Two Israeli government ministers are pushing for the annexation of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians living there, a move that has raised concerns internationally. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the return to Gaza and encouraged the voluntary emigration of its residents during an Independence Day rally. These proposals go against international law and have drawn criticism from President Joe Biden’s administration, as well as experts who believe such actions could lead to more civilian casualties.
The ministers’ hard-right ambitions have put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize these goals over the safety of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Despite international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage deal, Netanyahu’s plan for a military victory over Hamas has faced skepticism from the United States and other Western powers who advocate for a political solution.
The plan outlined by Netanyahu involves the destruction of Hamas as a military force, followed by operations to eliminate remaining terrorists and a transition to Palestinian civilian administration in Gaza. However, critics argue that defeating a terrorist organization is not as simple as it may seem and could potentially lead to further instability and radicalization.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, hard-right politicians in Israel are pushing for the settlement of Gaza as a way to ensure security and protect Israeli interests. This approach, they argue, is necessary to counter threats posed by Hamas and to preserve the sacrifices made by Israeli troops. The tensions between Netanyahu’s military strategy and the calls for settlement highlight the complex challenges facing Israel in its efforts to address the situation in Gaza.
