Ben Gvir Unveils Plan for Gaza Emigration, Targeting 1.86 Million Over Seven Years

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has presented a plan, dubbed "Disengagement 710," aimed at facilitating the "voluntary emigration" of residents from the Gaza Strip to countries willing to accept them. The proposal outlines a goal of approximately 250,000 departures in the first year, escalating to 1.11 million within three years, and a total of 1.86 million over a seven-year period.

The plan includes the establishment of a dedicated government ministry for voluntary migration, to be headed by a minister and operated by a director-general with an independent budget, an international negotiation team, and an implementation apparatus. Potential destination countries being considered include Turkey, Ethiopia, Congo, and other Arab nations, alongside additional unspecified countries.

According to the plan's principles, emigration would be strictly voluntary and contingent upon a destination country agreeing to accept individuals and their legal status being resolved. Each emigrant or family would receive a personalized file detailing their destination, necessary documents, visas, and a reception plan, with a preference for family units to emigrate together.

The proposed emigration pathways encompass opportunities for work, study, medical treatment, family reunification, and community sponsorship. The reception package would offer assistance with travel, initial housing, vocational training, employment, and up to 24 months of support. The plan also mandates individual security screenings and the monthly publication of data on applications, approvals, departures, costs, and absorption volumes.

Ben Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, proposes an initial Israeli investment of 10 billion shekels to establish and launch the program, with an additional framework of up to 50 billion shekels for adaptation, contingent on international participation and agreements with host countries. Ben Gvir stated that establishing this migration ministry, complete with a minister, budget, and authority, will be a primary demand of his party in the next coalition negotiations.