Hotels packed with Israeli settlers fleeing Gaza envelope, north

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
27 Oct 2023 00:11
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A Knesset member says that not "even a dog" would reside in northern and southern settlements unless the Resistance factions are "eliminated."

Israeli occupation soldiers look on as a settler boards a bus in the "Qiryat Shemona" on the border with Lebanon, before being evacuated on October 22, 2023 (AFP)

The Israeli Security Ministry has recently reported a surge in the relocation of settlers from northern and southern regions to hotels, with the count now standing at 125,000.

In a related discussion, Knesset member Almog Cohen from the "Jewish Power" party expressed a stark viewpoint: "The Israelis will not return to their settlements in the Gaza envelope, 'even a dog wouldn't do that, unless the enemy is eliminated," foreseeing a potential 15% reduction in land currently occupied by the entity.

Cohen profoundly questioned: "Why did they establish this 'state'? We have lost the essence of life, the essence of survival. We have lost our right to breathe."

An earlier statement by an Israeli settler echoed this sentiment, indicating reluctance among Israelis to reside near the Lebanese border unless a strategic balance of deterrence with Hezbollah is secured.

Conveying a perspective on the emergency handling, the Kan Channel relayed assertions from the Head of the Emergency Authority, suggesting the possibility of Israelis remaining outside their settlements until year’s end.

It was highlighted by Channel 12 that settlements proximate to the northern borders, within a 5 km radius, appear deserted, underlining the relocation of a substantial number of settlers, including 20,000 from "Qiryat Shemona" alone.

Revelations from Israeli media sources unveiled governmental contemplations to initiate a makeshift ‘tent camp near "Eilat" (Umm Rashrash) by the Red Sea, purposed for accommodating displaced settlers from the Gaza envelope.

Read more: Israeli media: Gaza Envelope settlements excluded from rebuild plan

Highlighting the societal strain, references were made to prevalent sleeplessness among Israelis and a marked rise in the demand for psychological medications and sedatives since October 7th, coinciding with the onset of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation.

This narrative of distress is paralleled by a notable surge in settlers’ discontent, underscored by sustained protests in "Tel Aviv" advocating for the return of Israeli captives held by Hamas.