Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has welcomed President Trump’s idea to “clean out” Gaza by relocating 1.5 million Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan.

“The idea of helping them find other places to start a better life is a great idea. After years of glorifying terrorism, they will be able to establish new and good lives in other places,” Smotrich said in a statement.

Earlier, Israel’s former national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir – who has a history of making inciting comments and provoking Palestinians – also welcomed Trump’s suggestion, saying the Israeli government should “encourage voluntary immigration”.

Such a drastic displacement of people would openly contradict Palestinian identity and deep connection to Gaza.

“Something has to happen,” Trump said. “But it’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished, and people are dying there. So I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location, where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”