Full Breakdown
Israeli Foreign Minister Says Israel Has No Plan to Deport Gaza Residents
9/9/2026, 9:20:22 PM
Core Clarification on Gaza Deportations
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that Israel does not intend to forcibly expel or deport Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that any departure would have to be voluntary and contingent on another country’s willingness to receive the individuals. The statement was made during a press briefing in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where Saar is scheduled to speak on September 9.
Recent Cabinet Proposals
The clarification follows earlier remarks by other members of the Israeli cabinet. Defence Minister Israel Katz said on September 2 that a lasting solution for Gaza would require “migration” of its population. The following day, Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir outlined a seven-year plan describing “voluntary emigration” as a method to reduce Gaza’s residents. These proposals have sparked debate over whether any future relocation would be truly voluntary.
Diplomatic Engagement in Slovenia
Saar’s remarks coincided with the opening of Israel’s embassy in Ljubljana, marking a deepening of bilateral ties after Slovenia’s new government, led by Prime Minister Janez Jansa, shifted toward a more supportive stance on Israel. Saar thanked Slovenia for its “friendship and support,” noting that an embassy represents a long-term commitment between the two nations.
Official Statements & Responses
In addition to Saar’s comments, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, affirmed that the United States sees no Israeli plans to force Palestinians out of Gaza. The Israeli government’s position distinguishes between forced removal and the possibility that Palestinians might choose to leave if another state offers asylum.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are not planning to expel or to deport anyone from (the) Gaza Strip,” — Gideon Saar, israeli foreign minister
- “We are not planning to expel or to deport anyone from Gaza Strip,” — Gideon Saar, israeli foreign minister
These statements collectively underscore Israel’s official stance that any movement of Gaza’s population would be voluntary, despite internal discussions about long-term demographic strategies.
