U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued a statement condemning remarks made by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the necessity of resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza.
The statements by the Israeli ministers were called "inflammatory and irresponsible." "The Government of Israel and Prime Minister personally have repeatedly assured us that such statements do not represent government policy," the statement published on the State Department's website reads.
"We have been clear, consistent, and unequivocal that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain Palestinian land, with Hamas no longer in control of its future and with no terror groups able to threaten Israel. That is the future we seek, in the interests of Israelis and Palestinians, the surrounding region, and the world," the published document says.
Commenting on the U.S. State Department's statement, Itamar Ben-Gvir reminded that "Israel is not just another star on America's flag." According to Ben-Gvir, while the U.S. is Israel's best friend, Israel will do what's good for the State of Israel. He reasons that the emigration of hundreds of thousands from Gaza will allow residents of the border area to return home and live in security and protect IDF soldiers.
