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JERUSALEM — The Israeli government is considering a proposal to build an artificial island off the Gaza Strip that a top official says would give Palestinians living in the besieged enclave their one and only seaport — and maybe a hotel and an international airport, too.

The Israeli minister of intelligence who is promoting the plan, Israel Katz, said the Jewish state is actively seeking financial partners for the $5 billion project.

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Katz mentioned the Saudis and Chinese as possible builders of the port — or maybe a mysterious Israeli entrepreneur. He declined to name names.

Why would the Saudi monarch construct a billion-dollar seaport-hotel a few miles from the Zionists’ coast — when the two governments have no formal relations? That’s unknown.

Katz insisted the project is no fantasy island.

We would create electricity, desalination plants. This island will be an island of initiatives of all kinds

He said the plan is being debated in Israel’s security cabinet, where he said it has deep support. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “is exploring the option but has not yet made a determination,” said an Israeli official involved in the talks. The intelligence minister said he has briefed Obama administration officials on the proposal.