U.S. strongly condemns Israeli ministers’ remarks on encouraging Palestinian emigration from Gaza

The United States has expressed strong condemnation of remarks made by Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

These ministers proposed that Israel should “encourage emigration” from Gaza, where an estimated 2.3 million Palestinians reside. Amidst an ongoing military offensive in Gaza since 7 October, which has led to approximately 1.9 million Palestinians being internally displaced according to the United Nations.

Smotrich, as Minister of Finance, stated, “If there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million Arabs, the entire discussion on the day after [the war ends] will be totally different,” advocating for “voluntary migration” of Palestinians.

Similarly, Ben-Gvir, as Minister of National Security, mentioned that the war provides an “opportunity to concentrate on encouraging the migration of the residents of Gaza,” labelling such a policy as “a correct, just, moral and humane solution.”

Human rights and legal experts have warned that forced displacement could constitute a war crime under international law, potentially leading to ethnic cleansing.

In response, senior US officials have emphasized their opposition to any efforts to force Palestinians out of Gaza.

A State Department spokesperson articulated, “The United States remains firmly opposed to any forced or enduring displacement of Palestinians from Gaza,” without directly addressing the Israeli ministers’ recent remarks.

Furthermore, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “We have been told repeatedly and consistently by the Government of Israel, including by the Prime Minister, that such statements do not reflect the policy of the Israeli government. They should stop immediately,” clearly rejecting Ben-Gvir and Smotrich’s comments.

Reacting to the U.S. criticism, Ben-Gvir retorted, “I really admire the United States of America but with all due respect, we are not another star in the American flag,” emphasizing Israel’s sovereignty and priorities.

The State Department’s criticism was echoed by US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who tweeted, “There should be no mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and we reject the recent inflammatory statements from Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir.”

Additionally, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, representing the largest US Jewish denomination, stated on X, “We condemn Israeli Minister Smotrich’s call for ethnic cleansing.”

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s Ministry of Health reporting 22,185 deaths and at least 57,000 injuries — many among women and children — since 7 October.

US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November last year that a two-state solution is the “ultimate answer.” However, Israeli officials have continued to express a firm stance against a two-state solution.

Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, asserted in an interview last December, “Absolutely no,” when asked about Palestinians having their own state.

A day later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also proudly claimed to have prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state and maintained his opposition to the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza post-war, stating, “among friends it’s important not to foster illusions.”