Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has commended President Donald Trump’s deal-making ability and expressed support for peace in the Middle East.
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Feb. 4 (U.S. time), Trump revealed his vision to transform Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings,” he said.
When asked about the comment, Australia’s Dutton praised the Trump administration’s work on achieving peace in the Middle East, even if the means were unconventional.
“We want their kids to be able to go to school to do it freely, we want there to be jobs, there to be industry, and for people to be able to lead their lives in the way that they want. And for there to be an absence to the threat to Israel and the threat to others in the region.”
Dutton added that Iran was still lurking with clear ill intent and noted the relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia and others continue to grow.
The opposition leader highlighted both the Coalition and the Trump administration wanted “more hostages released.”
“Thank goodness they are out now. So hopefully more people can be released. And if that is part of the work that the Trump administration is doing—which, of course, it is, then that’s fantastic work and whatever leverage can be applied to bring people out of a hostage situation back to their families, I think is a good thing,” Dutton said.
“And if we can see a plan which has peace and stability restored to the region, then would I support that? Yes, of course I would.”
Trump a ‘Deal Maker’
Dutton said Trump has a very different approach than his predecessors and was moving markets before the inauguration.“He has a business approach. He has been a negotiator, he’s been a deal maker his entire life and it’s created incredible success obviously in terms of his own finances and his success in business, and that’s the model that he’s applied both in the 45th presidency and obviously now in the 47th as well.”
The opposition leader said the Coalition had a very good relationship with the first Trump administration and he expects that to continue, assuming they win the upcoming election.
“We will have a great relationship with Trump Mach II after the election, and we will work with them very closely,” Dutton said.
Albanese Pushes for Two-State Solution
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated support for a two-state solution and has refused to be drawn into discussions.Albanese said Australia’s position remains that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace and security in their own states.
“It hasn’t changed. And that indeed is a position that has been in place in the United States for some time as well. It’s certainly been a bipartisan position in Australia,” he said.
