Netanyahu backs Trump’s plan to redevelop Gaza, supports Palestinian relocation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to transform Gaza into a luxury waterfront development while relocating its Palestinian population. The proposal, which has sparked widespread international criticism, comes amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, now in their 21st month of conflict.

A vision for Gaza’s redevelopment

Speaking ahead of a private dinner with Trump at the White House, Netanyahu described the plan as offering Palestinians a “free choice” to either stay or leave Gaza. He confirmed that Israel is working closely with the U.S. to identify countries willing to accept displaced Palestinians, adding that discussions with several nations are nearing completion.

Trump also expressed optimism, stating, “we’ve had great cooperation” from regional countries and suggesting that progress on the plan could bring about “something good.”

Trump first proposed the idea earlier this year, envisioning Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, the concept has been widely condemned by Arab leaders, human rights organizations, and U.S. allies, with critics accusing the plan of constituting ethnic cleansing under the guise of economic development.

Shift from two-state solution

Netanyahu’s comments signal a significant departure from decades of U.S. policy, which has traditionally supported the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel as part of a two-state solution. Instead, the Israeli leader has consistently rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood, arguing that security concerns make it untenable.

“I think the Palestinians should have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten us,” Netanyahu said. He added, “People will say, ‘It’s not a complete state.’ We don’t care.”

This approach aligns with growing sentiment within Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, which has increasingly advocated for the permanent removal of Palestinians from Gaza.

Cease-fire talks face new obstacles

The timing of Netanyahu’s endorsement is likely to complicate cease-fire and hostage negotiations set to resume in Doha later this week. Trump has expressed confidence that a deal could be reached soon, but Palestinian negotiators are expected to view the relocation proposal as a significant breach of trust, potentially derailing progress.

Netanyahu framed the plan as a way to ensure Gaza’s future as an “open place” rather than, in his words, “a prison.” However, critics point to the devastating toll of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, displaced 80% of the population, and left half a million people facing famine, according to U.N. estimates.

The broader geopolitical context

Netanyahu’s White House visit also included meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s foreign envoy Steve Witkoff. The Israeli leader used the occasion to celebrate recent U.S.-Israeli coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and announced his nomination of Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The war in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, continues to reshape geopolitics in the region. Netanyahu’s remarks underscore the hardline stance of his government, raising questions about the future of peace efforts in the Middle East.