Despite shocking Gaza plan, 'Netanyahu didn't get anything he wanted from Trump'
Feb 5, 2025
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Alon Pinkas, a seasoned Haaretz columnist and former Israeli Consul General in New York, shares keen insights on the fallout from Trump and Netanyahu's recent meeting. He highlights how Netanyahu's supporters may misread the optimistic tone surrounding Trump's Gaza plan. Pinkas argues that Trump's unfeasible vision, which includes relocating Gaza's residents, overshadows Netanyahu's failure to sway U.S. support away from cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. The discussion further delves into the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and regional diplomacy.
Netanyahu's inability to convince Trump against the cease-fire deal with Hamas highlights his precarious political situation amidst shifting dynamics.
Trump's provocative 'Mar-a-Gaza' vision raises serious concerns about feasibility while emphasizing the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Deep dives
Trump's Unpredictable Vision for Gaza
Donald Trump's recent statements regarding the U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip have sent shockwaves through both Israel and the international community. He proposed an overhaul of the region, including creating jobs and housing, while calling Gaza a 'hellhole' in dire need of reconstruction. However, his remarks lacked specific details regarding legal authority, logistics, or the feasibility of relocating millions of Palestinians, raising concerns about the practical implications of such a plan. Trump's unorthodox approach disrupts the status quo but also highlights the complexities of dealing with the region’s longstanding issues, which no straightforward or simplistic solution can address.
Netanyahu's Dilemma and Political Survival
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in a precarious situation amid shifting dynamics influenced by Trump’s unpredictable nature. Although some speculate that Trump's comments might provide Netanyahu with a political lifeline, they do not translate into tangible outcomes or a coherent strategy for addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu must navigate the implications of Trump's proposed ideas while managing his coalition's expectations and maintaining a stable government. Ultimately, the suggestion of relocating two million Palestinians remains impractical, leaving Netanyahu to grapple with both internal and external pressures without any real solutions.
Chaos vs. Coherence in U.S. Policy
The chaotic nature of Trump's statements poses challenges for comprehending U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially for allies such as Israel. Trump's approach has been characterized by unpredictability and a lack of structured policy, which ultimately raises concerns about how U.S. engagement will manifest. While some observers view his ideas as bold, the absence of coherent strategies concerning critical issues like Iran or the peace process reinforces the notion that many of his assertions may just be grasping for attention rather than substantive proposals. As regional players await clarity, the disarray signals that the current climate is one marked by uncertainty, potentially undermining longstanding diplomatic efforts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's supporters on the Israeli right may be celebrating after President Donald Trump unveiled his "Mar-a-Gaza" vision following the two leaders White House meeting. But Haaretz columnist Alon Pinkas, analyzing the meeting behind the optics, believes Netanyahu has little to celebrate.
Speaking on the Haaretz Podcast following the meeting, Pinkas told host Allison Kaplan Sommer that the firestorm over Trump's desire to "own" and "take control" of Gaza and relocate its 2 million residents, overshadowed the fact that Netanyahu clearly failed in his attempt to convince the U.S. president to back out of the cease-fire and hostage release deal with Hamas.