Ben-Gvir plans Gaza relocation of 1.86m Palestinians

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly drawn up a seven-year plan aimed at relocating around 1.86 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media.

The proposal, dubbed “Disengagement 710,” is reportedly built around what Ben-Gvir describes as the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Ben-Gvir plans to unveil the initiative on Thursday and make it a central issue in his campaign ahead of Israel’s upcoming general election.

Under the reported timetable, the plan would seek to facilitate the departure of approximately 250,000 Palestinians during its first year, rising to about 1.11 million within three years and 1.86 million over seven years.

The proposal reportedly includes arrangements for countries to receive those leaving Gaza. These would include legal residency or status, travel documentation and visas, transportation funding and initial accommodation.

It also outlines assistance with vocational training and employment, along with support for up to two years following relocation.

According to the report, the initiative is based on 12 principles. One of its stated conditions is that Palestinians would only leave if another country had agreed to receive them and provide them with legal status.

The proposal also reportedly calls for financial payments to countries or other entities participating in the resettlement process. Funding would be linked to factors including security screening, the number of people accepted and annual implementation targets.

A monitoring system involving monthly figures on applications, approvals and departures is also reportedly envisaged, alongside assessments of the costs and integration of those relocated.

The plan would require an initial Israeli investment of approximately 10 billion shekels ($3.1 billion), according to the report. Its longer-term financing framework could reach 50 billion shekels ($15.6 billion), provided international funding and agreements with receiving countries are secured.

Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party is reportedly considering the initiative a major political demand and could seek its adoption as a condition for joining Israel’s next governing coalition.

The reported proposal comes as Israel prepares for general elections scheduled for October 27, with Gaza and questions surrounding its future expected to remain major political issues.

More than two million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip, where the war and its aftermath have caused extensive destruction and displacement.