Smotrich calls on Netanyahu to conquer Gaza under military rule, re-establish settlements

In Israel and Gaza on 18 August 2026, Smotrich called on Netanyahu to conquer Gaza under military rule and re-establish settlements there. On the same day, an Israeli strike on a cafe near the port in Gaza City killed at least six people, including a child, according to Gaza health officials. The IDF said it hit a meeting of elite Hamas commanders, and other outlets gave figures of five to seven dead.

Reuters wrote that the strike came a day after Kushner met with Netanyahu. El Universal wrote that Israel controls more than 65% of the Gaza Strip.