Jewish settlement in Gaza: This is how we strengthen Israel's security
One can disagree with policy, but it is hard to argue with the historical lesson: wherever there was significant Jewish presence, the State of Israel had a better ability to control the space and defend itself. The war in Gaza must end not only with the defeat of Hamas, but also with the shaping of a new strategic-security reality.
Every time Israel faces a security test, the question arises: how can we ensure that the next terror attack does not happen? There are those who seek the answer in more weapon systems, in more fences, and in more technological means – although all these are undoubtedly important and necessary, the history of the State of Israel teaches that there is another component, no less deep and significant: settlement.
Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel was never just a construction project. From the beginning of Zionism, it was perceived as an inseparable part of national security. The pioneers who settled the land did not just build houses and fields, but created facts on the ground, established sovereignty, and strengthened the state's ability to defend itself. It is no coincidence that it was said for years that "where the plow passes, there the border will also pass." This sentence expressed not only a Zionist vision, but a security concept that proved itself time and again in the test of reality.
Over the years, we have seen that when there is settlement, the state invests more in infrastructure, roads, security measures, military forces, and defense systems. Settlements are not just points on a map. They create a continuous presence of the state, require effective control of the territory, and make it difficult for our enemies to turn entire areas into terror bases.
October 7 was one of the most difficult days in the history of the State of Israel. Beyond the atrocities and the immense pain, it forced us to ask difficult questions about our security concept. It turned out that even a strong army, advanced technology, and warning systems are not enough when the enemy manages to build terror infrastructure for years almost without interference.
Precisely out of this pain, we must not settle only for restoring military deterrence. We must also think about shaping the strategic reality for the coming years. A true victory is not measured only by the number of terrorists eliminated or tunnels destroyed. A true victory is measured by the enemy understanding that the war he started did not advance his goals but pushed them away.
Throughout history, wars have often ended with territorial changes as well. This was part of the price paid by the side that chose aggression. In a world where terror organizations believe that it is possible to murder citizens, kidnap children, and return to routine as if nothing happened – the State of Israel must send a sharp and clear message: such actions have a heavy price.
Therefore, in my view, one of the important meanings of victory should be the strengthening of Israeli hold on the land through Jewish settlement. This is not just an ideological move, but a move with deep security significance. When the State of Israel strengthens its presence on the ground, it makes it clear that terror does not pay – and that whoever tries to undermine our existence will face a more determined, stronger, and more established state.
There are those who see settlement as a political slogan. I see it as a national responsibility. Settlement does not come instead of the IDF, but alongside it. It is not a substitute for security forces, but a force multiplier for them. A permanent settlement creates continuity of life, requires security, improves control of the territory, and strengthens sovereignty in practice.
One can argue about ways and policies, but it is hard to argue with the historical fact that wherever there was significant Israeli presence, the State of Israel had a better ability to control the space and protect its security interests. Conversely, when a governance and security vacuum was created, terror elements entered it time after time, exploiting it for buildup and preparation for the next confrontation.
The State of Israel does not seek wars, but it is obligated to draw lessons from the wars forced upon it. If October 7 taught us anything, it is the heavy price of illusions. We must not build our security on hopes alone. Security relies on presence, on control, on deterrence, and on determination.
Jewish settlement in Gaza, from the perspective of its supporters, is not only a Zionist goal but also a long-term security concept. It expresses the understanding that sovereignty does not end with raising a flag or a political declaration. Sovereignty exists when there are people who live in the place, work in it, raise families in it, and ensure that the land will remain part of the State of Israel for generations to come.
Ultimately, the question is not only how to win the current war, but how to prevent the next war. For this, a strong army, determined leadership, and political power are needed – but also the understanding that settlement is an inseparable part of the defense array of the State of Israel. October 7 must be a turning point. Not only in the fight against terror, but also in the way we perceive the connection between security, sovereignty, and settlement. Because where there is settlement, there is life.
*The author is a Member of Knesset, Deputy Speaker of the 25th Knesset.
