National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has outlined a plan for the forced expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, aiming to remove 250,000 residents in the first year and the remaining population over six years, according to reporting by major news outlets covering Israeli politics ahead of upcoming elections.
Itamar Ben-Gvir Details Phased Expulsion Plan for Gaza Strip
According to statements reported from the campaign trail, Itamar Ben-Gvir’s 20-page proposal is titled the “National Work Plan for Voluntary Emigration from the Gaza Strip.” The far-right Jewish Power party leader stated that the plan is concrete and the result of a year and a half of preparation. Ben-Gvir claimed that foreign nations are ready to accept displaced residents, though he did not name any specific countries.
International observers view the proposal as coercive due to the severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the stated objective of population removal. Under the Geneva conventions, the forced displacement of civilians in occupied territory is considered a war crime. The plan envisions demanding a dedicated ministry for emigration during coalition talks for the next government, according to source material.
Cabinet Ministers Push for Resettlement and Expanded Territorial Control
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced separately that the government is seeking approval from the Trump administration to displace Palestinians, stating that Israel would facilitate emigration by any means. This follows earlier comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Ben-Gvir leading thousands of activists to the Gaza perimeter to demand the reestablishment of Jewish settlements like Nisanit, Dugit, and Elei Sinai, which were dismantled during the 2005 disengagement.
Data from Israel’s deputy chief of general staff, Maj Gen Tamir Yadai, indicates that the military currently controls 65% of Gaza, surpassing the 53% threshold established under the previous year’s US-brokered ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military outpost in the territory to confirm that forces will not withdraw from occupied areas, asserting that military operations against threats will continue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Itamar Ben-Gvir’s plan for Gaza?
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed a phased plan to remove the entire Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, starting with 250,000 people in the first year and relocating them abroad.
How much of Gaza is currently controlled by the Israeli military?
According to Israel’s deputy chief of general staff, Maj Gen Tamir Yadai, the military controls 65% of the Gaza Strip.
What is the international legal status of forced displacement?
Under the Geneva conventions, the forced displacement of civilians in occupied territory is considered a war crime.
Are officials pushing to rebuild Jewish settlements in Gaza?
Yes. Far-right ministers including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have actively campaigned to reestablish settlements in northern Gaza, viewing current military control as an opportunity to reverse the 2005 disengagement.
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