TEL AVIV – President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its Palestinian population. This idea has angered many in the Arab world and disappointed U.S. allies, but it has struck a chord with some in Israel. Following the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, many Israelis, shaken by fear and loss, are considering radical solutions for their security.
In Israel, politicians from various parties have shown interest in Trump’s proposal. Some have embraced it, while others express curiosity about its potential. Discussions in the media and among public figures suggest that the idea, once seen as extreme, is gaining traction. The Israeli defense minister has even instructed the military to prepare for its possible implementation.
This shift in attitude is significant, especially considering the moral and legal complexities surrounding the plan. Many Israelis and Palestinian citizens oppose forced relocations. A notable editorial in the liberal newspaper Haaretz urged citizens to resist the idea, reminding them that such actions violate international law and amount to war crimes.
During a news conference, Trump described a vision for Gaza’s future, imagining it transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East” after the relocation. He suggested that Egypt and Jordan, both peace allies with Israel, could help host the displaced population, a notion that has fueled outrage in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed support for Trump’s plan, calling it a “remarkable” idea. He suggested that allowing Gazans who want to leave to do so is a reasonable approach. Even some of Netanyahu’s political rivals acknowledged the creativity of Trump’s proposal, recognizing the need for a comprehensive discussion, especially regarding hostages still in Gaza.
The proposal brings back painful memories for Palestinians, echoing past displacements during significant conflicts such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. For many, staying on their ancestral land is crucial to their identity. Palestinian refugees often dream of returning to homes lost years ago, a prospect Israel views as a threat to its majority Jewish population.
Historian Tom Segev noted that the idea of displacing people is not new in Israeli history. Early leaders believed clearing Palestinians from the land was essential for state security. However, such views were once held by a fringe minority and deemed unacceptable in mainstream Israeli politics.
The attack by Hamas has shifted Israeli perspectives, leading many to adopt a more extreme stance on the Palestinian issue. The violence, which resulted in numerous casualties and kidnappings, has intensified fears and a desire for a swift resolution. Broadcasters and columnists have shifted their views, suggesting that previously unthinkable solutions are now worth considering.
The trauma from recent events has prompted a belief among some Israelis that removing Gaza from the equation might help end the conflict. As Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at a Jerusalem think tank, stated, the discussion has changed drastically since the attacks.
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Source linkBen Caspit,Shmuel Rosner,Tom Segev,Benjamin Netanyahu,Yair Lapid,Meir Kahane,World news,Donald Trump,Benjamin Gantz
