Smotrich calls on Netanyahu to conquer Gaza, establish military government and settlements

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, speaking at the Sderot Yeshiva on Sunday, called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the IDF's complete takeover of the Gaza Strip. He advocated for the establishment of a military government and Jewish settlements in the area, stating, "The State of Israel must agree to take responsibility for Gaza. To conquer it completely, establish a military government there, establish Jewish settlement there." Smotrich argued that Israel's security depends on settlements, asserting, "where there is settlement, there is an army and there is security, and where there is no settlement, over time there is no army and there is no security." He also supported voluntary emigration from Gaza and criticized US President Donald Trump's plan for an international force to control security in Gaza, emphasizing, "There is no one in the world who will do the work for us." Smotrich reiterated his position of "conquest, military government, settlement" to the students.