US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with comments on taking over the Gaza Strip and displacing millions of Palestinians, a move many see as reckless and half-baked. The plan reflects a broader push by right-wing officials in Israel and evangelical Christians in the US to annex Palestinian land.
The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been at the center of decades of failed diplomacy, with both Israeli prime ministers and American presidents struggling to find a solution. However, Trump’s election has emboldened right-wing ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, who now speak openly about Israel’s right to fully take over the West Bank.
Trump has appointed several officials with views similar to those of his finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, including Elise Stefanik and Mike Huckabee. These appointments have sparked concerns among Democrats and analysts, who see a “dangerous alignment” between American and Israeli officials on the issue of Palestinian self-determination.
Israeli annexation is a goal shared by both ultranationalists in Israel and many evangelical Christians, who view the conflict as a sign of the second coming of Jesus Christ. However, an American or Israeli takeover would likely scuttle the chances of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, which has made recognition of Palestine a firm condition for any normalization.
Former Israeli ambassador Itamar Rabinovich believes Trump may be persuaded to block annexation if he wants to pursue a deal with Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has stated that Israel must take concrete steps towards an independent Palestinian state before it will consider recognizing the country.
Netanyahu’s increasing bluntness on the issue of Palestinian sovereignty and his recent appointments have raised concerns among critics, who see these moves as part of a broader effort to cement annexation.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/06/us/politics/trump-gaza-israel-annexation-palestinian.html