Following President Donald Trump's recent comments about potentially taking over the Gaza Strip, the response in Tel Aviv has been varied.
Many residents in Tel Aviv, known for their liberal and left-leaning views, have dismissed Trump's proposal as unrealistic. Israeli citizen Leor Maman expressed his skepticism, stating, 'I don't think it's really going to happen. It was very surprising; I didn't think he came with such an opinion. It's pretty shocking, and nobody accepted it, I can assure you that.'
On the other hand, right-wing Israeli politicians have welcomed Trump's remarks. Even centrist figures like Benny Gantz have acknowledged Trump's 'creative, original and interesting thinking.'
Vered Constantine highlighted the mixed reactions within Israel, noting that while some may be pleased with Trump's comments, others would be disappointed. She described the situation as complex, emphasizing the desire for peaceful coexistence alongside the recognition of individuals seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
Another Tel Aviv resident, Alisa, found Trump's statements perplexing, drawing parallels to his previous remarks about Canada and Greenland. She expressed confusion over the motivations behind the proposal, suggesting a perception that America simply wants control over Gaza.
Alisa also criticized far-right Israeli politicians who have advocated for depopulating Gaza, emphasizing that their views do not represent the broader Israeli population. She noted the resemblance between Trump's stance and that of former minister Itamar Ben Gvir, describing the situation as 'strange.'
