At a press conference yesterday while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C., United States President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to take over Gaza.

The U.S. entering into Gaza is a truly unconventional notion. Details for now are scarce, but following are the highlights of what Trump said and an examination of whether the plan could go forward.

What Did Trump Say?

The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.
—Donald Trump

When asked by media if he intended American boots on the ground to be part of the process, he responded:

As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.

He further elaborated:

We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal. I don’t want to be cute. I don’t want to be a wise guy. But the riviera of the Middle East.

Did His Government Corroborate This?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was not present at the meeting but was listening in. He later posted on X that the U.S. plans to “Make Gaza Beautiful Again.”

How Did Netanyahu Respond?

Netanyahu didn’t address the Gaza plan directly, but he did have high praise for Trump:

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: You are the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House. That’s why the people of Israel have such enormous respect for you.

Netanyahu later elaborated:

In Gaza Israel has three goals: Destroy Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, secure the release of all our hostages, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.

I believe, Mr. President, that your willingness to puncture conventional thinking, thinking that has failed time and time and time again. Your willingness to think outside the box with fresh ideas will help us to achieve these goals. And I’ve seen you do this many times. You cut to the chase, see things others refuse to see, say things others refuse to say and after the jaws drop people scratch their heads and say, “You know, he’s right.”

How Would the U.S. Accomplish This?

This follows on Trump’s proposal to evacuate Gaza en masse and distribute its population between Egypt and Jordan. Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected the plan, though Trump says he will find a way to make it happen.

If Jordan were to accept hundreds of thousands of Gazan refugees, it would put a strain on the country when most of its residents are already either Palestinian refugees or descended from them. Jordan’s King Abdullah ii is already unpopular among large segments of his society; a large injection of impoverished Gazans radicalized by Hamas could threaten his regime.

Egypt is less disadvantaged to take Gazans than Jordan is. However, Egypt has over 100 million people and is struggling to feed them. Adding hundreds of thousands of mouths to feed would put another burden on Egypt’s already battered economy.

There is also the question of how Hamas would respond. It hasn’t backed down on its war with Israel. This despite Israel conducting its ground invasion for over a year. There is little reason to see why they wouldn’t respond to an American invasion the same way they have responded to Israel’s.

Trump is also pressuring both Israel and Hamas to abide by the January 19 ceasefire he brokered. The ceasefire terms said nothing about the U.S. coming in. Trump’s comments alone may be enough for Hamas to exit the deal.

What Will Happen Next?

Trump’s comments may be mere bluster without any hope of being implemented. Time will tell how serious he is.

One way or another, America’s increasing involvement in Israel’s affairs is a trend to watch. When the latest ceasefire deal happened, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry called it “a catastrophic, monumental mistake!” This was because of the high cost Israel was forced to accept in getting its hostages back.

“What Mr. Trump has done here is going to plague him for the rest of his tenure in office!” Mr. Flurry said. “Just watch and see if it doesn’t happen that way—unless he dramatically changes course.”

Trump’s latest comments may signal a dramatic change in course. Or, as more details emerge, it may be his way of doubling down on the January 19 deal. Either way, expect dramatic change both for Israel and America.

To learn more, read Mr. Flurry’s article “President Trump Betrayed Israel.”