Key facts
- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocated for establishing Jewish settlements in Gaza.
- Smotrich stated the Israeli military controls approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip.
- He mentioned that preparations for three settlements in the northern Gaza perimeter are complete.
- The initiative is awaiting approval from the prime minister and defense minister.
- Smotrich called for the "conquest" of the remaining 30% of Gaza.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the establishment of Jewish settlements within the Gaza Strip, asserting that the Israeli military currently controls approximately 70% of the territory. Smotrich stated that preparations have been made for the construction of three settlements in the northern perimeter of Gaza, awaiting only a "green light" from the prime minister and the defense minister.