Trump gives Israel tacit green light on Gaza takeover

President Trump is giving a tacit green light for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take over the Gaza Strip, framing the move as an Israeli-owned decision amid a global outcry and growing calls in the U.S. to rein in Netanyahu. 

Trump has committed to taking the lead on humanitarian aid distribution in the strip amid famine-like conditions for a population enduring a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. 

But he’s refrained from criticizing Israel’s plans to escalate the war by expanding its military control of the Gaza Strip, even as international allies speak out against the operation. 

“I know that we are there now trying to get people fed. … As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say. That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump said earlier this week when asked about Netanyahu’s plan...