Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also oversees the Settlements Administration, issued a formal request on Sunday for the establishment of three new Israeli settlements along the northern fence of the Gaza Strip. Smotrich utilized the social media platform X to call upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to approve the plan, framing the initiative as a return to areas that were previously evacuated.

The proposal has drawn attention due to the timing of the announcement, which coincides with ongoing Israeli military strikes in Gaza and the West Bank. While the sources agree on the core facts of Smotrich’s request and his role in the government, they differ in how they contextualize the event. One report emphasizes the broader military context, noting that the call for settlements occurs while Israeli strikes continue to result in Palestinian casualties and while the United States is preparing to provide additional military support to Israel. The reports also note that these developments persist despite a ceasefire agreement that was previously announced in October.

There is no public indication that Prime Minister Netanyahu has formally responded to the request or that the cabinet has scheduled a vote on the matter. The proposal has sparked debate regarding the future of Gaza's territorial status and the long-term objectives of the current Israeli government's military and administrative strategy.