Netanyahu Gazans Must Disavow Terrorism Before Returning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any Gazans wishing to return to the coastal enclave must first “disavow terrorism.” His comments, made during an interview on Fox News’ Life, Liberty & Levin, align with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for temporarily resettling Gazans while the region is rebuilt.

“All President Trump is saying is that I’m going to open the gate and give them an option to relocate temporarily while we rebuild the place physically and while we also rebuild it in terms of deradicalization,” Netanyahu explained. “You want to come back? You have to disavow terrorism. But you can come back.”

Netanyahu praised Trump’s plan as a “novel and correct approach,” contrasting it with previous cycles of military conflict and withdrawal that failed to prevent renewed Hamas attacks. The plan includes eliminating Hamas, securing regional financial backing for reconstruction, and ensuring that Gaza’s population is deradicalized before returning.

Trump’s proposal, unveiled alongside Netanyahu at the White House, suggests that the U.S. oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and relocate its Palestinian population elsewhere during the process. While the idea has been widely rejected by Arab nations and Palestinian factions, Netanyahu views it as a necessary step toward lasting security.

The Israeli leader also reaffirmed his opposition to a Palestinian state, arguing that Hamas-controlled Gaza had effectively been one and that it became a base for terror against Israel. Instead, he sees Israel’s long-term security in strengthened regional alliances, particularly with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations.

Netanyahu called Trump “Israel’s greatest ally” and expressed gratitude for his administration’s swift approval of weapons shipments and strong stance against antisemitism. He also criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for unfairly targeting Israel and the United States.

As Israel presses forward in its war against Hamas, the future of Gaza remains a critical issue. Netanyahu’s position signals that any post-war arrangement will be conditioned on security, reconstruction, and a break from terrorism. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to stay informed on Israel’s ongoing strategy.