Israelis won’t be able to rebuild settlements in the Gaza Strip, and the Palestinian Authority won’t be able to control the enclave, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday night in an interview with CNN.

“Resettling Gaza – that was never in the cards,” he said.

Just last week National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the construction of Israeli settlements in Gaza and the voluntary emigration of Palestinians from the enclave.

Israel destroyed 21 settlements during the Disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005. The Gaza war has sparked a renewed call on the Right for Israel to re-occupy Gaza.

While Israel would need to retain security control of Gaza to prevent the resurgence of terrorism, there were no plans to reoccupy it, Netanyahu told CNN, reiterating his opposition to building settlements in Gaza.

“I said so openly,” he said. “Some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that’s my position.”

Netanyahu's vision for peace

IDF soldier seen in Gaza near a temporary floating pier anchored by the United States to boost aid deliveries, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, May 16, 2024 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
IDF soldier seen in Gaza near a temporary floating pier anchored by the United States to boost aid deliveries, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, May 16, 2024 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

“Netanyahu dismissed the possibility that the PA could control Gaza once the war ends and Hamas no longer rules the enclave, which it forcibly seized in 2007 when it ousted Fatah.

The PA still teaches its children to seek the destruction of the Jewish state, he said, and it provides monthly stipends to terrorists jailed by Israel for killing civilians.
“I want a different future for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” he added.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister-without-portfolio Benny Gantz have taken Netanyahu to task for failing to provide a plan for what will happen in Gaza once the war is over and Hamas is defeated.

In interviews with CNN and ABC, Netanyahu said he had a very clear plan that focused on local civilian rule and the reconstruction of Gaza with the help of Arab states.
“I have a very clear plan,” but first of all, “We have to get rid of Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
After that, “I want a [demilitarized] civilian administration that is run by Gazans” who are not part of Hamas nor committed to Israel’s destruction, he said.
“I would have a reconstruction of Gaza, if possible, done by the moderate Arab states and the international community... I think it is a realistic plan,” Netanyahu said.