Israel FM: No Gaza Expulsion, Voluntary Exit Not Opposed

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, that Israel has no plans to forcibly expel or deport Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. His remarks came during a visit to Slovenia, where he attended the inauguration of Israel's resident embassy in Ljubljana. Saar clarified that while forced removal is not on the agenda, Israel would not oppose Palestinians voluntarily choosing to leave Gaza if another country is willing to receive them. "If someone wants to leave Gaza from his own will, and there is a country which is ready to accept him, as it happens from any conflict area in the world, we will not oppose that," Saar said during a press conference. He emphasized that this stance is distinct from forced removal. His comments address ongoing, albeit politically contentious, discussions within some Israeli cabinet circles regarding the potential relocation of Gaza's population. Officials promoting such ideas have generally characterized them as voluntary, suggesting that some Palestinians wish to leave but are allegedly prevented by Hamas.