Feb 18 • 14:26 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

Smotrich: The next Israeli government should 'encourage the migration' of Palestinians from the West Bank

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stated that the next government will work to encourage Palestinian migration from the West Bank amid rising international condemnation of Israel's actions in the area.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Tuesday that in his next term, he aims to encourage the migration of Palestinians from the West Bank. This declaration comes at a time when international condemnation of Israel's recent measures in the region is intensifying alongside uncontrolled violence from settlers. Speaking at an event organized by his far-right party, Religious Zionism, Smotrich outlined what he sees as the goals for the upcoming government.

During his speech, Smotrich mentioned plans to abolish the Oslo Accords from the 1990s and to implement Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, likening it to annexation. He emphasized a strong anti-Arab sentiment, stating, "Destroy the idea of an Arab state of terror," and called for the formal and practical cancellation of the Oslo Accords while striving for sovereignty and encouraging migration from both Gaza and Judea and Samaria. His remarks signal a continued hardline stance that reflects the right-wing agenda in Israeli politics.

This strategy poses significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as encouraging Palestinian emigration could exacerbate tensions in the region and further alienate Palestinian communities. The response from international bodies and regional neighbors is likely to remain critical, as such rhetoric undermines peace efforts established over the decades and raises questions about the future of Palestinian statehood. Ultimately, Smotrich's comments highlight the growing divide in Israeli politics over issues of identity, territory, and diplomatic engagement with Palestinians.

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