Netanyahu: The Cat Who Got the Cream

In a startling declaration on Tuesday, President Trump proposed that the United States take control of Gaza and forcibly displace its entire Palestinian population—a notion that stands as one of the most ludicrous ideas put forth by any American leader in recent memory. During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump suggested that the two million Palestinians residing in Gaza should be relocated to neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. However, neighbouring nations rejected this proposal, as they rightfully should. In a wide-ranging statement issued last Saturday, February 1, 2025, foreign ministers from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt expressed their commitment to working towards a “two-state solution” in the Middle East, firmly opposing any plans for forced displacement.

As I watched the press conference unfold, I couldn’t help but notice the sickening, grotesque expression on Netanyahu’s face—a mixture of pride and indifference—as if he were oblivious to the 46,707 Palestinians killed, many of whom are 18,000 children and accounted for - Palestinians who have suffered and died at the cause of his and his allies hands. While Trump described Gaza as “absolute hell” and a “demolition site,” he infamously questioned, “Why on earth would they want to go back?” He further stated his vision of a “long-term ownership position” in Gaza, revealing a chilling perspective on the situation that disregards the humanity of Palestinians.

This kind of rhetoric not only overlooks the profound historical and cultural importance of Gaza as the homeland for Palestinians, but it also raises serious issues that we have long recognised. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the blueprint.

Though Trump assured the nation that the discussion of “rebuilding” Gaza was part of his agenda, the reality is far different. The true intent is not to restore Gaza for the Palestinians, but rather to exploit and erase it from existence. This plan has been systematically enforced through the U.S. spending billions of dollars, deploying thousands of tons of bombs, and obliterating 70 percent of Gaza—only to then intervene. Who better to manage this obliteration than real estate magnates like Trump and billionaire developer Steve Witkoff?

Witkoff, a real estate investor and Trump campaign contributor with business ties to Qatar and other Gulf states was in Tel Aviv to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, stating that there is “almost nothing left in Gaza” and “People are moving north to get back to their homes and see what happened, and turn around and leave … there is no water and no electricity.” Despite this rhetoric, what I find most fascinating and a question that many should ask is: why is a real estate developer overseeing the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, when he is just simply a real estate developer?

It is no surprise that Trump made his stance clear during his 47th inauguration, marvelling and describing Gaza as a “phenomenal location” with “the best weather,” framing it as an untapped opportunity—a lucrative playground for investors. However, Gaza is not merely a real estate venture or an “untapped opportunity” to be managed by developers, nor is it a project in need of white saviorism to be ‘fixed.’ Gaza is the heart of Palestine.

As Netanyahu sits beside Trump, grinning like a Cheshire cat, his satisfaction is palpable. Trump is making bold statements that no other leader would dare to voice, suggesting that Palestinians should simply leave—precisely what Netanyahu has long desired. Now let’s be clear - this rhetoric aligns with Israel's broader strategy for territorial expansion, rooted in a history of ethnic cleansing that predates even Netanyahu's leadership. This has always been the underlying goal. This has always been the agenda. This is the blueprint.

With Netanyahu basking in Trump’s support, it’s clear that he believes he has finally achieved a significant victory. I think it’s safe to say that at this moment, Netanyahu has truly become the cat who got the cream.