Israel’s Settler Agenda: A Trojan Horse in Gaza

Israeli ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, recently joined a march to the Gaza border, demanding the return of Jewish settlements evacuated 17 years ago. This development marks a disturbing escalation in Israel’s settler agenda, which has become a mainstream push with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and other coalition figures at its forefront.

The withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 was supposed to be a major concession by Israel, but it has become clear that this move was merely a tactical retreat. The evacuation of settlements like Elei Sinai, Dugit, and Nisanit allowed Israel to regroup and prepare for its next phase of expansion.

Nachala, the march’s organizers, are led by Daniella Weiss, a vocal advocate for Israel’s resettlement of Gaza. Her statements reflect a disturbing disregard for the rights and presence of the Palestinian people. Weiss describes Palestinians as “disappearing” from the territory, revealing a narrative among some Israeli politicians that sees the return of settlers as a way to reclaim a lost territory.

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, both sanctioned by European countries for their role in promoting settler activities, participated in the march. Their involvement underscores the close ties between Israel’s settler movement and its governing coalition. As leaders of a government that has shown little regard for international law or diplomatic norms, they are emboldened to pursue their agenda with impunity.

The international community’s response to this development has been muted. European countries have imposed sanctions on some Israeli officials, but these measures seem to have had little effect in changing Israel’s behavior. The lack of accountability for past crimes, including those committed during the 2005 withdrawal, has created a sense of emboldenment among Israel’s settler leaders.

As Palestinian lawyer and analyst Diana Buttu noted, “Because Israel has never been punished for its crimes, it’s only natural that a country that commits genocide and ethnic cleansing feels emboldened to steal more land.” This sentiment is echoed by many who see the march as part of a broader strategy to erase Palestine’s presence in Gaza.

The consequences of this strategy are far-reaching. If successful, it would displace thousands of Palestinians and undermine any prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As Israel’s settler agenda gains momentum, it is essential that the international community takes concrete action to hold Israel accountable for its actions and prevent further escalation.

The march’s slogan, “returning home after 21 years,” is a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and erase the narrative of Palestinian displacement. It is crucial that we do not fall for this rhetoric but instead focus on the harsh realities of Israel’s settler agenda and its impact on the people of Gaza.

Supporting Palestinian-led efforts to resist Israeli settlement expansion is essential. Organizations like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement have been instrumental in raising awareness about Israel’s settler agenda and mobilizing opposition to its policies.

As we watch this development unfold, it is essential that we remain vigilant and committed to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people. The march by Israeli ministers to the Gaza border represents a significant escalation in Israel’s settler agenda – an agenda that threatens the very fabric of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The silence from the international community is deafening. It is time for action, not just words.