The Riviera of the Middle East

President Trump made a shocking statement this week, asserting the U.S. would “own” the Gaza Strip and redevelop all that magnificent beach-front property into “The Riviera of the Middle East.” While this redevelopment was going on, the Palestinian people would be relocated to other countries. When asked if they could return after the redevelopment, the president said, “I don’t see why they would.” Presumably, resort living is not a Palestinian thing.

This visionary proposal was made at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who looked on in rapt attention. The president followed up with a posting on Truth Social:

The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region….

First, there are some surprises here. Who knew Chuck Schumer is a Palestinian? I always thought he was Jewish. Second, and more striking, who knew there were beautiful communities with new and modern homes ready to accept approximately two million Palestinians? Even if we assumed six to ten people per family, that’s somewhere between 200,000 and 333,000 “new and modern homes.”

I'm looking forward to a follow-up posting in which President Trump tells us where these housing units exist and how soon the Palestinians can move in. No one has mentioned money, so I'm guessing all of this will be built on spec by Jared Kushner and Mohammed bin Salman. 

I’m also hoping for clarification as to what happens to Hamas. Hamas seems to be replenishing its ranks as quickly as they are depleted. There are certainly a lot of them at each hostage exchange—heavily armed, wearing new-looking battle fatigues, sporting their green headbands. Will they go to the new communities? Or stay behind to fight it out with the IDF? Maybe they’ll stay in the tunnels and come out when it’s time to enjoy The Riviera of the Middle East.

I can’t wait for the president’s next posting on this project.