Breaking the Paradigm in the Middle East
Tuesday, February 11th, at 12:00 Noon EST
With Special Guest Alex Traiman, CEO of the Jewish National Syndicate
Please note the change in date
President Donald Trump’s recent statements alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have introduced a dramatic shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump called for the resettlement of nearly 2 million Palestinians outside of Gaza. This proposal would mark a significant departure from previous diplomatic efforts, effectively dismantling the two-state solution and cementing Israeli control over disputed territories, including Judea and Samaria. Trump’s remarks suggest that America may soon recognize Israeli sovereignty in these areas, further upending decades of negotiations based on the Oslo Accords. His approach builds upon his previous diplomatic breakthroughs, such as the Abraham Accords, and positions Israel as having secured a definitive victory against its adversaries, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian-backed forces.
The implications of Trump’s proposal are far-reaching. If Palestinian resettlement occurs, it would permanently alter the demographic and political landscape of the region, strengthening Israel’s position. However, questions remain about where displaced Palestinians would go and how neighboring Arab nations would react. While Netanyahu and Trump emphasize strength as the pathway to peace, resistance from the international community and regional actors could complicate the plan.
Where do we go from here? If resettlement becomes the new reality, how will the logistics be managed, and which countries will accept large numbers of Palestinians? Will the U.S. and Israel provide economic incentives for resettlement, and if so, how will those be structured? If Arab nations reject the plan, what alternatives exist for ensuring stability in the region? And ultimately, will this approach lead to lasting peace, or will it create new sources of conflict?
About our Speaker: Alex Traiman is the CEO and Jerusalem Bureau Chief of the Jewish News Syndicate and host of Jerusalem Minute. A seasoned Israeli journalist, documentary filmmaker, and startup consultant, he is an expert on Israeli politics and U.S.-Israel relations. He has interviewed top political figures, including Israeli leaders, U.S. senators, and national security officials, with insights featured on major networks like BBC, Bloomberg, CBS, NBC, Fox, and Newsmax. A former NCAA champion fencer and Yeshiva University Sports Hall of Fame member, he made aliyah in 2004 and lives in Jerusalem with his wife and five children.