Cabinet Panel Postpones Bill to Repeal Gaza Disengagement Restrictions

The ministerial committee on legislation temporarily postponed debate on a bill by Deputy Knesset Speaker Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit that would cancel the clauses of the Disengagement Law banning Israelis from being present in or moving around the Gaza Strip. The delay was made at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who wanted to wait for a broader political decision on the issue.

The proposal is a direct continuation of the 2023 move to repeal the Disengagement Law in northern Samaria. Its goal is to remove from Israel's statute books the blanket ban on Jews entering and staying in Gaza, as part of a broader effort to correct what supporters call a historic injustice.

Son Har-Melech said the original law was a “historic injustice that must be corrected” and expressed regret over the postponement, while stressing that the fact the proposal was discussed shows it is on the national agenda. She said, “Especially in light of the reality exposed on October 7, it is clear that the disengagement concept failed and that it is time to formulate a policy of strengthening the Israeli hold.” She called on Netanyahu to lead the process to the end and back the bill, and said she intends to keep working to renew settlement as was done in Ganim and Kadim.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir gave full backing to the initiative, saying repeal of the Disengagement Law is a correction of a historic injustice. He said the events of October 7 proved “beyond any doubt” that the concept collapsed, and called the delay regrettable, while urging Netanyahu to quickly reach a clear political decision, support the bill, and remove “this disgrace” from the statute book.