Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel and the United States are nearing agreements with several countries willing to accept Palestinians who wish to leave the conflict-ravaged Gaza Strip.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a White House dinner, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked whether his earlier proposal to take control of Gaza and relocate its population was still under consideration. Rather than answering directly, Trump deferred to Netanyahu.
“President Trump had a brilliant vision—it’s about free choice,” Netanyahu said. “If people want to stay, they can. But if they want to leave, they should be allowed to. Gaza shouldn’t be a prison; it should be open.”
The Israeli government has embraced Trump’s Gaza proposal, presenting it as a chance to promote what it calls the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from the enclave.
However, critics have denounced this language, accusing Israel of using euphemisms to mask a policy of forced displacement and ethnic cleansing—especially amid a war that has devastated much of Gaza.
“We’re working very closely with the United States to identify countries that will offer Palestinians a better future,” Netanyahu added.
Trump, joining the conversation, noted that he has received “great cooperation” from “surrounding countries” regarding the issue.
He added optimistically, “Something good will happen.”
Although a few neighboring nations have provided medical aid to Palestinians, none have publicly endorsed Trump’s initiative. Many appear reluctant to involve themselves in what is widely viewed as a territorial dispute between Israel and the Palestinians — especially as members of Netanyahu’s coalition have openly advocated for establishing Israeli settlements in Gaza areas emptied of Palestinian residents.
Trump hosts Netanyahu for dinner, says they’ve had ‘tremendous success together’
Speaking to reporters during a dinner at the White House with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump praised their longstanding alliance, saying, “We’ve had tremendous success together, and I believe even greater successes lie ahead.”
The dinner was attended by senior aides from both sides, with Trump offering a personal acknowledgment to Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
“We’ve worked together for a long time and achieved a lot,” Trump said, addressing Dermer, a key adviser and confidant of Netanyahu.
