Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has seemingly added the implementation of Donald Trump’s Gaza plan as a condition for ending the war in the Strip.
Speaking at his first press conference in five months, Netanyahu called the proposal “correct and revolutionary”.
Trump’s plan would involve the US “taking over” Gaza, relocating much of its two million-strong population to third countries (namely Jordan and Egypt) and redeveloping the enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
Netanyahu told reporters that he is “ready to end the war” but only if particular conditions are met, namely: “All the hostages come home, Hamas lays down its arms, steps down from power, its leadership is exiled from the Strip… Gaza is totally disarmed; and we carry out the Trump plan.”
He went on: “We want to ensure that Trump’s plan [happens]. It’s a brilliant plan that truly can bring change not only here… but can change the face of the Middle East. Change once and for all what we have been through from Gaza for decades.”
This would appear to be the first time the Israeli leader has established the Trump plan as a pre-condition for the end of the war, rather than a framework for Gaza’s governance after peace is achieved.
However, he did indicate that he could agree to a “temporary ceasefire” if it meant the return of more hostages, 58 of whom are believed to remain in Gaza.
His comments came after the IDF launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots, an expanded offensive in Gaza designed to take control of large parts of the territory.
The idea is to filter the civilian population into IDF-held areas where they can received aid supplied by a private company backed by the US and Israel, effectively cutting the UN out of the process.
This, in theory, will allow Israeli forces to isolate Hamas fighters in small parts of the Strip and completely destroy the terror group’s military and governance infrastructure.
Netanyahu added: “Our forces are landing powerful blows that will get stronger against Hamas strongholds that still exist in Gaza.
"All the territory of Gaza will be under Israeli security control, and Hamas will be totally defeated.
“We will win — and it won’t take another year and a half. I don’t want to reveal the plans, but it will happen. We will reach a decisive outcome and a different future for Gaza.”
