Ben Gvir Launches "Disengagement 710" Campaign for Gaza Emigration

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is launching a new campaign, dubbed "Disengagement 710," aimed at encouraging the voluntary emigration of Gazan Palestinians. The plan, which Ben Gvir intends to make a central plank of his election platform and a key demand for his Otzma Yehudit party in any future coalition negotiations, proposes a national program to facilitate the departure of residents from Gaza.

The initiative comes amid a broader discussion about the future of Gaza, with the idea of encouraging emigration having been previously floated by former US President Donald Trump. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed reservations about such a large-scale move in private, Ben Gvir has been a vocal proponent. Netanyahu reportedly explored the idea, discussing potential host countries in Africa with his cabinet and engaging with nations like Ethiopia, Congo, and Somaliland, though the plan did not gain traction.

"Disengagement 710" sets ambitious targets, aiming for the voluntary departure of 250,000 Gazans in the first year, 1.11 million within three years, and approximately 1.86 million within seven years. The program outlines a personal pathway for each emigrant, including securing an approved destination country, legal status, travel funding, initial housing, vocational training, and up to 24 months of support. Potential destination countries mentioned by Ben Gvir include Turkey, Ethiopia, Congo, and several Arab nations.

The plan is based on 12 principles, emphasizing voluntary departure, ensuring a destination country and legal status, family unity, and providing a comprehensive resettlement package. The estimated cost is substantial, with an initial Israeli investment of 10 billion shekels and a potential framework of up to 50 billion shekels, contingent on international participation and agreements with host countries.

Ben Gvir plans to establish a dedicated government ministry for voluntary emigration, complete with a minister, budget, and international negotiation team. This initiative echoes past proposals by Ben Gvir for encouraging the emigration of "disloyal" Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians, which never materialized. He frames "Disengagement 710" as a correction to the 2005 disengagement from Gaza, arguing that the events of October 7th proved that security cannot be achieved through withdrawal and financial incentives.

Analysts question whether the plan will remain a mere election gimmick or be integrated into a future government's policy, depending heavily on the composition of the next government. The proposal is seen as an attempt by Ben Gvir to position himself to Netanyahu's right and to solidify the idea of voluntary transfer within right-wing politics. However, the plan faces significant hurdles, including the lack of confirmed host countries willing to accept large numbers of Gazans and likely strong international opposition.