Trump’s Gulf Trip May Shape Next Phase of Gaza War
Israel is preparing for a major ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, which could signal the start of a long-term military presence in the territory—20 years after its full withdrawal. In a report by Keren Setton for The Media Line, experts and officials explain that the new phase of the war aims to defeat Hamas and recover the remaining Israeli hostages. But critics warn it could intensify an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis and permanently alter the region’s political landscape.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly declared that Israel now intends to occupy Gaza “for a long time,” marking a shift toward a strategy of total control. Military experts say the previous approach has failed. The new strategy, backed by US President Donald Trump, involves wide-scale offensives and population relocations inside Gaza. President Trump’s upcoming trip to Gulf states may impact Israel’s latitude, as Arab leaders are expected to press him to rein in Israeli plans in exchange for continued investment.
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The Israel Defense Forces has already called up tens of thousands of reservists and is building a strategic corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis to isolate Hamas strongholds. Yet some warn the move may doom the remaining hostages, and create irreversible damage to Israel’s international reputation.
Dr. Eyal Pinko and military historian Guy Aviad offer starkly opposing views on whether the plan will succeed or backfire. As Setton reports, many Palestinians see the push as a step toward reoccupation and a death blow to any future state. With hostilities escalating and the American president’s Gulf tour on the horizon, this is a moment of enormous consequence.
Read Keren Setton’s full article at The Media Line for the complete story and expert insights.
