JERUSALEM – In a move that has ignited controversy and condemnation, Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir encouraged Jewish settlers to consider resettling in Gaza. He made this declaration at a well-attended conference in Jerusalem, contrary to the Israeli government’s official stance on the matter.

Ben-Gvir diverged sharply from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that Israel will not maintain a permanent presence in Gaza post-conflict with Hamas. The Palestinian Authority swiftly condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks as an incitement to forced displacement of Palestinians, voicing concerns about the stability and security of the region.

Both Hamas and various Israeli opposition leaders also criticized the statement on Monday. Ben-Gvir’s call echoes sentiments among his party and certain segments of the Israeli right-wing, underscoring a growing division on the issue within the country.

Ben-Gvir, addressing the gathering organized by settler groups, stressed the necessity of a Jewish settler and military return to Gaza to prevent future attacks similar to those on October 7. His controversial suggestion to “encourage emigration” of Gazans further fueled the debate. More centrist figure advocated for “voluntary emigration.”

This suggestion comes in the wake of Israel’s military and settler withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation. Since then, Israel has engaged in numerous military operations in the area, most recently in retaliation to the October 7 attack by Hamas.

The conference, which saw chants supporting the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza and parts of the West Bank, also featured Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich criticized the past evacuation of Jewish settlements from Gaza, linking the lack of settlements to security issues.

While Israel’s current military objective is to neutralize Hamas and secure the release of hostages, the Netanyahu government asserts no intention of permanent residency in Gaza, despite seeking post-war security control. This position aligns with the United States’ stance that Gaza should remain under Palestinian administration, emphasizing the need for progress towards a Palestinian state.

Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, expressed concern that the attendance of government and coalition members at the conference could damage Israel’s international reputation and affect the ongoing hostage release efforts.

In contrast, opposition chair and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid lambasted the convention as “delusional and dangerous,” highlighting the event’s contentious nature. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, viewing the conference as a direct challenge to the International Court of Justice and an incitement to displace Palestinians forcibly.

Both the United States and France sharply criticized the “Return to Gaza” conference advocating for the resettlement of Israeli settlements in the Strip. The conference, which notably saw participation from nearly a third of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, has stirred controversy and drawn strong responses from these nations.

The White House, expressing its concerns, issued a statement via the National Security Council. It labeled the conference and the rhetoric of its participants, particularly regarding the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, as “troubled.” The statement underscored the US’s firm opposition to the forced relocation of Palestinians outside of Gaza.

“This rhetoric is incendiary and irresponsible,” the White House declared, adding that they trust Prime Minister Netanyahu’s assertion that Israel has no intention of reoccupying Gaza. This comment implicitly calls for Netanyahu to rein in similar statements from his coalition partners.

Despite Netanyahu’s disavowal of the conference’s agenda as not representative of his government’s policy, the attendance of 11 ministers and 15 coalition lawmakers has raised concerns internationally and domestically. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have maintained that their directive for Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate was for their safety, avoiding crossfire. However, the conference’s discussions on encouraging Palestinian emigration and reestablishing settlements could cast these evacuations in a different light.

France’s response was equally stern. The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement expecting the Israeli government to “clearly denounce the positions” presented at the conference. Referring to a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations of genocide in Gaza by Israel, the statement emphasized Israel’s obligation to prevent and punish such rhetoric.

Let’s hope the French and Americans have a lot of patience. They certainly have a lot of flatulence.