Trump: The US Will Take Over Gaza
In a dramatic meeting with Netanyahu, the U.S. president proposed a radical plan to resolve the Gaza crisis, including the transfer of residents and American rule
Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO
U.S. President Donald Trump made a dramatic statement about a new phase in negotiations for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. According to him, if a deal is not reached to secure their release, "it will make us more violent." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's objectives in Gaza are "to eliminate Hamas's military capabilities, ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and bring the hostages home."
During a meeting between the two and a subsequent heated press conference, Trump presented unconventional ideas regarding Gaza's future, including an unprecedented proposal: "The U.S. will take control of Gaza. 1.8 million residents need to leave. I will visit Israel, Gaza, and Saudi Arabia."
The president referred to the atrocities of October 7, asserting that they would not have occurred had he been in office at the time. He suggested relocating Gaza's residents to several other regions and proposed that wealthy Gulf states finance the initiative. According to him, the U.S. would take responsibility for removing weaponry and "flattening the compound" in Gaza, using American forces—an option he did not entirely rule out.
Asked to comment on Trump’s proposals, Netanyahu described them as "out-of-the-box thinking" and added that "the job in Gaza must be completed." However, he did not commit to specific actions based on the former president's remarks. Netanyahu also addressed the possibility of a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, stating, "It will happen." In response, Saudi Arabia quickly clarified that no agreement would be signed without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
During the press conference, Trump announced that next month he would issue a statement on U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. If implemented, the move is expected to spark strong international reactions and significantly alter the dynamics of the regional conflict.
On domestic matters, Netanyahu was asked about the possibility of establishing a state commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7. The prime minister made it clear that "at the right time, we will establish a commission that will be accepted by the majority of the people, not just half," emphasizing that he is "determined to uncover the roots of the failure."
Trump’s statements reflect a significant shift in the U.S.'s willingness to intervene directly in Gaza, though it remains unclear whether these ideas are feasible or an attempt to introduce new alternatives to the prolonged crisis. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations, reiterating that its objectives remain as previously defined.
