Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has praised President Donald Trump’s negotiation skills and expressed support for efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 4, Trump laid out his vision for transforming Gaza into what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He proposed that the United States take control of the territory, clear out unexploded weapons, and rebuild the area from the ground up.
“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,” Trump said.
When asked about Trump’s comments, Dutton praised the administration’s unconventional yet bold approach to achieving stability in the region.
“I think the point the president was making… is that we want peace in the Middle East. We want Palestinians and Gazans to live in peace,” Dutton said. “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 pointed out that Iran remains a significant destabilizing force in the region but acknowledged the growing ties between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other nations. He also emphasized the importance of securing the release of hostages, a goal that both the Trump administration and the Australian Coalition government share.
“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,” he said.
Dutton reaffirmed his willingness to support a broader strategy that leads to long-term stability in the region.
“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’s proposal to take over Gaza has faced international pushback. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, France, and Jordan have voiced opposition, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, arguing that Palestinians must have the right to rebuild their own state. Spain and Russia have also called for a two-state approach.
Dutton, however, sees Trump’s leadership style as a refreshing and effective departure from past administrations.
“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,” Dutton said.
He added that the Australian Coalition government had a strong relationship with Trump during his first administration and expects that to continue if 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.
When asked whether Australian peacekeepers should be involved in maintaining order in Gaza, Dutton pointed to a White House statement clarifying that the U.S. is not necessarily planning for a boots-on-the-ground approach.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his government’s support for a two-state solution but refused to engage in detailed discussions about Trump’s proposal.
“I’ve said that we’re not going to have an ongoing commentary on all of the president of the United States’ comments,” Albanese said.
He emphasized that Australia’s stance remains unchanged: both Israelis and Palestinians should have the right to live in peace and security within 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.
