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Snapshot 1:Wed, Feb 18, 2026 1:25:28 PM GMT last edited by Tareq

Smotrich Says Israel to 'Encourage Migration' of Palestinians from West Bank and Gaza

Above: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (C) pictured in the Knesset on Oct. 15, 2025. Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

For the first time since the Six Day War, Israel is restoring order and governance to Judea and Samaria. This will enable the state to better regulate land disputes, create legal certainty and pave the way for legal and responsible development.

Following decades of settlements that are contrary to international law being built in the West Bank, Israel's latest move seeks to formalize the annexation. This will only speed up the forcible transfer and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their land.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 33% chance that Israel will recognize Palestine by 2070, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0