Smotrich Says He’s Working To Enact Trump’s Idea To ‘Clean Out’ Palestinians From Gaza

The Israeli finance minister said the 'weak opposition' from Egypt and Jordan could be overcome

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he’s working to make President Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians could be “cleaned out” of Gaza and moved to Egypt and Jordan a reality.

Trump’s idea sparked a backlash from Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, who said they strongly opposed the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. Smotrich downplayed their response, calling it “weak opposition.”

Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of his Religious Zionism party, Smotrich told reporters that he’s working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on an “operational plan” to implement Trump’s proposal.

“I am working with the prime minister and the cabinet to prepare an operational plan and ensure the realization of President Trump’s vision,” Smotrich said, according to The Times of Israel.

“There is nothing to be excited about the weak opposition of Egypt and Jordan to the plan. We saw yesterday how Trump [imposed his will on] Colombia to deport immigrants despite its opposition. When he wants it, it happens,” Smotrich added, referring to a spat between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over deportation flights.

The finance minister claimed there is “no doubt that in the long term, encouraging emigration is the only solution that will bring peace and security to the residents of Israel and also ease the suffering of the Arab residents of Gaza.”

Smotrich has been threatening that his Religious Zionism party will quit Netanyahu’s government if military operations in Gaza are not restarted after the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire deal. He has claimed that he’s received a guarantee that the genocidal war would not only continue but escalate and that the goal would be the “gradual takeover of the entire Gaza Strip.”

Smotrich’s goal of ethnic cleansing became less likely on Monday as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza despite the massive destruction in the area.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.