Netanyahu Defends Trump’s Gaza Proposal in Interview with Sean Hannity; Addresses Iran, U.S. Interests in the Middle East

Netanyahu Defends Trump’s Gaza Proposal in Interview with Sean Hannity; Addresses Iran, U.S. Interests in the Middle East

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a high-profile interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed a range of critical geopolitical issues, including the future of Gaza, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East, and former President Donald Trump’s role as a key ally of Israel. According to a report on Wednesday at Vois Es Nais (VIN News), Netanyahu addressed Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gazans in the aftermath of the war, defending aspects of the plan despite widespread international criticism.

One of the most significant moments in the interview came when Netanyahu responded to criticism of Trump’s idea to allow Palestinians from Gaza to relocate. According to VIN News, the Israeli Prime Minister did not reject the idea outright, instead offering a nuanced defense of allowing Gazans to leave if they wish.

“The actual idea of allowing Gazans who want to leave to leave. I mean, what’s wrong with that?” Netanyahu said, according to VIN News. He elaborated that displaced Gazans could return later once the region is stabilized and rebuilt.

“They can leave, they can then come back, they can relocate and come back. But you have to rebuild Gaza,” Netanyahu stated, as per VIN News.

His comments suggest that while Israel may not actively forcefully displace Gazans, it would not object to those who voluntarily choose to relocate—a position that aligns with Trump’s broader proposal but stops short of endorsing a complete removal of Gaza’s population.

Beyond Gaza, Netanyahu also emphasized the threat posed by Iran, particularly its nuclear weapons program and hegemonic ambitions in the Middle East. According to VIN News, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s long-standing opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran, warning that the regime in Tehran poses a significant threat not only to Israel but also to the stability of the entire region.

Netanyahu pointed to Iran’s funding and arming of terrorist groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, as evidence of Tehran’s growing influence and destabilizing activities.

His remarks reflect Israel’s ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, particularly following the Biden administration’s handling of the Iran nuclear deal and regional security. Netanyahu has consistently opposed diplomatic engagement with Iran that does not include strict safeguards and enforcement mechanisms.

The report at VIN News indicated that Netanyahu emphasized the importance of continued U.S. involvement in the Middle East, stating that American strategic interests are deeply tied to Israel’s security and regional stability.

While some political figures in Washington advocate for a reduced military footprint in the Middle East, Netanyahu argued that a strong American presence helps counter Iranian aggression, ensures energy security, and supports U.S. allies in the region.

During the interview, Hannity asked Netanyahu whether Trump has been Israel’s best friend in Washington. According to VIN News, Netanyahu acknowledged Trump’s significant contributions to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, pointing to key policy moves that greatly benefited Israel, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, the signing of the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations and the  withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Netanyahu, according to VIN News, responded diplomatically, acknowledging Trump’s strong support for Israel while also stressing the importance of maintaining bipartisan ties with the U.S.

His response highlighted the delicate balance Israel seeks to maintain in its relations with U.S. administrations, recognizing that while Trump was one of Israel’s strongest supporters, the country must continue to foster strong ties regardless of which party is in power.

Netanyahu’s interview with Hannity touched on some of the most pressing issues facing Israel and the broader Middle East. From Trump’s Gaza proposal to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and U.S. foreign policy, the discussion highlighted the complex challenges that Israel faces as it navigates a volatile geopolitical landscape.