Video: Far-right Israeli minister Smotrich calls for Jewish settlements in Gaza Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the establishment of Jewish settlements within Gaza, claiming that the Israeli military controls nearly 70 per cent of the strip. He stated that preparations are already in place to build three settlements in the northern perimeter of Gaza, adding that the initiative is awaiting only a "green light" from the prime minister and the defence minister. “We must complete the conquest of the remaining 30 per cent.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the establishment of Jewish settlements within Gaza, claiming that the Israeli military controls nearly 70 per cent of the strip pic.twitter.com/VponeQWs3q — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) June 30, 2026