Israeli ministers announce plan for new illegal settlements in Gaza and West Bank

Israel's defense and finance ministers have unveiled plans for three new settlements in Gaza and allocated more than $400 million to expand construction in the occupied West Bank. This initiative comes as a top Israeli military commander praised violent outposts, calling them his "security partners."

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I intend to establish three Nahal outposts, which is also a military entity, in those places that were [Israeli settlements] in northern Gaza.

With national elections set for October 27, Binyamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition is reportedly accelerating efforts to expand Israeli control over Palestinian land and displace residents before its mandate ends. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated his intention to establish three "Nahal" outposts in northern Gaza, a type of military community historically preceding civilian settlements. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced funding for dozens of new settlements in the West Bank, a decision reportedly kept secret due to anticipated U.S. opposition.

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The military is only the first phase, which aims to prepare it for future settlement.

Maj Gen Avi Bluth, who commands Israeli forces in the West Bank, expressed appreciation for the work of extremist outpost residents, considering them security partners. Bluth, himself raised in a West Bank settlement, spoke at a meeting of the Farms Association, which represents settlements deemed illegal even under Israeli law. These settlements are implicated in campaigns of terror that have driven Palestinians from their homes.

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The government is on a reckless pre-election sprint to raid the public purse in order to create facts on the ground.

A recent UN human rights report highlighted how Israel uses settlers for annexation, with perpetrators enjoying systematic impunity. Hagit Ofran of the Israeli activist group Peace Now warned of a "reckless pre-election sprint" to create "facts on the ground" before polling day. Meanwhile, Katz reiterated his settlement plans for Gaza, also advocating for the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians from the territory. Dror Etkes, founder of the advocacy group Kerem Navot, explained that Nahal outposts serve as a preliminary military phase to prepare for future settlement expansion.

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Settler violence is state violence.