Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza residents to other countries.
"They can leave, they can move and come back. You have to rebuild Gaza. (…) This is the first good idea I've heard," Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News, as cited by Interfax.
He further stated that the idea should be "developed, explored, and implemented" to aid in rebuilding Gaza and creating "a new future for everyone."
Trump suggested that Palestinians from Gaza could be relocated to Egypt and Jordan, a plan that has met strong opposition from several Arab countries.
Netanyahu also clarified that Trump had not proposed sending U.S. troops to eliminate Hamas, nor did he intend for American taxpayers to fund the plan. Instead, he claimed that wealthy neighboring states would provide the necessary financing.
Beyond Gaza, Netanyahu stressed that many Arab nations no longer see Israel as their primary adversary but instead view Iran as the greater regional threat.
"They acknowledge that Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has fought against Iran," he said.
Netanyahu added that Trump’s return to the White House would provide "enormous support" to efforts aimed at curbing Iranian influence in the region.
While Trump proposed that the U.S. take control of Gaza, disarm militants, and lead reconstruction efforts, the Biden administration has distanced itself from the idea. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified that there are no plans to deploy American troops to the enclave.
