Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has returned from Washington, expressing strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized that the plan presents unprecedented opportunities for Israel and offers a superior alternative to prior proposals. He described the visit as “historic” and asserted that the discussions he held with Trump and other U.S. officials could yield long-term strategic benefits for Israel.
Historic Visit and Strategic Gains
Netanyahu detailed his meetings with Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, and key members of the U.S. Senate and Congress. “I’m returning now from a historic visit to Washington, with discussions that included incredible achievements that can guarantee the security of Israel for generations,” Netanyahu said.
According to sources close to the meetings, discussions touched on a range of geopolitical and security issues, including Iran’s growing influence in the region, U.S. military aid to Israel, and strengthening intelligence-sharing between the two nations. While he did not disclose specific details of Trump’s plan for Gaza, Netanyahu claimed it was “revolutionary and creative,” offering Israel a “much better” alternative to past proposals.
Trump’s Controversial Proposal
During his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump reportedly suggested an unprecedented approach to the future of Gaza. His vision included relocating Gaza’s population to newly constructed housing developments outside of the Strip and transforming the territory into a “riviera of the Middle East,” an idea Trump claimed would bring long-term prosperity to the region.
This proposal, however, has been met with strong opposition from Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, who reject any displacement of Palestinians. Regional leaders have stated that any forced or voluntary relocation of Palestinians from Gaza would be unacceptable under international law and would exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region. Analysts have also questioned the feasibility of a voluntary mass relocation, emphasizing that the Palestinian people have deep historical and cultural ties to Gaza, making large-scale migration unlikely.
Enforcing the Ceasefire
Netanyahu also addressed Israel’s commitment to enforcing the ceasefire agreements in both Gaza and the northern border with Lebanon. “This requires us to act, sometimes to open fire in order to enforce them. We are doing this in both the north and the south,” he stated. His remarks came after IDF troops fired on a group of Gazans approaching the border, resulting in casualties.
Israel has expressed frustration with Hamas over alleged violations of the ceasefire, including delays in hostage releases and chaotic handovers of freed captives. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel expects Hamas to uphold all obligations under the ceasefire agreement and warned that any breach would be met with firm action. He also noted that military readiness remains a priority, with IDF forces stationed along the border to deter any provocations.
Coalition Divisions Over Ceasefire Deal
Netanyahu faces internal political pressure regarding negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire deal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich strongly opposes any further discussions, warning that such talks could embolden Hamas to demand Israeli territorial concessions in exchange for hostages. Smotrich has vowed to block any efforts to advance the deal, aligning himself with other far-right coalition members.
The opposition of Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has already withdrawn his party from the government in protest, threatens Netanyahu’s parliamentary majority. However, opposition parties have signaled willingness to support Netanyahu to ensure the current hostage-ceasefire deal is carried out.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Challenges
International reactions to Trump’s proposal have been mixed. The U.S. State Department has remained largely silent, while European leaders have expressed concerns over the implications of relocating Gaza’s population. The United Nations has also raised alarm, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and focus on a diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders have outright rejected the proposal, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas calling it “a dangerous and unacceptable plan.” Hamas has similarly denounced the idea, with officials warning that any attempt to displace Gazans would lead to “an unprecedented escalation.”
Investigation Into October 7 Attack
The cabinet meeting also addressed the potential establishment of a state inquiry into security failures surrounding Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Netanyahu has resisted calls for an inquiry, arguing that such investigations should wait until hostilities in Gaza have concluded. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar have reportedly pushed for further discussions on the issue, leading to tensions within the government.
Critics of Netanyahu argue that an independent inquiry is necessary to examine how Hamas was able to launch such a large-scale attack and to hold accountable those responsible for security lapses. The families of victims from the October 7 attack have also demanded transparency, calling for answers regarding the preparedness and response of Israeli security forces.
Looking Ahead
With Netanyahu now back in Israel, discussions are expected to continue regarding the next steps in the ceasefire negotiations and the broader implications of Trump’s proposal for Gaza. Whether Netanyahu will push forward with Trump’s controversial vision remains uncertain, particularly in the face of domestic and international opposition. However, Netanyahu has made clear that he views the plan as a historic opportunity and intends to explore its potential benefits for Israel’s long-term security and stability.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, the Israeli government must navigate a complex political landscape, balancing security concerns, coalition dynamics, and international pressures. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Gaza and Israel’s broader regional strategy.
(Source: TIME OF ISRAEL, Jerusalem Post)
