Israeli minister details Gaza real estate split with US
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Gaza as a potential "real estate bonanza" during a Tel Aviv conference on Wednesday, claiming that Israel is negotiating with the United States about dividing up the territory after the war ends. His comments come as Israeli forces intensify their offensive in Gaza City, with the Palestinian death toll now exceeding 65,000.
Speaking at an urban renewal conference, Smotrich announced that a "business plan" for Gaza had been placed on President Donald Trump's desk. The far-right minister, who is sanctioned by the UK, Canada, and Australia, stated that discussions are underway with the Trump administration about how to share proceeds from any future redevelopment.
"We have paid a lot of money for this war. We need to decide how we are dividing up the land in percentages," Smotrich said. He added that "the demolition phase, which is always the first phase of urban renewal," had been completed and that construction would now be "much cheaper".
Smotrich's remarks mirror President Trump's earlier proposal to transform Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" under US control. In February, Trump announced his intention for America to take over the territory and relocate its 2.2 million Palestinian residents to create a luxury resort destination.
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A White House official confirmed to NBC News that Trump supports reconstruction efforts in Gaza, but only "on the condition that Hamas disarms and steps down from power". Recent reports indicate the Trump administration is considering a plan for decade-long US control of Gaza, potentially relocating a quarter of its population permanently.
cnbc+1
- https://www.nbcnews.com/world/gaza/...lans-turn-gaza-real-estate-bonanza-rcna231987
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump's_Gaza_Strip_proposal
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/01/gaz...ation-weighs-post-war-redevelopment-plan.html
Legal experts warn that such plans would violate international law. Adil Haque, a law professor at Rutgers University, told NBC News that the proposal is "tied to the idea of expelling the civilian population and taking permanent control over Gaza. That is illegal".
nbcnews
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Smotrich's comments as "official admissions" of Israeli intentions to destroy Gaza and displace its population. Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly criticized the remarks as undermining prospects for a two-state solution.
arabnews
- https://www.nbcnews.com/world/gaza/...lans-turn-gaza-real-estate-bonanza-rcna231987
- https://www.arabnews.com/node/2615755/middle-east
Smotrich's comments come amid Israel's intensified ground offensive in Gaza City, which began Monday with the stated goal of seizing full control of the area. The assault has prompted thousands of Palestinians to flee southward, with over 55,000 people evacuating northern Gaza between Sunday and Wednesday.
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Gaza's Health Ministry reported the death toll has now surpassed 65,000 Palestinians since the conflict began in October 2023, with nearly 100 killed in the past 24 hours alone. The ministry noted that many victims remain trapped under rubble, making the true casualty count likely higher.
aa
The UN estimates that approximately 92 percent of residential structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the war began. Telecommunications blackouts across the territory are hindering rescue efforts and civilian evacuations as Israeli tanks advance deeper into Gaza City.
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- https://www.reuters.com/world/middl...ms-blackout-israeli-tanks-advance-2025-09-18/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/world/a...by-telecoms-blackout-as-israeli-tanks-advance
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-eas...ntinues-genocidal-war-on-palestinians/3690609
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/01/gaz...ation-weighs-post-war-redevelopment-plan.html