THE U.S. military said it is prepared to consider “all options” for Gaza after Trump declared he wants America to seize and redevelop the war-torn enclave.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the vow on Wednesday before meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Pentagon.
GettyU.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the U.S. Military is looking at ‘all options’ for Gaza[/caption]
AlamyPresident Trump participates in a news conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu at the White House on Tuesday[/caption]
ReutersHegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Pentagon on Tuesday[/caption]
He said: “On the question of Gaza, the definition of insanity is attempting to do the same thing over and over and over again.
“The president is willing to think outside the box, look for new and unique, dynamic ways to solve problems that have felt like they were intractable … We’re prepared to look at all options.”
Trump’s shock proposal — to take control of Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East” — has sparked global condemnation, with critics branding it “ethnic cleansing.”
The plan would see U.S. forces seize the enclave and force millions of Palestinians into Egypt and Jordan.
Despite the backlash, the White House clarified that Trump has not committed to deploying U.S. troops.
It remains unclear whether he will move forward with the plan or if it’s a bargaining tactic.
Meanwhile, the administration is ramping up military aid to Israel.
Hegseth said the Pentagon would supply weapons “previously not supplied, that are useful in eradicating radical enemies.”
Trump has already lifted a Biden-era hold on shipments of 2,000-pound bombs, capable of leveling entire buildings.
Trump’s plan, which experts say could take decades and cost billions, has fractured Washington.
While Republicans have largely backed his policies, some are distancing themselves from the Gaza proposal.
Legal questions also loom over how the U.S. could justify taking control of the territory.
The jaw-dropping plan was unveiled by Trump during a joint press conference with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit the White House since Don assumed office.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too…we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of,” Trump said after the meeting.
When asked about US troops entering Gaza, he responded: “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”
GettyGaza has been reduced to rubble after 16 months of bloodshed[/caption]
GettyTrump’s plan would see 2 million Palestinians relocating to neighbouring countries[/caption]
Israeli PM Netanyahu praised the Republican, saying he was “thinking outside the box with fresh ideas” and was “showing a willingness to puncture conventional thinking.”
Although many of his allies criticise the proposal, Trump previously said that the plan is much loved by many.
He told reporters in the Oval Office: “Everybody loves it.”
On Wednesday, The White House said that Trump has not committed to putting U.S. troops on the ground in the Gaza Strip as part of his proposal for the Palestinian enclave.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump believes the United States needs to be involved in the rebuilding of Gaza “to ensure stability in the region.”
“That does not mean boots on the ground in Gaza,” she said.
Leavitt also said Trump wants to see Palestinians who live in Gaza “temporarily relocated” in order for the enclave to be rebuilt.
Leavitt did not elaborate on the shift in rhetoric.
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