Trump and Netanyahu at the White House: arms to Israel and block UNRWA funds

The US president signs executive orders to step up pressure on Tehran and block funds to UNRWA as internal tensions in Israel rise. Trump would like the Palestinians out of Gaza saying ‘They would be happy’

Donald Trump said Palestinians would ‘love’ to leave Gaza and move elsewhere if they had the chance, adding that they would probably love it. The statement was made from the Oval Office in response to a question about the Palestinians and the situation in Gaza.

In a sensitive geopolitical context, Trump also signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and block funding for the United Nations Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He also reintroduced ‘maximum pressure’ measures against Iran, saying he would not be happy to have to use them, but would be prepared to do so if necessary. Trump also made it clear that should Iran attempt to kill him, America would respond with total annihilation.

During a visit to the White House, Trump received Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to be welcomed in his second term. During the meeting, Trump asked Congress to approve an aid package for Israel worth about one billion dollars, which includes weapons and armoured vehicles. Trump also signed a directive to intensify pressure on the Iranian regime, preventing it from developing nuclear weapons. According to intelligence reports, Iran is reportedly seeking faster ways to build a nuclear bomb, although the technology to complete it is not yet available.

On the Israeli side, however, Netanyahu faces growing internal opposition. His government is threatened by the ultra-right wing of the coalition, with Bezalel Smotrich’s party warning that it might withdraw support if the prime minister goes ahead with negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza. This scenario puts Netanyahu under pressure, with some analysts suggesting that the PM is trying to delay any final agreement to prevent Hamas from remaining in power in Gaza.

During the visit, Netanyahu also met with Elon Musk, despite the recent controversy surrounding him over an alleged Nazi salute. The photo of the meeting was shared on social media, also sparking discussion about the billionaire’s links to Israeli politics.

While diplomacy intensifies, violence continues on the ground: two Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack on a checkpoint in the northern West Bank, and the perpetrator was eliminated by Israeli forces.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)