House Speaker Mike Johnson lauded President Trump's proposition to assume control of the Gaza Strip, characterizing it as a courageous move towards establishing peace in the volatile region. During his weekly press conference, Johnson expressed that the global reaction to the announcement was a mix of surprise and encouragement, highlighting the dangerous nature of the area and Trump's decisive approach to ensuring peace.
Johnson emphasized the need for change in Gaza to prevent future attacks like the one on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed over 1,000 people in southern Israel. While stopping short of a full endorsement, Johnson reiterated the importance of addressing the threat to Israel posed by terrorist organizations in Gaza. He argued that leaving Gaza in its current state risks further attacks and that improving the region's safety is a logical and common-sense approach.
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump announced the US plan to take control of Gaza, disarm the area, and foster economic development. He envisioned transforming the war-torn region into a prosperous "Riviera of the Middle East." Johnson indicated he would discuss the matter further with Netanyahu in an upcoming meeting.
