By: Fern Sidman

In a move reflecting ongoing Israeli efforts to address the humanitarian fallout of the Gaza conflict, Mossad Director David Barnea traveled to Washington this week to discuss a potential international relocation initiative for Palestinian civilians from Gaza. As reported by World Israel News on Saturday, Barnea’s mission centered on seeking U.S. diplomatic support for Israel’s outreach to third countries that might be willing to accept displaced Gazans on a voluntary basis.

According to the information provided in the World Israel News report, Barnea met with senior U.S. officials, including White House envoy Steve Witkoff. During these meetings, the Mossad chief presented Israel’s case for promoting a humanitarian initiative aimed at offering displaced Gazan civilians an opportunity to resettle in safer environments outside of the war zone. The Israeli proposal highlighted three nations of interest: Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Libya — countries Israeli officials believe could potentially engage with such a program if backed by American diplomatic incentives.

Although Witkoff reportedly engaged in detailed discussions, the World Israel News report confirmed that the U.S. envoy refrained from making any formal commitments on behalf of the White House. The cautious response underscored both the complexity of the issue and the delicacy of international diplomacy surrounding the Gaza conflict.

The Israeli initiative stems from the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and saw more than 250 civilians abducted into Gaza. The unprecedented assault marked a turning point in Israeli security policy, prompting a military campaign to dismantle Hamas’s operational capabilities within the Gaza Strip.

The military operations have led to massive displacement within Gaza, with nearly the entire civilian population forced to relocate amid widespread destruction of infrastructure. Israeli officials, as quoted in the World Israel News report, maintain that the humanitarian relocation initiative is intended as a long-term solution for civilians caught in the crossfire — not as a forced expulsion but as an opportunity for voluntary resettlement in safer territories.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has designated Mossad to spearhead efforts in identifying countries willing to participate in the relocation program. Netanyahu, during his recent White House visit, underscored Israel’s close cooperation with the United States on this matter, stating, “We are working very closely with the United States… we are getting close to finding several countries.”

Netanyahu also publicly praised President Donald Trump’s role in supporting Israel’s approach, particularly highlighting Trump’s emphasis on the principle of “free choice” for Gaza’s civilian population. “It’s called free choice,” Netanyahu remarked, as reported by World Israel News. “You know, if people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave. It shouldn’t be a prison.”

The prime minister’s comments reflect Israel’s framing of the initiative as a humanitarian option rather than a policy of displacement. The Israeli government’s narrative positions the plan as a means of alleviating human suffering while ensuring regional stability.

Despite Israel’s assurances, the proposal has sparked debate within diplomatic circles. As World Israel News reported, several Arab nations have expressed reservations about the concept of population relocation under the ongoing wartime conditions. Critics argue that the practicality of labeling such moves “voluntary” may be undermined by the pressures of conflict and displacement.

Nevertheless, Israeli officials insist any relocation would be entirely peaceful, predicated on individual consent, and accompanied by guarantees — including the right of return for those choosing to leave temporarily. These assurances, Israeli representatives assert, are essential to maintaining both the humanitarian integrity of the plan and its alignment with international norms.

The meetings in Washington revealed a U.S. administration treading carefully between support for its key ally and concerns over broader geopolitical implications. While no definitive endorsement was secured during Barnea’s visit, the World Israel News report confirmed that dialogue remains open, with further discussions anticipated in the coming weeks.

The role of U.S. diplomatic incentives — a focal point in Barnea’s discussions — could prove critical in persuading nations such as Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Libya to participate. The Mossad chief suggested that targeted economic or political incentives from Washington might tip the scales in favor of cooperation.

Barnea’s Washington trip illustrates the Israeli government’s active pursuit of a diplomatic solution to a profoundly complex humanitarian crisis. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to navigate both the practicalities of post-conflict recovery and the sensitivities of international diplomacy.

While questions about feasibility and implementation persist, the involvement of high-level figures such as Mossad Director Barnea and the emphasis on working closely with U.S. officials signal that the relocation plan remains a key component of Israel’s broader Gaza policy.

As the World Israel News report indicated, the initiative’s future will likely hinge on a delicate interplay of humanitarian concerns, regional politics, and the steadfast cooperation between Israel and the United States.