A controversial bill proposing the “voluntary migration” of residents from the Gaza Strip has been introduced by the Israeli far right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, led by former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The proposal comes amid a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, who is also pushing a plan for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza by other names.
Despite Ben-Gvir’s recent resignation from the governing coalition in protest against a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, the bill is expected to pass its preliminary reading, according to Israeli media.
The proposal mirrors a similar initiative recently announced by Trump, which suggested relocating Gaza’s residents to Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan. Speaking at a recent event, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “The people of Gaza need to go somewhere else. We should work with neighbouring countries to make that happen.”
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Arab leaders, who have rejected the idea as unfeasible and unacceptable.
The draft legislation asserts that “the belief is growing among many that the establishment of another Palestinian state within the entirety of the Land of Israel would mean the destruction of the State of Israel.” The reference to “another Palestinian state” is directed at Jordan.
According to the bill, its primary goal is to “encourage the voluntary migration of Gaza residents.” Those who choose to leave must sign a declaration pledging never to return. To incentivise this process, the legislation proposes offering an economic aid package, determined by the Finance Minister in consultation with the Defence Minister, to those who leave after a specified period.
Furthermore, guardians of minors will be required to sign declarations on their behalf, committing them to the same non-return policy.
The proposed aid would be available only to Gazans who have not been convicted or suspected of involvement in armed activities. Those who receive the aid but later seek to return to Gaza would be required to repay twice the amount received, adjusted for cost-of-living increases and interest. Until the debt is repaid, they would be barred from entering Gaza, the West Bank, or Israel.
The bill also grants the Defence and Finance Ministers the authority to draft and implement necessary regulations in coordination with each other.
The proposed bill is part of a broader trend in Israeli politics that dates back to the aftermath of the 1967 war. Following Israel’s conquest of Gaza, then-Prime Minister Levi Eshkol sought to promote “quiet emigration” to reduce the Palestinian population in the newly occupied territory.
The current proposal reflects a continuation of such ideas within Israeli political discourse which has moved into openly fascist, genocidal territory in the past few years.
In December 2023, far right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocated for encouraging emigration from Gaza, suggesting that reducing the population to 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs would fundamentally alter the region’s future.
A survey conducted in early 2024 indicated widespread public support, with 76% of Israeli respondents backing the “voluntary transfer” of Gaza residents to other countries.
A similar poll more recently found that 80% of Israelis now support the same racist proposal.
These proposals have met significant criticism both domestically and internationally. Arab leaders have strongly opposed similar suggestions, including those made by Trump, dismissing them as unfeasible and unacceptable. Human rights organisations have expressed concerns about potential forced displacement, warning that such proposals could constitute violations of international law.
Some critics have drawn parallels to the Nakba of 1948, cautioning that this could amount to a “second Nakba” for Palestinians in Gaza.
