The report from the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy, proposing the evacuation of the entire Gaza Strip following the October 7 attack, has generated controversy and is seen as a concerning idea.
The paper proposes a controversial plan to relocate Gaza's inhabitants to currently vacant apartments near Cairo, Egypt, in exchange for financial arrangements.
The report further elaborated, "It is undeniable that numerous conditions must align for the implementation of this plan. Currently, these conditions seem to be in place, and the uncertainty remains regarding when, or if, such a unique opportunity might present itself again."
The Misgav Institute, headed by Meir Ben Shabbat, includes former Israeli government officials in prominent positions.
The suggestion to ethnically cleanse Gaza and relocate its inhabitants to Egypt raises serious ethical, humanitarian, and international law concerns. Such proposals go against principles of human rights, self-determination, and the international community's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The use of the term "opportunity" in the report to describe the situation is indeed macabre, as it appears to prioritize political objectives over the suffering and loss of life experienced by people in the region.
This is not the first time that political leaders or entities have seized upon tragic events as an "opportunity" for their agendas, and such rhetoric is often met with criticism and condemnation.
This particular rhetoric, where right-wing leaders appear to find opportunities in the midst of catastrophic events, has been observed across different contexts following major instances of extreme violence. For instance, on September 19, 2001, then-President George W. Bush famously declared, "Through my tears, I see opportunity." A few months later, Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, stated, "This is a period not just of grave danger, but of enormous opportunity. Before the clay is dry again, America and our friends and our allies must move decisively to take advantage of these new opportunities." This was in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in which 2,977 people died in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, along with the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93.
Similar language was used by Osama bin Laden when describing the invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies. In a 2004 audio message, bin Laden said, "Targeting America in Iraq in terms of economy and losses in life is a golden and unique opportunity. Do not waste it only to regret it later." This conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also made statements that sounded optimistic following acts of violence. For example, in 2002, after the Al Qaeda bombing of a hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, where 13 people were killed, including Israeli brothers Noy and Dvir Anter, ages 12 and 13, Netanyahu referred to it as a "golden opportunity." Additionally, on September 11, 2001, when he was working in the private sector after his first term as prime minister, he initially stated to the New York Times that the attacks meant "It's very good."
Netanyahu later revised his remarks, saying, "Well, not very good, but it will generate immediate sympathy." At that moment, the belief was that approximately 20,000 people had been killed at the World Trade Center, a number that later turned out to be significantly lower. These examples highlight how political leaders may sometimes see strategic opportunities amidst human tragedies, which can be deeply controversial and subject to varying interpretations.
It is essential to consider the human cost and the rights and well-being of the affected populations in any conflict or crisis, rather than viewing their suffering as a strategic opportunity.
International efforts should focus on finding solutions that promote peace, security, and justice for all parties involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
