Hegseth Speaks On Troops In Gaza
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently addressed concerns about potential U.S. military involvement in Gaza, clarifying that troops are not being sent to the region anytime soon. His comments came after President Trump suggested the U.S. might take control of Gaza in the aftermath of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the idea drew a mix of reactions, Hegseth emphasized that any future deployment would involve comprehensive discussions with key figures like President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. allies.
“We are a long way from that,” Hegseth stated during a Fox News appearance. He made it clear that such a significant decision would require thorough planning and consultation. Hegseth also backed President Trump’s vision of U.S. involvement in rebuilding Gaza after its devastating war with Hamas. While acknowledging that all options remain on the table, he declined to provide specifics, underscoring the unpredictability of the situation.
The idea to take control of Gaza came up when President Trump suggested it during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump proposed that the U.S. could “do a job” with Gaza, imagining it transformed into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” This bold proposal sparked backlash, especially from Arab nations and progressive voices who raised concerns over displacing Palestinians from their ancestral land.
However, many Republicans defended the idea. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the plan a bold and decisive approach. Some conservatives expressed skepticism, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who questioned the feasibility of such a dramatic move.
On Thursday, Trump doubled down on the idea, taking to Truth Social to announce that once the war against Hamas concludes, Gaza could be handed over to the U.S. He suggested relocating Palestinian citizens to “safer, more beautiful communities” where they would have a chance at a better life. Trump also reassured that no U.S. troops would be required for the operation, contrary to earlier comments implying military involvement.
Though it remains uncertain whether this proposal will be pursued, Hegseth emphasized that President Trump is willing to “think outside the box” to address the situation. He noted that, once Hamas is defeated, a broader conversation about Gaza’s future would be on the table. The president’s willingness to “overturn the apple cart” in order to explore new possibilities could shift the landscape of the Middle East for years to come.
