In an interview with the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Mike Huckabee has pushed back at rumours that participating countries would have to pay a $1bn entry fee, but said they would be expected to contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.

He also said he believed Israel would open the Rafah crossing – which connects the Gaza Strip and Egypt – “soon”. The crossing has remained closed despite the October 2025 ceasefire calling for it to open in both directions.

Israeli settlements in northern Gaza – which Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz pledged to create late last year before walking back his comments – are not part of Trump’s plan, Huckabee added.