Smotrich : “Trump Is an Opportunity to Cut Palestinian Population by Half”
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged leveraging what he described as the “opportunity” of Trump’s presidency to cut Gaza’s Palestinian population in half.
Speaking at a Yesha Council conference, Smotrich urged Israel to use its favorable ties with the Trump administration to “encourage voluntary immigration” from Gaza, a term that Israel usually uses to describe the ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people. He claimed this could halve Gaza’s population within two years.
Smotrich also pushed for a full-scale occupation of Gaza. “It can and should be done,” he said, dismissing concerns about costs, which he estimated at “a few hundred million shekels at most.” Israeli broadcaster Kan quoted him saying, “Gaza must be conquered, and its population significantly reduced.”
The “Generals’ Plan” Under Trump Administration
Reports suggest Israel’s military actions in northern Gaza mirror elements of the infamous “Generals’ Plan,” aimed at reshaping Gaza’s demographics. Although the Israeli army denies endorsing the plan, its tactics on the ground suggest otherwise.
Media outlets like Israel Hayom and Haaretz have detailed aggressive offensives and territorial control measures. Meanwhile, the Biden administration denies that Israel is implementing the plan.
Israel’s intensified attacks on Gaza have already killed over 50,000 civilians. Over a million have been displaced as well. The UN and humanitarian groups warn the crisis is worsening daily.
President-elect Donald Trump promised to end regional wars and portrayed himself as a man of peace. However, he shows unwavering loyalty to Israel.
Many of his cabinet picks hold strong ties to the Zionist lobby and actively push pro-Israel agendas. Some openly deny the existence of the Palestinian people.
Experts believe Trump’s appointments will continue the hardline, pro-Israel policies that shaped US foreign policy, further escalating tensions in the region.
