Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, describing it as “the first good idea” he has encountered regarding the region. The endorsement comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing discussions about the future of the war-torn enclave.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu emphasized the potential benefits of the plan, stating that allowing Gazans to relocate—whether temporarily or permanently—could facilitate the rebuilding process. “They can leave, and they can then come back; they can relocate and come back. But you have to rebuild Gaza,” he said. The Israeli leader praised the initiative as “remarkable” and suggested it could reshape the future of the territory.
Trump’s proposal, unveiled during a joint press conference with Netanyahu at the White House, includes U.S. intervention in the governance of Gaza. The former president suggested that the United States could “take over the Gaza Strip” and oversee a transitional phase in which Palestinian residents would be relocated to neighboring countries while reconstruction efforts take place.
International Backlash
The proposal has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced it as a violation of international law and called on the United Nations to take action to protect Palestinian sovereignty. Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have also rejected the idea, arguing that forced displacement would further destabilize the region.
Several European allies, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, have expressed strong opposition to the plan, reaffirming their support for the rights of Palestinians to remain in their homeland. In response to mounting criticism, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to clarify the administration’s position, stating that the goal was to “temporarily clean and rebuild Gaza” rather than enforce a permanent relocation.
Implications for Regional Stability
Netanyahu’s endorsement of the plan has intensified tensions amid sensitive ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has suggested that nations opposing Israel’s military operations in Gaza should consider accepting displaced Palestinians, a statement that has further fueled diplomatic disputes.
Despite global pushback, Netanyahu continues to support the proposal, arguing that it presents an opportunity to reshape the future of Gaza and its residents. However, with growing international opposition, the feasibility of the plan remains uncertain.
The situation continues to develop as world leaders and humanitarian organizations assess the potential consequences of such a proposal on regional stability and the rights of Palestinian civilians.
