Trump and Netanyahu discuss US‑led rebuilding of Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House on Tuesday. Following one-on-one talks with Donald Trump, both leaders addressed journalists. "The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexplored bombs and other weapons on the site," said the US President. Netanyahu supported this idea and confirmed ongoing discussions on the matter.
"The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexplored bombs and other weapons on the site - he added. He assured that the USA wants to help rebuild Gaza, which is in the interest of all Arab countries because "everyone wants peace."
"Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area," Trump announced.
"Trump is a leader who will do amazing things. Wait and see," echoed Benjamin Netanyahu.
President Donald Trump also did not rule out sending American troops to secure the Gaza Strip, after stating the USA would take control of the Palestinian enclave.
Both leaders met at the White House on Tuesday.
They held a joint press conference.
"I believe that many countries will join this wonderful peace and this economic peace. There will be many who will sign," said Donald Trump once more in the Oval Office, where he held one-on-one talks with the Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu emphasized the goal of rescuing all hostages and eliminating Hamas, stating that cooperation between Israel and the United States would increase the chances of achieving victory.
Later, during the joint press conference, Trump repeatedly emphasized that Gaza is a symbol of human drama. "I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back, and I believe this strongly, is because they have no alternative… If they had an alternative, they’d much rather not go back to Gaza and live in a beautiful alternative that’s safe," pointed out the American president.
When asked if forced relocation would be discussed, Trump indicated that there would be a "strong suggestion" for Palestinians to leave those areas during the reconstruction of Gaza.
Will the USA take control of Gaza? A clear signal from the Trump administration
In response to a later question from journalists, the American president assured that the idea of the USA taking over the Gaza Strip is supported by Middle Eastern leaders. He indicated that this is only a preliminary outline, and his administration will provide more information within four weeks.
Benjamin Netanyahu clearly stated that he supports the idea of the American president and discussions are already underway on this topic. He also emphasized that since October 7, 2023, Israel and the USA have been working together to change the Middle East and fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other common enemies.
"Israel has never been stronger and the Iran terror axis has never been weaker. We have to finish the job," enumerated the Israeli prime minister.
He assured that Israel's victory will also be the victory of the United States.
Conflict in the Middle East
As CNN notes, with the start of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli leader must fully understand the US position before deciding on further actions.
On January 19, fighting in the Gaza Strip was halted after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. The first stage of the ceasefire is set to last until early March and includes, among other things, the release of some hostages captured by Hamas and the gradual withdrawal of Israelis from the Gaza Strip.
The second stage involves a permanent truce, the release of all living hostages, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, but its exact conditions are yet to be negotiated.
The prospect of the second part of the truce coming into effect is uncertain. The USA and other mediators are pressing for its conclusion.
