An Israeli official in Washington spoke with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News regarding reports that Israel has prepared a plan to implement President Trump’s proposal for transferring Gaza residents out of the Gaza Strip. The official stated that while discussions have occurred with U.S. officials, “there is no organized Israeli plan and there is no operational plan” in place at the moment.
“We were not surprised by the President’s announcement,” the source shared, “but we were surprised by the intensity and the way he did it.”
“We accept it verbatim,” he continued, “Trump said this is what he wants to do. He repeated it over and over again – and we support this.”
On the topic of moving Gazans to Jordan, thus increasing their presence there, the official explained that while supporting Jordan’s government is crucial to Israel, “just as they accepted refugees from Syria, they can also accept Gazans.” However, he noted that Jordan would not be the only nation involved, and the plan calls for the country to accept only a portion of the Gazan population.
President Trump stated today that this move will occur “at the end of the war,” and the Israeli official responded that they do not view this as a delay. “The war is not over,” he declared. “Now there is a temporary ceasefire, if it ends, we can already begin to examine the goal of Gazans leaving Gaza.”
Addressing the deal, the source clarified that Phase A might be extended and that difficult negotiations are anticipated for Phase B, with Hamas expected to present more extreme demands, including a call to end the war. Israel, the source emphasized, will not agree to these demands, and Hamas is likely to regain control over Gaza as a result.
“We will not allow Hamas to be in power in Gaza,” he affirmed. “After the deals are over, there will be no Hamas rule in Gaza.”
During upcoming meetings in Doha, the sides will address the completion of Phase A, with Israel concerned that Hamas will attempt to complicate the process.
Does Trump support a return to fighting? “I clearly heard Trump say that Hamas cannot stay in Gaza,” the Israeli source said. “You can conclude from that whatever you want.”
Regarding Iran, Israel has stated that alongside sanctions, maintaining a credible military threat is crucial if Iran does not agree to abandon its nuclear program through diplomatic means. The Israeli official expressed optimism, noting that both Netanyahu and Trump appear to share a similar perspective on the issue.
When President Trump recently responded to a question from Arutz Sheva-Israel National News about sovereignty, he indicated that there would be “a statement on the matter over the next four weeks.” The Israeli source explained that Israel is not familiar with any such plan and expects it to be addressed at a later time.
Finally, the Israeli official commented on Lebanon, stating that there is an understanding that even in future stages, after the withdrawal of forces, Israel will still be able to respond to any threats. “At the same time, it is important to strengthen the Lebanese president and the forces that oppose Hezbollah,” he added. “They want to let the president consolidate his position and continue to weaken Iran’s grip.”
The source stressed that President Trump’s inner circle, as well as the President himself, have maintained a very positive stance toward Israel. Responding to reports of individuals attempting to shift Trump’s positions in a direction at odds with Israeli interests, he stated, “The fact that there are a few insignificant people with difficult positions toward Israel – we will know how to deal with them.”
{Matzav.com}