Ben-Gvir proposes ministry to promote ‘voluntary emigration’ from Gaza

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has said his Otzma Yehudit party would seek to establish a government ministry dedicated to promoting what he calls the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip if the party participates in Israel’s next government.

Ben-Gvir said his party would demand control of the proposed ministry as well as the authority and funding needed to implement the policy. He argued that facilitating the departure of Palestinians who wish to leave Gaza would benefit both Israel and those seeking to relocate abroad.

The proposal forms part of a plan unveiled by Ben-Gvir under the name “Disengagement 710.” According to figures presented by his party, the initiative aims to facilitate the departure of approximately 250,000 Gaza residents during its first year, 1.11 million within three years and around 1.86 million within seven years.

Otzma Yehudit said the plan would involve establishing a dedicated ministry, negotiating arrangements with countries willing to receive Palestinians from Gaza, and providing those who leave with assistance covering travel, housing, vocational training and employment.

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The party identified Turkey, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as unspecified Arab countries, as possible destinations. None of the countries named has publicly agreed to participate in such an arrangement.

Ben-Gvir has characterized the proposed departures as voluntary. However, proposals for large-scale Palestinian ethnic cleansing from Gaza have drawn international criticism and concerns that relocation under conditions created by war, destruction or deprivation could amount to forced displacement.

International humanitarian law prohibits the forcible transfer or deportation of protected civilians from occupied territory except under narrowly defined circumstances. The United States has also previously said it opposes the forced displacement or expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.

The proposal is an initiative of Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party and does not currently constitute official Israeli government policy. Its implementation would require political approval as well as agreements with countries prepared to receive Palestinians leaving Gaza.

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