Israeli minister says government’s ultimate goal is to control Gaza and establish settlements

Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said on Wednesday that the government’s ultimate goal is to regain control of the Gaza Strip and establish Israeli settlements there.

According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), Eliyahu, a member of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said: “Our ultimate goal is to regain control of Gaza, including establishing settlements.”

He added: “I agree that the prime minister has not yet put this matter on the agenda, but it is certainly up for discussion,” and said, “In the Middle East, public opinion understands this language.”

The Otzma Yehudit party has repeatedly called for Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip, establish Israeli settlements there, and encourage the departure of Palestinians from the territory.

On Sunday, thousands of Israeli demonstrators, including ministers led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, gathered near the Gaza border to call for the establishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.

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