Netanyahu’s Three Main Goals in Gaza After Meeting Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined three main objectives for the Gaza Strip after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Netanyahu, who has been leading Israel through a prolonged conflict with Hamas, made it clear that Israel is determined to achieve its war goals, which include the complete elimination of Hamas, securing Israel’s safety from future threats, and ensuring that Gaza never poses a risk again. This meeting marked Netanyahu’s first official visit to the White House under Trump’s second term, and he expressed his deep appreciation for the American leader’s continued support of Israel.
Netanyahu’s Three Goals for Gaza
During the joint press conference, Netanyahu was asked if he supported the Gaza hostage deal. In response, he emphasized that Israel has three main war objectives, which he believes are essential to securing long-term peace and stability in the region.
Destroying Hamas’s Military and Governing Capabilities – Netanyahu stated that Israel will not stop until Hamas is completely eliminated as both a military force and a governing entity. The Israeli leader stressed that Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for years, must be removed to prevent future conflicts and attacks against Israel.
Ensuring That Gaza Never Poses a Threat to Israel Again – The second goal is to establish a security structure that prevents any future threats from emerging out of Gaza. Netanyahu highlighted that Israel has suffered for years from attacks launched from Gaza, and his government is committed to making sure such threats do not arise again.
Securing the Release of All Hostages – The third goal is to bring back all Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu confirmed his full support for the hostage deal and praised Trump’s role in securing the release of several captives. He reiterated that every hostage must be returned and that Israel would take all necessary measures to make this happen.
Netanyahu Praises Trump’s Support for Israel
Netanyahu expressed his gratitude towards Trump, calling him "the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House." The Israeli leader credited Trump with several key decisions that have strengthened US-Israel relations, including:
Withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal
Facilitating the Abraham Accords
Moving the US embassy to Jerusalem
Netanyahu stated that Trump has resumed his pro-Israel policies from his first term, describing his leadership as bold and historic. He also thanked Trump for lifting restrictions on military aid, ending sanctions on Israeli settlers, and halting US funding to UNRWA, an agency that provides aid to Palestinians.
Trump’s Plan for Gaza
One of the most striking moments of the press conference was Netanyahu’s endorsement of Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza. While details of the plan remain unclear, Netanyahu described it as a historic shift in policy that could change the future of the region. He praised Trump’s willingness to think "outside the box" and try new approaches rather than relying on past diplomatic failures.
Though Netanyahu refrained from discussing the plan in detail, he encouraged people to pay attention to Trump’s ideas, stating that they could lead to significant changes in Middle East politics.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump reaffirmed the strong ties between Israel and the United States. With Netanyahu's firm stance on eliminating Hamas and securing Israel’s future, and Trump's continued support, the two leaders appear to be aligned on major geopolitical issues. The coming months will reveal how these plans unfold and what impact they will have on the region. One thing is clear: both Netanyahu and Trump are determined to take a new approach to the Gaza conflict, one that could reshape the future of Israel and its security.