“It is not my place to comment on American domestic politics. Obviously, it is very important for me to understand that the US is a fundamental ally of NATO”, replied Nuno Melo.

The minister argued that the Government must ensure that Portugal fulfils its commitments to the Atlantic Alliance regarding greater investment in Defence “which will allow for greater capacity building of the Armed Forces”.

“The rest are singularities of North American politics, which these days are, in this regard, very rich and livening up the news,” he added.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he wants the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip and rebuild the territory after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere.

This position was conveyed in a press conference, after the meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

Trump has not ruled out the possibility of sending US troops to support the reconstruction of Gaza and considers US involvement to be “long-term.”