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US President Donald Trump's proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip has sparked a split in the Republican Party. Some politicians supported the idea, while others reacted with confusion and skepticism, according to a Reuters report.
Skeptical lawmakers said they still favored a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, a long-standing cornerstone of American diplomacy. Some also rejected the idea of spending American taxpayer money or sending American troops to a devastated region where war has been raging for more than a year.
“I thought we voted for America first. We should not consider another occupation that would destroy our treasures and shed the blood of our soldiers,” Republican Senator Rand Paul said in an interview with X.com.
Republican Senator Jerry Moran said that the idea of a two-state solution cannot simply be dismissed.
“This is not something that can be solved unilaterally,” he told reporters.
Senator Lisa Murkowski said she would not speculate on possible proposals to send American troops to a region that has “seen enough turmoil.” In her opinion, it is quite scary.
The agency recalled that Republicans have a slight majority in Congress over Democrats, who categorically reject the idea.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the plan as “a bold, decisive action to bring peace to this region.” He plans to discuss the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he meets with him on Thursday, February 6, at the Capitol.
“I think people understand the need for this, and we will support Israel in its pursuit of this goal. And we will support the president in his initiative,” Johnson said at a press conference.
House Foreign Affairs Committee member Tim Burchett supports Trump's proposal that the US should develop valuable coastal property in Gaza.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune advocates “bringing peace, stability, and security to this region.” At the same time, in his opinion, “every idea should be carefully vetted.”
