Smotrich: Gaza is an inseparable part of Israel, settlement must return

'Israeli' Finance Minister and head of the Religious Zionism Party, Bezalel Smotrich, on Tuesday reiterated his support for the return of settlements to Gaza, claiming the coastal enclave is “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.”

Speaking at a conference held by the Gush Katif Heritage Center marking 20 years since 'Israel's' 2005 disengagement from Gaza, Smotrich said what was once considered a dream is now becoming a “realistic action plan.”

“We did not pay this price just to hand Gaza from one Arab to another,” he said. “I’m not talking about returning to Gush Katif, it was too small. The next settlement project must be much bigger and wider. Gaza allows us to think on a grand scale.”

Smotrich acknowledged that 'Israel' would not receive international support for a large-scale war on Gaza if it causes mass starvation. “No one in the world will let us wage war and eliminate Hamas if we starve two million civilians,” he said.

He also outlined what he described as a “revolution” underway in the occupied West Bank, including de facto annexation, settlement expansion, property seizures, and infrastructure development. He stated that the current government would ultimately impose full 'Israeli' sovereignty over the territory.

Regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and pause fighting for several hours each day, Smotrich said he would not leave the coalition over it, despite his opposition.

He also dismissed a proposal by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to form a right-wing bloc to block ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, stating only that the success of 'Israel’s' strategy will soon become evident.