Israel's Smotrich says Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians to start within weeks

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to forcibly transfer Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip could be initiated within weeks. The far-right minister confirmed during a meeting with reporters on Saturday that discussions have begun with an American team to implement this large-scale relocation plan. These discussions are aimed at outlining the logistics and potential challenges of such a significant undertaking.

Smotrich revealed to reporters that the plan encompasses two crucial components. One is to find countries willing to receive the Palestinians, and the other is to conduct a massive logistical operation to move such a large population out of Gaza. He expressed confidence in the imminent launch of the process, believing that Palestinians would be willing to leave their homes. This willingness, he suggests, stems from the dire conditions within Gaza.

Smotrich argued that Gaza residents have no future in the region, citing the massive destruction brought about by Israel's relentless 15-month bombardment of the area. "The people of Gaza have nothing to look forward to in Gaza for the next 10 to 15 years," Smotrich said. "After we resume fighting, Gaza will be like Jabalia, there will be nothing to look for there." The devastation, according to Smotrich, renders Gaza uninhabitable and necessitates relocation.

Trump first proposed the plan earlier this month, expressing strong support for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan. His remarks have sparked strong criticism from the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, among others, stated that "any form of ethnic cleansing must be avoided" and reiterated that "Palestinians have the right to exist as human beings on their own land." The international community emphasizes the importance of upholding international law and human rights.

Smotrich has been a staunch advocate for harsh measures against Gaza since the war began two years ago, including withholding aid and annexing Palestinian territory. He expressed support for annexing five percent of the Gaza Strip as retaliation for "one of our hostages losing a hair." "The Biden administration is complicated and creates many restrictions," he said. "Trump gives us full legitimacy to 'go all the way' on this, and that's what I would do." Smotrich sees Trump's potential return to power as an opportunity to implement his hardline policies.