Hegseth Won’t ‘Get Ahead’ of Trump When Pressed on Possible Troops in Gaza

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked by reporters on Wednesday if U.S. troops will be heading to Gaza, following President Trump’s remarks that the United States will “take over” the Gaza strip.

Newsweek reached out to the Department of Defense Wednesday evening via email for comment.

Why It Matters

In a White House news briefing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said that the United States would “take over the Gaza Strip” and added, “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and all of the other weapons on the site.”

During the briefing, Trump was asked about potentially sending U.S. troops into Gaza and he did not rule out the possibility.

“As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary, if it’s necessary we’ll do that,” Trump said. “We’re going to take over that piece and develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be proud of.”

However, in a White House briefing on Wednesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president “has not committed to that just yet.”

Tensions in the Middle East remain high as a ceasefire agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas hangs in the balance, as hostage negotiations continue. The region has seen tremendous loss as thousands of people have been killed in the response to Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.

What To Know

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Hegseth was asked about potential plans with Trump on possibly sending U.S. soldiers into Gaza. Hegseth replied, “The president is involved in very complex and high-level negotiations of great consequence to both the United States and the State of Israel and we look forward to working with our allies, our counterparts, both diplomatically and militarily to look at all options.

“But we certainly would not get ahead of the president or provide any details about what we may or may not do. That’s just bad military planning.”

Trump also said to reporters on Tuesday that he envisions Gaza potentially turning into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” saying “the world’s people” would live there.

Trump’s remarks sparked a flood of backlash and praise from lawmakers overnight. Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas also announced his intent to file articles of impeachment against Trump on Wednesday for the alleged threat of “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”

What People Are Saying

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X on Tuesday: “Gaza MUST BE FREE from Hamas. As @POTUS shared today, the United States stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again. Our pursuit is one of lasting peace in the region for all people.”

Florida Senator Rick Scott, a Republican, on X on Tuesday: “President Trump must be doing something right if Democrats are already threatening another sham impeachment two weeks in…”

Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky on X Wednesday morning: “The pursuit for peace should be that of the Israelis and the Palestinians. I thought we voted for America First. We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers blood.”

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona on X on Tuesday: “Trump wants to invade Panama, Greenland and now Gaza. Trump is a warmonger.”