Trump’s stream-of-consciousness proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza has sent shockwaves through diplomatic, military, and intelligence circles. The plan—framed as a solution to regional instability—not only raises profound questions about international legality and relationships with key Middle Eastern allies, but undermines U.S. national security.
The implications are far-reaching:
Would this alienate crucial Arab partners like Egypt and Jordan?
Could this trigger an anti-U.S. insurgency similar to Iraq and Afghanistan?
From a strategic perspective, this proposal represents one of the most radical shifts in U.S. Middle East policy since 1948, with the potential to destabilize regional alliances, escalate security threats, and entangle U.S. forces in another quagmire.
1. The International Response: Allies and Adversaries React
The reaction from key players has been swift and overwhelmingly negative, underscoring how isolated the U.S. could become if it proceeds with this policy.
Arab States’ Outrage
Egypt and Jordan (both instrumental in past peace efforts) have categorically rejected any plan that involves relocating Palestinians into their territories.
Saudi Arabia has suspended normalization talks with Israel, unwilling to be seen as complicit in what is widely viewed as forced displacement.
Qatar withdrew from Gaza mediation efforts, citing the plan’s violation of international norms.
Israel’s Internal Dilemma
Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the proposal, viewing it as a means to strengthen his right-wing coalition.
However, Israel’s military establishment remains skeptical, aware that an extended U.S. presence could provoke a long-term insurgency in Gaza.
U.S. Allies
The EU has denounced the proposal, warning that it violates international law and sets a precedent for ethnic cleansing.
The United Nations has labeled the plan “legally untenable”, with ICC prosecutors monitoring for war crimes violations.
China and Russia: A Geopolitical Opportunity
China and Russia have capitalized on the backlash, portraying the U.S. as an imperialist aggressor.
Beijing has offered to mediate a regional peace process.
2. Strategic Fallout: U.S. Relations with Key Players
Trump’s Gaza plan is not just about the Middle East—it has global consequences for U.S. alliances and adversaries.
Abraham Accords: No Potential for Expansion
Crown Prince MBS will have no viable path to normalization with Israel, as accepting the spectacular abandonment of a two-state solution will kill the pretense of support for the Palestinian cause.
Jordan’s Stability Under Threat
Jordan, home to over 2 million Palestinian refugees, faces a domestic crisis if more are forced into its borders.
The country’s monarchy is at risk of destabilization, potentially leading to another failed state on Israel’s borders.
3. National Security Risks: Lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan
The idea of a U.S.-led administration in Gaza echoes failed nation-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
1. A Guaranteed Insurgency
Hamas still commands 10,000+ fighters, many of whom have combat experience.
Experts predict an immediate guerrilla war against U.S. forces, with tactics mirroring urban warfare seen in Fallujah (2004) and Mogadishu (1993).
2. Increased Terrorist Threats
Iran-backed militias would likely escalate asymmetric attacks on U.S. assets in the region.
ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates could exploit the instability, portraying the occupation as a global jihadist cause.
3. Strain on U.S. Military Resources
A U.S. occupation would require thousands of troops and billions in annual funding.
Congress has rejected military appropriations, meaning that Trump's plan currently has zero committed funding.
Unlike past interventions, there is no clear endgame, increasing the risk of a permanent entanglement.
4. The Economic Cost of Occupation
Even if the U.S. manages to take over Gaza, who pays for reconstruction?
Trump has ruled out using U.S. taxpayer dollars, stating that Gulf nations will fund rebuilding efforts.
However, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have rejected this outright, unwilling to bankroll a U.S. occupation.
Without external funding, the U.S. faces a multi-billion dollar economic burden, reminiscent of failed reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Conclusion: The Road to Strategic Disaster
Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza is a geopolitical miscalculation that could:
Trigger an endless insurgency, drawing U.S. troops into urban combat.
Destroy relations with key Arab states, accelerating their pivot to China and Russia.
Weaken U.S. national security, creating new terrorist threats and empowering existing actors.
Burden American taxpayers with reconstruction costs that allies refuse to cover.
In the words of the Atlantic Council, this proposal is “the most dangerous U.S. foreign policy shift in a generation”. It risks a repeat of America’s worst foreign policy disasters, all while alienating allies and strengthening adversaries.
What Comes Next?
Congressional pushback is likely, but Trump could push ahead through executive orders.
Will the military intervene in decision-making? Pentagon officials have expressed serious doubts.
Will future administrations reverse course? If Trump’s plan is enacted, reversing it may prove very complicated.
Sources and Further Reading
Trump’s Gaza Takeover Proposal – NPR. Trump says the U.S. will 'take over' Gaza. Link
U.S. Long-Term Territorial Ownership Plan – NY Times. Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza, Clashing with International Law. Link
Potential U.S. Military Involvement – ABC News. White House on Troop Deployment: 'Do What’s Necessary'. Link
Ceasefire and Hostage Negotiations at Risk – LA Times. Trump’s Proposal Threatens Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange Deal. Link
Hamas Condemnation of U.S. Plan – Al Jazeera. Hamas Condemns Trump’s Gaza Takeover Proposal as 'Ethnic Cleansing'. Link
Arab States Reject Palestinian Influx – Reuters. Egypt and Jordan Refuse to Accept Displaced Gazans, Saudi Normalization Talks in Jeopardy. Link
Jordan’s Stability at Risk – Foreign Policy. Jordanian Fallout: Trump's Gaza Plan Could Destabilize U.S. Ally. Link
Strategic Implications of U.S. Occupation – Atlantic Council. Experts Predict Insurgency Against U.S. 'Occupation' of Gaza. Link
Funding Challenges for U.S. Involvement – Washington Post. No U.S. Taxpayer Funds for Gaza Reconstruction, Gulf Nations Expected to Pay. Link
Political Motivations Behind the Proposal – AP News. Trump’s Gaza Plan Boosts Netanyahu’s Standing with Far-Right Base, but Risks Saudi Talks. Link
Global Repercussions of the Proposal – Eurasia Review. Trump’s Gaza Plan: A Dangerous Gamble with Global Consequences. Link
Religious Debate Over U.S. Control of Gaza – Christian Index. Evangelicals Split Over Biblical Land Claims and Trump’s Gaza Takeover Plan. Link
Arab League's Official Response – PBS Newshour. 22-Nation Arab League Calls Emergency Session to Address Trump’s Gaza Plan. Link
Domestic Political Backlash in the U.S. – KHOU. Palestinian-Americans Protest Trump’s Gaza Takeover Proposal at White House. Link
Details on the Proposal’s Execution – NY Post. Trump’s 'Gaza Development Corporation' Relies on Private Contractors Over Military. Link