Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for the future of Gaza, calling it “the first original idea that has been raised in years.” The plan, which includes relocating Palestinians from Gaza and transferring control of the enclave to the U.S. after the ongoing conflict, has drawn widespread international criticism.
In a video statement from his hotel in Washington, Netanyahu urged leaders to “listen carefully” to Trump’s proposal, emphasizing its potential for post-war stability in Gaza. The comments came after Trump suggested that Palestinians be resettled in other countries while the U.S. oversees the region’s reconstruction.
Trump’s plan has faced sharp opposition from the international community, including traditional allies of both the U.S. and Israel. Egypt and Jordan have already rejected previous suggestions that they absorb Gazan refugees. Despite the pushback, Trump reaffirmed his stance, stating on Thursday that Gaza “would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” and that no American troops would be deployed on the ground.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the proposal, arguing that Gaza is currently “not habitable” due to destruction and unexploded ordnance. Speaking during a visit to the Dominican Republic, Rubio challenged critics to propose alternative solutions. “In order to fix a place like that, people are going to have to live somewhere else in the interim,” he said. He also called on other nations to step up and assist with rebuilding efforts.
While political discussions continue, Israeli military officials are increasingly concerned about the potential fallout of Trump’s plan. According to a report by Channel 13, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate, has warned that the proposal could escalate tensions in the region, urging security forces to “get ready for Ramadan” next month.
Some senior Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officers believe the plan could work on a smaller scale, but others fear it could trigger unrest. Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to develop a plan that would allow Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza, with options for exit by land, sea, or air.
As diplomatic discussions intensify, Rubio is expected to visit the Middle East following the Munich Security Conference, which begins on February 14. His trip will reportedly include stops in Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and possibly other countries. The visit is seen as an effort to build regional support for Washington’s approach to post-war Gaza.
With Ramadan approaching and tensions rising, Netanyahu and Trump’s plan faces significant hurdles both diplomatically and on the ground. Whether the proposal gains traction or further destabilizes the region remains to be seen.