza Strip. He specifically mentioned the settlements of Sanur and Homesh as examples and conveyed his emotional response to the developments. Meir concluded by congratulating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wishing him success in carrying out these plans, saying, "With God's help."

This statement reflects a political and ideological push within certain Israeli circles to expand Jewish settlements beyond the West Bank into Gaza, linking the move to historical and religious symbolism.