Trump Supports Netanyahu Gaza Takeover Amid Global Division

President Donald Trump has signaled tacit approval for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take over the Gaza Strip, framing the decision as one for Israel to make amid rising international criticism. While Trump committed the U.S. to lead humanitarian aid efforts amid the severe crisis in Gaza, he refrained from opposing Israel's military expansion there. Netanyahu, rejecting claims of occupation, insists the goal is to free Gaza from Hamas by demilitarizing the area and establishing a peaceful civilian administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to secure hostages' release and prevent future threats. The plan, approved by Israel's Security Cabinet, has deepened domestic divisions and isolated Israel from European, Arab, and Gulf allies, with countries like Germany halting military exports to Israel and the UK calling an emergency UN Security Council meeting. U.S. Vice President Vance acknowledged shared objectives with allies but noted differences in how to achieve them. Despite bipartisan U.S. support for Israel, Netanyahu's war strategy and the humanitarian toll have begun to erode some public opinion.