Israel's Gaza Plan Includes Facilitating Voluntary Emigration, Senior Official Says

A senior Israeli official said the army's plan to take over the Gaza Strip also contemplates facilitating voluntary emigration from the enclave.

Speaking to The Times of Israel, the unnamed official said the possibility is particularly aimed at "those concentrated in the south outside of Hamas control."

The official added that the army expects to "retain territory" in Gaza that has been "added to the security zone."

"In any temporary or permanent arrangement, Israel will not evacuate the security zone around Gaza, which is intended to protect communities and prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas," the official added.

However, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the country will go further and not withdraw from the enclave even if the hostages are returned, calling on compatriots to embrace the word "occupation."

Speaking to local TV networks Channel 12, Smotrich said "we are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip" and "will stop being afraid of the word occupation."

"We are finally taking control of all humanitarian aid so it does not become supplies for Hamas. We are separating Hamas from the population, cleansing the Strip, returning the hostages and defeating Hamas," he added. "The only way to release the hostages is to subdue Hamas. Any retreat will bring about the next October 7."

Smotrich went on to anticipate a push to formally annex the territory in the future, saying "once we occupy and stay" in Gaza "we can talk about sovereignty."

The mentioned senior official also told the outlet that the offensive will begin if no deal is reached by the end of an upcoming visit from U.S. President Donald Trump to the region, which will take place between May 13 and 16. Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Israel on May 12.