Israel Will ‘Finish Job’ in Gaza and Remove Palestinians, Says Defense Minister - ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of mass displacement, threatening to force out residents of Gaza City and relocate a million people if any Israeli is abducted, according to regional reporting. Eight Islamic and Arab countries condemned these removal plans, stating the designs jeopardize a US-backed peace bid. The threats coincide with ongoing military actions and a Board of Peace initiative planning a $2.4bn reconstruction effort. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated in Jerusalem that he would seek the post of defense minister in the next government.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Israel Katz threatened mass displacement and the relocation of a million residents from Gaza City if any Israeli is abducted.
- ✓ Eight Islamic and Arab countries condemned Israeli plans for the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
- ✓ Itamar Ben-Gvir stated in Jerusalem that he would seek the post of defense minister in the next government.
- ✓ The Board of Peace is planning a $2.4bn Gaza reconstruction.
What changed
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated in Jerusalem that he seeks to head the Defense Ministry in the next government.
Live updates
-
Israel Defense Minister Threatens Mass Expulsion in Gaza
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of mass displacement, threatening to force out residents of Gaza City and relocate a million people if any Israeli is abducted, according to regional reporting. Eight Islamic and Arab countries condemned these removal plans, stating the designs jeopardize a US-backed peace bid. The threats coincide with ongoing military actions and a Board of Peace initiative planning a $2.4bn reconstruction effort. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated in Jerusalem that he would seek the post of defense minister in the next government.
Why it matters
The statements from Israeli leadership directly conflict with international stabilization efforts and regional diplomatic initiatives. The Board of Peace continues to advance a $2.4bn reconstruction plan for Gaza despite ongoing hostilities and violations against Palestinians. Leadership ambitions within the Israeli government, such as Ben-Gvir's bid for the defense portfolio, signal potential shifts in ministerial posture as international partners attempt to salvage peace frameworks.
What is confirmed
- Israel Katz threatened mass displacement and the relocation of a million residents from Gaza City if any Israeli is abducted.
- Eight Islamic and Arab countries condemned Israeli plans for the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
- Itamar Ben-Gvir stated in Jerusalem that he would seek the post of defense minister in the next government.
- The Board of Peace is planning a $2.4bn Gaza reconstruction.
What to watch next
- Whether the Israeli government acts on threats to force out residents from Gaza City.
- Formal diplomatic responses from the United States regarding the expulsion plans.
- Developments concerning Itamar Ben-Gvir's bid for the defense ministry.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.aljazeera.com — Palestine | Palestine | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.aljazeera.com — Gaza | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- english.aawsat.com — Arab World News
- www.europesays.com — Ben-Gvir seeks to head Israel’s Defense Ministry — Asharq Al ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Board of Peace plans $2.4bn Gaza reconstruction as Israel ...
- www.straitstimes.com — Israel minister vows to force out all of Gaza City if any ...
- www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Israel minister vows to force out all of Gaza ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Israel’s expulsion plans threaten Trump’s peace bid
-
Israeli Defense Minister Proposes Gaza Expulsions Amid New Offensive Plans
Israel's Defense Minister has stated he will "finish job" in Gaza by removing Palestinians from the territory. This stance comes as Israel prepares for a renewed ground offensive because Hamas shows no signs of disarming. The White House has criticized the Minister for encouraging the migration of Gazans, while a BoP source confirms the US remains committed to Hamas disarmament despite claims from Katz. These conflicting positions highlight a deepening rift between Israeli leadership and US administration over the long-term future of the Gaza Strip.
Why it matters
The conflict persists as Israel seeks the total disarmament of Hamas. Tensions have risen over whether the civilian population should be relocated or remain in the territory. This debate complicates international efforts to maintain a ceasefire.
What is confirmed
- Israel is preparing for a renewed ground offensive in Gaza.
- The White House criticized Minister Katz for encouraging the migration of Gazans.
Still unconfirmed
- The world is pretending there is a ceasefire while an expulsion plan is pursued.
What to watch next
- Official Israeli military confirmation of the timeline for the renewed ground offensive.
- Formal US diplomatic response to the proposed expulsion of Palestinians.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- Ynetnews — Israel prepares for renewed Gaza ground offensive as Hamas shows no sign of disarming
- Asharq Al-Awsat English — Israel Will ‘Finish Job’ in Gaza and Remove Palestinians, Says Defense Minister
- The Jerusalem Post — US remains committed to Hamas disarmament, despite Katz claims, BoP source says
- The Times of Israel — White House takes fresh swipe at Katz for ‘encouraging the migration’ of Gazans
- Common Dreams — As World 'Pretends There's a Ceasefire,' Israeli Minister Doubles Down on Gaza Expulsion Plan
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community