Incoming U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said in a podcast that aired on Wednesday that Hamas should have no role in governing Gaza, likening the group to terrorist organizations like Islamic State and Al Qaeda.
In a discussion with “Call Me Back” host Dan Senor, Waltz said of Hamas that it “astounds me that people try to put them in some type of special category. These are hostage-taking, murderous, rapist, torturers that never should ever have any role in governing.”
He asserted that the Palestinian people should not be subjected to such leadership, as it hinders prospects for regional stability, emphasizing the necessity of eradicating Hamas to achieve a stable and peaceful future for the region.
The Republican representative from Florida’s 6th District, whom U.S. President-elect Donald Trump tapped for the NSA role in November days after being reelected to a nonconsecutive second term, highlighted the “Trump effect” on dealing with Hamas and similar terrorist groups.
Waltz argued that during Trump’s first term in the White House, rogue states and terrorist organizations faced significant deterrents, unlike in recent years, when they saw benefits.
“With President Trump, he made it very clear very early on, not just with Hamas, with groups around the world, there’ll be nothing but downside. And after Jan. 20 (when Trump is sworn in for his second term), any deal that they thought was on the table is only going to get worse.
“And this is about imposing consequences for those who would do this type of horrendous act like we saw on Oct. 7, who would take Americans or other allies hostage,” said Waltz. “Right now, sadly, there’s only upside. With President Trump, he made it clear there’ll be nothing but downside. And I’m convinced that’s why you’re seeing this movement,” he added.
Regarding the war in Gaza, Waltz emphasized that a ceasefire does not mark the end of Israel’s objectives. He underscored the necessity of fully demilitarizing Gaza, dismantling Hamas to prevent its resurgence, and ensuring Israel’s right to self-defense.
Waltz criticized Hamas for using Gaza’s civilian population as shields for its actions, stressing the need to achieve strategic objectives while securing the release of hostages.
The two men also discussed the strategic transformation of the Middle East, highlighting Israel’s strengthened geopolitical position. Waltz emphasized the importance of securing a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, referring to it as the next phase of the Abraham Accords.
He believes Iran’s involvement with Hamas was an effort to derail this progress.
“So, that is the objective. Let’s get our people out. Let’s eliminate these terrorist organizations. And then let’s start talking political solutions, economic solutions.
“I want to, by the end of President Trump’s term, to be talking about infrastructure projects, water, rail, fiber, data centers. And the more we’re talking about those big things, the less we’ll be talking about, in my view, these historic agreements.
“Because, you know, regardless of your religion or background, you want a better life for your family, for your children, and for your future prospects. And I think we get, the more we get to that, the more we can put all of those other grievances in our rear view mirror. That’s, I think that’s the hope and it’s absolutely achievable, especially with a deal maker like President Trump.”
