Mossad Chief Sought US Incentives for Countries to Accept Gazans; Envoy Declined Commitment
JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON – Mossad Director David Barnea pressed a senior US envoy to provide incentives for third countries to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza as part of a controversial Israeli resettlement plan, according to three sources briefed on high-level talks. The US response was non-committal, casting doubt on Washington’s willingness to assist the effort.
- Direct Appeal: During recent discussions, Barnea urged US Special Representative Jason Witkoff (a senior advisor in the Trump administration) to offer economic or diplomatic incentives to nations willing to absorb large numbers of Gazans. This was framed as critical US support to advance Israel’s strategic plan for Gaza.
- US Hesitation: Witkoff did not commit to the proposal. Sources emphasized it remains “unclear whether the US will take an active role” in facilitating the resettlement, signaling potential friction between the allies.
- Mossad’s Covert Task: The request follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s direct order to the Mossad intelligence agency to identify countries potentially open to accepting Palestinians displaced from Gaza. This mission has been underway for months.
Trump’s Abandoned Plan & US Conditions
- In February, President Trump privately proposed the complete removal of Gaza’s 2 million residents and the enclave’s reconstruction. The White House swiftly abandoned the idea after fierce condemnation from Arab states and allies.
- Israeli officials revealed the Trump administration subsequently set a condition: If Netanyahu wished to pursue any mass displacement plan, Israel alone must find receiving countries. The US would not broker this politically explosive step.
- Legality & Sensitivity: Forcibly transferring populations under occupation violates international humanitarian law (Geneva Conventions). The proposal is incendiary regionally and globally.
- US Stance: Washington’s reluctance to engage directly underscores the political toxicity of the plan, even under an administration strongly supportive of Israel.
- Feasibility Questioned: Finding nations willing to accept large numbers of Palestinians against widespread international opposition is seen as highly improbable. Mossad’s involvement highlights the plan’s sensitivity.
While Netanyahu has tasked his intelligence service with laying the groundwork for resettling Gazans abroad, the Mossad chief’s direct appeal for US incentives to make the plan viable met a wall of American reserve. Without active US backing or willing host countries, the controversial proposal faces steep, likely insurmountable, hurdles. The episode reveals both the persistence of displacement discussions within the Israeli government and the limits of US support for their most radical elements