Donald Trump has decided not to intervene in Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for an extensive military operation in Gaza, according to American and Israeli officials, as reported by Axios. The American president’s decision to allow Israel to proceed independently raises concerns about escalating hostilities.
Netanyahu’s controversial plan for Gaza
The Israeli Security Cabinet is expected to approve an extremely controversial plan to expand the war. The new operation aims to occupy additional areas of central Gaza, including Gaza City, and is expected to last several months.
Approximately one million Palestinian civilians will be forced to leave their homes, while the Israeli Defense Forces will enter areas where hostages are believed to be held, putting their lives at risk.
Donald Trump’s stance on the crisis
Two American officials confirmed that Donald Trump will not intervene in Israeli decisions regarding the new operation. When asked about possible full occupation of Gaza, Trump stated: “I can’t say with certainty. It will depend mainly on Israel.”
According to an American official, the president was influenced by a video released by Hamas showing an Israeli hostage digging his own grave. “It affected the president and he will let the Israelis do what they need to do,” the official said.
Internal reactions in Israel
IDF Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir warned Netanyahu that such a move would endanger hostages and lead to Israeli military administration of Gaza with full responsibility for 2 million Palestinians.
“You’re walking into a trap,” Zamir told Netanyahu in a meeting, according to multiple Israeli press reports. However, it appears the prime minister remained unaffected by the warnings.
Humanitarian aid and future plans
Meanwhile, the White House plans to focus on addressing the hunger crisis in Gaza, although the war’s expansion will make this task more difficult. Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff discussed plans for a significant increase in the American role in providing humanitarian aid.
The United States plans to increase funding to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for opening new aid centers. The American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, announced plans to quadruple aid centers from 4 to 16.
However, aid organizations and the UN have urged Donald Trump to pressure Netanyahu for a massive increase in aid through previous channels that Israel has largely closed.
