Washington, D.C. During a joint press briefing at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would consider taking control of the Gaza Strip and deploying American troops in the region if necessary. The proposal was discussed during a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump suggested that a U.S. takeover of Gaza could serve as a “long-term ownership position” aimed at bringing stability to the Middle East. He emphasized that such an approach would involve clearing the region of unexploded ordnance, dismantling weapons, and implementing economic development programs to create jobs and housing for local residents. “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, do a real job, do something different,” Trump said.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, when asked whether he saw Trump’s proposal as a way to expand Israel’s borders, stated that one of Israel’s key objectives was to ensure that Gaza never posed a threat to its security. He noted that Trump’s vision for Gaza went beyond Israel’s immediate goals, describing it as a “different idea.” Netanyahu added, “We’re talking about it. He’s exploring it with his people, with his staff. I think it’s something that could change history, and it’s worthwhile really pursuing this avenue.”
Netanyahu reiterated concerns over Hamas, referencing a statement from one of the group’s leaders suggesting that they would repeat the October 7 attacks “on a larger scale.” He argued that Hamas could not be left intact if peace were to be achieved in the region. “You want a different future? You gotta knock out the people who want to destroy you and destroy peace. That’s what we’re going to do,” he stated, adding that defeating Hamas would help advance diplomatic efforts, including potential peace agreements with Saudi Arabia and other nations.
On the topic of Iran, Netanyahu supported Trump’s firm stance against allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, endorsing the idea of continued “maximum pressure” on the Iranian government. Trump, addressing the issue, noted that while some advocate military action, alternative solutions should be explored. “If we could solve this problem without warfare, without all of the things that you’ve been witnessing over the last number of years, I think it would be a tremendous thing,” he said.
When asked whether he would support an Israeli strike on Iran, Trump responded, “We’ll have to see what happens.”
The discussions come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The potential for U.S. involvement in Gaza remains a developing issue, with further deliberations expected in the coming weeks.
