'Withhold judgment': Mike Johnson stammers as he says Trump's Gaza takeover was 'surprise'

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) struggled to explain President Donald Trump's proposed bid for a U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip as he admitted that the notion came as a "surprise."

During a Republican leadership news conference on Wednesday, Johnson was asked about Trump's suggestion that U.S. troops could be used to take possession of the Gaza Strip and resettle Palestinians at another location.

"Is that an America-first policy to send American soldiers into one of the most volatile regions in the world and then suggest that the U.S. take control of a region that it has no claim to?" one reporter wondered.

"A — look, there'll be more details forthcoming on that, of course," Johnson replied. "The initial announcement yesterday, I think, was greeted by surprise by many, but cheered by, I think, people all around the world."

"Why? Because that area is so dangerous, and he's taking bold, decisive action to try to ensure the peace of that region," he continued. "It's a bold move, certainly, far bolder than what's been done before, but I think we've got to stand unequivocally, in an unwavering manner, as the whip said, with Israel, our closest ally and friend in the Middle East, and I think if we could bring control of that situation and bring about a lasting peace there, it would do well for everybody, not just in the region, but around the world."

"I talk to lots of leaders around the world, and they've been very nervous about the instability there, and I think this could be a bold step in that regard. So let's withhold judgment on all of it."

A second reporter noted that Johnson failed to say if he agreed with the proposal.

"Yes or no, do you believe the U.S. should take control of Gaza?" he asked.

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Johnson, however, dodged the question.

"Well, I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu," he said. "So we'll have that discussion."

"I mean, he obviously has much more expertise on the issue than I do, but as I said earlier, we await further details on what exactly that looks like," he added. "This is a bold, decisive move, and I think you have to do something to eradicate the threat to Israel."

"So it just makes sense to make the neighborhood there safer. I think that's logical. I think it follows common sense."

Watch the video below from House Republicans or click the link.