Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told thousands of members of the Ezra youth movement that Israel should not return only to Gush Katif, but that all of Gaza belongs to the Jewish people. The statement was made Thursday evening.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionism party, addressed thousands of members of the Ezra youth movement on Thursday evening. In his remarks, Smotrich stated: 'We will not return only to Gush Katif, all of Gaza is ours.' The statement reflects the minister's long-standing position advocating for Israeli sovereignty over the Gaza Strip, going beyond the former settlement bloc of Gush Katif, which was evacuated in 2005. Smotrich has previously called for the re-establishment of settlements in Gaza. The remarks come amid ongoing military operations in Gaza and political debates over post-war arrangements.
- DevelopingSmotrich visits Gaza border communities, tells angry residents 'I understand the anger'
- StrongSmotrich says Gaza deal bad for Israel, vows to continue campaign in 'creative ways'
- DevelopingSmotrich warns of EU-backed plot to reverse West Bank settlement drive
- StrongSmotrich publishes detailed rationale for claiming hostage return credit
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