Israel’s far-right minister to pursue policy of ‘encouraging migration’ of Palestinians

TEL AVIV - Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has repeatedly signaled that he supports a policy aimed at encouraging the migration of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Wednesday.

“We will eliminate the idea of an Arab terror state,” said Smotrich, speaking at an event organised by his Religious Zionism Party late on Tuesday.

“We will finally, formally, and in practical terms nullify the cursed Oslo Accords and embark on a path toward sovereignty, while encouraging emigration from both Gaza and Judea and Samaria.

“There is no other long-term solution,” he added.

Smotrich’s comments have drawn widespread controversy and deep concern from Palestinians and international observers.

The far-right minister — a leading figure in Israel’s Religious Zionism Party and a prominent ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — described the idea of Palestinians leaving these territories as part of a broader strategy for Israel’s future. 

He has backed proposals for what he terms “voluntary migration” of Palestinians, particularly from Gaza, suggesting that such migration could be a way to resolve the long-standing conflict.

At meetings with members of his party and allies, Smotrich endorsed the notion that encouraging Palestinians to migrate — including “voluntary” relocation to other countries — could lessen tensions and change the political and demographic reality in Gaza and the West Bank. 

He argued that Gaza may not survive as an independent entity and that facilitating migration could serve strategic objectives, including consolidating Israeli control.

Smotrich’s comments are rooted in a wider agenda that includes expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, opposing Palestinian statehood, and shaping policy around how Israel governs territories captured in the 1967 war. 

Critics note that Smotrich’s ideological stance effectively rejects a two-state solution and prioritizes strengthening Israeli sovereignty over these areas.

On Gaza specifically, Smotrich has described “voluntary migration” not only as desirable but logistically conceivable, even suggesting theoretical plans to relocate large numbers of residents if host countries could be identified to absorb them. Some reports indicate discussions within government circles about establishing mechanisms or administrative structures to oversee such migration planning.

Smotrich’s position is not isolated in Israeli political discourse. Similar calls have been made by other right-wing lawmakers supporting the idea of encouraging Palestinians to leave contested areas, sparking outcry among Palestinians and human rights groups who view such proposals as tantamount to forced displacement or ethnic cleansing.

Palestinians and advocates for their rights have condemned Smotrich’s rhetoric, warning that it undermines prospects for peace and violates international norms regarding the rights of civilian populations under occupation. They argue that talking about migration as a policy goal disregards the humanitarian and legal consequences for millions of people living under difficult conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.

The debate over Smotrich’s statements reflects the broader polarization over Israel’s future governance of these territories and the unresolved question of Palestinian self-determination amid years of conflict.