U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham rejected President Donald Trump's proposal to seize Gaza and displace Palestinians, while Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed confidence in an alternative plan from Arab states. Both senators were part of a bipartisan U.S. delegation that met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu reiterated his support for Trump's controversial Gaza plan, which has sparked backlash from Arab officials and critics labeling it as ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to prepare for the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza and announced the establishment of a directorate within the ministry to facilitate this process. However, Graham, a key Republican figure in foreign policy, stated that the U.S. Senate has no interest in taking control of Gaza. Blumenthal dismissed Trump's plan as a "non-starter."
Graham acknowledged Trump’s role in prompting a necessary dialogue on Gaza, noting that Arab states are now more motivated to propose viable solutions. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt are expected to meet soon to discuss Gaza's future, aiming to counter Trump's plan. Jordan's King Abdullah has assured Blumenthal that Arab states will present a comprehensive plan addressing Palestinian self-determination, normalized ties with Israel, regional defense, and Israeli security, which Blumenthal believes could be a significant breakthrough for the region.