Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his commitment to the US plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its Palestinian residents, despite widespread international criticism and opposition from Arab states.
Netanyahu hailed “Trump’s bold vision for Gaza’s future” during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem. The Israeli leader promised that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority would govern the enclave at the end of the 15-month war, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and led to a dire humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, Netanyahu said he was committed to President Trump’s plan for creating a “different Gaza”. Human rights groups have slammed the Trump administration’s push as a violation of international law amounting to ethnic cleansing.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced plans to establish a special directorate for the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza. The proposal would see Gaza residents who want to emigrate to a third state be given extensive assistance through various means.
The US plan has been widely denounced by Arab countries, but it will be on the agenda during Rubio’s upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Saudi government is spearheading Arab efforts to develop a counterproposal that could involve a Gulf-led reconstruction fund and a deal to sideline Hamas.
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid pressure from the US and families of hostages who have not yet been released. The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which involves Hamas releasing dozens of captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and truce, remains unresolved.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/17/netanyahu-says-israel-committed-to-trumps-gaza-plan