Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich Advocates Gaza Occupation and Population Reduction Plan
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his extremist rhetoric, has called for the occupation of Gaza and a controversial plan to halve its population within two years. His remarks, made during a conference organized by the Yesha Council—a body representing illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank—have drawn widespread condemnation for promoting policies viewed as genocidal and rooted in ethnic cleansing.
Smotrich proposed a scheme involving financial incentives to encourage Palestinians in Gaza to emigrate. Critics argue this policy is a veiled form of forced displacement, aiming to make life so unbearable for Palestinians that they feel compelled to leave.
"It is possible to create a situation where Gaza’s population will be reduced to half its current size in two years," Smotrich stated. He described the plan as cost-effective, emphasizing that any financial burden incurred would be worth achieving this goal.
The minister's comments are part of a broader advocacy for the re-occupation of Gaza, a position he has consistently maintained. "We can occupy Gaza and thin the population by half within two years," Smotrich reiterated.
These statements are not new for Smotrich. Late last year, during discussions about Gaza, he emphasized the importance of “encouraging emigration” and suggested that reducing Gaza's population to 100,000 or 200,000 would fundamentally alter the region's dynamics.
Smotrich’s remarks underline the expansionist and supremacist ideology prevalent among some Israeli officials. His comments highlight the perception of Palestinians as obstacles to territorial ambitions, with previous officials labeling them as “animals” and “terrorists.”
The statements have sparked significant backlash, with many accusing Smotrich and his supporters of promoting fascist and genocidal policies. Advocates for Palestinian rights argue that such rhetoric further exposes the systematic efforts to marginalize and displace Palestinian communities.
This latest development underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address policies that perpetuate violence and undermine peace in the region.