Israeli Ministers Advocate for Northern Gaza Civilian Relocation to Counter Hamas

A group of 27 Israeli ministers and Members of Knesset (MKs) has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the national security cabinet to adopt a plan that would relocate civilians from northern Gaza to its southern region to better combat Hamas terrorists. The letter, spearheaded by the Reserve Commanders and Combat Soldiers Forum and promoted by Likud MK Avichai Boaron, outlines a strategy referred to as the "General's Plan."

The plan, backed by several retired Major-Generals including Gershon Hacohen and Giora Eiland, proposes four key stages to clear northern Gaza of Hamas terrorists. First, civilians would be moved south of the Netzarim corridor. Next, northern Gaza would be declared a "closed military zone" and placed under siege, with all deliveries halted until the area is “cleansed” of terrorists. Finally, the plan would apply similar procedures to other regions in the Gaza Strip.

The ministers and MKs argued that this relocation is crucial to preventing Hamas from using the civilian population as a shield and from controlling humanitarian aid distribution. They believe the plan is both feasible and compliant with international law.

Notably, the letter did not address whether civilians would be allowed to return to northern Gaza once fighting subsided or who would govern the area post-conflict.

Among the signatories were Women's Advancement Minister May Golan, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, alongside other members from Likud, the Religious Zionist Party, and Otzma Yehudit.

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