Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong support for US President Donald Trump's proposal for the United States to take control of Gaza and expel nearly two million Palestinians. Netanyahu praised Trump's willingness to think outside the box and puncture conventional thinking. He referred to the proposal as a way to eliminate Palestinians from the border, which he viewed positively.
Netanyahu's approval of the proposal comes at a time when negotiations to extend the Gaza ceasefire are stalled. The Israeli prime minister has faced internal opposition to the ceasefire deal, particularly regarding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the return of hostages. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to resign if the ceasefire continues.
Trump's plan has been seen as a strategic move to appease Netanyahu's extremist allies who criticized the prime minister for agreeing to the ceasefire with Hamas. These allies have long advocated for incentivizing Gazans to leave and for Jewish settlement in Gaza.
Former national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who resigned in protest of the Gaza ceasefire, hailed Trump's proposal as the solution to the longstanding debate on Gaza. He expressed willingness to return to the government if the plan is implemented, emphasizing the significance of the US President's support for the idea.
Ben Gvir highlighted the shift in perception, noting that while his previous proposals were met with skepticism, Trump's endorsement has brought credibility to the idea. He emphasized the potential for implementation with the backing of the world's greatest superpower.
