Ominous signs point to Israeli resettlement of Gaza

Observers of the unfolding events in Gaza require little effort to discern that Israel is effectively working toward resettlement in the region, even if this objective remains officially unspoken. Discussions on this topic may be confined to the corridors of the Israeli government, or discreetly shared with allies worldwide, but the evidence is clear.
This objective adds to Israel’s publicly declared goals for the conflict: eliminating Hamas and recovering the hostages. However, actions on the ground point to a third, more concealed agenda. This is evident in Israel’s persistent obstruction of negotiations and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to outline a “day after” strategy for Gaza.
Amid the systematic Israeli assault, soldiers reportedly aided Daniella Weiss, a 79-year-old settler activist, in entering the enclave to survey potential sites for settlements, allegedly without authorization from their superiors. Known as the “Mother of Settlers,” Weiss openly declared at a public conference that Israel’s military entered Gaza to resettle it. Her actions, though unofficial, align with long-standing ambitions within certain segments of Israeli society.
Weiss is no stranger to controversy. She played a key role in establishing settlements in the West Bank shortly after Israel’s 1967 occupation, and served for over a decade as head of the Kedumim settlement council. Her record includes involvement in violent actions against Palestinians, often with official backing.
Statements from Netanyahu’s government partners have also revealed candid views on their long-term plans for Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the Israeli army would control the region for years. His comments echo those of former Israeli military Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, who acknowledged both public and covert objectives for the war. While these so-called secret goals remain officially unstated, they are increasingly evident in Israel’s actions.

Gaza’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty, with ominous signs pointing toward a protracted occupation.

Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy

Signs suggest Tel Aviv is implementing a strategy to resettle Gaza or, at the very least, establish a prolonged military presence. This strategy brings to mind the 21 settlements Israel dismantled in Gaza under its 2005 disengagement plan, which also included the withdrawal of military forces from the region.
Reports in the Western media have highlighted military actions and political maneuvers indicative of plans to annex northern Gaza. Statements from senior Israeli military officer Itzik Cohen seemingly admitted to “ethnic cleansing” in the region, revealing intentions to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning to their homes in Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia — areas subjected to relentless bombardment since early October. Although the military has officially distanced itself from Cohen’s comments, the realities on the ground appear to align with his claims.
In another revealing moment, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told the families of Israeli hostages: “There’s nothing more to be done in Gaza. The primary objectives have been achieved. I fear we remain there simply out of a desire to stay.” His admission underscores the potential for a prolonged occupation, even as Israel publicly denies plans to resettle the enclave.
Ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza would clear the way for Israeli settlers to realize long-held aspirations of reestablishing settlements in the area. Analysts suggest further evidence of this agenda lies in the inclusion of far-right ministers Orit Strock and Yitzhak Wasserlauf in Israel’s security Cabinet. Both are staunch proponents of settlement expansion and play significant roles in shaping policy.
Further insights from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz have detailed plans to reoccupy Gaza, sparking a backlash in Palestinian and Arab circles. Sources in Ramallah claim that Israel aims to divide Gaza into four separate zones.
The northern area has already seen extensive demolitions, with only 20,000 residents remaining from an original population of 1 million. The second zone, Netzarim, is slated to become a major corridor up to 6 km wide and 7 km long, cutting across Gaza from east to west. A third corridor, the Salah Al-Din axis, near Rafah along the Egyptian border, will also witness the complete destruction of residential neighborhoods. Additionally, a buffer zone extending 1 km into Gaza’s eastern border is planned. These measures are expected to be implemented by 2026, with recent escalations serving as a catalyst for their execution.
Israeli officials continue to deny plans for resettling Gaza, yet actions by government allies and settler leaders suggest otherwise. While the Israeli army claimed that Weiss’s entry into Gaza was unauthorized and against protocol, Weiss herself admitted to using the same methods she employs in the West Bank.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, publicly denies any intention to resettle Gaza. However, his coalition members and Likud Party allies openly support the idea. As events continue to unfold, Gaza’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty, with ominous signs pointing toward a protracted occupation and potential settlement expansion.

• Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy has covered conflicts worldwide. X: @ALMenawy