Internal U.S. documents revealing a controversial plan to divide Gaza into zones controlled by Israel and Hamas were accidentally exposed, sparking new criticisms of the Trump administration’s Middle East strategy.

During a recent episode of Breaking Points, hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti delved into a controversial plan, criticizing it as an undemocratic and imperialistic maneuver. The plan, which had not been publicly disclosed, was seen as a significant overreach in international affairs.

The proposal, detailed by the Wall Street Journal, is titled A U.S. Plan Splits Gaza in Two—One Zone Controlled by Israel, One by Hamas. It involves dividing Gaza into two zones: a larger area under Israeli military and administrative control and a smaller section under Hamas, pending full demilitarization. The plan suggests channeling reconstruction aid to the Israeli-controlled section, thereby solidifying Israel’s dominance over the majority of Gaza.

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid confirmed the authenticity of the leak, explaining that “diplomatic cables” outlining the plan were inadvertently shared with allied governments prior to any official public statement.

Saagar Enjeti, in addressing the leak, voiced strong disapproval of the clandestine nature of the plan, describing it as a prime example of Washington dictating the future of another nation without their input. He remarked, “The U.S. government is behaving more like a colonial ruler than a democratic ally,” labeling the plan as fundamentally undemocratic and akin to drafting “occupation blueprints” in secret.

In discussing the leak, Saagar Enjeti expressed disdain for the secretive handling of such a transformative plan: “This is a classic example of Washington deciding the future of another people without their consent.” He continued, “The U.S. government is acting like a colonial administrator, not a democratic partner,” emphasizing that the plan was “undemocratic to the core” and amounted to drafting “occupation blueprints” behind closed doors.

Krystal Ball highlighted the perilous nature of the plan, comparing it to previous U.S. military occupations overseas. She said, “If you look back at Iraq or Afghanistan, these ‘temporary’ plans always extend indefinitely. This document is a roadmap not to peace, but to permanent control.”

The hosts agreed the plan signals a fundamental shift: U.S. involvement in Gaza would no longer be as a mediator, but as a direct manager of territories. Ball noted, “The idea that American taxpayers would fund such an occupation while most of the public remains unaware is deeply troubling.”

Saagar also discussed the political fallout, noting the regional rejection of population relocation ideas that reportedly formed part of the discussions. “Egypt has already made it clear it won’t take in Gaza refugees, and Jordan and Turkey have condemned the plan as destabilizing,” he said.

The episode further criticized the Biden administration’s claims of promoting peace, with Krystal stating, “This leaked plan reveals a policy centered on control and division, not on a just resolution.” Saagar called the diplomatic leak a “trial balloon,” suggesting it was sent out to gauge international and domestic reactions before formal rollout.

While the exact motivations of the White House remain unclear, the hosts connected the strategy with prior comments by President Donald Trump, who in 2025 had publicly floated the idea of “taking over” Gaza, which was previously dismissed as rhetoric. The secrets revealed by these documents now show significant overlap with those earlier declarations.

The episode concluded with a warning about the pattern of U.S. foreign policy: Saagar remarked, “This kind of secret governance plan, without democratic oversight, is antithetical to American values.” Krystal agreed, adding, “People didn’t vote for empire-building. Yet again, we find ourselves writing blueprints for another occupation while the public is kept in the dark.”