Trump’s Gaza Plan Highlights Larger Effort to Annex Palestinian Land

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks regarding the possibility of an American takeover of the Gaza Strip, suggesting the displacement of millions of Palestinians. These statements were quickly criticized as reckless and unlikely to be put into action.

However, they reflect a larger trend, with right-wing officials in both the U.S. and Israel increasingly discussing a shared agenda: the annexation of Palestinian land.

A Long-Standing Debate on Palestinian Territories

The fate of the West Bank and Gaza Strip—areas seized by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War—has been a focal point of failed peace efforts for decades.

This conflict, which involves multiple U.S. administrations, Palestinian leaders, and Israeli governments, has yet to find a lasting resolution.

Despite this, the prospect of these territories becoming the basis for a future Palestinian state has become more unlikely, particularly after Trump’s election.

His presidency has emboldened Israeli right-wing ministers and some of his appointed officials, prompting them to openly discuss Israel’s right to annex the West Bank.

A Shift in U.S.-Israel Relations

According to Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shifted significantly to the right, with views that align closely with those of the Trump administration.

“This is the most right-wing government Israel has ever had,” Rabinovich stated, noting the unprecedented alignment of views between the U.S. and Israel.

In the aftermath of Trump’s election, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister, who holds significant influence over the West Bank, expressed hopes for 2025 to be the year Israel asserts its sovereignty over the region. This biblical claim to the West Bank reflects the long-standing tensions over its control.

Trump’s Influence and Appointment of Allies

During a press conference with Netanyahu, Trump was directly asked about his stance on Israeli annexation of the West Bank. While he chose not to comment immediately, he promised that his administration would release a statement on the issue in the near future.

Two key figures in his administration—Elise Stefanik and Mike Huckabee—share views that align with Smotrich and his supporters.

During her confirmation hearing, Stefanik agreed with Smotrich’s assertion that Israel has a biblical right to the West Bank. This response has led critics, such as Senator Chris Van Hollen, to warn of a dangerous alignment between American and Israeli officials that undermines Palestinian self-determination.

Trump’s Actions: Reversing Policies and Strengthening Ties

In one of his first acts upon re-election, Trump signed an executive order that reversed the Biden administration’s sanctions on a group of Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

This aligns with Trump’s support for Israeli annexation—a goal long championed by both Israeli ultranationalists and evangelical Christians, including Huckabee, who views the Middle East conflict through a religious lens.

Mike Huckabee, nominated as the ambassador to Israel, has repeatedly stated that “there’s no such thing as a West Bank” and that the Israeli settlements there should be seen as “neighborhoods,” not illegal settlements.

His views are part of a larger evangelical support base that sees the Israeli control of Palestinian territories as a step toward fulfilling biblical prophecy.

Potential Obstacles: Saudi Arabia and the Peace Process

Trump’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue could jeopardize his goal of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government has consistently maintained that a solution to the Palestinian issue is a prerequisite for recognizing Israel diplomatically.

In a statement following Trump’s comments, the Saudi foreign ministry reiterated its unwavering stance on establishing a Palestinian state.

However, some analysts believe that Trump could ultimately reconsider his support for West Bank annexation if it jeopardizes the prospect of a deal with Saudi Arabia.

Rabinovich speculated that Trump, aiming for a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, might block annexation moves to avoid alienating the kingdom.

Netanyahu’s Long-Term Vision for the West Bank

Since re-entering office in 2022, Netanyahu has been increasingly vocal about his opposition to Palestinian sovereignty. He proudly claims that his stance has successfully prevented the creation of a Palestinian state, which he views as an existential threat to Israel.

This rhetoric was formalized by his government’s declaration affirming the Jewish people’s right to all parts of the Land of Israel, which includes the West Bank.

To support his agenda, Netanyahu has granted Bezalel Smotrich significant power over the governance of the West Bank, further consolidating Israeli control. Critics argue that this move amounts to de facto annexation, as Smotrich, a civilian, now has authority over matters traditionally handled by the military.

Netanyahu’s Government Appointments and Growing Influence

In an effort to solidify Israeli control over the West Bank, Netanyahu has made several key appointments. For example, Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s new ambassador to the U.S., is a West Bank settler who has long supported the settler movement.

Netanyahu has also appointed Caroline Glick, a staunch advocate for West Bank annexation, to a senior advisory role. Even though Itamar Ben-Gvir, the former national security minister, left Netanyahu’s government, he remains an influential figure within the coalition.

Following Trump’s remarks, Ben-Gvir voiced his enthusiastic support for Trump’s position, signaling continued alignment between Israeli hardliners and the U.S. administration.

FAQs

What is Trump’s stance on the West Bank annexation?

Trump has not fully committed to endorsing the annexation of the West Bank, but his statements and actions, including the appointment of allies who support Israeli sovereignty, suggest he may back such a move.

What impact does Trump’s support for Israel have on Saudi relations?

Trump’s support for Israeli annexation could complicate efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom demands progress on Palestinian statehood before recognizing Israel.

Who are the key figures in Trump’s administration supporting Israeli annexation?

Elise Stefanik and Mike Huckabee are two prominent figures in Trump’s administration who share views with Israeli ultranationalists advocating for the annexation of the West Bank.