'A true friend': Israeli officials welcome Trump's Gaza takeover plot
3 Min Read
Israeli officials welcome Trump's forced displacement and "takeover" plot for the Gaza Strip, celebrating the relationship tying the occupation to the US.
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President Donald Trump listens as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
Far-right Knesset member and former Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he was more likely to return to government after hearing US President Donald Trump's "takeover" plots for the Gaza Strip.
Israeli media reported Ben-Gvir's explicit support for the "voluntary emigration", i.e. forced displacement, of Palestinians from Gaza, saying, "We have a huge opportunity and we must not miss it. Even before October 7, I encouraged emigration and they mocked me. It is time to implement and promote it."
The leader of the Ozmit Yehudit far-right political party said the likelihood of its return to government has increased as Trump plans the seizure of Gaza by forcing its residents out, claiming they have "no alternative" but to leave, describing the besieged enclave as a "demolition site."
Ben-Gvir then called on Benjamin Netanyahu to begin the implementation of the plot, claiming that as soon as it begins, he will join the prime minister back in office.
The opposition approves
Benny Gantz, the chairman of the Israeli opposition National Unity party, also welcomed Trump's statements and considered them further evidence of the profound alliance tying "Israel" and the United States.
"President Trump has shown, and not for the first time, that he is a true friend of Israel and will continue to stand by it on issues important to strengthening its security," Gantz said.
He also described Trump's statements regarding Gaza as "creative, original, and interesting thinking," which needs to be considered alongside the achievement of the war objectives.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid stressed the need to examine the details to grasp the plan for Gaza, speaking to the Israeli Army Radio, adding that he plans to propose "an additional plan to the Americans" during his scheduled visit to Washington at the end of the month.
According to Lapid, it is the responsibility of the Israeli leadership to put forward plans rather than merely waiting for the Americans.
However, Lapid criticized Trump's approach of imposing sanctions on Iran, arguing that Tehran is "weaker than ever" and that "an opportunity to strike Iran may have been missed."
'Thank you, Mr. President!'
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana commented, "Good morning, Israel. It is a new dawn," showcasing approval for Trump's plot and the consequent ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza.
In turn, Knesset member Avigdor Lieberman relayed his appreciation for Trump’s "unwavering commitment to Israel’s security," his efforts to secure the release of the captives, and his pursuit of a "fair solution for Gaza through the Sinai Peninsula in cooperation with Egypt, aiming to eliminate Hamas' rule. I also commend his firm stance against Iran’s threats."
Tel Aviv also welcomed Trump's plot, showcasing large billboards that read: "Thank You, Mr. President."
A photo from Tel Aviv this morning, showing massive billboards displaying “Thank you, Mr. President” and a picture of US president Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/0JX0j7sKpg
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) February 5, 2025
Read more: Trump promotes ethnic cleansing of Palestinians via 'take over' plot
