Thousands of religious nationalists have gathered in Jerusalem to take part in a conference on the Jewish colonization of Gaza: a demonstration that, according to settler radio Channel 7, will be attended by twelve ministers – including Likud ministers Miki Zohar, Haim Katz and May Golan – and 15 of the 120 representatives. “Gaza,” said one of the speakers, “is part of the land of Israel.”
“Where the Jewish plow digs its furrow is where our border runs.” On the podium hangs a large map showing the Jewish settlements that Ariel Sharon removed from Gaza in 2005 and those that the nationalists would now like to build.
In his speech, National Security Minister (and leader of the far-right Jewish Power party) Itamar Ben Gvir advocated the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from Gaza. “We have to encourage them,” he said, to applause from the audience, “to leave here.” “We,” he added, “have to go to Gush Katif (the Jewish settlement area in the south of the Gaza Strip evacuated by Sharon, editor's note). . Ed.) and return to the north of the West Bank.”
“We must do it,” he declared, “for this is the Torah, this is morality, this is historical justice and this is what should be done.”
Among those taking part in the conference are Rabbis Dov Lior and Elyakim Levanon, two historical leaders of the settler movement.
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