Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu expressed his approval of President Trump’s suggestion for the United States to take control of Gaza and relocate its 2 million residents. He described the idea as the most promising he has heard in relation to the region.
“The actual idea of allowing first Gazans who want to leave to leave. I mean, what’s wrong with that?” Netanyahu, 75, said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
“They can leave, and they can then come back, they can relocate and come back. But you have to rebuild Gaza. If you want to rebuild Gaza you can’t have … this is the first good idea that I’ve heard. It’s a remarkable idea.
“And I think it should be really pursued and examined, pursued and done. I think it will create a different future for everyone.”
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On Tuesday evening, Trump outlined his vision for a US-controlled Gaza Strip, following his proposal to relocate all Palestinians in the area to other nations.
Trump mentioned that the approximately 2 million Gazans would be temporarily relocated to nearby countries, but they would not have the right to return afterward.
The 47th president further noted that he would consider sending US troops to Gaza if deemed necessary, envisioning a transformed region that would be seen as “the Riviera of the Middle East,” with some Palestinians resettling there.
Netanyahu, who was present when Trump made these remarks, praised the idea, calling it “something that could change history, and it’s worthwhile really pursuing this avenue.”
Leaders from Egypt and Jordan have already rejected Trump’s request to accept Gazans, while others are concerned that such a plan could destabilize the fragile cease-fire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.
When asked about his optimism regarding the second phase of cease-fire negotiations and the hostage deal, Netanyahu said, “We’re going to try.”
The six-week cease-fire and hostage release agreement came into effect just before Trump’s inauguration. An Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Doha, Qatar, this week to continue advancing the deal.
Hamas continues to maintain control over parts of Gaza, though its power has been significantly diminished in the 16 months of ongoing conflict.
Trump warned that the US would escalate its military response if Hamas fails to honor its pledge to release all hostages taken during the surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated the war.
Throughout his brief interview with Hannity, Netanyahu emphasized that Iran should never be permitted to develop nuclear weapons—a sentiment Trump reiterated on Tuesday, adding that Iran would be “obliterated” if it were to attempt an assassination on him.
The Justice Department confirmed in November that a plot by Iran to kill Trump had been foiled before the presidential election.
“There’s no question Iran is gearing up to get the nuclear weapons. They probably would have been there 10 years ago already if we hadn’t taken various actions to hold them up,” Netanyahu said.
“We held them up, we slowed them down, but we haven’t stopped them completely. So yes, they’re seeking to do that. And, of course, we discussed this, and the president said something very simple, which I said as well: Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. It’s that simple.”
Trump, 78, signed an executive order calling for maximum pressure to be applied on Iran, believing that this would prevent the country from obtaining nuclear weapons, as he suggested Iran is “too close” to enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.
{Matzav.com}