F
inance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed on Wednesday that Israel is negotiating with the United States over a proposal to turn Gaza into a profitable real‑estate venture. Speaking at the Urban Renewal Summit hosted by the Real Estate Center and Madlan 2025, he said the idea—first revealed on Ynet and reportedly circulating in the Trump administration—has reached official discussion. Smotrich described the plan as a “business model” crafted by top professionals and now on President Donald Trump’s desk. He noted that Israel has already completed the demolition phase and is now focused on rebuilding, stressing that the war’s costs must be recouped through shared land‑percentage arrangements.

    The minister added that the reconstruction would be financed by the United States, which would assume trusteeship of Gaza for at least a decade, turning the territory into a tourist resort and a technology hub. He said the proposal could become a “real‑estate bonanza” that pays for itself, emphasizing that the discussion is serious.

    Smotrich’s remarks come amid mounting international pressure for Palestinian statehood and Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warnings. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has cautioned that the prolonged Gaza conflict exacts a heavy price on Israel. The Washington Post’s August report highlighted the Trump‑admin plan’s vision of a U.S.‑led redevelopment that would attract investment and tourism, while the Israeli government seeks to secure a profitable future for the region.