Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich announced plans to establish a new “special Emigration Administration” aimed at supporting a proposal from former President Donald Trump to facilitate the relocation of Gazans. During a meeting with the Knesset Land of Israel Caucus, Smotrich emphasized the need for Israel to seize the opportunity presented by this plan, stating, “We must grab this opportunity with both hands.”
The new authority will be set up under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz. Smotrich assured attendees that financial constraints would not hinder the initiative. The administration’s primary focus will be to collaborate with the Trump administration to identify countries willing to accept Gazans. He acknowledged that the logistics of relocating even 5,000 people daily would make the process lengthy, potentially taking a year to complete.
More than 100 participants engaged in discussions about practical steps to implement Trump’s plan during the Knesset session titled “The New Middle East: The Plan for Voluntary Migration from Gaza.” Knesset member Yoel (Yuli) Edelstein remarked that topics once considered impossible are now viable for policy discussions. He urged the group to act decisively to create programs that could lead to lasting change in the region.
Co-chair MK Simcha Rothman described Trump’s plan as a “common sense revolution” and stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that those who oppose the relocation efforts are effectively siding with Hamas. Another co-chair, MK Limor Son-Har-Melech, advocated for a return of Jewish life to Gaza, envisioning Jewish children playing in the streets once more.
Trump has previously expressed that he does not support the resettlement of Israeli settlements in Gaza until a reconstruction plan is in place. This follows Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005, which involved the evacuation of 8,600 Israeli residents.
Participants in the Knesset included prominent figures like Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Strock highlighted that even if Hamas is subdued, the threat to Israel remains until the majority of Gazans are allowed to emigrate. She stated, “This government will take responsibility.”
Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council, called for the removal of Hamas members due to security concerns. He described this moment as historic, emphasizing the need for the Israeli government to take steps toward implementing Trump’s vision.
Ben-Gvir noted that he had proposed similar ideas even before Trump did, asserting that encouraging voluntary emigration is now the most realistic solution for Gaza.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Israel cut off electricity to Gaza after Hamas failed to meet a deadline for releasing hostages. Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the immediate electricity cut, stating, “Enough with the talk, it’s time for action!”
This development marks a significant moment in Israeli policy regarding Gaza, as leaders explore new avenues for addressing the ongoing challenges in the region.