During Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to the White House, President Donald Trump has been seen as providing political support to the Israeli leader, according to a former US Middle East peace negotiator. Rather than focusing on advancing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, Trump's actions have been perceived as bolstering Netanyahu's position domestically by giving him leverage against his right-wing critics.
The former negotiator, Aaron David Miller, noted that Trump's gestures have equipped Netanyahu with persuasive arguments to maintain a strong political stance during a crucial period. This move is expected to aid Netanyahu in garnering support and navigating internal political challenges effectively.
Trump and Netanyahu held a joint press conference at the White House, where the president reiterated his controversial proposal to relocate nearly 2 million Palestinians from Gaza to facilitate US intervention in the region. Trump suggested transforming Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' under US control, a notion that has been met with mixed reactions.
Notably, Israel's far-right factions have historically advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Consequently, Trump's remarks about potential US involvement in Gaza have resonated positively with these groups, aligning with their long-standing objectives.
