At ‘Gaza Riviera’ event, Smotrich calls for annexation, resettlement

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for what he termed a “security annexation” of northern Gaza and claimed that 'Israel’s' military chief supports the idea, according to The Times of Israel.

Speaking Tuesday at a Knesset conference titled “The Gaza Riviera – From Vision to Reality,” Smotrich said there is a “tremendous opportunity” to begin reestablishing Jewish settlements in the Strip.

“We should start with the northern border and establish three communities there,” Smotrich said. “We are already talking about it. Some call it a ‘security annexation.’”

He added that IOF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir “said last week that there needs to be a security annexation.”

Smotrich also declared: “We have strong support from President Trump to turn Gaza into a prosperous region, a coastal city with settlement and employment. This is how peace is made. There is really an opportunity to think big. This is possible and realistic. I am completely optimistic. To conquer Gaza and settle it as an integral part of the State of Israel and the Land of Israel.”

The conference title referenced a controversial proposal floated by US President Donald Trump earlier this year, in which he envisioned turning Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” while publicly encouraging the displacement of Palestinians from the territory.