Far-Right Officials Criticize Trump's Gaza Initiative
Far-right Israeli officials have voiced strong opposition to United States President Donald Trump's recently unveiled 'Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,' advocating for a dramatically different future for the Gaza Strip. The plan, announced on September 29, 2025, aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict through a multi-faceted approach.
Key figures within Israel's far-right political spectrum have publicly rejected the U.S.-led initiative, which includes provisions for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, prisoner exchanges, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force. The plan also outlines transitional governance by Palestinian technocrats under international supervision, large-scale reconstruction, and a conditional pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Calls for Israeli Military Rule and Resettlement
Among the most vocal critics is Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party. Smotrich has explicitly called for the cancellation of Trump's plan, asserting that 'Gaza is ours,' and that Israel should impose direct military rule over the territory. He has also openly advocated for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and expressed a desire for the establishment of new Jewish settlements.
During a recent event, Smotrich stated, 'Gaza is ours, and its future will affect our future more than that of anyone else. Therefore, we are taking responsibility for what happens there, imposing military rule, and completing the mission.' He further suggested that a settlement ceremony similar to those in the West Bank should soon take place in the Gaza Strip. Other far-right ministers, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have echoed calls for resettling Gaza and annexing the territory.
Contradiction to Existing Policy and International Plan
The far-right's proposals stand in stark contrast to the 2025 Gaza peace plan, which explicitly bars Israel from annexing Gaza and re-establishing civilian settlements. Furthermore, Israel unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip in 2005, dismantling all existing Jewish settlements in the territory. The current calls for rebuilding these settlements represent a significant ideological and policy shift for the far-right.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly distanced himself from the most extreme calls for Palestinian displacement and has stated that his government does not intend to establish settlements in Gaza, he faces considerable pressure from his far-right coalition partners whose support is crucial for his political survival. The rejection by these influential figures highlights the deep divisions within the Israeli government regarding the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
5 Comments
Loubianka
Resettlement is the only real solution. Protect our people first, always.
Katchuka
It's clear that the current situation in Gaza is untenable for all parties involved. But dismissing an international peace plan outright for a maximalist approach like military rule seems short-sighted and risks isolating Israel further on the global stage.
Muchacho
Ignoring Trump's plan for this extremism is a disaster waiting to happen.
Coccinella
Trump's plan is weak. We need strength, not more empty promises for statehood.
Africa
The desire to secure borders and prevent future attacks is understandable given the history. However, re-establishing settlements in Gaza goes against decades of policy and would likely ignite an even larger regional conflict.