US President Donald Trump. Photo: Leah Millis/ Reuters
Just two weeks ago, the idea of mass expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip seemed marginal and belonged to the rhetoric of Israel’s far-right politicians. However, now it is the official policy of the US administration, The Jerusalem Post writes.
“All of them” – these three words became a real sensation during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. This was the American leader’s response to the question of how many Gazans he believes should be relocated.
What is Trump up to?
Trump told reporters that the United States could “take control of Gaza ” and “restore order there”. He even hinted that he was ready to send US troops.
“Egypt and Jordan will not say no,” he said.
These words caused a real storm. Key Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt, have categorically rejected the plan. However, Trump, known for his stubbornness, seems ready to put pressure on his allies to implement his initiative.
Unlike previous spontaneous decisions by the US president, this plan does not appear to be temporary. Reconstruction of Gaza could take 10-15 years, and this fact will not change regardless of who is in the White House.
There are already jokes on the Internet that Trump wants to turn Gaza into MAGA (Make Gaza Great Again).
Netanyahu’s reaction
The Israeli Prime Minister, commenting on Trump’s statement, said:
“He thinks outside the box, he goes beyond the usual framework.”
However, Netanyahu was in no hurry to support the idea 100%. There are fears within the Israeli government that this plan could destabilise the region and provoke a conflict with its neighbours
The answer to the key question – whether Trump is ready to use “all the levers” to implement his plan – will be revealed next week. Then King Abdullah II of Jordan will arrive in Washington for talks.
What Trump will say while standing next to the Jordanian monarch could be the starting point for the largest geopolitical shift in the Middle East in decades.
