The US State Department sharply criticized the Israeli government's statements about the possible expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. “The United States rejects recent statements by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir supporting the relocation of Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said yesterday in Washington.
“This rhetoric is inflammatory and irresponsible,” Miller continued. The Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly assured that such statements do not represent the government's line, Miller said. “You should stop immediately.” The Gaza Strip is Palestinian land and will remain so when Hamas is no longer in control of the area.
“Israel is no longer a star on the American flag”
Right-wing extremist police minister Ben-Gvir immediately banned any US criticism on the matter: “I value the United States of America very much, but with all due respect, Israel is no longer a star on the American flag.” , he said. he wrote on platform X (Tweet).
“The exodus of hundreds of thousands from Gaza will allow residents of Gaza's periphery to return home. The United States is our good friend, but above all we will do what is best for Israel,” she added.