Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has characterized the Gaza Strip as a potential “real estate bonanza” and indicated he is in discussions with the United States regarding a possible division of the territory following ongoing military operations. Smotrich mentioned that a “business plan” related to Gaza is under consideration, purportedly on the table for former President Donald Trump. He emphasized the transition from military actions to reconstruction, stating, “We’ve done the demolition phase… Now we need to build.”
Discussion around Gaza’s future has included Trump’s earlier suggestion that the U.S. could assume a “long-term ownership position” over the territory, potentially transforming it into a prominent tourist and manufacturing hub dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Critics argue that such proposals would necessitate the forced displacement of Palestinians, a move that would raise concerns about compliance with international law. Officials from the U.S. and Israel have asserted that any emigration would be voluntary.
While Trump’s initial plan faced widespread rejection from Palestinians and the international community, recent reports indicate that a modified version is being revisited, possibly under a U.S. trusteeship for a decade. The ongoing Israeli military campaign has caused significant destruction in Gaza, with the United Nations estimating that 92% of housing and 91% of schools have been damaged, requiring substantial reconstruction efforts estimated at $53.2 billion over the next decade.
Smotrich, associated with ultranationalist policies and has faced sanctions for inciting violence, holds considerable influence over planning matters in the West Bank. He has advocated for the annexation of a substantial portion of this territory, promoting the principle of “maximum land with minimum Arabs.” Since the 1967 Middle East war, approximately 160 Israeli settlements have been established in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, inhabited by roughly 700,000 Jews, with about 3.3 million Palestinians living in the area.
Israel’s military campaign initiated in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, has led to significant casualties, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 65,000 deaths, nearly half of which are women and children. A recent UN inquiry has alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim that the Israeli government has strongly denied.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y59z6rznvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss