KEY POINTS
- Trump proposed relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt.
- Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt strongly opposed the plan.
- The U.S. risks losing influence in the Middle East.
After proposing that Palestinians be relocated from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, where they would be “thrilled” to live, U.S. President Donald Trump has come under heavy fire. Additionally, Trump suggested that the United States retake Gaza, renovate it, and make it the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Middle east leaders reject Palestinian deportation proposal
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, hailed the proposal as “historic” and “remarkable.” However, the proposal has been severely rejected by foreign leaders, including important U.S. allies in the Middle East, who have warned of its destabilizing repercussions.
The idea has been openly rejected by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. Saudi officials have stated that reconciliation with Israel is “nonnegotiable” if Palestinians are forcibly evacuated. King Abdullah of Jordan has only agreed to take in 2,000 orphans for medical treatment, refusing to allow the mass resettlement of Palestinians. Additionally, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi postponed a scheduled trip to Washington and disassociated himself from the initiative.
The Middle East is hardly the only region experiencing backlash. One Arab American organization has dropped the word “Trump” from its name, and Arab American voters who backed Trump in 2024 are now reevaluating their support. In 2024, 79% of Jewish voters supported Kamala Harris, demonstrating their strong support for Democrats.
China and Russia poised to gain from diplomatic fallout
With countries like China and Russia ready to step in, the diplomatic ramifications might reduce American influence in the area. Trump’s approach, according to experts, could exacerbate tensions, make counterterrorism activities more difficult, and harm the United States’ long-term interests in the Middle East.
According to Oilprice, Trump has reaffirmed his position in the face of criticism, downplaying worries and threatening to stop providing help to Egypt and Jordan if they don’t cooperate. To prevent more political and diplomatic harm, many speculate that the administration would discreetly drop the initiative.
