US slams Israel’s Smotrich, Ben Gvir over forced Palestinian displacement plans

The US State Department slammed Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir for advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza.

“This rhetoric is inflammatory and irresponsible… They should stop immediately,” State Department Spokesman Matt Miller said.

The comments after Smotrich and Ben Gvir, some of the most extreme ministers in Israel’s current government, promoted a plan to resettle Palestinians as a condition for restoring security and stability in southern Israel.

Smotrich also called for finding countries that would take Palestinians in and said the enclave was a “ghetto” and that its civilians were not innocent.

“We have been clear, consistent, and unequivocal that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain Palestinian land, with Hamas no longer in control of its future and with no terror groups able to threaten Israel,” Miller said.

He added: “That is the future we seek, in the interests of Israelis and Palestinians, the surrounding region, and the world.”

Ben-Gvir said the forced displacement of Gazans was the right and “humane solution.”

The Biden administration has repeatedly called out the two ministers, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for the racist rhetoric and actions of the current government.

Washington also placed sanctions on Israeli extremist settlers late last year following their constant attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.

Netanyahu’s government has encouraged the expansion of settlements.