Czechia's ForMin dismisses Israeli minister’s call for full Gaza occupation

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský on Sunday condemned recent remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called for Israel to occupy the Gaza Strip and encourage the voluntary emigration of Palestinians.

“The Czech Republic rejects extremist rhetoric that undermines the chances for a just and lasting solution to the conflict,” Lipavský said in a statement.

Ben Gvir, a far-right member of Israel’s government, has repeatedly advocated for Israeli control over Gaza, including the most recent statement reported by The Times of Israel, in which he urged Israel to “conquer all of Gaza” and promote the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from the area.

Lipavský reaffirmed that the country's foreign policy is guided by international law, emphasizing that “any annexation or forced population transfers are unacceptable from our point of view.”

“Support of any country is not unconditional,” he said. “Just as we criticize the violent actions of settlers in the West Bank, we reject extremist rhetoric that undermines the chance for a just and lasting solution to the conflict.”

The Czech Republic has consistently backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for dialogue between both parties. On Wednesday last week, Czechia did not join France and 14 other countries in a U.N. statement calling for an end to the Gaza war. Instead, it reaffirmed support for Israel and warned against recognizing a Palestinian state while Hamas remains in control.

Lipavský said Wednesday that recognizing a Palestinian state under current conditions would be unproductive, as Gaza remains under the control of Hamas, which the EU designates a terrorist organization.

Israel originally captured the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Six-Day War. In 2005, it unilaterally withdrew its settlements under a disengagement plan, though it has maintained a blockade on the territory.

Ben Gvir’s comments have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally for inflaming tensions and contradicting diplomatic efforts toward peace.

Lipavský’s statement places Czechia among the EU nations expressing concern over hardline Israeli policies that could further destabilize the region.