President Donald Trump's bold proposal to assert U.S. sovereignty over the Gaza Strip and resettle its inhabitants has stirred a storm of reactions worldwide. While it enraged the Arab world and baffled allies, in Israel, the plan found surprising backing among a populace rattled by recent violent attacks from Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The notion of relocating Palestinians from Gaza was once considered radical and outside mainstream discussion in Israel. Yet, the traumatic aftermath of the attacks, which were the deadliest in the country's history, has left many Israelis desperate for newfound security measures. The reaction among Israeli politicians ranged from full support to cautious openness, igniting heated debates across media platforms.
In a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump detailed his vision of transforming Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East. This has incited fury in the Middle East, especially in Egypt and Jordan, both pivotal U.S. allies, who Trump suggested should absorb displaced Palestinians.
Netanyahu dubbed Trump's plans remarkable, while other prominent figures in Israeli politics shared their views. Former defense minister Benny Gantz praised Trump's proposal for its creativity, notwithstanding the logistical hurdles. Similarly, opposition leader Yair Lapid acknowledged potential merits but stressed the complexity involved, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize freeing hostages in Gaza.
The idea of evacuating the Palestinian population from Gaza evokes painful historical memories of previous displacements, reminiscent of the 1948 and 1967 conflicts. For Palestinians, steadfastness on their land is integral to their identity, fueling opposition against Trump's plan.
Israel has a complex history regarding land and population shifts, historically linked with the nation's foundation and security strategies. Once an extremist stance, concepts akin to Trump's plan are now part of far-right discourse, invigorated by figures like the late Rabbi Meir Kahane.
Amid the shift in Israeli public sentiment, pundits and broadcasters are unapologetically reconsidering their stance on Gaza post-attack. As Sefi Ovadia commented on Israeli radio, hesitation has waned in the face of security threats. Influential commentator Ben Caspit echoed this sentiment, suggesting widespread Israeli endorsement of this initiative barring the far-left.
While some Israelis, notably from liberal factions and Arab citizens, uphold their opposition citing international law violations and humanitarian concerns, others see promise in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through radical means. The psychological impact of the attacks has fostered an unprecedented acceptance of proposals once deemed extreme, as noted by experts like Shmuel Rosner from the Jewish People Policy Institute.
Though Trump's plan faces daunting legal and practical barriers, its mere suggestion by the U.S. President has catalyzed conversations previously thought untenable and continues to polarize opinions both domestically and internationally.
