Senior Israeli officials on Monday openly called for a permanent occupation of the Gaza Strip, contradicting a U.S.-backed proposal that explicitly rejects Israel’s continued military presence or annexation of the Palestinian territory.
The statements were made during a conference held at the Israeli Knesset titled "Gaza - The Day After,” Israel’s right-wing Channel 7 reported.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin said Israel must maintain control over Gaza as part of what he described as its broader territorial claims.
"We need to be present in Gaza and across the entire Land of Israel,” Levin said. "This is, first and foremost, our country.”
Also speaking at the conference, far-right lawmaker Simcha Rothman said Israel should retain full authority over Gaza.
