Netanyahu's minister says voluntary emigration 'only way' Israel could occupy Gaza

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday (Nov 25) that Israel should occupy the Gaza Strip and "encourage" half of its population to emigrate within two years. 

Around 2.2 million Palestinians live in Gaza. 

Smotrich gave the statement while speaking at a conference organised by the Yesha Council, an umbrella group representing Israeli municipalities in the West Bank on Monday. 

He was reported saying, "It is possible to create a situation where Gaza’s population will be reduced to half its current size in two years.”

Netanyahu's minister even claimed “It won’t cost too much money" to Israel.

He continued by saying that even if it does cost much to Israel, it "should not be afraid to pay for it." 

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Smotrich said implementing the starting of "voluntary emigration" is the "only way" Israel could occupy Gaza. 

Critics of the “voluntary emigration” policy argued for its implementation in Gaza saying it comes under war crimes. 

“Occupying Gaza is not a dirty word. If the cost of security control is 5 billion shekels ($1.37 billion), I will accept it with open arms. If that is what it takes to ensure the security of Israel, then so be it," Smotrich said. 

With this statement, he appeared responding to the members of Israel’s security establishment along with Treasury officials who had raised concerns that occupying Gaza would affect Israel's economy. 

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Smotrich also said that the only way to defeat Hamas is to replace its governing capabilities in Gaza. 

He said Israel should do it even if it requires the Jewish nation to make the military responsible for managing the civilian affairs of Palestinians in Gaza. 

Smotrich said if the execution of “voluntary emigration” gets successful in Gaza, the same policy could be implemented in the West Bank as well where around three million Palestinians reside.

(With inputs from agencies)