Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House on February 15, 2023, was marked by US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip. Trump suggested that the US could potentially assume ownership of the war-torn territory, creating jobs and transforming it into a "Riviera of the Middle East."
While Trump expressed his desire for this scenario, analysts remain skeptical about its feasibility. Brian Katulis, a senior fellow for US foreign policy at the Institute for the Middle East, described the proposal as a "distraction" and a "path to nowhere." He argued that such a move would face significant opposition from regional countries and would likely not yield any tangible results.
The discussion about US control of Gaza follows Trump's previous statements suggesting that Palestinians should leave their territory and his call for Egypt and Jordan to relocate refugees. These proposals have been met with strong rejection from Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Netanyahu, however, appeared receptive to the idea of US control, calling it "worth considering" and "something that could change history." His apparent willingness to cede control of Gaza may stem from pressure from the Biden administration to offer a realistic plan for managing the territory after the recent war.
The current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is fragile and could expire in March if the two sides fail to reach a second phase agreement. Hamas has demanded the release of remaining hostages as a condition for extending the ceasefire, while Israel remains determined to dismantle Hamas.
The potential for a lasting peace remains uncertain. While Israel is sending a delegation to Qatar this weekend for mediated talks with Hamas, experts remain skeptical about the prospects of a lasting solution.
Trump's ambition to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia also faces significant hurdles. Saudi Arabia has contradicted Trump's assertion that it does not require a Palestinian state as a condition for establishing relations with Israel. The Saudi government has also rejected Trump's call for the relocation of Palestinians, stating its opposition to any attempt to expel them from their land.
Experts believe that any comprehensive peace plan that does not address the issue of Gaza, including a two-state solution, will be unlikely to succeed. The potential for a breakthrough in the Israeli-Saudi relationship remains uncertain, as the timing and necessary conditions for such a development are unclear.
The outcome of Netanyahu's visit to the White House remains uncertain, but the event has highlighted the complex challenges facing the Middle East. With the recent war in Gaza leaving thousands dead and dozens of hostages unaccounted for, the Trump administration's ability to guide the parties toward peace will be crucial.