US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference late Tuesday following their meeting at the White House, during which Trump proposed that the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip while discussing a potential truce with Hamas.
Netanyahu praised Trump, referring to him as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had.”
Key highlights from the press conference include Trump’s suggestion that the US would assume control of Gaza, his vision for its redevelopment, and Netanyahu’s emphasis on Israel’s objectives in the ongoing conflict.
Trump stated that the United States would “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip. “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” he said.
He did not dismiss the possibility of deploying US troops to Gaza, saying, “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”
Trump outlined plans for clearing unexploded ordnance, demolishing damaged structures, and developing infrastructure to generate jobs and housing.
He also reiterated his belief that Palestinians should relocate to other Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, despite both nations and Palestinian leaders rejecting this notion.
“It (Gaza Strip) should not go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have really stood there and fought for it and lived there and died there and lived a miserable existence there,” Trump said.
He added that the two million people in Gaza should “go to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts.”
Trump further elaborated that he viewed US control over Gaza as a long-term strategy, emphasizing that Palestinians should move elsewhere. “This is not a decision made lightly,” he said. He claimed widespread approval for the idea, stating, “Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.”
He also suggested that Gaza could be transformed into a prime destination. “The Riviera of the Middle East. This could be something that could be so magnificent,” he said, envisioning Gaza as an international attraction open to people from around the world, including Palestinians.
Netanyahu commended Trump and his proposals, calling him “the greatest friend Israel has ever had” and indicating that Trump’s plan could “change history” and warranted serious consideration.
“I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again: you are the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu remarked. “And that’s why the people of Israel have such enormous respect for you.”
Netanyahu also emphasized that Israel’s mission in Gaza remains unfinished, urging Trump to support efforts to secure Israel’s future. He listed three main objectives: eliminating Hamas, ensuring the release of hostages, and preventing Gaza from posing further threats to Israel.
He expressed confidence that Trump’s “willingness to puncture conventional thinking” would help achieve these goals.
“Israel will end the war by winning the war. Israel’s victory will be America’s victory,” Netanyahu declared.