NBC will be at the White House by this time tomorrow. We're going to be listening in on a bilateral lunch that will presumably include some press. How are you viewing the stakes surrounding this visit and what is in it for the United States.Thanks for having me on. The stakes are high and a great deal is in the United States. We were talking about four dimensional chess on the Epstein case domestically a moment ago.It's the same in the Middle East. Well, Saudi Arabia is a hugely important country in the reg ...

Political and Security Analysis - The report highlights concerns that Hamas is re-establishing authority in Gaza, potentially eliminating opposition and demanding a governing role [8][9] - Securing strategic consent from Hamas to disarm and relinquish control is crucial to prevent further conflict [9][10][11] - The report mentions the potential deployment of 200 American service members for monitoring in the region, emphasizing the need for robust and detailed oversight [6] - Some countries are prematurely declaring support for a Palestinian state, a strategy the report suggests is flawed and unproductive [12] - The report indicates that countries supporting Palestinian statehood should pressure Hamas to allow for reconstruction and a future for the Palestinian people in Gaza [13][14][15] International Relations and Diplomacy - Arab leaders have been condemning Israel, but senior Israeli and Arab military officials have been partnering in meetings and trainings facilitated by the US, suggesting potential for regional cooperation [7] - Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey need to continue to pressure Hamas [14] - The US has invested billions of dollars in training the Palestinian Authority and security services in the West Bank, which should be deployed with allies and Israel's support [5] Humanitarian and Reconstruction Efforts - Hamas's actions are hindering aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, as Gulf states and the US may be unwilling to invest if Hamas remains in control [14] - The report emphasizes that removing Hamas is a necessary first step to allow reconstruction to move forward and create pressure on Israel for statehood discussions [15]

Middle East 'doomed' without Palestinian state, King of Jordan tells BBC https://t.co/9g5YLTcCfz ...

Key Issues & Potential Solutions - The discussion highlights a pivotal moment for Israelis, who are feeling increasingly isolated internationally [4][5] - The report suggests a fork in the road for Israelis, between military force and diplomacy [3][4] - The report mentions the possibility of an international force, potentially including Muslim countries, to disarm Hamas [3][13] - The report suggests that democratic elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza could be a solution, but Israel's stance on East Jerusalem is a major obstacle [15][16][17] - The report indicates that Trump has political capital to pressure Netanyahu for a chance at this process [21] Political & International Pressure - The report mentions potential internal political pressure on the Israeli Prime Minister and within Israeli society [8] - The report indicates that the Prime Minister of Israel is an indicted war criminal, leading to calls for sanctions and boycotts [6] - The report suggests that more countries are recognizing a Palestinian state, potentially leading to internal political pressure [7] - The report highlights that US actions to protect Israel have led to further isolation [9] Hamas & Hostage Situation - The report emphasizes the immediate issue of Hamas disarming and releasing the remaining 20 living hostages [3][14] - The report mentions Hamas's demand for the release of Marwan Baruti, a popular Palestinian figure, which Israel opposes [21][22]

Deal Announcement & Confirmation - A peace plan's first phase between Israel and Hamas has been announced by Donald Trump [1] - The Qatari government has affirmed that an agreement has been reached with all parties [6] - The agreement's first phase is supposed to include a ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners [16] Key Questions & Uncertainties - The details of the deal are going to be very important, including who exactly Hamas is negotiating with [4] - The industry needs to verify the specifics of the deal, including what Hamas has signed off on [6] - It is uncertain whether all parties in the Middle East are apprised of and have signed off on the agreement, and whether Hamas agrees [7] - The contours of the deal and the number of steps involved are unknown [8] - Other key elements of the deal, such as those touching on the Palestinian state, are uncertain [19] Potential Implications & Reactions - The timing of the announcement coincides with domestic political events, potentially creating a new lane of conversation [7] - Western allies, excluding the United States, recently recognized the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly [12][13] - The industry needs to consider what other partners in the region and Western allies are saying [11]

Peace Plan Overview - A new 20-point peace plan for Gaza proposes an immediate ceasefire, the return of all hostages within 72 hours, and a phased Israeli withdrawal [1] - The plan includes a new Board of Peace led by Trump and Blair, backed by an international force [2] - Hamas members who lay down their arms would be granted amnesty or safe passage [1] U S Public Opinion - A poll indicates that 51% of Americans oppose additional economic and military support to Israel [3] - 58% of those polled believe Israel should halt its military campaign to protect civilians, even if not all hostages are released [3] - The poll suggests a shift in American attitudes towards Israel's war in Gaza since it began nearly two years ago [2] Political and Diplomatic Challenges - The success of the plan hinges on Hamas's acceptance, with Egyptian and Qatari officials presenting it to Hamas leadership [7] - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces the challenge of selling the plan to his right-wing coalition, with the Knesset out of session until October [8] - The Trump administration's active diplomatic involvement is crucial, requiring sustained effort and focus [10] - The plan includes the concept of a future Palestinian entity, which is contrary to Netanyahu's views [19]

International Relations & Diplomacy - The US President has allowed the Israeli Prime Minister to operationalize the war in Gaza with no constraints for the last 7 months [1] - The Israeli Prime Minister suggested Western nations have buckled and Israel will not back off its war until all hostages are returned [1] - The UN provided a dramatic illustration of Israel's growing isolation with diplomats walking out on the Israeli Prime Minister during a speech [1] - International anger at Israel is at a peak, but the Israeli Prime Minister has a valuable ally in the US President [1] - The United Arab Emirates may pull back from the Abraham Accords if Israel goes ahead with annexation [2] US Politics & Investigations - The White House criticized the FBI's investigation into a Homeland Security official as a politically motivated inquiry by the previous administration [2][3] - An associate of the Homeland Security official allegedly proposed a scheme to undercover agents, stating the official could help them win federal contracts for $1 million [3] - The FBI allegedly recorded the Homeland Security official accepting $50,000 in cash, but the investigation was shut down after the new President won [3] - The Homeland Security official has not denied taking $50,000 in cash as recorded by the FBI [19] Media & Free Speech - ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show, leading to increased searches for "cancel Disney Plus" [30] - Disney quickly found it was more worried about its customers than the US government hurting its bottom line, leading to Kimmel's return after six days [30] - Multinational companies already have long histories of accommodating autocratic leaders, undercutting the values of free expression and the rule of law [30] - Apple pulled WhatsApp and threads from the China app store under government order [31] - Google and Apple removed a voting app associated with the opposition against Putin in 2021 [31]

Gaza Governance & Reconstruction - A new Palestinian government, including international experts, will be formed, excluding Hamas, to govern Gaza [1] - The focus is on rebuilding Gaza after the conflict [2] Israel-Palestine Conflict & Peace - The speaker acknowledges the heavy toll of the conflict, including casualties on both sides [2] - There's a perceived desire among the Israeli people for peace and normalization [4][6] - Some countries have recognized a Palestinian state, potentially due to frustration with the long-standing conflict [4][5] Hamas & Gaza - Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people and diverted resources to build terror infrastructure, including tunnels and rocket production facilities [6][9] - Israel withdrew from Gaza with the hope of peace, but it did not materialize [6][7][8] - Hamas hid military infrastructure in civilian areas like hospitals, schools, and mosques [9] Hostage Situation - Securing the release of hostages, including both living and deceased, is a priority [2][4][6]

US-Israel Relations & Diplomatic Stance - The US President has given the Israeli Prime Minister significant leeway in the Gaza war over the past 7 months [2][7] - International anger towards Israel is at a peak, leading to growing isolation on the world stage [8][9] - A 21-point peace plan, spearheaded by Steve Whit, proposes that Hamas disarm and release hostages in exchange for the removal of IDF forces from Gaza [4][5] Potential Policy Shifts & Challenges - The Israeli Prime Minister may seek to avoid explicit disagreement with the US President regarding the annexation of the West Bank, potentially pursuing a partial or less dramatic approach [12] - The Israeli Prime Minister may want to appear to meet the US President halfway, but ending the war might be too much for his coalition partners [16] - De facto annexation could occur through expanding settlements in the West Bank, effectively taking land off the table for a potential Palestinian state [17][18] Peace Plan & Regional Dynamics - The 21-point plan is vague on security arrangements and timing, using the word "gradually" often [15] - The US President desires to end the war and expand the Abraham Accords, potentially using leverage such as UN Security Council resolutions to influence the Israeli Prime Minister [18][19][20] - The United Arab Emirates may pull back from the Abraham Accords if Israel proceeds with annexation [21]

Political & Social Issues - The Trump administration's plan to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, is facing strong opposition from local officials who view it as an unwanted and unneeded intervention [1] - Oregon officials argue that sending federal troops to Portland could escalate tensions and create chaos, potentially undermining local efforts to maintain peace and order [1] - Concerns are raised about the legality of deploying federal troops for domestic policing, citing historical precedents and the potential for authoritarian overreach [1] Government & Policy - The looming government shutdown is a key concern, with disagreements over budget priorities and the power of the purse between Democrats and the Trump administration [1] - Democrats are unwilling to support another partisan continuing resolution, emphasizing the need to reclaim Congress's constitutional power over budget allocations [1] - Healthcare is a major point of contention, with projected increases in healthcare costs for individuals and families potentially leading to reduced coverage and financial strain on hospitals and clinics [2] International Relations - The US's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is under scrutiny, with calls for the US to condemn actions that could be considered ethnic cleansing and to support the establishment of a Palestinian state [2][3] - There's a growing shift in sentiment within the Senate regarding arms sales to Israel and the recognition of a Palestinian state, indicating a potential change in US foreign policy [2][3]