Thousands convened in Jerusalem for a far-right gathering advocating the resettlement of Gaza and the relocation of Palestinians living there.
Named the “Conference for the Victory of Israel – Settlement Brings Security: Returning to the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria,” the event featured speeches from a range of public figures, including Knesset members, government ministers, rabbis, and settlement activists.
Key speakers included far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit party and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionist party. Ben-Gvir called for seizing control of Gaza and proposed voluntary emigration for Palestinians, while Smotrich emphasized the return of Jewish settlers to the area.
Other coalition lawmakers in attendance included Likud’s Haim Katz, United Torah Judaism’s Yitzhak Goldknopf, and Religious Zionist’s Orit Strock, among others.
The conference also discussed the idea of voluntary emigration for Palestinians during times of war, with Minister Shlomo Karhi explaining that “voluntary” measures could be enforced until consent is given.
Rabbi Uzi Sharbag, a former leader of the far-right Jewish Underground movement, delivered remarks at the event.
About 20 ministers and lawmakers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition participated, drawing criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who denounced the gathering as detrimental to Israel’s international reputation and indicative of a lack of responsibility.
