![Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin takes part in the voting to approve a controversial bill as part of the government’s judicial overhaul plan in Jerusalem on July 24, 2023.[Noam Moskowitz - Knesset - Handout - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AA-20230724-31755577-31755576-ISRAELI_PARLIAMENT_APPROVES_CONTROVERSIAL_BILL_LIMITING_REASONABLENESS_STANDARD-500x333.jpg)
Senior Israeli officials on Monday publicly advocated for a permanent occupation of the Gaza Strip, defying a US-backed plan that explicitly rules out Israel’s military presence or annexation of the territory, Anadolu reports. The statements were made during a conference held at the Israeli Knesset titled “Gaza – The Day After,” Israel’s right-wing Channel 7 reported. Justice Minister Yariv Levin said Israel must maintain control over Gaza as part of what he described as its broader territorial claims. “We need to be present in Gaza and across the entire Land of Israel,” Levin said. “This is, first and foremost, our country.” Also speaking at the conference, far-right lawmaker Simcha Rothman said Israel should retain full authority over Gaza. “Israel must […]
