Just before the elections, the Israeli government unveiled a plan that shakes the spirits

Israeli authorities announced plans to establish three new military outposts in northern Gaza and allocate over 330 million euros for expanding settlements on the West Bank, just months ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. The announcement has sparked international concern and criticism, with United Nations officials warning of increasing violence against Palestinians and accelerated annexation efforts. The Israeli defense minister, Israel Katz, and finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, confirmed the moves during a visit to areas under Israeli control in Gaza, emphasizing their intent to solidify Israeli presence in disputed territories. The proposed military outposts, known as Nahal bases, are designed to serve as initial steps toward establishing permanent civilian settlements. According to researcher Dror Etkes, these military installations often precede the arrival of civilians, following a pattern similar to the expansion of settlements on the West Bank after 1967. The government aims to build ten new settlements on the occupied West Bank, with funding already approved by the cabinet last month, though the decision was kept private due to anticipated opposition from the United States. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a report highlighting the growing role of Israeli settlers in extending Israeli control over Palestinian land, noting that perpetrators of violence rarely face legal consequences. Additional criticism arose from General Avi Bluth, commander of Israeli forces on the West Bank, who referred to residents of contested settlement areas as “partners in ensuring security.” This statement drew sharp responses from Palestinian groups and international observers. According to Lieutenant Colonel Tamir Yadai, deputy chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Israel currently controls approximately 65 percent of Gaza’s territory, significantly more than the roughly 53 percent outlined in the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States last year. Yadai stated that Israeli forces have killed over 70,000 “terrorists” during the conflict. However, this figure has sparked controversy, as data from Palestinian health authorities, considered largely reliable by Israeli military sources, indicate that among the more than 73,000 identified casualties, over 21,000 were children, more than 10,000 women, and thousands of elderly individuals. When asked whether Israeli forces classify children, women, and the elderly as “terrorists,” the military did not provide a direct answer. Instead, they indicated that an analysis of casualty demographics is still being prepared and will not yet be presented to the political leadership. Humanitarian organizations estimate that around two million Palestinians remain displaced on the remaining third of Gaza’s territory, which continues to suffer from severe humanitarian conditions. The timing of the announcements comes amid heightened political tensions within Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to consolidate support before the upcoming elections. His son, who recently changed his name, has become a focal point of media attention, reflecting broader shifts within the ruling Likud party. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has reportedly faced internal challenges within his party, with some suggesting he is under pressure to step down from his current position. The Israeli government's actions have drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders and international bodies, who view the expansion of settlements as a violation of international law. Despite this, the Israeli administration continues to assert its right to develop and settle the territories it occupies, rejecting external criticisms as unfounded. As the election date approaches, the situation remains highly volatile, with both domestic and international stakeholders closely monitoring developments.