The US criticized statements by Israeli ministers who advocated the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza, calling such rhetoric “inflammatory and irresponsible”. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Monday called for the rebuilding of settlements in the Gaza Strip and the encouragement of “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians. “We have been told repeatedly and consistently by the government of Israel, including by the Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu], that such statements do not reflect the policy of the Israeli government,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.
