Israel sets red lines at White House: no permanent occupation, no forced displacement of civilians

Amid Israeli preparations for a new military operation targeting Gaza City, U.S. President Donald Trump held a broad meeting at the White House with senior administration officials, attended by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who stressed that Israel “does not seek to permanently occupy Gaza or to expel its population,” but aims to transfer control of the territory to an entity other than Hamas.

Deliberations in Washington

The meeting was attended by Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and special envoy Witkoff, alongside prominent figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner, who presented economic and security ideas for the post-war period in Gaza. The two offered a preliminary plan modeled on schemes previously developed for the West Bank and Gaza, aiming to create an investment-friendly environment to enable reconstruction in the “day after” phase.

Israeli position

According to informed sources, Dermer laid out Israel’s red lines to Trump and his team, asserting that Tel Aviv does not want to return to occupying Gaza or administering its affairs, but will not accept Hamas remaining in power. He said Israel is open to alternative arrangements provided its security needs are met.

Cautious U.S. support

Despite reservations, Trump voiced support for the military operation planned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza, saying he could not stop it even if he wanted to, but stressing the need to end it as quickly as possible. U.S. officials said the Trump administration is seeking to craft an alternative governance mechanism in Gaza that would have international acceptance, allowing Israel to withdraw without reverting to the “old security reality.”

Plans for the post-war period

The White House meeting produced no decisive decisions, but discussions revealed that the central issue remains which party will assume control of Gaza after the Israeli operations end. Observers say Washington is working to accelerate preparation of a “day after” plan, viewing it as a key tool that must be ready when the anticipated military operation concludes.