Israel’s Minister of Defense has announced that the country is seeking former President Donald Trump’s backing to implement plans aimed at relocating Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, a move that has drawn widespread criticism and is viewed by many as a potential violation of international law.
During a conference organized by the Israeli news outlet Ynet and the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel Katz emphasized that he believes a genuine resolution for Gaza cannot be achieved without this relocation. He stated that the Israeli government is “organized and prepared to evacuate them by sea, by air, and through any means necessary.”
In early 2025, Trump had entertained the idea of a U.S. takeover of Gaza which would involve the removal of Palestinians, but he has since distanced himself from this proposal. A 20-point peace initiative put forth by the White House last year did not endorse the deportation of Palestinians, as such actions would likely be interpreted as ethnic cleansing.
Despite this, Katz expressed his belief that U.S. support could influence regional sentiments in favor of the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. He indicated that Trump’s endorsement is vital to persuade neighboring nations to accept Palestinian refugees. “Any country that is willing to take them in seeks American support,” he remarked. “Trump has not canceled this plan; he has merely put it on hold.”
The White House has not provided an immediate response to the Guardian’s inquiry regarding whether Trump is still engaging in discussions about Israel’s proposals to forcibly remove the population from Gaza.
Katz specifically highlighted Egypt’s opposition to the forced expulsion of Palestinians, noting that the topic remains under discussion. “This has not been shelved,” he stated. “It is continually being debated, including at this moment, and I believe there is ultimately no other solution that benefits everyone involved.”
These comments come amid a contentious election cycle in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies have sought to rally voter support through calls for more robust actions against Palestinians.
Some of these proposals have been overtly provocative. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right Minister of National Security, recently shared a video on X showing conditions in a women’s prison, claiming responsibility for the harsh environment there. When a prisoner reported a lack of medical care, hygiene, and clean clothing, Ben-Gvir responded, “The good conditions in the prisons are over. This is how things are now, and I take full responsibility. I am satisfied with these conditions.”
On Wednesday, Netanyahu visited an Israeli military post near the border with the Gaza Strip. He reiterated that Israel would not withdraw from this border until Hamas is disarmed, despite calls for a gradual withdrawal to support a recent ceasefire with the group. “We control the territory and will remain along this line,” Netanyahu stated. “We are committed to our goal of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza. Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”
