Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Unveils Plan for Gazan "Voluntary Emigration"

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has presented a policy plan dubbed "Disengagement 710," advocating for the voluntary emigration of Gaza Strip residents to countries willing to accept them. The proposal, developed by a special task force since October 7, includes establishing a dedicated government ministry, forging agreements with destination countries, creating organized migration pathways, and providing resettlement assistance packages.

The plan outlines ambitious targets: 250,000 residents leaving in the first year, 1.11 million within three years, and 1.86 million within seven years. To implement this, Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, demands the creation of a new ministry in the next government, headed by a minister and supported by a dedicated budget, international negotiation team, and operational staff.

Potential destination countries being explored include Turkey, Ethiopia, Congo, and various Arab nations, alongside others. Any agreement would be contingent on the host country's consent and the legal status of the emigrants. The plan emphasizes voluntary departure without coercion, family unity, and diverse migration routes for work, study, medical treatment, or family reunification.

"Disengagement 710" proposes an initial Israeli investment of 10 billion shekels (approximately $2.7 billion USD) to launch the initiative, with a potential additional Israeli commitment of up to 50 billion shekels ($13.5 billion USD), dependent on international funding and host country agreements.

Ben-Gvir stated that the plan aims to leverage the current conflict's outcomes for a "historic solution," asserting that the idea of encouraging emigration from Gaza has gained legitimacy, particularly after former US President Donald Trump publicly supported it. He vowed that his party would make the establishment of an immigration ministry a key coalition demand in the next government.