Smotrich claims rebuilding of Jewish communities in Gaza is closer than ever

In a recent statement made on July 22, 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich discussed the potential for rebuilding Jewish communities in the Gaza Strip, declaring this vision to be 'closer than ever.' The remarks were made during a conference held by the Gush Katif Heritage Center, where Smotrich emphasized the significance of Gaza as an 'inseparable part of the Land of Israel'. His call for this rebuilding effort suggests a substantial shift in policy since the Israeli government evacuated Jewish residents from Gaza in 2005 amidst a disengagement plan. This plan led to the dismantling of communities, leaving the area devoid of its previous Jewish presence. Smotrich articulated that the sacrifices made by Israel in its conflicts with Hamas should not result in merely transferring control of Gaza to another Arab entity. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that would go beyond the former communities of Gush Katif, expressing a desire for an extensive presence in Gaza. This repositioning arises from a belief that security in the region necessitates a military presence alongside a possible reestablishment of Jewish civilian life in the area. In conjunction with these statements, reports surfaced indicating that Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir had purportedly supported the idea of annexing portions of Gaza for security reasons. Though details remain unclear, Smotrich underscored the importance of military control and sovereignty. The Israel Defense Forces, however, declined to comment on Zamir's alleged position, leaving ambiguity regarding the military's stance on civilian resettlement in Gaza. A letter signed by various Knesset members and government ministers called for an inspection of the northern Gaza border to commemorate the 20th anniversary of disengagement. The letter emphasized that the area in question remains under full IDF control and is devoid of Gazan residents, suggesting a potential opportunity for renewed interest in reestablishing Jewish communities in that region. This request signals ongoing interest among Israeli political figures to revisit and possibly reshape the narrative surrounding Gaza in light of historical and current geopolitical dynamics.