Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump's controversial plan to transfer the residents of the Gaza Strip to other countries has begun to "crystallize."

“This plan is taking shape, with ongoing steps in coordination with the (US) administration… including identifying key countries and understanding their interests, both with the US and with us, and strengthening cooperation,” Smotrich said in the Israeli Knesset.

He pointed out that preparations are underway to establish a broad immigration authority to oversee the process.

Smotrich, who strongly supports resuming the war, noted that Trump's plan could change the entire region.

He said: “This plan will be able to bring about historic change in the Middle East and in the State of Israel.”

But he acknowledged the existence of great difficulties, expecting that implementing the plan would take a “very long time.”

According to the minister: “Every shekel (Israeli currency) we invest now in encouraging immigration will cost us much less than continuous fighting.”

Last week, Arab countries adopted a plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians, in response to Trump's proposal.

The Arab proposal, which was rejected by both Israel and the United States, received European support.

For his part, US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff praised the plan.

“We need more discussion about it, but it is a first step of good faith on the part of the Egyptians,” he said.

But the Israeli finance minister saw in Trump’s plan “an opportunity to end the conflict.”

He said: “Until today, the conflict has been going on for 76 years, we are looking for solutions… With the current administration (the Trump administration), we will do a lot.”