WASHINGTON: The Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir faced criticism from the U.S. State Department. The Israeli representatives advocated for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. In reply, the U.S State Department slammed the statements from both ministers.
The comments hinted at a mass dispossession similar to conditions of 1948 when Israel came into existence. Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister of Israel, urged the residents of Gaza to leave the besieged enclave. Similarly, Itamar Ben-Gvir – National Security Minister, believed that the war in Gaza laid an opportunity to encourage the migration of Palestinians.
The State Department took a firm stance and called the rhetoric inflammatory and irresponsible behaviour. It added that the government of Israel has repeatedly conveyed that these types of statements are not the part of Israeli government’s policy. Continuing their reply, the U.S. demanded an immediate stop to such statements.
The U.S State Department stated that they have been clear and consistent that Gaza is Palestinian territory and would remain Palestinian land. Regarding Hamas, it said that Hamas would be no longer in control of Gaza’s future.