Trump's idea to deploy troops to Gaza Strip divided Republican Party

Skeptical lawmakers reiterated their support for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, which has long been the cornerstone of American diplomacy.

Some also dismissed the idea of spending American taxpayers' money or deploying US troops to a war-torn region that has been in conflict for over a year.

"I thought we voted for America first. We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers blood," said Republican Senator Rand Paul in an interview on X.com.

Republican Senator Jerry Moran emphasized that the two-state solution should not be cast aside lightly. "It's not something that can be unilaterally decided," he told reporters.

Senator Lisa Murkowski declined to speculate on any proposals to send US troops to a region that has seen enough turmoil. She described the prospect as quite alarming.

The agency also noted that Republicans hold a slim majority in Congress over Democrats, who strongly oppose the proposal. "That is ethnic cleansing by another name," said Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen during an MSNBC interview.

Leadership of the lower house of Congress is "in favor"

At the same time, House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the plan as a bold and decisive action aimed at ensuring peace in the region. He plans to discuss the matter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting on Thursday, February 6, at the Capitol.

"I think people understand the necessity of it, and we're going to stand with Israel as they work towards this goal. And we'll stand with the President on his initiative," Johnson said at a press conference.

Tim Burchett, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed support for Trump's proposal, stating that the US should develop valuable coastal property in Gaza.

"I think Americans and capitalism have a real opportunity to cause some real change in the world, and that would be a perfect example of that," he told Reuters.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the importance of bringing peace, stability, and security to the region. However, he also stressed that every idea must be thoroughly vetted.

What does sociology say

Donald Trump ran his election campaign with promises to avoid new foreign interventions and endless wars.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted on January 20-21 indicates limited support for his new expansionist agenda, even among Republican voters. According to the poll, only 15% of Republicans favor the idea of the US using military force to gain control over new territories.

Trump's proposal regarding the Gaza Strip

Since January 19, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been in effect in the Gaza Strip, alongside a mutual exchange of hostages. The parties have conducted several exchanges and recently entered the second phase of negotiations.

On Tuesday, February 4, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Donald Trump proposed that the US take control of Gaza and create a Middle Eastern Riviera. By this, he envisions rebuilding the enclave after the devastating war.

Additionally, the US president suggested temporarily relocating millions of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan, claiming that the leaders of these countries had allegedly agreed to accept refugees.

For a detailed analysis of Trump's motivations to take control of Gaza, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.