Israel chooses director for Trump's Gaza relocation plan

Defense Minister Israel Katz has decided to appoint the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Colonel (Res.) Yaakov (Kobi) Blitstein, as the head of the administration for voluntary relocation of Gaza residents, according to a Defense Ministry statement today (Sunday).

Blitstein is a lieutenant colonel in the reserves, currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defense, and previously served as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Chief of Staff for National Infrastructure at the Ministry of Finance, and as Deputy Director General and Deputy Director of Planning and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Transportation.

He has many years of managerial experience in his military service, private service, and in the public sector. His capabilities and acquired knowledge have allowed him to successfully manage the Foreign Affairs, Energy, and Infrastructure ministries during the complex "Iron Swords" war period.

Blitstein holds a bachelor's degree in the combined program of Economics, Political Science, and Sociology from Bar-Ilan University, a bachelor's degree in Law from Ono Academic College, and a master's degree in Business Administration from Tel Aviv University. He also holds a law license.

According to the Defense Ministry statement, the administration in the Ministry of Defense is subordinate to the Defense Minister and is authorized to operate in coordination with international organizations and other entities, according to the instructions of the political echelon, and will coordinate the activities of all relevant government ministries.

The administration will work to prepare for and enable safe and controlled passage of Gaza residents for their voluntary departure to third countries, including securing their movement, establishing a pedestrian movement and inspection route at dedicated crossings in the Gaza Strip, as well as coordinating infrastructure that will allow passage by land, sea, and air to destination countries.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said that "we are determined to realize US President Donald Trump's vision to allow voluntary departure for Gaza residents who are interested in relocating to various places around the world. Our examinations indicate that at least 40% of Gaza residents are interested in emigrating to other places. Kobi Blitstein's appointment to head the administration will provide organizational momentum to all required actions, alongside significant diplomatic activity to identify destination countries that is already being carried out with the American administration and directly by a team headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."