President Trump’s shocking declaration—that the United States will take ownership of the Gaza Strip, support the relocation of 1.8 million Gazans to other countries due to a lack of a viable alternative, and rebuild the Strip as the “Riviera of the Middle East” within 10 to 15 years—is nothing less than a historic reversal of decades of accepted diplomatic conventions. Equally dramatic, perhaps, was his refusal to state whether the United States recognizes Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, along with his announcement that the United States will issue an official statement on the matter within a month.
The practical obstacles to the president’s plan are nearly insurmountable—among the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, within the Arab world in general, and in the international arena. Even within the United States itself, there will be fierce opposition. The issue is not merely a question of feasibility of a massive real estate development project but rather it touches on the fundamental beliefs of the Palestinians and the Arab world, as well as the principles established so far for resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Indeed, it seems that the president is thinking outside the box and trying to find creative solutions to problems that conventional diplomatic wisdom has failed to advance for decades. However, it appears that the initiative, which may not be based on thorough staff work, mainly reflects Trump’s belief that his drive to return to the White House and the forcefulness he has displayed will help impose his will and turn it into accepted policy.
In the meantime, the initiative carries risks. In the short term, it could hinder the implementation of the hostage deal, and in the long term, its failure could further contribute to regional instability. Conversely, it may also force the parties to reassess entrenched positions, shake up the system dramatically, and perhaps even open new horizons.
President Trump’s shocking declaration—that the United States will take ownership of the Gaza Strip, support the relocation of 1.8 million Gazans to other countries due to a lack of a viable alternative, and rebuild the Strip as the “Riviera of the Middle East” within 10 to 15 years—is nothing less than a historic reversal of decades of accepted diplomatic conventions. Equally dramatic, perhaps, was his refusal to state whether the United States recognizes Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, along with his announcement that the United States will issue an official statement on the matter within a month.
The practical obstacles to the president’s plan are nearly insurmountable—among the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, within the Arab world in general, and in the international arena. Even within the United States itself, there will be fierce opposition. The issue is not merely a question of feasibility of a massive real estate development project but rather it touches on the fundamental beliefs of the Palestinians and the Arab world, as well as the principles established so far for resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Indeed, it seems that the president is thinking outside the box and trying to find creative solutions to problems that conventional diplomatic wisdom has failed to advance for decades. However, it appears that the initiative, which may not be based on thorough staff work, mainly reflects Trump’s belief that his drive to return to the White House and the forcefulness he has displayed will help impose his will and turn it into accepted policy.
In the meantime, the initiative carries risks. In the short term, it could hinder the implementation of the hostage deal, and in the long term, its failure could further contribute to regional instability. Conversely, it may also force the parties to reassess entrenched positions, shake up the system dramatically, and perhaps even open new horizons.