Israeli minister: Our main goal is to seize control of Gaza, build settlements

Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu has openly declared that Tel Aviv's main objective is to seize control of the Gaza Strip and subsequently establish Israeli settlements within the territory, which is currently home to approximately two million Palestinians.

"Our main goal is to regain control of Gaza, including establishing settlements," Eliyahu was quoted as saying by the Israeli public broadcaster KAN on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He conceded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet formally included the issue of full control over Gaza in his government's agenda. However, Eliyahu expressed his belief that "this can certainly be discussed," adding that "in the Middle East, public opinion understands this language."

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Our main goal is to regain control of Gaza, including establishing settlements.

Eliyahu, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has repeatedly voiced calls for Israel to reoccupy Gaza. His party advocates for establishing settlements in the area and displacing the Palestinian population.

The minister's remarks highlight a faction within the Israeli government that openly supports territorial expansion and the resettlement of Gaza, a stance that contrasts with current official government policy but reflects a significant political undercurrent.

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this can certainly be discussed. In the Middle East, public opinion understands this language.