GAZA BORDER

Amid ongoing deadly Israeli war on Gaza and a genocide case filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice, far-right Israeli nationalist groups are openly advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians from their lands. 

The calls came during a recent event near Gaza, as some Israeli leaders pushed for expanded settlements in the area.

Held on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the gathering featured key figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and marked a significant show of extremist rhetoric promoting increased Israeli control in Gaza.

The event, organized by the Zionist group "Nahala," attracted a range of far-right voices. Speakers, including activist Daniella Weiss, showcased a map titled “Returning to Gaza,” highlighting proposed settlements on lands from which Palestinians were forcibly displaced.

Participants at the event asserted that the region "belongs only to Jews" and advocated for the removal of Palestinians. Eliyahu Binyamin, a 38-year-old attendee, insisted that Israel should be a Jewish-only state, stating: “What I want is that God fulfill himself … God tells us what He wants, not what I want.” He suggested that Palestinians could be encouraged to migrate, and added: “You can never let them have the same rights as a master.”

Shira Leff Kreitman, an Israeli mother of three, expressed potential plans for resettling in Gaza, saying: “There’s a lot that’s being said publicly and a lot that’s being said not publicly.”

Malkiel Barhai, a dual US-Israeli citizen, called for expansion of settlements in Gaza and even in Lebanon, stressing that Israel must “defend itself against aggressors.” He dismissed concerns over the recent death of American-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, emphasizing that accountability should apply only in cases of excessive force, while self-defense remains a priority.

David Fendel, another prominent figure at the event, underscored the importance of ensuring a solely Jewish presence in the region, advocating for international support for Israeli control over all of Gaza. He argued that the Jewish people’s future depends on reclaiming what he considers their rightful land, warning that any concessions to Palestinians would undermine Israel’s claim to the territory.

Among other speakers was Ben Zvi Gopstein, leader of the far-right Lehava Organization, known for incitement against Palestinians and previously sanctioned for promoting violence. Gopstein, seen collecting donations at the event, reiterated the message that “the region belongs only to Jews.”

The atmosphere at the gathering was charged, with many attendees openly carrying firearms as they voiced support for the government's actions and the establishment of new settlements.

As bombs continued to fall in nearby Gaza, the division between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents grew deeper, heightening concerns of further violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul