Tel Aviv: Israeli officials hailed a proposal by US President Donald Trump to take over the Gaza Strip and resettle Palestinians elsewhere. Trump announced this plan during a news conference in Washington alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that the US could transform Gaza into "the Riviera of the Middle East" after relocating Palestinians.

According to Anadolu Agency, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana described Trump's plan as "the dawn of a new day," while Transportation Minister Miri Regev praised the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu. Benny Gantz, leader of the opposition National Unity Party, saw Trump's remarks as evidence of the strong alliance between the United States and Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for a careful study of the proposal.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician known for his anti-Palestinian stance, indicated he might rejoin the government following Trump's announcement. Ben-Gvir emphasized the need to move beyond "petty politics."

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that Tel Aviv would not agree to a Palestinian state on Israeli-controlled territory but would consider one if an Arab country provided land. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported Trump's plan and advocated against any ceasefire or hostage exchange with Hamas until achieving "total victory" in Gaza.

Trump's controversial proposal follows a ceasefire agreement in Gaza on Jan. 19, halting a conflict that resulted in over 47,500 Palestinian deaths. The suggestion of relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt has been rejected by both countries. A recent Arab ministerial meeting in Cairo also opposed the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution.

Israel faces international legal challenges, including arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in Gaza.