Israel should conquer Gaza, send Gazans to France, Ben-Gvir tells ‘Post’ - interview

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told The Jerusalem Post that Israel should conquer the entire Gaza Strip and send Gazans to France or other European countries, supporting a stalled Trump emigration plan. Ben-Gvir argued that Palestinians involved in the October 7 massacre forfeited the right to claim Gaza as their home. His Otzma Yehudit party is projected to win about eight seats in the next Knesset.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told The Jerusalem Post in a recent interview that Israel should conquer the entire Gaza Strip and encourage Gazans to emigrate to France or other European countries, supporting a stalled 2025 proposal by US President Donald Trump. Ben-Gvir argued that Gaza is 'the Jewish people's land' and that Palestinians who participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre have lost the legitimacy to claim it as their home. His far-right Otzma Yehudit party is projected to win about eight seats in the next Knesset, and he has announced he will demand the defense portfolio. Ben-Gvir also discussed rising crime in the Arab sector, blaming restrictions imposed by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara for limiting his ability to introduce police spyware, and called for greater Shin Bet involvement in policing. He did not express regret for opposing hostage-ceasefire deals, instead arguing the cabinet should have listened to his pre-October 7 calls to bomb Gaza. The article notes Ben-Gvir has faced criticism for rhetoric that opponents say has damaged Israel's international image, but Ben-Gvir said he would not endanger soldiers' lives for the sake of appearances.