Israel’s Netanyahu Backs US Plan for Gaza Amid Arab Opposition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his commitment to a US proposal, supported by US President Donald Trump, to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its Palestinian residents, Al Jazeera reports.
This announcement comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia to promote the plan, which faces widespread opposition from Arab states.
Netanyahu, in a statement on Monday, affirmed his commitment to “Trump’s plan for the creation of a different Gaza,” adding that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority would govern the enclave following the ongoing conflict. The 15-month war in Gaza has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
The proposal has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations, who argue that it would violate international law and constitute ethnic cleansing. Arab countries have also voiced strong objections, but the plan is expected to be a key topic of discussion during Rubio’s visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to develop an alternative proposal, potentially involving a Gulf-led reconstruction fund and a framework to sideline Hamas. The Saudi Foreign Ministry has publicly stated its rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.
While Rubio has indicated the US remains open to alternative proposals, he emphasized that “the only plan is the Trump plan” at this time.
Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to discuss the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which involves the release of remaining captives held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Progress on the second phase remains uncertain, with far-right members of Netanyahu’s government threatening to withdraw support if the war does not resume. So far, 19 Israeli captives have been freed as part of the initial ceasefire phase.
US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed confidence that the second stage of the deal will proceed, stating that Trump “wants to see” it happen.
