Defense Secretary Supports Trump's Gaza Proposal
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports President Trump's controversial proposal for the U.S. to potentially take over the Gaza Strip, emphasizing new ideas for peace and rebuilding.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reiterated President Donald Trump's proposal for the United States to "take over" the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that "all options" remain on the table.
In an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Hegseth refrained from preemptively discussing U.S. actions but acknowledged Trump's status as an "outside-the-box thinker" willing to "overturn the apple cart."
Trump raised eyebrows on Tuesday by suggesting that the U.S. might consider a "long-term ownership position" in Gaza, proposing to "level it and rebuild it" in the future, envisioning it as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
Hegseth stated that it is Israel's responsibility to eliminate Hamas. He remarked, "You bring peace by eradicating terrorists who seek the destruction of Israel," and expressed hope that the U.S. would avoid military involvement.
Trump also noted the potential for the U.S. to "own" Gaza, mentioning the responsibility of dismantling unexploded bombs and munitions. He suggested that the U.S. would take necessary actions if required.
Fox News contributor Joey Jones, a retired Marine, voiced his concerns about Trump's plan, suggesting it might involve getting other nations to assume responsibility for Gaza, advocating for caution in increasing U.S. military engagement.
Hegseth remarked that the president has discussed the possibility of other countries accepting Palestinian refugees during the rebuilding phase.
Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have already dismissed Trump's proposals regarding the relocation of Palestinians.
"We need new ideas in a place where it hasn't been disrupted for a long time," Hegseth noted, reinforcing that Trump's unconventional approach is what many expected from his presidency.
