Right-Wing Conference Advocates for Israeli Settlement in Gaza Drawing High-Profile Attendees

Thousands gathered on Sunday evening at the Nation Buildings in Jerusalem for the opening of the right-wing conference titled "For the Victory of Israel." Organized by the Samaria Council, the Nahala movement, and other bodies, the conference advocates for the return of Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip.

Prominent attendees included 11 ministers and 15 Knesset members, among them Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gabir, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, and Tourism Minister Haim Katz. The majority of participants are religious Zionists.

Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Council, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that settlement is crucial for Israel's security. He declared, "The Gaza Strip is part of the Land of Israel, and Jews were expelled from it." Dagan urged attendees to support the settlement initiative, stating that it sends a strong message to Israel's adversaries.

Participants at the event were provided with registration sheets and contact details to join planned settlement points in Gaza. Among these are the "Grace to the Thousands" nucleus, Sha'arei Habel Gaza, Maoz, Oz Haim, the city of Gaza, and the Yeshii settlement near Netiv HaTara.

During the conference, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gabir echoed the sentiment, calling for a return to Gush Katif and northern Samaria. He asserted that settling the territory is a moral solution to the humanitarian problem, encouraging immigration.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recounted his past activism against the Oslo Accords and the deportation from Gush Katif. He emphasized the need to settle the country to ensure security, stating, "We must decide whether we run away from terrorism again or settle our country and bring security to the residents of Israel."

Tourism Minister Haim Katz, whose parents survived Auschwitz, expressed his commitment to building and expanding the Land of Israel. He called for unity in the face of the opportunity to renew and strengthen the Jewish presence in Gaza.

The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, criticized the conference, calling it a new low for the government. He accused ministers from the Likud party of disgracing Netanyahu and aligning with extremists, claiming it poses international damage and endangers IDF soldiers.

In response, Nimrod Dveik of the Derchno movement urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to prevent the conference, labeling it a political campaign with an illusory proposal for resettlement in Gaza. Dveik argued that a real victory would be the safe return of children to play in Bari and surrounding settlements.