Israeli Minister Suggests Unconventional Gaza Occupation Strategy

Known for his austere policies, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has infuriated many with his plan to seize the Gaza Strip and cut its population half. Speaking at a meeting last Monday for the Zionist settler group Yesha Council, Smotrich proposed "voluntary migration" initiatives as means of reaching this target. His comments coincide with a continuous military operation in Gaza spanning almost 14 months that has claimed notable civilian losses.

"We can occupy Gaza and halved its population inside two years," Smotrich said. He also asked Israel to forward the agenda using its close ties to the incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. "Occupying Gaza is not a dirty word," Smotrich said defending his suggestion.

The remarks have received criticism both here at home and abroad. Smotrich, who has a track record of spewing provocative and biassed comments about Palestinians, proposed that should the plan prove successful, it may also be used in the West Bank. Rejecting the prospect of a Palestinian state, this month he argued for the total absorption of the West Bank and Gaza.

Human rights groups have denounced Smotrich's speech as aggressive and dangerous, cautioning that it would raise already high levels of conflict. His idea has also been called a breach of international law, which forbids population forced relocation.

The Gaza Strip is still under great pressure since continuous Israeli military activities cause extensive damage and humanitarian problems. The divisive remarks of Smotrich have stoked more worries about the course of stability and peace in the area.