Netanyahu Backs Trump’s Gaza Plan, Calls It ‘Right on the Dot’

Israeli Prime Minister praises Trump’s vision for Gaza’s future, insists Gazans should have the choice to leave, and warns Lebanon over Hezbollah’s presence.

Tel Aviv [Israel], February 17:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong support for US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, calling it “the only plan that can work” to bring long-term stability to the region. Addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Netanyahu stated that he and Trump “see eye to eye” on achieving their goals in the Middle East.

“We changed the Middle East. Now, comes President Trump and Secretary [of State] Rubio. We see eye to eye on the main tasks that we have to accomplish, and we’re in a position to change the Middle East,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu Endorses Trump’s Gaza Plan

Netanyahu emphasized that Trump’s proposal offers a “bold new vision” for the people of Gaza, Israel, and surrounding areas. He asserted that Hamas must be destroyed, hostages must be released, and Gaza must undergo fundamental change rather than returning to its previous state.

“President Trump has presented a bold new vision… the only plan that I think can work to enable a different future for the people of Gaza, for the people of Israel, and for the surrounding areas.”

Netanyahu also claimed that 150,000 Gazans had already left in recent years, many by bribing their way out. He argued that people should have the choice to leave Gaza if they wish, rather than being forced to stay under Hamas rule.

“In a war zone, people leave. We try to get the population to leave, to get them out of harm’s way, and Hamas, with rifles and gunfire, tried to prevent them from leaving.”

Lebanon Ceasefire and Hezbollah Threat

Netanyahu also addressed the situation in Lebanon, warning that Israel would not tolerate violations of its security. He claimed that Hezbollah had planned a ground invasion worse than Hamas’ October 7 attack, but Israel had successfully eliminated key threats.

“We’ve established a ceasefire [in Lebanon] after removing Hezbollah, which had planned a ground invasion even worse than Hamas.”

He urged Lebanon’s government and military to dismantle Hezbollah’s presence near Israel’s border, saying Israel would act if necessary.

“We welcome the ceasefire and President [Joseph] Aoun’s leadership, but if Hezbollah continues to threaten us, we will do the job ourselves.”

Tensions and Future Outlook

Netanyahu’s remarks come amid ongoing US-Israel coordination in the Gaza war and efforts to prevent further regional escalation. Washington and Tel Aviv continue to work closely on security policies, including the elimination of Hamas leadership and countering Iran-backed Hezbollah’s activities in Lebanon.

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Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Gaza war, Hamas, Hezbollah, Middle East, US-Israel relations, Lebanon ceasefire, Gaza evacuation, Israel security