In a special session of the Knesset’s Israel Advocacy Caucus, the plan to establish a migration administration was revealed for the first time. This administration would facilitate the voluntary relocation of Gazans to third countries. The event, held this morning (Sunday), was attended by senior government officials, Knesset members, and security experts, focusing on implementing U.S. President Donald Trump’s “New Middle East” initiative.
“A Move with Historic Potential for Change”
At the heart of the discussion was Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statement that the budget will not be an obstacle in establishing the migration administration. “We are forming a migration administration under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister,” Smotrich declared. “We are working with international partners to identify destination countries and prepare for the departure of approximately 5,000 individuals per day. This is a move with historic potential for change.”
“We Must Not Miss Opportunities to Make the Right Moves”
Minister of Settlements and National Missions, Orit Strock, echoed Smotrich’s remarks, emphasizing that the only way to remove the threat from Gaza is through the voluntary migration plan. “There is no way to achieve the war’s objectives as set by the government—to eliminate all threats from Gaza—without voluntary migration,” Strock said. “Even if we dismantle Hamas as a governing and military power, as long as we do not allow the majority of the population to emigrate, the threat will remain. This is a population raised on the ideology of our destruction.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also addressed the plan, stating, “President Trump is offering Gaza a new opportunity. The world has become accustomed to the idea of a Palestinian state, but it is time to believe in an alternative solution.” Ohana emphasized that the proposed change could be the key to breaking the cycle of repeated military conflicts in Gaza and achieving long-term stability.
MK Simcha Rothman, co-chair of the Land of Israel Caucus, reinforced the necessity of the migration plan. “The Knesset has already said no to a Palestinian state—now we must say what the alternative is. Anyone preventing Gazans from leaving the Strip is effectively strengthening Hamas’ rule,” Rothman stated.
The Cabinet Expected to Approve the Migration Administration
As previously reported, the Security Cabinet is expected to approve the establishment of the migration administration, which will work to expand voluntary exit options for Gazans to third countries. The administration, to be established under Defense Minister Israel Katz, will coordinate with government ministries, the IDF, the ISA (Shin Bet), COGAT, and international organizations.
The initiative is expected to facilitate controlled departure routes for Gazans to relocate via sea, air, and land crossings, maximizing the number of individuals able to leave the Strip daily.
Security officials stress that alongside diplomatic efforts, the military remains in a high state of readiness in Gaza. The migration plan is one of several options on the table, including the possibility of renewed military action if necessary.
