Smotrich: We are ready to establish 3 settlements in northern Gaza

Translation by SadaNews - On Monday evening, Israeli Finance Minister and Minister of Settlement in the Defense Ministry, Bezalel Smotrich, stated that his settlement division is ready to establish 3 settlements on the northern border of the Gaza Strip, immediately.

Smotrich explained in a video clip alongside the Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, that this matter awaits the green light from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as translated by SadaNews.

He called for accelerating the pace of settlement in Gaza, saying: "I urge the Prime Minister to approve, so we can complete the mission and restore real security to the residents of the south."

This comes amid ongoing Israeli hints to continue controlling the security area inside the Gaza Strip.

The United States had confirmed its opposition to any attempts to establish settlements within the Strip.

Smotrich was visiting several settlements and kibbutzim in the Gaza envelope, including the Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha east of Khan Younis, where the foundation stone was laid for the construction of 1,000 homes.

Smotrich faced backlash from families of victims of the October 7 attack, accusing him of voting against the return of hostages in Gaza, which led to the deaths of many of them.