Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed that Israel should take control of Gaza and “encourage” around half of the area’s 2.2 million Palestinian residents to leave within the next two years.

Speaking at a gathering hosted by the Yesha Council, which represents Israeli communities in the West Bank, Smotrich suggested that “it is possible to create a situation where Gaza’s population will be reduced to half its current size in two years.”

“It won’t cost too much money,” he stated, adding, “even if it does, we should not be afraid to pay for it.”

Smotrich went on to explain that “the only way” to reduce Gaza’s population was through a policy of “voluntary emigration.” He emphasized that Israel could “occupy Gaza and thin the population by half within two years” with this approach.

The idea of “voluntary emigration,” supported by far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, has faced significant criticism. Opponents argue that it amounts to forced displacement, which constitutes a war crime.

Smotrich defended his position by saying, “Occupying Gaza is not a dirty word.” He added that, “If the cost of security control is 5 billion shekels ($1.37 billion), I will accept it with open arms. If that is what it takes to ensure the security of Israel, then so be it.”

His comments appeared to address concerns voiced by members of Israel’s security establishment and Treasury officials, who have warned of the significant economic consequences of occupying Gaza.

According to Smotrich, the only way to defeat Hamas is by replacing its authority in Gaza, a task that he believes only Israel can carry out, even if it involves the IDF taking on civilian governance in Gaza.

Once the “encouraged migration” strategy is proven effective in Gaza, Smotrich stated, it could be applied to the West Bank, where three million Palestinians reside. The leader of the Religious Zionism party has long advocated for annexing large sections of the West Bank and argued that the election of US President-elect Donald Trump provides an opportunity to push forward this vision.

Smotrich was among the government officials who attended a gathering last month calling for the return of Jewish settlements to Gaza.

Before attending the Yesha Council conference, Smotrich commented that areas Israel relinquished in the past had turned into “Iranian forward terror bases,” posing a danger to the country.

He added that the discussion surrounding the reestablishment of settlements in Gaza was relevant “for the day after the war,” and that it would be determined “in the normal democratic ways.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has consistently denied any intention for Israel to resettle Gaza, despite vocal support for this idea from members of his Likud party.

Although Netanyahu has opposed the idea of permanent Israeli occupation in Gaza, critics argue that the ongoing military operations could pave the way for such an outcome, especially since the IDF has fortified certain regions of the Strip, suggesting a potential long-term presence. While Netanyahu has rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza after the war, likening it to Hamas, Smotrich has openly supported the collapse of the PA, a stance he reiterated as recently as last week.

{Matzav.com}