[Salon] Real estate bonanza in Gaza

[Chas Freeman <cwfresidence@gmail.com>]

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-09-17/ty-article/.premium/real-estate-bonanza-smotrich-says-israel-in-talks-with-u-s-on-dividing-gazas-land/00000199-588b-d907-a5db-7def13e40000

'Real Estate Bonanza': Smotrich Says Israel in Talks With U.S. on Dividing Gaza's Land

September 17, 2025

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Wednesday that "the Gaza Strip is becoming a real estate bonanza," and the plan is "on President Trump's desk."

Speaking at the Real Estate Center conference in Tel Aviv, Smotrich added that negotiations have begun with the U.S. regarding a business plan for Gaza.

"We paid a lot of money for the war, so we need to decide how to divide the percentages of the land in Gaza. The demolition phase is always the first phase of urban renewal. We did that, now we need to start building," said Smotrich.

In February, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would pursue a plan for the U.S. to assume ownership of Gaza and create what would become known as the "Gaza Riviera."

At the time, Trump said, "I see a long-term ownership position and bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East."

He also said the U.S. would develop Gaza and "create thousands and thousands of jobs," promising that it would be "something the entire Middle East can be very proud of."