Financial minister from Israel's right-wing government proposes a lucrative real estate boom in Gaza after the conflict's end.
In recent developments, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has announced plans to build a 'magnificent neighborhood' for Israeli police officers in Gaza, a move that has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally.
This announcement follows remarks by fellow Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich, who described Gaza as a potential real estate 'bonanza.' Smotrich also asserted that there is a business plan on Gaza division sitting on U.S. President Donald Trump's desk, a claim that has yet to be confirmed.
Trump, in his previous statements, proposed transforming Gaza into a 'Riviera' owned by the U.S., featuring a Gulf state-like resort, with even a scene of shirtless American and Israeli leaders lounging on a beach, eating hummus, according to some reports.
However, it's important to note that Trump's proposal, made in February 2025, has faced opposition from Arab states and has not been publicly accepted as official policy. Trump later stated he would only 'recommend' the plan rather than enforce it.
Smotrich's statements about dividing and developing Gaza were made in a different context and are not directly related to Trump's proposal. The minister claimed he had already started negotiations with the U.S. on how to divide Gaza.
The U.S. government under President Trump's administration had proposed taking administrative control of the Gaza Strip and transforming it into a resort-like area similar to Gulf states, relocating the Palestinian population to other regions. This plan, if implemented, would have forced more than 1 million residents of Gaza City to be pushed to overcrowded areas further south.
As of Wednesday, Israeli tanks were stationed on the edge of Gaza City ahead of a planned ground operation. The proposed invasion, if carried out, could further escalate tensions in the region.
The proposal to transform Gaza has received mass condemnation from the international community. As of now, no comments have been received from the White House regarding either Smotrich's statements or Trump's previous statements about Gaza.
Critics argue that the far-right in Israel has long wanted to move Palestinians out of Gaza, a prospect that they say would amount to ethnic cleansing. These plans, if implemented, could have profound and lasting impacts on the region and its people.
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