The right-wing Israeli Finance Minister has spoken out in favor of a “voluntary exodus” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to different countries. Bezalel Smotrich has attracted attention in the past for his extreme views. He dreams of an Israel based on the Biblical model.
“The voluntary exodus and reception of Arab Gazans by the countries of the world is a humanitarian solution that will simultaneously end the suffering of Jews and Arabs,” Smotrich wrote on Twitter on Tuesday (X).
In a lengthy statement on Facebook, he added that the refugees could be taken in with “generous financial assistance from the international community – including Israel.” He referred to a similar op-ed by two lawmakers in the Wall Street Journal.
Minister dreams of ‘Greater Israel’
Smotrich has denied the existence of the Palestinian people in the past. Earlier this year, he told a meeting in Paris: “There is no such thing as Palestinians, because there is no such thing as a Palestinian people,” presenting a ‘Greater Israel’ map that also included the West Bank and Jordan.
There are forces in Israel on the far right of the political spectrum that seek to establish a state with borders based on Biblical tradition, including parts of Jordan.
Worries about mass exodus
Fearing a mass exodus, Egypt and Jordan have already refused to accept refugees from the Gaza Strip. This is also due to the fear that this could ultimately lead to permanent displacement.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
