In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that President Donald Trump is contemplating strategies to eliminate Hamas as soon as possible.
Back in February, Trump had mentioned that the US would “take over” Gaza, a statement that suggests a shift in military dynamics and hints at American control over strategically important coastal areas near the Suez Canal.
This idea sparked some light-hearted speculation about Trump potentially developing one of his well-known beach and golf resorts along the Mediterranean. Still, fundamentally, it emphasized the US’s commitment to completely eradicate Hamas.
Netanyahu addressed the complexities of urban warfare in Gaza and discussed the area’s future post-conflict.
Breitbart News: Some disputes, as you may realize, have very ancient roots. For instance, when you delve into the tale of Jacob’s sons in Genesis, dealing with local atrocities raises questions about morality. Israel is in a precarious position—while the need for self-defense is clear, it invites scrutiny and criticism. That’s the essence of the situation in Gaza; it’s exceptionally challenging. You must defend yourself and seek victory in war, yet for those observing from afar, the realities of outcomes are often difficult to grasp.
Could you share your thoughts on the long-term vision for Gaza? President Trump has suggested that the US could take charge after Israel engages in combat. What might that entail? And humorously, might we see Trump-branded resorts dotting Gaza’s shores with golf courses and shopping centers like those in Dubai? Will there be significant changes? Strategically, it appears to remain a persistent issue.
Netanyahu: Well, if Hamas continues to exist, then no change occurs. It’s imperative to remove Hamas. Interestingly, there are now Gazans standing with us against Hamas. With our military efforts nearing conclusion in areas with few Hamas bases left, civilians see this and join our fight against Hamas. When this happens, various opportunities arise, and I envision a transitional government emerging.
What role might America play in this? We are ready to collaborate on anything. Yet, I believe President Trump is deeply engaged in contemplating ideas for a post-Hamas Gaza, only to be pursued if Hamas is defeated.
We believe in the rights of the Israeli people to defend themselves, but this shouldn’t be misconstrued as a justification for unchecked actions. How are people supposed to respond when faced with atrocities committed right next to their capital? The pain and suffering endured by thousands—killed, assaulted—invite difficult questions on how far we will go to protect our own. Our actions are already constrained, as we’ve taken considerable steps to provide for innocent civilians while still managing conflicts.
Look at the World War II allies—D-Day required them to go through French cities under German occupation. They had to remain focused on the mission at hand, making tough choices for the greater good. I have immense respect for figures like Churchill; I wouldn’t label them as war criminals. They had to decisively win the war.
Now, we operate in a different context altogether. The stakes remain enormous, and we’ve sadly seen many brave soldiers fall in this process. Unlike past eras, we aren’t employing extreme tactics, yet we still face fierce criticism for how we navigate these conflicts.
In light of threats also directed towards Europe, it’s striking to note how few European leaders display the fortitude that Trump has showcased.
