Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
HE
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home Commentary

'Make Gaza Beautiful Again': Trump's plan gets real

The initiative aligns with various Israeli proposals from the past year, including plans for a land bridge stretching from the East through the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea.

by  Amnon Lord
Published on  02-06-2025 19:55
Last modified: 02-07-2025 16:58
'Make Gaza Beautiful Again': Trump's plan gets realAFP / Ryan M. Kelly

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio | Photo: AFP / Ryan M. Kelly

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's endorsement of former President Donald Trump's Gaza population transfer proposals suggests a serious policy shift may be developing, according to diplomatic sources.

The newly confirmed Secretary of State has already branded the initiative with a memorable slogan: "Make Gaza beautiful again."

He said that US would ensure something truly remarkable takes place and that "the United States stands ready to lead...Our pursuit is one of lasting peace in the region for all people," referring to the ambitious plan that could reshape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The initiative aligns with various Israeli proposals from the past year, including plans for a land bridge stretching from the East through the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea.

If the destination port is located within Israeli territory, the logistical support base for cargo transport to the Mediterranean coast could potentially be situated in northern Gaza, broadly speaking.

The joint appearance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump between Tuesday and Wednesday served as a platform for further discussion of this concept, indicating increased American investment in the proposal. This may prove challenging for certain right-wing settlers who view Trump, rather than Israel's prime minister, as their leader, potentially positioning Netanyahu as insufficiently hawkish.

However, these creative military and diplomatic initiatives are pushing Israeli discourse back into partisan political corners. Experts suggest focusing less on population transfer discussions and more on the fundamental changes occurring in Washington that Netanyahu's leadership could potentially leverage.

This represents bankable support, as detailed in The Wall Street Journal. Trump and his team are presenting a new strategic vision for America's global role – while avoiding direct military interventions overseas, the US will strengthen and support its allies in defensive operations.

President Donald Trump speak while meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Feb. 4, 2025 (AP/Alex Brandon)

For Israel, this translates to significant increases in equipment, weapons, and ammunition supplies, alongside enhanced diplomatic and political support in international forums.

This marks a historic departure from general American policy toward Israel since the War of Attrition ended in summer 1970, which preceded Egypt and Syria's Yom Kippur War offensive. That policy had imposed defensive passivity on Israel and required restraint in response to serious ceasefire violations in every conflict since 1970.

This policy of containment and restraint wasn't born after the Gaza disengagement or in the wake of the Oslo Accords – it emerged when Israel was constrained (somewhat willingly) from responding to missile deployments or other serious provocations. Israel maintained activism only against terrorism. This enforced passivity was reinforced during Barack Obama's presidency 16 years ago, manifesting in supply interruptions, partial embargoes, and sanctions. Even during Joe Biden's term, American support faced constraints.

Trump is reversing this policy, with Israel receiving encouragement and support for implementing Phase Two – the elimination of Hamas. Additionally, Israel apparently isn't required to make diplomatic or settlement-related concessions in Judea and Samaria to secure a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Trump appears to value the prime minister's strong leadership qualities, according to analysts, noting Netanyahu's success in establishing Israel as the region's preeminent power while weathering sustained opposition from what Trump refers to as the "deep state."

Tags: Donald TrumpGazaHamasIsrael

Related Posts

Weaponizing humanitarianism: Greta and GazaReuters/Raquel Cunha

Weaponizing humanitarianism: Greta and Gaza

by Zina Rakhamilova

Let’s be honest: Greta would never dare try this stunt anywhere near Hamas-controlled waters. She knew she was safe only...

This is Dermer's offer in ongoing Gaza ceasefire talksGettyImages

Massive amounts of food flow into Gaza – so why is the world still against Israel?

by Ariel Kahana

A global industry that has fed Gaza with food and hatred is facing collapse if the aid plan succeeds. Greta...

The dangerous move that could lead to a 'Hamas 2.0' in GazaAFP

The dangerous move that could lead to a 'Hamas 2.0' in Gaza

by Yoav Limor

It appears that Israel has not learned from its bitter experience in Lebanon, or in Gaza itself. Installing a new...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Gaza War
    • US Election Coverage
    • Middle East
    • Cyber & Internet
    • Business & Finance
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il