Israeli Ministers at Odds Over Humanitarian Relocation of a Million or More Gazans Who Want to Get the Heck Out

In a tense Israeli cabinet meeting on January 4, 2024, a fierce argument erupted over the contentious proposal of “voluntary emigration” for Gazans, a plan advocated by ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. The meeting, intended to address several pressing issues, quickly devolved into a heated debate, highlighting the deep divisions within the Israeli government over the handling of Gaza.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar led the charge against the proposal, vehemently opposing it as both unrealistic and diplomatically damaging. Zohar’s critique underscores the broader international and domestic implications of such a policy. He argued, “It’s not realistic, and it’s clear that the international community will not accept it… with things like this, even if you have a belief or a goal like this, it can be discussed and debated behind closed doors”​​.

Zohar further elaborated on the impracticality of the proposition and the adverse reactions it has already provoked, noting, “It’s clear that there is nobody in Israel who wouldn’t be happy if Gazans decided to emigrate voluntarily if they were happy to leave,” but emphasized that such an idea is “not remotely realistic and not helpful to discuss publicly”​​.

The proposal by Smotrich and Ben Gvir has already attracted international attention, with the United States openly condemning the public comments pushing for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. Zohar cited this backlash, highlighting the need for discretion and deeper investigation before publicizing such policies: “Even if we believe in a topic like this, we need to have a deeper discussion and investigate it before we make it public — and we see the repercussions, we see what happened with the Americans”​​.

This internal conflict within the Israeli cabinet reflects the broader complexities and sensitivities of the Palestinian issue. While some ministers advocate for drastic measures, others caution against proposals that could further inflame tensions and invite international scrutiny. The debate also reveals the challenges the Israeli government faces in balancing domestic political pressures with the need for diplomatic prudence.

As the Israeli cabinet continues to navigate these treacherous waters, the world watches closely. The outcome of this debate and subsequent policies will significantly impact not only Israeli-Palestinian relations but also Israel’s standing on the international stage. The argument over the Gaza emigration plan is not just about the immediate issue at hand but also about the broader direction of Israeli policy and diplomacy.

he same cabinet meeting on January 4, 2024, that witnessed a heated argument over the proposal for “voluntary emigration” of Gazans also saw objections to plans by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi for an IDF inquiry. This investigation, rumored to involve former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz at its head, was intended to examine errors leading to tragic events and to bolster preparedness for future conflicts. The discussion of this inquiry, which drew criticism from various ministers, contributed to the tensions and ultimately led to the abrupt adjournment of the meeting​​ three hours in. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir made the point that Mofaz was centrally involved in the Disengagement Fiasco of 2005 and the mistaken conception that left Israel vulnerable to surprise attack on October 7.