"Israeli Finance Minister Advocates for Reduced Gaza Population and Resettlement of Jewish Settlers Post-War"

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked controversy by suggesting that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate from Gaza to allow Israelis to settle the area and "make the desert bloom." His comments have raised concerns about potential plans for reoccupation and have been met with criticism, as they contradict the official government stance and the views of most Israelis regarding the return of Israeli settlements to Gaza. Smotrich's far-right views are at odds with international perspectives on the governance of Gaza and have implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.