Trump's Plan to Take Over Gaza – with Jonathan Schanzer

Trump's Plan to Take Over Gaza – with Jonathan Schanzer

Author: Boundless Israel, Inc. February 6, 2025 Duration: 21:08

President Donald Trump stunned the world when he announced that the United States should take over Gaza, clear the rubble, rebuild it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” and relocate its population to other countries. Is this a serious policy proposal, a negotiation tactic, or something else entirely? And what does it mean for Israel, the hostages, and the broader Middle East?

I’m joined by Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to break down Trump’s stunning announcement and its far-reaching implications. Is Trump’s plan bold or reckless? Could it change the course of the Middle East? Dr. Schanzer brings his expert analysis.

Guest Bio

Dr. Jonathan Schanzer is the executive director at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he oversees the work of the organization’s experts and scholars.

Jonathan previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he followed and froze the funding of Hamas and al-Qaeda. Jonathan has held previous think tank research positions at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the Middle East Forum. He has written hundreds of articles on the Middle East and U.S. national security.

His most recent book is Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and Eleven Days of War (FDD Press 2021). His other books are State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State (Palgrave Macmillan 2013), Hamas vs. Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine (Palgrave Macmillan 2008), and Al-Qaeda’s Armies: Middle East Affiliate Groups and the Next Generation of Terror (Washington Institute for Near East Policy 2004).

Jonathan testifies often before Congress and appears on television channels such as CNN, Fox News, BBC, and MSNBC.


In a world of endless takes and heated debates, finding clarity on issues facing Israel, antisemitism, and American Jewish life can feel overwhelming. Boundless Insights-with Aviva Klompas cuts through the noise with thoughtful, in-depth conversations designed to empower rather than just inform. This isn't about surface-level opinions; it's about engaging with the complex perspectives and difficult questions that define these critical topics. Each episode of the podcast brings you closer to understanding the nuances often lost in broader commentary, fostering a space for genuine dialogue. You'll hear discussions that are as substantive as they are accessible, moving from historical context to contemporary challenges. The goal is to provide listeners with a trusted resource-a place to find not just information, but the tools for deeper reflection. Tune in for a podcast that values thoughtful exploration over easy answers, all aimed at making sense of a complicated landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 152

Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas
Podcast Episodes
The Rules Only Israel Has to Follow – with John Spencer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:24
We want to hear from you. Send questions and comments to podcast@boundlessisrael.org or message Aviva on X at @avivaklompas.Israel is fighting two wars: one on the ground in Gaza—and another in the court of global opinio…
Canada’s Antisemitism Crisis – with Melissa Lantsman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
Antisemitism in Canada has exploded in ways that few could have imagined. Attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and businesses have become frighteningly common.How did it get this bad in a country that prides itself on…
Gaza at a Boiling Point - with Jonathan Conricus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Lt. Colonel (Res.) Jonathan Conricus to discuss the escalating pressure on Israel—from mounting international outrage over the humanitarian situation in Gaza to the breakdown of hostage ne…
Deadlock in Gaza – with Dr. Michael Oren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:15
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington made headlines and raised expectations. He met twice with President Trump, and both leaders suggested that a deal to release hostages was within reach. But on the gro…