Ben-Gvir Proposes 'Disengagement 710' to Facilitate Gaza Emigration
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Chairman of Otzma Yehudit and National Security Minister, unveiled a new program on Thursday titled 'Disengagement 710,' which aims to encourage voluntary emigration from the Gaza Strip. This proposal is a key element of his party's platform ahead of the upcoming elections. Ben-Gvir stated that the establishment of a dedicated government ministry to oversee this initiative will be a primary demand in coalition negotiations.
The program sets ambitious targets, aiming for approximately 250,000 Gaza residents to leave voluntarily in the first year, with a total of about 1.11 million within three years and around 1.86 million over seven years. To kickstart the initiative, an initial investment of 10 million shekels is proposed, along with a potential matching fund of up to 50 billion shekels, contingent on international cooperation and agreements with countries willing to accept emigrants.
Under the proposed framework, the next government would create a Ministry for Voluntary Emigration, which would be led by a minister and equipped with a director general, an independent budget, and a team for international negotiations. Possible destinations for emigrants include Turkey, Ethiopia, Congo, and various Arab states, with each departure dependent on the consent of the receiving country and arrangements regarding the emigrant's legal status.
The proposal has been developed in response to the events following the October 7th Massacre, with Otzma Yehudit conducting extensive policy work that included examining international models and legal considerations. The plan emphasizes the importance of preserving family units and offers various tracks for emigrants based on employment, education, medical treatment, and community sponsorship.
Additionally, the proposal includes a comprehensive assistance package that covers travel expenses, initial housing, vocational training, and employment support for up to 24 months. It also calls for individual security screenings and financial arrangements with destination countries and absorption organizations, along with regular updates on the status of applications and departures.
Ben-Gvir linked this initiative to the ongoing conflict, asserting that the sacrifices made by Israeli soldiers should not be in vain. He expressed that this proposal represents a historic opportunity for a lasting solution. He has advocated for encouraging emigration from Gaza since the onset of the war, noting that the idea was initially dismissed as extreme.
Critically, Ben-Gvir referenced the Oslo Accords, lamenting that the lessons from past leaders like Rehavam 'Gandhi' Ze’evi were not heeded. He stated that the establishment of a Ministry of Emigration will be a top priority in coalition negotiations after the elections, emphasizing that Otzma Yehudit will demand control over this ministry to advance the emigration initiative.
In closing, Ben-Gvir presented a slogan for the campaign, urging action: 'Instead of Peace Now illusions, we need Emigration Now action. Instead of digging tunnels, it is time to pack suitcases. Instead of engaging in terrorism, it is time to find work abroad and build a new life.'
