Trump and Netanyahu met. The Israeli Prime Minister became the first world leader to meet with Trump after his inauguration. Among other things, Trump unequivocally stated that the residents of Gaza would be relocated from the sector and resettled in other countries. Moreover, this would be done permanently.
„I hope something good can be arranged in a new place. Why should they go back? That place (the Gaza Strip) is hell, the most terrible place on the planet. The best thing is to find a beautiful, sunny place. They won’t want to return to Gaza,“ said the U.S. President.
When someone in the audience shouted, „But where will they live?“ Trump responded, „On land.“
He reiterated this before his meeting with Netanyahu. When asked what would happen if Egypt and Jordan refused, Trump reminded that Venezuela had also initially stated it would not accept migrants. Many believed such a move was unrealistic, but later it turned out they were wrong.
It is worth recalling that on February 2, it became known that Venezuela agreed to accept migrants deported from the U.S. This was made possible after negotiations between the U.S. Special Representative for Special Assignments, Richard Grenell, and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Now Trump emphasizes that Egypt, Jordan, and several other countries will have no choice but to accept Gaza residents from the sector.
Furthermore, the plan proposed by Trump is the most reasonable one. The sector is in ruins. Its restoration (if it even happens) will take decades and require tens of billions of dollars. It is unacceptable to keep people there in unsanitary conditions with no prospects for the future. In new countries, they will have the opportunity to start their lives from scratch — without terrorism, killings, and violence. If they so choose.
At the same time, a bill encouraging the voluntary departure of Gaza residents has already been submitted to the Knesset (the Israeli parliament). The discussion of this bill is expected to take place in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation (likely next Sunday), and on Wednesday, it will be put to a preliminary vote in the Knesset. The bill proposes a one-time financial grant for Gaza residents, with the amount to be determined by the Ministry of Finance. However, the document stipulates that those involved in terrorism will not be eligible for financial assistance.
During the meeting between the two leaders, Trump also reaffirmed that Iran would not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and that he no longer supports the idea of establishing a Palestinian state. He also stated that the normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia would take place — essentially meaning Saudi Arabia’s recognition of the Jewish state’s right to exist.
It is highly significant that Trump noted: „The Saudis are not demanding the creation of a Palestinian state in exchange for normalisation.“ It is worth recalling that Biden has also said the same. The U.S. is offering Saudi Arabia such extensive aid packages and projects that this issue has been taken off the agenda. Additionally, it is important to understand that the Kingdom is well aware that a Palestinian state is an unviable project, whereas Israel is.
In my opinion, this was a very powerful meeting. It is hard to imagine such matters being discussed at such a high level. As I have said many times: less emotion and more action. Everyone must fulfill their duty in their respective positions. This is the key to success — always has been and always will be.
Trump also reaffirmed Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the U.S. recognition of this sovereignty.
Additionally, he stated that up to 12 countries were being considered as potential destinations for relocating Gaza residents from the sector.
The U.S. President also noted that he was not certain whether the ceasefire in the sector would last. He warned that if Hamas did not continue releasing hostages, the U.S. would use force.
Trump announced that a plan regarding potential Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria was being developed. He promised to provide an answer on this matter within four weeks.
Netanyahu, in turn, stated that peace with Saudi Arabia was achievable. „It will happen,“ he said.