Reestablishing Israeli Settlements in Gaza is a Strategic Imperative to Assert Jewish Rights to the Land, Reestablish Deterrence, and Prevent Repetition of the Massacre.

The 2005 Disengagement, which saw Israel unilaterally pull out from Gaza and dismantle Jewish settlements like Gush Katif, has now been cast into stark relief against the recent events of October 7, 2023. The massacre that unfolded on this day is a grim testament to the failure of that decision, which was supposed to bring peace but instead led directly to one of the darkest days in Israeli history. As Major General (res.) Gershon Hacohen aptly noted, if the towns of Gush Katif had not been evacuated, the massacre on October 7 would never have happened.

In the aftermath of Disengagement, Gaza was handed over to the Palestinian Authority, which was swiftly overpowered by Hamas in 2007. This marked the beginning of a reign of terror that turned Gaza into a launchpad for continuous aggression against Israel. According to Hacohen, “If there had been no Disengagement, there would have been no October 7, because Hamas could not have organized for it the way they organized.” He elaborated on the strategic vacuum created by Israel’s withdrawal, allowing Hamas to convert the Gush Katif area into a training ground, constructing models of Israeli towns, fences, and tanks to prepare for their deadly incursions.

The implications of Hacohen’s observations are clear: the Disengagement provided Hamas with the space and opportunity to grow stronger, turning Gaza into a heavily fortified terrorist stronghold. This outcome was predictable to some. Hacohen himself, who commanded the Disengagement, expressed his concerns from the very beginning, stating, “Even then I thought it was a mistake, and everyone knew it.” The reality has turned out to be even more catastrophic than he could have anticipated, underscoring the urgent need to reconsider Israel’s strategic approach to Gaza.

The Strategic Case for Reestablishing Israeli Settlements

The path forward must be bold and unyielding. Reestablishing Israeli settlements in Gaza is not just a matter of reclaiming lost land but a strategic necessity to ensure the security of Israel’s southern borders. The presence of Jewish communities in Gaza would serve as a constant deterrent, disrupting Hamas’s operational capabilities and preventing the kind of training and planning that led to the October 7 attacks.

Resettling Gaza would also act as a form of recompense for the atrocities committed. For every act of aggression, there must be consequences that resonate not just with Hamas but with the wider Arab world. The reestablishment of Israeli settlements would send a clear message: aggression will be met with a steadfast response, including territorial and demographic shifts that favor Israel’s security and sovereignty.

Heritage Foundation analyst James Phillips pointed out in his analysis of the October 7 events that any security vacuum left by Israeli withdrawals is quickly exploited by radical elements. “Israel’s mistake,” he argues, “was thinking that the vacuum could be filled by the Palestinian Authority or any semblance of peaceful governance. In reality, the vacuum was filled by Hamas and other extremists, turning Gaza into a terrorist enclave that threatens not only Israel but regional stability.”

Preventing Future Catastrophes

The resurgence of Israeli settlements in Gaza would reestablish a buffer zone critical to preventing future attacks. It would hinder the mobility of terrorist cells, create a layer of human intelligence, and provide Israel with strategic depth that is currently absent. Reestablishing settlements would also bolster Israeli morale, restoring a sense of purpose and historical continuity after years of being on the defensive.

Critics argue that resettling Gaza would lead to international condemnation and further conflict. Yet, history shows that yielding territory to appease adversaries often leads to more violence, not less. The security of Israel and the safety of its citizens must take precedence over concerns about international opinion or the reactions of a hostile entity like Hamas.

A Lesson in Deterrence

The October 7 attacks have taught a harsh lesson: Israel cannot afford to relinquish control over areas that directly impact its national security. The tragedy of that day was not just in the lives lost but in the stark realization that strategic miscalculations have tangible, devastating consequences. Reestablishing settlements in Gaza is not just a matter of righting a historical wrong; it is a critical move to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again.

The Disengagement was a fatal mistake that, if not addressed, will continue to haunt Israel. The only rational solution is to reclaim strategic territories like Gaza, reinforcing Israeli presence and sending a clear signal to Hamas and its supporters. Israel must demonstrate that its land, its people, and its sovereignty are non-negotiable. The reestablishment of settlements is not just a policy; it is an imperative for national survival.