US President Donald Trump (R) and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu address the media during a press briefing in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory 5:59 PM – Tuesday, February 4, 2025
After the U.S. President’s meeting on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, officials revealed that President Donald Trump intends to undertake the reconstruction of Gaza, while also seeking to broaden the Abraham Accords to incorporate more nations — a plan Trump confirmed during a joint press conference.
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Amazing footage of President Trump moving through the West Wing at the White House just moments ago as he greeted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Dan Scavino always captures the best moments. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TwIGQhVPip
“During our meetings today, the Prime Minister and I concentrated on the future, discussing collaborative efforts to ensure the eradication of Hamas and ultimately restore peace to a highly troubled area,” Trump stated at the press conference. “It has been troubled, but the past four years have not been favorable.”
This marks Trump’s first press conference with a foreign leader since taking office again in January.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of upholding peace agreements and a mutual commitment to freeing hostages who were taken by Hamas on October 7th, 2023.
Trump assured on Tuesday that the U.S. will assume control of the war-damaged Gaza Strip once Palestinians are relocated, with the aim of economically revitalizing the area. The U.S. President proclaimed that the U.S. would “take over the Gaza Strip,” clear it, and renovate the region.
“The U.S. will take control of the Gaza Strip, and we will execute our responsibilities well,” Trump expressed during the joint press conference on Tuesday evening. “We will own it, and we’ll be responsible for dismantling all the hazardous unexploded bombs and other weaponry on the site.”
“Clear the site and remove the destroyed buildings, level it out, create economic development that will provide unlimited job opportunities and housing for the local population,” he elaborated. “Implement a real plan. Approach things differently. We cannot revert to past methods; if we do, we’ll end up with the same results we’ve had for a century.”
“I envision it bringing exceptional stability to that region of the Middle East, and potentially to the entire Middle East,” Trump asserted. “And everyone I’ve consulted regarding this — this was not a lightly made decision — everyone I’ve spoken to endorses the concept of the United States taking ownership of that territory. Developing it and generating thousands of jobs in a remarkable area that remains mostly unseen. People only observe the death and debris.”
One of Netanyahu’s three objectives, when questioned about Gaza, is to “ensure that Gaza [Hamas] never again poses a threat to Israel.”
“President Trump is elevating it to a much higher level,” remarked the Israeli Prime Minister. “He envisions a different future for that piece of land that has been the epicenter of numerous terrorist acts against us, enduring many trials and tribulations. He has a novel perspective, and I believe it merits serious consideration.”
Trump continued to underscore the subjects the two leaders had discussed during their earlier meeting.
“In our discussions today, the Prime Minister and I focused on the future, contemplating how we can collaborate to eliminate Hamas and ultimately restore peace to a significantly troubled region,” Trump mentioned at the press conference. “It has been troubled, but the last four years have brought about many challenges.”
“The Gaza Strip has become synonymous with death and devastation for many years and has caused immense suffering to those nearby,” he continued.
“It should not undergo a reconstruction process and be reoccupied by the same individuals who have continually fought over it and experienced a miserable existence there,” Trump claimed.
In his address to the media, Netanyahu, affectionately known as Bibi, also commended Trump’s determination and ability “to innovate.”
“Your readiness to challenge conventional ideas that have repeatedly failed, as well as your willingness to conceive fresh approaches, will aid us in achieving these objectives,” Netanyahu expressed. “I have witnessed you do this time and again. You get straight to the point. You see aspects others overlook. You articulate things others hesitate to say, and after that, people reflect and say to themselves, ‘He’s right.’”
The Israeli Prime Minister added that America will undoubtedly reap rewards from his nation’s triumph as well.
“Israel’s success will translate to America’s success,” Netanyahu affirmed. “Together, we will not only win the war but also the peace. With your leadership, Mr. President, and our partnership, I am optimistic that we can realize a luminous future for our region while enhancing our esteemed alliance.”
I’m en route to an incredibly important meeting with @realDonaldTrump in Washington.
The fact that this will be President Trump’s first gathering with a foreign leader since his inauguration speaks volumes.
This serves as a testament to the robustness of the Israeli-American alliance. It’s… pic.twitter.com/wWYrC7mYrF
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 2, 2025
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