Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza agreement in talks today, according to a senior U.S. government official.
This official, briefing reporters ahead of the meeting, said the two leaders will also discuss the possibility of an agreement to normalize Israel’s relations with Saudi Arabia. He noted that the US believes that there is now the possibility of more countries joining the so-called “Abrahamic Accords” concerning the normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel.
Referring to Trump’s proposal to transfer Palestinians in Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, the official explained that the US president sees the Gaza Strip as a “demolition site” and considers it inhumane to force people to live on uninhabitable land. He also believes it will take 10-15 years to rebuild Gaza.
“Maximum pressure” on Iran
Trump is also expected to sign a presidential memorandum tonight reinstating a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This is a return to the tough US policy towards Iran that the Republican president also implemented in his first term. Trump accused his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, of weakening US resolve toward Tehran.
The official, who spoke to Reuters, said Trump would instruct the Treasury Department to put “maximum economic pressure” on Iran, including sanctions. The administration will also launch a campaign to zero out Iranian oil exports, he added.
U.S. representatives at the United Nations will work with the country’s allies “to complete the reimposition of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran,” he concluded.
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