Itamar Ben Gvir: We’re not another star on the American flag!
On Tuesday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attacked the United States, after describing his statements regarding the displacement of Gaza residents as “irresponsible,” saying, “We’re not another star on the American flag”.
Ben Gvir, head of the right-wing Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, wrote on X, “I greatly appreciate America, but with all respect, we are not another star on the American flag”.
He added, “The United States is our best friend, but above all we will do what is best for the State of Israel”.
Ben Gvir considered that the migration of hundreds of thousands from the Gaza Strip will allow the residents of the Gaza envelope (adjacent settlements) to return to their homes and live in safety, and will preserve the soldiers of the Israeli army.
Ben Gvir’s statements came shortly after a statement by the US State Department, in which it confirmed that Washington rejects the irresponsible statements of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding the settlement of Palestinians outside Gaza.
According to a statement by the US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, “This speech is inflammatory”.
The US statement added, “The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has constantly told us that such statements don’t reflect government policy; Ministers must stop immediately”.
On Monday, Ben Gvir and Smotrich announced their support for the voluntary displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Ben Gvir wrote on X, “We must strengthen the solution to encourage the migration of Gaza’s residents, as this is the correct, just, moral and humane solution”.
Meanwhile, Israeli Army Radio quoted Smotrich as saying, “The correct solution for the Gaza Strip is to encourage voluntary migration to countries that agree to receive refugees”.
The leader of the far-right “Religious Zionism” party added, “Israel will be governed permanently, to ensure security through the permanent presence of army forces on the ground, and the establishment of Jewish settlements”.
In recent weeks, Israeli calls have emerged to voluntarily displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
