Israel’s Far-Right Openly Boasts of Resettling Gaza as Election Looms

Israeli far-right ministers are openly advocating for the resettlement of the Gaza Strip, sparking international alarm as Israel's legislative election approaches in October 2026. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, alongside other prominent lawmakers, have called for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza and for Palestinians to be encouraged to emigrate from the territory. These proposals include plans for establishing military-linked outposts that have historically paved the way for civilian communities.

These calls have been underscored by recent actions, including a July 20, 2026, march towards the Gaza Strip led by ministers and thousands of settlers demanding a return to the enclave. Earlier, on July 18, 2026, the defense and finance ministers announced plans for three new settlements in Gaza and substantial funding for expanding construction in the occupied West Bank. Such declarations have been widely condemned by Palestinians, human rights organizations, and a significant portion of the international community, who view them as advocating for forcible displacement in violation of international law.

The upcoming October 27, 2026, election will be the first time in decades that Israel holds elections on their scheduled date, and the first government to complete a full term since 1973. The election is widely seen as a crucial referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, particularly concerning the future governance of Gaza and the broader direction of the Israeli state following the October 2023 attacks.