"We are not another star in American flag": Israel minister dismisses US criticism over emigration of Gazan civilians
Itamar Ben Gvir, dismissed the US State Department's condemnation of his statement for urging Palestinians in Gaza to be resettled outside the strip on Tuesday, The Times of Israel reported.
«I really admire the United States of America but with all due respect, we are not another star in the American flag,» Ben Gvir, who heads the ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit party, said in a statement.
He added, «The United States is our best friend but before everything else, we will do what is good for the State of Israel: The emigration of hundreds of thousands from Gaza will allow residents [of the border area] to return home and live in security and protect IDF soldiers.»
Earlier, the United States strongly rejected the Israeli ministers' statements on the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza and said that the rhetoric is «inflammatory and irresponsible.»
The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said in a press statement that the US has always been clear on the fact that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain theirs.
«The United States rejects recent statements from Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. This rhetoric is inflammatory and irresponsible,» the statement read.
«We have been told repeatedly and consistently by the Government of Israel, including by the Prime Minister, that such statements do not reflect the policy of the Israeli government. They should stop immediately,» it added.
He said that the kind of future the US seeks is that in the future, no terror groups can threaten Israel and Hamas has no control of Gaza.
«We have been clear, consistent,
