Katz appoints Col. (res.) Yaakov Blitstein as head of Gaza voluntary relocation directorate

Defense Minister Israel Katz appoints the deputy director-general of the Defense Ministry, Col. (res.) Yaakov Blitstein, as head of the Gaza voluntary relocation directorate, according to a statement put out by Katz’s office.

The announcement comes a week after Israel’s security cabinet approved a suggestion by Katz to establish a new administration in the Defense Ministry tasked with enabling Palestinians to “voluntarily” leave the Gaza Strip.

The Defense Minister’s office says that Blitstein brings extensive managerial experience from senior positions in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Energy, and Transportation.

According to the statement, his role will involve coordinating the safe and controlled relocation of Gaza residents who wish to emigrate to third-party countries, including securing their movement, setting up crossing routes, and establishing necessary infrastructure for land, sea, and air travel.

“We are determined to realize US President Donald Trump’s vision of enabling voluntary emigration for Gaza residents who wish to move to various places around the world,” Katz says, adding, “Our findings indicate that at least 40% of Gaza residents are interested in emigrating.”