Jerusalem, Sep 3 (EFE).- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir presented a plan on Thursday to promote the “voluntary emigration” of 1.86 million people from the Gaza Strip over a period of seven years, and announced his intention to take on a future immigration portfolio if his party, Jewish Power, remains in the government.
The plan, dubbed “Disengagement 710,” which has been in the works since the start of the war, calls for the creation of a dedicated government office, agreements with host countries, regulated migration routes, and assistance packages for emigrants.
According to the figures presented, the goal is for some 250,000 people to leave the Strip in the first year, 1.11 million in three years, and 1.86 million in seven years.
The document established 12 principles, including the requirement that each departure be endorsed by a host country, the opening of an individual file for each case, priority given to the departure of entire families, various migration routes, financial compensation to third countries, and a financial allowance for emigrants during their first 24 months outside Gaza.
Ben Gvir estimated the initial Israeli investment at 10 billion shekels (nearly 3 million euros), with an additional funding framework of up to 50 billion shekels contingent on international participation and agreements reached with host countries.
The minister maintained that his proposal, which he said he had championed since the start of the war despite initial criticism, gained legitimacy after United States President Donald Trump publicly raised the idea of encouraging emigration from Gaza as part of a solution to the conflict.
Ben Gvir also cited polls, without specifying the methodology, according to which a broad majority of Israeli society would support encouraging emigration from Gaza, and he asserted that a significant percentage of the enclave’s own residents would be willing to consider a permanent departure.
The leader of Jewish Power announced that, should his party remain in government following next month’s legislative elections, it will demand the creation of a Ministry of Migration within the next coalition, and presented a 100-day timeline to establish a legal framework, a registration system, and the first agreements with host countries. EFEmfh/mcd
