US says Israeli statements on Palestinian resettlement ‘should stop immediately’

CAIRO - 3 January 2024: The U.S. rejected on Wednesday statements by two prominent Israeli ministers on the removal Palestinians from Gaza.

“We have been clear, consistent, and unequivocal that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain Palestinian land, with Hamas no longer in control of its future and with no terror groups able to threaten Israel. That is the future we seek, in the interests of Israelis and Palestinians, the surrounding region, and the world,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. 

On Monday, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday that said the solution to the conflict is that other countries take in Palestinians from Gaza so Israel builds settlements in the strip. 

For his part, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said the war is an opportunity to “encourage the migration” of the people in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of building settlements in the Mediterranean enclave.

Miller described the statements as “inflammatory and irresponsible,” highlighting that the Israeli government has told the U.S. this rhetoric is not part of its policy. 

Miller called for such remarks to “stop immediately.”

Also on Monday, Knesset member and former Minister of Defence Avigdor Liberman said Israel must also reoccupy the area between the Litani River in Lebanon and Israel. 

Most recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said not set a timeline for the offensive, saying it will last for “many more months.” He also said he wanted to control the Gaza border with Egypt to demilitarize the territory, while also targeting the “deradicalization” of the population therein.