Trump’s Vision: Gaza Rebuilt by ‘Wealthy’ Mideast Neighbors

A cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s post-ceasefire vision for Gaza is that its reconstruction will be a regional affair, bankrolled by the deep pockets of its “very wealthy” Arab neighbors. Ahead of his trip to Israel and Egypt, Trump made it clear he expects nations in the Gulf and beyond to take financial leadership in what will be a monumental rebuilding task.
“I think you are going to have tremendous success and Gaza is going to be rebuilt,” Trump said, adding, “It would take a small fraction of their wealth to do that. And I think they want to do it.” This strategy effectively casts the US role as that of a political facilitator and logistical coordinator, rather than the primary donor.
The upcoming summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, will be the first major test of this vision. Trump will meet with leaders from over 20 countries, many of whom represent the oil-rich states he is counting on for support. His diplomatic efforts will be focused on translating his public confidence into concrete financial pledges.
This approach serves multiple strategic purposes for the administration. It lessens the financial burden on the US, fosters a sense of regional ownership over the solution, and strengthens ties between the US and its Arab allies. It also aims to create a tangible example of the benefits of regional cooperation, which could help pave the way for broader Arab-Israeli normalization.
However, securing these funds will likely require more than just an appeal to generosity. Arab leaders will want assurances about the long-term political and security plan for Gaza to ensure their investment is not lost in a future conflict. Trump’s success will depend on his ability to broker a political framework that gives these potential donors the confidence to invest in a lasting peace.