Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Resettlement, Iran Threats, and Saudi-Israel Ties
The White House meeting covered US-Israeli cooperation on Iran, potential normalization with Saudi Arabia, and Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would support efforts to permanently resettle Palestinians from Gaza to areas where they can live without fear of violence. Speaking at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated that discussions were underway with Jordan, Egypt, and other regional countries regarding possible resettlement options. “I would like to see an agreement to resettle people permanently in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot, not be killed,” he said.
Trump’s Position on Gaza
Trump reiterated his view that Palestinians have “no alternative” but to leave Gaza, describing the enclave as a “big pile of rubble” and an unsafe place to live. “It’s a pure demolition site,” he said, adding, “If we could find the right piece of land, or numerous pieces of land, and build them some really nice places with plenty of money in the area… I think that would be a lot better than going back to Gaza.”
Trump also questioned Gaza’s long-term viability, saying, “You know, they’ve had civilizations on Gaza, many civilizations on Gaza, and they’re buried in the sand. It doesn’t seem to work.”
His remarks reflect sentiments expressed by Israeli right-wing leaders but have been rejected by Arab states and the Palestinian Authority, which view such plans as forced displacement. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called the proposal “a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.”
Netanyahu’s Dilemma on the West Bank
Netanyahu is facing pressure from settler leaders demanding that his government proceed with West Bank annexation. Ahead of his White House visit, settler representatives sent a letter to Netanyahu, stating that sovereignty over the territory is “a duty aimed at preventing the establishment of an Arab terror state in the heart of the land.”
Israeli coalition officials fear that Netanyahu may delay annexation efforts to secure a broader regional agreement with Saudi Arabia. Several officials, speaking anonymously, said Netanyahu might use annexation as a bargaining chip to push Riyadh toward normalization with Israel. Netanyahu had previously attempted to annex parts of the West Bank under Trump’s first administration, but the plan was abandoned due to US and Israeli political opposition.
Trump’s Stance on Iran and Hostage Negotiations
Trump also addressed tensions with Iran, threatening severe retaliation if Tehran attempts to assassinate him. “If they did that, they would be obliterated,” he said, referring to an alleged Iranian plot against him that US authorities claim to have thwarted.
The Justice Department announced federal charges last November against Iranian officials accused of instructing an operative, Farhad Shakeri, to surveil and assassinate Trump. Shakeri remains at large in Iran.
Trump also reiterated his opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying the US has the right to block Iranian oil sales and that he would consider meeting with Iranian officials if it meant stopping Tehran’s nuclear program.
Regarding hostage negotiations, Trump expressed confidence in securing a deal to release hostages held by Hamas, despite threats from far-right Israeli coalition members who oppose any agreement that does not involve resuming military operations in Gaza. “We’re dealing with very complicated people,” Trump said. “But a deal can absolutely get done.”
Israel-Saudi Normalization Talks
A central topic at the White House meeting was the potential for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Trump claimed that Saudi Arabia was not demanding Palestinian statehood as a precondition for diplomatic ties with Israel, contradicting past public statements by Saudi officials.
Asked if Riyadh was making Palestinian statehood a requirement, Trump said, “No, they’re not.” He added, “Everyone is asking for one thing—peace.” Netanyahu, standing beside Trump, praised their relationship and expressed optimism about advancing regional diplomacy.
Trump’s UN Policy Shift
During the meeting, Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council and cutting future funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The move aligns with Trump’s first administration, which severed US ties with the council in 2018 and cut UNRWA funding before Biden reversed those policies in 2021.
US funding to UNRWA had already been suspended in 2024 under Biden’s administration, following Israeli accusations that some UNRWA employees participated in Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. Although independent investigations, including one led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, found neutrality issues within UNRWA, they concluded that Israel had not provided sufficient evidence to support its allegations.
Trump’s withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council signals a renewed hardline approach against UN institutions that his administration views as biased against Israel.
The Road Ahead
Trump’s comments on Gaza resettlement, Iran, UN policy, and regional diplomacy highlight shifting Middle East dynamics. Netanyahu must balance domestic pressures for West Bank annexation with efforts to secure an agreement with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and his UN policy decisions are likely to shape US foreign relations moving forward.