JERUSALEM: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has hit back at Washington, his country's top ally, over its criticism of his push for the transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza.

'The United States is our best friend, but first of all, we will do what is best for the State of Israel: the migration of hundreds of thousands from Gaza will allow the (Israeli) residents of the envelope to return home and live in security and will protect the IDF soldiers,' the extreme-right minister posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday night, using the acronym of the Israel Defense Forces.