Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) recently made it clear that there is little support in the U.S. for any form of American control over Gaza, emphasizing that such a proposal would face significant resistance.
At a press conference in Israel, Graham, who was part of a bipartisan Senate delegation, stated, “There’s very little appetite, from what I’ve seen, in the U.S. Senate for America to take control of Gaza in any capacity.” He pointed out that even in his home state of South Carolina, where he is known for his strong foreign policy stance, the idea would be difficult to sell. Graham’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the United States’ potential involvement in the region, particularly following statements from former President Donald Trump.
Trump has boldly advocated for a U.S. takeover of Gaza, proposing that the U.S. would manage the war-torn region, clear out unexploded weapons, and provide extensive economic development. “We would take over Gaza, clean it up, and make it a place where people can live better lives,” Trump declared, offering a vision of job creation and infrastructure development for the area. His controversial stance has sparked debate over the U.S.’s role in the Middle East, especially when considering the long-standing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite being a strong ally of Trump, Graham was quick to clarify that while he supports Israel’s right to deal with the Gaza situation, it should ultimately be the Palestinians’ decision whether they stay or leave. “I’m not advocating for any forced migration,” he asserted, noting that if Palestinians wish to relocate, the U.S. could work with Israel to find host nations willing to accommodate them. Graham emphasized that no one should be compelled to leave, reaffirming his support for the principle of choice.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, Republicans like Graham remain cautious about engaging in a full-scale intervention, preferring to focus on ensuring stability in the region while preserving American interests and values.