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SHOW 11-11-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1933 VON PAPPEN IN BERLIN THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE BBO CONTNUING INTACT. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Economic Slowdown Fears Amid AI Impact and the BBC Scandal. Liz Peek characterizes the US economy as slowing down, with hiring affected by government layoffs and the displacement of tech jobs due to AI adoption. While the consumer remains robust, significant anxiety exists regarding the massive investments in AI and resulting stock market valuations. Peek comments on the BBC scandal, viewing the resignations as acknowledgment that the state-run outlet deliberately spliced footage to portray the US President as exhorting violence, revealing a deep, unfavorable political bias against conservatives. 915-930 Economic Slowdown Fears Amid AI Impact and the BBC Scandal. Liz Peek characterizes the US economy as slowing down, with hiring affected by government layoffs and the displacement of tech jobs due to AI adoption. While the consumer remains robust, significant anxiety exists regarding the massive investments in AI and resulting stock market valuations. Peek comments on the BBC scandal, viewing the resignations as acknowledgment that the state-run outlet deliberately spliced footage to portray the US President as exhorting violence, revealing a deep, unfavorable political bias against conservatives. 930-945 Middle East War Dynamics: Hamas Decimation, Peace Plans, and Hezbollah Rearmament. Jonathan Schanzer addresses the BBC's acknowledgment of breaching editorial guidelines over 1,500 times during the Gaza conflict. He confirms that Hamas has been decimated, operating as a spent, asymmetric urban force. Schanzer details the Trump administration's "Board of Peace" proposal for Gaza, stressing the need for a technocratic authority that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. He also highlights troubling reports that Hezbollah is rearming with increasing speed, assisted by Iran and, surprisingly, Turkey. 945-1000 Middle East War Dynamics: Hamas Decimation, Peace Plans, and Hezbollah Rearmament. Jonathan Schanzer addresses the BBC's acknowledgment of breaching editorial guidelines over 1,500 times during the Gaza conflict. He confirms that Hamas has been decimated, operating as a spent, asymmetric urban force. Schanzer details the Trump administration's "Board of Peace" proposal for Gaza, stressing the need for a technocratic authority that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. He also highlights troubling reports that Hezbollah is rearming with increasing speed, assisted by Iran and, surprisingly, Turkey. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Staffing Challenges and Political Bias: The Gaza Peace Plan and the BBC. Mary Kissel details the challenges facing the State Department and NSC in implementing the Trump administration's urgent Gaza Peace Plan, noting staffing issues are delaying coordination. The plan, featuring an apolitical "Board of Peace," seeks international legitimacy despite the UN's prejudice against Israel. Kissel expresses little surprise regarding the BBC scandal, viewing the deliberate distortion of the President's video remarks as appalling and emblematic of an "embedded bias" against conservatives that is deep and unfixable. 1015-1030 Staffing Challenges and Political Bias: The Gaza Peace Plan and the BBC. Mary Kissel details the challenges facing the State Department and NSC in implementing the Trump administration's urgent Gaza Peace Plan, noting staffing issues are delaying coordination. The plan, featuring an apolitical "Board of Peace," seeks international legitimacy despite the UN's prejudice against Israel. Kissel expresses little surprise regarding the BBC scandal, viewing the deliberate distortion of the President's video remarks as appalling and emblematic of an "embedded bias" against conservatives that is deep and unfixable. 1030-1045 The Rise of the AfD and the Threat to German Democracy. Judy Dempsey discusses the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, noting it is infiltrating German culture, education, and town halls, predominantly in the East. She warns that the AfD poses a danger to German democracy and the rule of law. The future hinges on whether established parties can isolate the AfD or if the Constitutional Court will intervene to outlaw the party. Dempsey also notes that the BBC scandal involves the highly scrutinized domestic service, distinct from the generally "exemplary" BBC World Service. 1045-1100 The Rise of the AfD and the Threat to German Democracy. Judy Dempsey discusses the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, noting it is infiltrating German culture, education, and town halls, predominantly in the East. She warns that the AfD poses a danger to German democracy and the rule of law. The future hinges on whether established parties can isolate the AfD or if the Constitutional Court will intervene to outlaw the party. Dempsey also notes that the BBC scandal involves the highly scrutinized domestic service, distinct from the generally "exemplary" BBC World Service. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. 1115-1130 Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. 1130-1145 Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. 1145-1200 Rare Earths, Global Conflicts, and Reimagining Democracy. Gregory Copley analyzes China's rare earth monopoly, noting it was achieved through low pricing and unsafe practices but is now eroding as global suppliers ramp up production. He reviews current global conflicts, viewing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford battle group near Venezuela as a test of brinkmanship, and citing Kyiv's admission of losses in Ukraine. Copley also argues that democracy is "dead," advocating for a return to defining the spirit of a social contract rather than relying on mutable laws. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Conservative Politics and Extremism; The Structural Problems of the BBC. Joseph Sternberg argues that mainstream conservatives must accommodate legitimate right-wing concerns (like immigration) to squeeze out extremists, referencing the German CDU/CSU's successful historical tactic against neo-Nazis. He analyzes the widespread BBC scandal, noting its huge cultural influence in the UK, where it is funded by a mandatory license fee. The deliberate editing of the US President's remarks and allegations of tendentious coverage of the Israel/Gaza war point to a deep, structural problem within the organization. 1215-1230 Conservative Politics and Extremism; The Structural Problems of the BBC. Joseph Sternberg argues that mainstream conservatives must accommodate legitimate right-wing concerns (like immigration) to squeeze out extremists, referencing the German CDU/CSU's successful historical tactic against neo-Nazis. He analyzes the widespread BBC scandal, noting its huge cultural influence in the UK, where it is funded by a mandatory license fee. The deliberate editing of the US President's remarks and allegations of tendentious coverage of the Israel/Gaza war point to a deep, structural problem within the organization. 1230-1245 The UN Cybercrime Treaty: A Tool for Digital Authoritarianism. Ivana Stradner warns that the UN cybercrime treaty, drafted by Russia and supported by China, undermines global human rights and free speech. She argues the treaty is mere "window dressing" enabling authoritarian regimes to pursue digital sovereignty—like Russia's "fake news" laws or China's "golden shield" project—to censor dissent. Stradner suggests that allowing Russia and China to regulate cyberspace is comparable to trusting the arsonist to put out the fire, urging the United States not to ratify the treaty. 1245-100 AM The Modern Marine Corps: MEUs, Amphibious Ship Shortages, and the Role in East Asia. Colonel Grant Newsham discusses the Marine Corps, celebrating its 250th birthday and historic legacy at Belleau Wood. Newsham describes the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as a flexible force of about 2,000 Marines aboard amphibious ships, capable of missions from humanitarian aid to combat. A critical challenge is the Navy's low prioritization of amphibious ships, leading to a deployment shortage. In East Asia, Marines are expected to seize key terrain and use long-range precision weapons to control maritime territory, though prioritizing missile units has reduced overall mission versatility.
Middle East War Dynamics: Hamas Decimation, Peace Plans, and Hezbollah Rearmament. Jonathan Schanzer addresses the BBC's acknowledgment of breaching editorial guidelines over 1,500 times during the Gaza conflict. He confirms that Hamas has been decimated, operating as a spent, asymmetric urban force. Schanzer details the Trump administration's "Board of Peace" proposal for Gaza, stressing the need for a technocratic authority that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. He also highlights troubling reports that Hezbollah is rearming with increasing speed, assisted by Iran and, surprisingly, Turkey.
Middle East War Dynamics: Hamas Decimation, Peace Plans, and Hezbollah Rearmament. Jonathan Schanzer addresses the BBC's acknowledgment of breaching editorial guidelines over 1,500 times during the Gaza conflict. He confirms that Hamas has been decimated, operating as a spent, asymmetric urban force. Schanzer details the Trump administration's "Board of Peace" proposal for Gaza, stressing the need for a technocratic authority that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. He also highlights troubling reports that Hezbollah is rearming with increasing speed, assisted by Iran and, surprisingly, Turkey. 1922 GAZA
This episode was presented by UJA. Support UJA's work at UJA.orgListen to Yonatan and Michal's podcast, What's Your Number?: lnk.to/GsOESPApply to become Ark Media's Production Manager: https://tinyurl.com/mthkpmnaSubscribe to Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.orgGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: inside.arkmedia.org/giftsYonatan's article on Ynet: www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/r1izgwicexBernard Lewis books: https://tinyurl.com/5f55cnbsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel':arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: https://lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': https://lnk.to/rfGlrAFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: In a recent piece for Yedioth Achronot, Ark Media's very own Yonatan Adiri argues that while Hamas's military capabilities have been largely destroyed, it has realized that real power has shifted from the battlefield to the international arena. By integrating into the institutions of the Palestinian Authority and leveraging its support from Qatar and Turkey to gain legitimacy, Hamas can manifest its charter through political and diplomatic means - trading its rockets for stamps, and its tunnels for offices. On today's episode, Yonatan joins Dan to discuss Hamas' position after two years of war and the evolving dynamics between Hamas, Qatar, and Turkey. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer
In a recent piece for Yedioth Achronot, Ark Media's very own Yonatan Adiri argues that while Hamas's military capabilities have been largely destroyed, it has realized that real power has shifted from the battlefield to the international arena. By integrating into the institutions of the Palestinian Authority and leveraging its support from Qatar and Turkey […]
Retired Israeli Ambassador Yoram Ettinger warned in an interview that the United States and Israel are misplacing focus on Gaza and proxy groups while the core danger remains Iran, which he likened to a swamp spawning mosquitoes. “Chasing Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah is like chasing mosquitoes coming out of the Ayatollah's swamp,” Ettinger told interviewer Alan Skorski. The comments come after President Trump's 20-point Middle East peace plan and a joint U.S.-Israel operation inside Iran on June 13 that severely damaged Tehran's capabilities. Despite the setback, Ettinger said Russia, China and North Korea continue to rearm the Islamic Republic, endangering Israel and all U.S. interests in the region, including oil-producing Arab states. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance and top U.S. generals have visited Israel since the June strike, Ettinger noted. A 2026 threat assessment jointly compiled by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence warns that Iran, Russia and China are expanding sleeper-cell terror networks inside the United States, the ambassador said. On Palestinian statehood, Ettinger cited decades of PLO violence — from the 1960s and 1970s in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon to the 1990s when Yasser Arafat's group backed Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait despite Kuwait hosting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with full rights. “Every Arab country knows what a Palestinian state would mean,” he said. Saudi Arabia and others publicly tie normalization with Israel to Palestinian statehood, but Ettinger called it “talking the talk, not walking the walk.” President Trump's recent declaration against Israeli annexation of the West Bank is temporary and diplomatic, not a permanent endorsement of a future Palestinian state there, Ettinger said. Granting statehood to the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria runs counter to U.S. interests, he added. Alan Skorski Reports 05NOV2025 - PODCAST
In this special episode of The Listening Post, we examine the rise of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. A democratic socialist and outspoken critic of Israel's genocide in Gaza, Mamdani has faced a barrage of hostility from US mainstream media, the political donor class and the democratic establishment alike. The press has been particularly relentless, questioning not only Mamdani's progressive policies but also his identity as a Muslim and an immigrant. But Mamdani is a digital native with an international following and a double-digit lead in the polls. His victory would reverberate far beyond New York City, shaking up the Democratic Party nationwide. This episode exposes how the media and the wealthy political class attempted to discredit Mamdani and how, against all odds, he turned their attacks into the foundation of a movement. Contributors: Kate de Gruyter - Senior director of communications, Third Way Adam Johnson - Podcast co-host, Citations Needed Briahna Joy Gray - Podcast host, Bad Faith Jon Paul Lupo - Consultant, Vocable Communications Presenter: Richard Gizbert Produced by: Elettra Scrivo, Ella Willis & Meenakshi Ravi
Another revisited interview from the Conflicted Community Interview archive this week, as we get ready for more Conflicted episodes coming soon… This time, the FULL interview with Hamza Howidy - a Gazan who years ago was forced to flee to Europe, telling us about his experiences and his vision for a post-Hamas Gaza… – This week, Thomas speaks with Hamza Howidy, a Palestinian activist originally from Gaza now living in exile in Germany. Hamza shares his extraordinary story of growing up under Hamas rule and the constant threat of Israeli military action on the one hand, and the brutality of Hamas on the other. Hamza was forced to leave Gaza due to his involvement in protests against Hamas in 2019 and 2023, taking the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean from Turkey to Europe to do so. Hamza offers a vital and nuanced perspective on life in Gaza, the internal political dynamics between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and his vision for a future free from Hamas's governance. He candidly discusses the brutal realities faced by those who dissent against Hamas and his own experiences of protest and imprisonment. Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you'd like to find out how we can help get your organisation's message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly still continuing its "Pay to Slay" program - which pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists; Israel says latest hostage remains were actually those of a previously returned hostage; Israel, US and ... ...
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly still continuing its "Pay to Slay" program - which pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists; Israel says latest hostage remains were actually those of a previously returned hostage; Israel, US and ... ...
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly still continuing its "Pay to Slay" program - which pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists; Israel says latest hostage remains were actually those of a previously returned hostage; Israel, US and ... ...
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly still continuing its "Pay to Slay" program - which pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists; Israel says latest hostage remains were actually those of a previously returned hostage; Israel, US and ... ...
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly still continuing its "Pay to Slay" program - which pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists; Israel says latest hostage remains were actually those of a previously returned hostage; Israel, US and ... ...
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly still continuing its "Pay to Slay" program - which pays salaries to Palestinian terrorists; Israel says latest hostage remains were actually those of a previously returned hostage; Israel, US and ... ...
The Palestinian Authority paid stipends to security prisoners and to families of so-called “martyrs” at PA post offices over the weekend , despite publicly claiming to have ended the practice, dubbed Pay to Slay. This was revealed by Palestinian Media Watch. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with PMW director Itamar Marcus. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file. - Squatting with Andrew - Domination Is Peace: Trump’s 20 Point Peace Plan for Palestine feat. Dana El Kurd - The Economics of the Tariff Regime - New Wall Construction and Borderlands Resistance - Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #38 You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today! http://apple.co/coolerzone Sources: Squatting with Andrew https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/crimethinc-hidden-histories-of-resistance https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/anders-corr-anarchist-squatting-and-land-use-in-the-west Domination Is Peace: Trump’s 20 Point Peace Plan for Palestine feat. Dana El Kurd Testimonies of Palestinian prisoners - https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-prisoners-tell-horrific-rape-israeli-detention Return of Palestinian bodies - https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-bodies-hostages-gaza-ceasefire-aid-trump-rcna238128 Greta Thunberg on her experience in Israeli prison - https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/25LgKq/greta-thunberg-they-kicked-me-every-time-the-flag-touched-my-face 20 point peace plan - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70155nked7o Board of Peace - https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/10/1/trumps-gaza-board-of-peace-promises-tony-blair-yet-another-payday Jared Kushner Peace to Prosperity Plan - https://www.un.org/unispal/document/peace-to-prosperity-a-vision-to-improve-the-lives-of-the-palestinian-and-israeli-people-us-government-peace-plan/ Hamas on disarmament - https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-aims-keep-grip-gaza-security-cant-commit-disarm-senior-official-says-2025-10-17/ Palestinian public opinion on Palestinian Authority - https://www.pcpsr.org/sites/default/files/Poll%2095%20press%20release%206May2025%20ENGLISH.pdf International Tribunal on Yugoslavia - https://www.icty.org/en/content/slobodan-milo%C5%A1evi%C4%87-trial-prosecutions-case On Bosnia - https://theconversation.com/bosnia-and-herzegovina-world-leaders-risk-renewed-violence-if-the-country-breaks-apart-171068 UN commission of inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory report - https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf Marika Sosnowski on ceasefires - https://theconversation.com/the-gaza-ceasefire-deal-could-be-a-strangle-contract-with-israel-holding-all-the-cards-267208 Palestinians in Gaza killed after ceasefire - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/10/14/live-trump-signs-gaza-ceasefire-deal-with-leaders-of-qatar-egypt-turkiye Palestinian child in West Bank killed - http://bbc.com/news/articles/ce8g9p0ppe0o Palestinian family homes raided - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/west-bank-israel-raids-homes-prisoners-be-released-Gaza-ceasefire-deal Netanyahu on Rafah - https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/middle-east/israel-gaza-rafah-crossing-reopening-b2847869.html The Economics of the Tariff Regime https://archive.ph/YUg11 https://foleyhoag.com/news-and-insights/publications/alerts-and-updates/2025/october/eu-proposes-new-safeguard-measures-to-protect-its-steel-industry/ https://www.piie.com/blogs/china-economic-watch/chinas-excess-capacity-steel-fresh-look https://www.librarysearch.manchester.ac.uk/discovery/fulldisplay/alma992976480893401631/44MAN_INST:MU_NUI https://endnotes.org.uk/articles/misery-and-debt New Wall Construction and Borderlands Resistance https://www.sierraclub.org/arizona/blog/2025/10/no-more-walls-san-diego-county https://givebutter.com/borderlandsresistance https://www.sierraclub.org/borderlands https://borderwallresistance.com/ Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #38 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-china-visit-2026/ https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/10/21/us-china-now-in-a-very-different-kind-of-trade-war-experts-warn https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/20/trump-china-trade-tariffs-rare-earths/86803021007/ https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-tightens-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-10-09/ https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-us-trade-deal-likely-soon-huge-tariff-cuts-on-the-horizon-11761046733288.html https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-sets-date-for-meeting-with-chinas-xi-as-trade-tensions-rise-162418137.html https://archive.vn/Xq4oy https://archive.vn/njCSi https://archive.vn/pQQzf https://www.axios.com/2025/10/19/trump-colombia-petro-caribbean-strikes https://www.brookings.edu/articles/whats-at-stake-during-trumps-visit-to-asia/ https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-us-eyes-china-export-curbs-as-trump-wobbles-on-meeting-with-chinas-xi-162418423.html https://archive.vn/wJn9z https://archive.vn/i9IJQ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/22/trump-ranchers-beef-tariffs-argentina.html https://archive.vn/Osx1d#selection-1966.0-1970.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Due to a special scheduling arrangement, we have a rare Thursday Roundup! Here are some of the headlines: 4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash Senator Johnson Introduces the Shutdown Fairness Act Fetterman breaks with Democrats over shutdown, vows to put country over party U.S. debt tops $38 trillion for the first time, worsened by government shutdown Over 100 Pro-Life Groups Urge Republican Lawmakers Not to Cave to Democrat Demands on Abortion Trump Administration to Resume Farmer Aid Halted by Shutdown Senator Johnson calls No Kings rallies a stunt for Democrats amid shutdown Soros foundations helping fund anti-Trump No Kings protests nationwide Texas churches vandalized during anti-Trump No Kings protests China's government was detected using ChatGPT to promote communist rule, suppress dissent Criminal Illegal Alien Recklessly Driving an 18-Wheeler Kills Three in Florida Hamas returns to using schools, hospitals as hideouts, Palestinian Authority claims, as Trump issues dire warning Children among victims in Russian strikes, hours after Trump-Putin talks shelved California doctors can now prescribe abortion anonymously Please pray for the families of those killed and for America. Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Due to a special scheduling arrangement, we have a rare Thursday Roundup! Here are some of the headlines: 4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash Senator Johnson Introduces the Shutdown Fairness Act Fetterman breaks with Democrats over shutdown, vows to put country over party U.S. debt tops $38 trillion for the first time, worsened by government shutdown Over 100 Pro-Life Groups Urge Republican Lawmakers Not to Cave to Democrat Demands on Abortion Trump Administration to Resume Farmer Aid Halted by Shutdown Senator Johnson calls No Kings rallies a stunt for Democrats amid shutdown Soros foundations helping fund anti-Trump No Kings protests nationwide Texas churches vandalized during anti-Trump No Kings protests China's government was detected using ChatGPT to promote communist rule, suppress dissent Criminal Illegal Alien Recklessly Driving an 18-Wheeler Kills Three in Florida Hamas returns to using schools, hospitals as hideouts, Palestinian Authority claims, as Trump issues dire warning Children among victims in Russian strikes, hours after Trump-Putin talks shelved California doctors can now prescribe abortion anonymously Please pray for the families of those killed and for America. Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ghaith Al-Omari, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who previously held various positions within the Palestinian Authority.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--HEADLINE 1: Hamas's base of operations in Turkey is reportedly growing.HEADLINE 2: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani slammed Israel for committing genocide and violating the ceasefire in Gaza. Did he mention Hamas's October 7 massacre? Nope.HEADLINE 3: The new Syrian regime seized a massive haul of captagon pills.BONUS HEADLINE 4: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad yesterday.--Featured FDD Pieces:"5 Ways the United States and Europe Must Help Ukraine Now" - RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, FDD Insight"How the Muslim Brotherhood Built a Media Empire" - Mariam Wahba, The Free Press"The New Middle East and the Challenges to Israel" - Jonathan Schanzer, Commentary
You can help us reveal the truth: https://theisraelguys.com/donate In Rafah, Hamas terrorists violated the Gaza ceasefire by firing an anti-tank missile at IDF troops, killing Major Yaniv Kula (26) and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz (21) and wounding a third soldier—highlighting the group's unyielding threat. Israel responded decisively with airstrikes targeting weapons storage, firing posts, terrorist cells, and 6 km of underground tunnels using over 120 munitions, eliminating Qassam Brigades commander Yahya al-Mabhouh and others; the IDF then closed Gaza crossings and halted humanitarian aid until Hamas ceases "massive bombings" and releases slain hostages' bodies. Hamas denied involvement, claiming lost contact with fighters amid their decentralized command structure, but this marks the third major violation in a week: partial hostage body releases, ongoing attacks on IDF positions, and public executions of hundreds of Gazans accused of collaborating with Israel or rival factions—met with silence from mainstream media and anti-Israel critics who previously decried IDF operations. Late last night, Israel reinstated ceasefire enforcement after strikes, vowing firm responses to future breaches amid U.S. pressure to avoid escalation. Overlooked in talks: the Palestinian Authority paid 229.5 million shekels (~$70M US) to 160 of 250 life-sentence terrorists released by Israel for hostages, turning them into millionaires for killing Jews—exposing PA's terror incentives in Judea & Samaria and underscoring why rewarding such entities with statehood defies reason in this chaotic world. Join our team by supporting us monthly: https://theisraelguys.com/donate Follow us on Telegram: https://t.me/theisraelguys Follow Us On X: https://x.com/theisraelguys Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theisraelguys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theisraelguys Heartland Tumbler: https://theisraelguys.store/products/heartland-tumbler “Israel” Leather Patch Hat: https://theisraelguys.store/products/israel-1948-cap #BreakingNews #Trump #MiddleEast #Israel #Hamas #GlobalSummit #WorldNews #IsraelConflict #Diplomacy #PeaceTalks #Jerusalem #Gaza #IsraelWar #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #Ceasefire #HistoryInTheMaking #ShockingNews
The back-story of Gaza, from the 1940s to the 2010s, told through the personal experiences of a wide variety of ordinary people - a teacher, a smuggler, a bird-watcher, musicians, doctors and others. Tim Whewell finds out how the tiny territory was created, how it first filled with refugees, how people lived, worked and died, how they survived invasions, wars and blockade, how hopes for peace rose and fell - under the rule of Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas. How did refugees arrive in Gaza in 1948? Why is the Strip so important to Palestinian identity - and the wider Palestinian-Israeli conflict? How did living conditions gradually improve? How did the 1967 Six Day War change people's lives? Why did the two intifadas of 1987 and 2000 break out? When were the best times for Gazans in recent history? What changed for them after Hamas took control in 2007? Tim asks these and many other questions in this journey through the recent history of a sliver of land that has often dominated world news.
Every Israeli-Palestinian peace deal has failed. Could Trump's be any different?On Oct. 10, the Israeli cabinet approved a cease-fire deal brokered by the Trump administration, Turkey and Qatar. Since then, the living Israeli hostages have come home. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel have been freed. Israeli forces have partially withdrawn from the Gaza Strip, and they're allowing in more desperately needed aid. This is finally, hopefully, the end of this war.But that was just the first part of the deal. The next phase is a lot more ambitious — and ambiguous. And while President Trump said the region would now “live, God willing, in peace for all eternity,” history would suggest otherwise.Robert Malley has worked on Middle East policy under President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden and President Bill Clinton. Hussein Agha negotiated on the Palestinian side, working under both Yasir Arafat, the first president of the Palestinian Authority, and the P.A.'s current president, Mahmoud Abbas. Together they wrote a sweeping new history of attempts at peace, “Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine.” They join me to examine what could go right — or wrong — as the rest of the deal takes shape.Mentioned:Tomorrow Is Yesterday by Hussein Agha and Robert MalleyBook Recommendations:One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El AkkadSay Nothing by Patrick Radden KeefeDirty Hands by Jean-Paul SartreThe Just Assassins by Albert CamusThe History of the Peloponnesian War by ThucydidesThe Man Without Qualities by Robert MusilHollywood Babylon by Kenneth AngerThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Annie Galvin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris and Jack McCordick. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota and Isaac Jones. Our executive producer is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Marie Cascione, Annie Galvin, Rollin Hu, Kristin Lin, Emma Kehlbeck, Marina King and Jan Kobal. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Chris Wood and Ashley Clivery. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
The ceasefire in Gaza is just four days old, and already there are signs of tension: Hamas says it's handed over all the hostages remains it can access, without specialist equipment. Israel is restricting aid in retaliation. Meanwhile, Israel returned 120 bodies of Palestinians held during the war, some of which show signs of abuse and beating. And with Hamas reasserting its authority in brutal fashion against ordinary Palestinians there are also growing questions around the future governance of Gaza. Nasser al-Kidwa is a well-known Palestinian politician, nephew of Yasser Arafat and former Foreign Minister for the Palestinian Authority. In recent years he's worked on a peace plan alongside former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Al-Kidwa joins Christiane from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Also on today's show: Rebecca Miller, Director, "Mr. Scorsese"; Democratich Senator Mark Warner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this essential episode of Purple Political Breakdown, host Radell Lewis dives deep into President Trump's comprehensive 20-point proposal to end the Israel-Gaza conflict. With tensions escalating and the January 2025 ceasefire showing signs of collapse, this plan could reshape the Middle Eastor fail spectacularly.What We're Breaking Down:Radell analyzes the ambitious framework that includes immediate hostage releases, Hamas decommissioning, and Trump's proposed "Board of Peace" featuring former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. We examine the economic development vision for a "New Gaza," the proposed International Stabilization Force, and the controversial pathway to Palestinian statehood.But is this plan realistic? We explore critical questions: Why are both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations? Can a demilitarized Gaza actually work? What does "technocratic governance" mean for Palestinian self-determination? And why is Trump chairing an international peace board?This episode cuts through partisan spin to give you the facts, context, and multiple perspectives you need to understand one of 2025's most consequential foreign policy initiatives.Key Topics Covered:Trump's 20-point Gaza peace proposal detailsJanuary 2025 ceasefire agreement breakdownHamas decommissioning and amnesty provisionsInternational Stabilization Force deploymentGaza economic development and special economic zonesPalestinian Authority reform requirementsIsraeli withdrawal conditions and timelineHostage exchange negotiationsCeasefire violations by both partiesPathway to Palestinian statehoodKeywords: Trump Gaza plan, Israel Hamas ceasefire, Middle East peace deal 2025, Gaza reconstruction, Palestinian statehood, Trump foreign policy, Israel Gaza war, Hamas negotiations, Gaza humanitarian aid, Trump Board of Peace, International Stabilization Force, Gaza ceasefire violations, Palestinian Authority reform, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza economic developmentSources & Further Reading:Full Text of Trump's 20-Point Gaza Plan - Al Jazeerahttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/29/heres-the-full-text-of-trumps-20-point-plan-to-end-israels-war-on-gazaJanuary 2025 Gaza Ceasefire - Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2025_Gaza_war_ceasefireIsrael-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Explained - GovFactshttps://govfacts.org/explainer/israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal-october-2025-agreement-explained/Israel Ceasefire Violations - The Intercepthttps://theintercept.com/2025/10/15/israel-ceasefire-violations-gaza-aid/Israel-Hamas Updates - AP Newshttps://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-updates-10-13-2025Trump's Address to Israeli Knesset - NBC Newshttps://www.nbcnews.com/video/watch-trump-s-full-address-to-israeli-knesset-249765957979Gaza Ceasefire Update - AP Newshttps://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-14-2025-665a1cbe249f08c8513ceceaa04db201?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4c399600ae15075943960Trump on Hamas Executions - Aachener Zeitunghttps://www.aachener-zeitung.de/politik/trump-zeigt-verstaendnis-fuer-mutmassliche-hamas-hinrichtungen/97532041.htmlGround News Coveragehttps://ground.news/article/41780a39-c87f-4b83-8751-c3ae0d86a05c?emailIdentifier=blindspotReport&edition=Oct-14-2025&token=651e43c5-97bd-4963-965c-b217a0d5760d&utm_medium=email&utm_source=blindspot&utm_campaign=Purple Political Breakdown - Where we cut through the noise to bring you balanced, research-driven analysis on the issues that matter.Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find independent political analysis they can trust.Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. 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October 13, 2025 is a day for the history books. Twenty living hostages were released by the Iranian-proxy terrorist organization, Hamas, along with the bodies of four of the murdered hostages. President Trump spoke at the Knesset in Jerusalem and then traveled to Egypt to sign a peace plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. But is the war over? Will Hamas give up its weapons and relinquish its stranglehold over the Gaza Strip? During this episode of the Blessors of Israel Podcast, Dr. Matthew Dodd and Pastor Rich Jones discuss these questions and other related topics so that Christians may know how to pray and stay alert as the nations realign and set the stage for the fulfillment of Bible prophecies. Visit the Blessors of Israel Website: https://www.blessors.org/ Thank you for supporting Blessors of Israel. Donate Online: https://blessors.org/donate/Please Subscribe and Like our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfbl_rf8O_uwKrfzCh04jgSubscribe to our Spotify Channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blessorsofisrael Subscribe to our Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blessors-of-israedl/id1699662615Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlessorsofIsrael/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlessorsIGettr: https://gettr.com/i/blessorsofisrael Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1670015Thank you for watching. Please like and share this video.We would love to hear your comments.Those who bless Israel will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones Blessors of IsraelMatthew Dodd Blessors of IsraelBlessors of IsraelBlessers of IsraelTags:Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddRich JonesDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones, Blessors of Israel, Rich Jones, Blessers of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessors of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessers of Israel, Blessers of Israel, Blessors of Israel, Two-State Solution, Palestine, Modern Palestinian Problem, Israel, Jesus Christ, Anti-Semitism, Prophecy Update, End Times Prophecy, Latter Days, Bible Prophecy, The Great Tribulation, Hamas, Gaza Strip, Terrorism, Hezbollah, Iran, Russia, Persia, Gog and Magog, BRICS, China, CCP, Persia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Yahya Sinwar, Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, Deif, United Nations, Terrorism, Antisemitism, Syria, Bashar al Assad, HTS, Damascus, Mount Hermon, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Trump, Putin, Ceasefire, Hostages, al Jolani, al Sharaa, Holocaust Day of Remembrance, China, Egypt, Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump, War, WWIII, Hamas, Anti-Semitism, October 7, 2023, Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan, Qatar, Egypt, Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, Erdogan
Victor Kattan, former legal adviser to the Palestinian Authority, examines the reality of the Trump plan for Gaza. He also discusses why an almost 100-year-old case of British war crimes in Palestine could haunt events today.Pope Leo XIV has issued his first major statement since assuming office. In a “papal exhortation” titled I Have Loved You, he echoes Francis's concern about deepening economic inequality. At a time when tech moguls have amassed extraordinary fortunes, Leo has some tough words about hoarding wealth. Dr Sandie Cornish of Australian Catholic University has been reading the statement closely.Sarah Mullally may be a historic choice as the new Archbishop of Canterbury but how will she deal with the chasm that has opened in the world-wide Anglican Church in recent years? The church of 85 million followers is deeply divided over sexuality and gender. Is there also a lingering opposition to women as bishops and even priests? GUESTS:Victor Kattan is Assistant Professor in Public International Law at the University of Nottingham and wrote a piece for the Religion and Ethics website on British war crimes in Palestine in 1935Dr Sandie Cornish is Senior Lecturer in the School of Theology at the Australian Catholic University and specialises in the field of Catholic Social TeachingAustralian priest Andrew McGowan is dean of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University and a former editor of The Journal of Anglican Studies.This program is made on the lands of the Gadigal People
A former legal adviser to the Palestinian Authority, Victor Kattan, examines the reality of the Trump plan for Gaza.He also discusses why an almost 100-year-old case of British war crimes in Palestine could haunt events today.GUEST:Victor Kattan is Assistant Professor in Public International Law at the University of Nottingham and wrote a piece for the Religion and Ethics website on British war crimes in Palestine in 1935
A complicated road could lie ahead for Gaza despite world leaders declaring peace in the Middle East. Donald Trump's signed a ceasefire agreement at a summit in Egypt along with the heads of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. It follows a prisoner and hostage swap between Israel and Hamas. The EU has effectively been sidelined, France Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking, and is looking at how they can help the Palestinian Authority get back some credibility and clamp down on corruption. They're also continuing what they have been doing, she says, which is providing financial support to Palestine and the West Bank. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ceasefire in GazaPresident Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, marking the beginning of a multi-phase peace process. The first phase slated to begin Monday includes the release of 20 hostages, a halt to active fighting, and Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza. Hamas is expected to return the remains of deceased hostages as part of the deal.The agreement, brokered with the help of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, represents a shift in regional diplomacy. Qatar's role is especially significant, given its previous support for Hamas. Observers suggest that recent Israeli strikes in Doha (looking more and more like an approved strike by Qatar) indicate a broader effort to isolate Hamas.Key details of the peace plan, which aligns with a Trump proposal presented at the UN, include:1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after 7 October 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the 19 January 2025 agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under 19 January 2025 agreement.9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of state to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform programme, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump's peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarisation of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration programme all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.—The long-term viability of the deal remains uncertain, but initial signs suggest a realignment of regional priorities. This deal has Trump's fingerprints all over it. As I am typing this I am speaking with friend of the program Wil Harris who is telling me that the UK press is presenting this as Biden's plan Trump is taking credit for. That's a bit rich, in my opinion. To paraphrase The Social Network:If Biden was the inventor of the Gaza Peace Plan, he would have implemented the Gaza Peace Plan. Katie Porter's Viral Meltdown Raises Political StakesCalifornia gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter is under fire following a viral interview where she appeared combative with a reporter. The incident was compounded by resurfaced footage of Porter harshly reprimanding a staffer during the COVID-19 lockdown.Porter's opponents, including Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee, have seized on the moment to question her temperament and fitness for office. Strategists warn that although her base remains strong, such optics could threaten her standing as the Democratic frontrunner in a crowded 2026 race.Despite the controversy, many believe Porter's progressive bona fides will carry her through. The Democratic primary electorate, historically more tolerant of combative behavior if aligned with ideological purity, may ultimately overlook the episode.James Comey Arraigned in Politically Charged CaseFormer FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty this week to charges of lying to Congress and obstruction, charges filed by the Department of Justice under Trump's newly appointed U.S. Attorney, Lindsey Halligan. Comey's legal team is expected to challenge the basis of the prosecution, citing political retaliation.Legal experts widely anticipate the case may be dismissed before trial, but the optics alone are significant. The indictment illustrates the fraught landscape of prosecutorial partisanship in the post-Trump era, where legal actions against political adversaries risk becoming a norm rather than an exception.Chapters and Time Codes* Introduction & Return to Austin — 00:00:41* Gaza Ceasefire Overview — 00:05:10* Trump's Role and Regional Dynamics — 00:08:18* Implications for Hamas and Israel — 00:14:11* Katie Porter Controversy — 00:20:31* Political Impact of Porter's Behavior — 00:24:06* James Comey Indictment — 00:29:11* Wrap-up & Preview of Ken Vogel Interview — 00:32:23 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
On October 8, 2025, United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, interrupted President Donald Trump's roundtable meeting regarding Antifa in order to hand the President a note which stated there was a very good chance that a peace deal had been struck between Israel and Hamas. Later that same day, President Trump posted on his Truth Social account that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the terms of the first phase of Trump's Peace Plan. Will the Israel-Hamas peace plan hold? During this episode of the Blessors of Israel Podcast, Dr. Matthew Dodd and Pastor Rich Jones discuss the details of phase one of the peace plan along with the challenges this plan will face in order for there to be peace in the Middle East. Visit the Blessors of Israel Website: https://www.blessors.org/ Thank you for supporting Blessors of Israel. Donate Online: https://blessors.org/donate/Please Subscribe and Like our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfbl_rf8O_uwKrfzCh04jgSubscribe to our Spotify Channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blessorsofisrael Subscribe to our Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blessors-of-israedl/id1699662615Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlessorsofIsrael/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlessorsIGettr: https://gettr.com/i/blessorsofisrael Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1670015Thank you for watching. Please like and share this video.We would love to hear your comments.Those who bless Israel will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones Blessors of IsraelMatthew Dodd Blessors of IsraelBlessors of IsraelBlessers of IsraelTags:Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddRich JonesDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones, Blessors of Israel, Rich Jones, Blessers of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessors of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessers of Israel, Blessers of Israel, Blessors of Israel, Two-State Solution, Palestine, Modern Palestinian Problem, Israel, Jesus Christ, Anti-Semitism, Prophecy Update, End Times Prophecy, Latter Days, Bible Prophecy, The Great Tribulation, Hamas, Gaza Strip, Terrorism, Hezbollah, Iran, Russia, Persia, Gog and Magog, BRICS, China, CCP, Persia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Yahya Sinwar, Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, Deif, United Nations, Terrorism, Antisemitism, Syria, Bashar al Assad, HTS, Damascus, Mount Hermon, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Trump, Putin, Ceasefire, Hostages, al Jolani, al Sharaa, Holocaust Day of Remembrance, China, Egypt, Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump, War, WWIII, Hamas, Anti-Semitism, October 7, 2023, Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan, Qatar, Egypt, Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, Erdogan
Two years after Hamas' October 7 attack and Israel's punishing response, both sides say they accept in principle President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to halt the war and chart a path toward enduring peace. MEI Senior Fellow Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack what's in the plan, how compatible it is with earlier Arab and European proposals, and whether its vague “credible pathway” to Palestinian statehood can withstand politics in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Washington. They also explore the sticking points—Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and Palestinian Authority reform—as well as what success would actually look like on the ground. This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025. On October 9, Israel and Hamas reportedly agreed to the first phase of the peace plan.
The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future.
CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION GAZA PLAN.. 1950 RAMALLAH 10-6-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 915-930 The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 930-945 Houthi Attacks, Sanctions, and the Implications of a Gaza Ceasefire Guest: Bridget Toumey Bridget Toumey reports that the Houthis, who are well-organized and disciplined, attacked a Dutch ship in the Gulf of Aden and continued launching at least one missile and one drone at Israel, a slower pace than the nearly daily attacks seen in September. The Houthis also sanctioned 13 US oil and energy companies and their CEOs, citing the war in Gaza and US support for Israel. This announcement mirrored US sanctions and may be a precursor to resuming attacks against US-connected vessels. Israel's counter-Houthi air strikes have hit targets but have failed to deter the group, which also exploits connections with other terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). If the Gaza conflict ends, the Houthis might need a new casus belli to justify attacks, but they are willing to invent excuses if Iran wishes to continue stirring chaos. 945-1000 Life, Economy, and Chinese Threat Perception in Taipei, Taiwan Guest: Anne Stevenson-Yang Anne Stevenson-Yang reports from Taipei, Taiwan, a vibrant economy and republic vital to the global economy due to TSMC, the microchip maker. Taiwan is characterized by a wonderful public culture where honesty and personal safety are prevalent. Despite its high-tech focus, the economy suffers from problems common elsewhere, including increasing income inequality, unaffordability, high housing prices, and stagnant wages. Regarding geopolitical tensions, the average Taiwanese person is largely immune to the constant threat from China, having heard talk of belligerence for the last 30 years. However, there is apprehension related to China's grim economic winter and growing concern that the US protective umbrella may be receding, leading to more interest in investing in Taiwan's own defense. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1015-1030 Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1030-1045 Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners. 1045-1100 Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Europe Responds to Russian Harassment Without US Lead Guest: Mary Kissel Mary Kissel analyzes the European emergency summit in Copenhagen, convened due to alarming mysterious drone activity over European airports, likely instigated by Russia. This harassment, which includes potential risks like hitting a passenger jet, aims to create confusion and test the resolve of the continent. The outcome, focusing on a "drone wall," suggests that the EU is starting to take more responsibility for its own defense, a long-term goal of US presidents. Kissel notes that the US absence from the prominent conversation does not signal the end of NATO. She also highlights that politicians like Starmer and Meloni are moving toward stronger defense measures, realizing that their voting bases are unhappy with current economic and security outcomes 1115-1130 Syria's Search for Stability: Security Deals, the Golan Heights, and the Gaza Impact Guests: Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss Syrian President al-Sharaa's focus on stability and his pursuit of a security agreement with Israel. Negotiating away the Golan Heights is considered a non-starter for al-Sharaa's survival, as his father, Hafez Assad, is often seen as the man who lost the territory, and al-Sharaa would be domestically labeled a traitor by all segments of the Syrian population, including hardliners. A full peace agreement is out of the question, but a limited security agreement might be possible, allowing Israel to maintain its presence in the Golan Heights while potentially withdrawing from areas entered after the fall of the Assad regime. The end of the war in Gaza is expected to expedite negotiations between Syria and Israel toward a security deal, as it affects the optics of al-Sharaa making such a move in the Arab world. Al-Sharaa's main priority is removing Israeli presence and stopping Israeli air strikes inside southern Syria 1130-1145 Russia's Multi-Front War: European Drones, Space Threats, and Tomahawk Missiles Guests: John Hardie, Bill Roggio John Hardie discusses Russia's expanding conflict, which includes drones over European airports like Munich and Berlin, viewed by Denmark as Russian "gray zone" activity aimed at testing Western response. NATO has been slow to adopt cost-effective counter-drone measures, unlike Ukraine's use of mobile fire groups. Russia is also engaging in anti-satellite activity, with Russian satellites reportedly stalking UK military satellites in low Earth orbit. Russia continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure with massive barrages as winter approaches. The US is reportedly considering supplying longer-range Tomahawk missiles to allies for transfer to Ukraine. These missiles could strike deep into Russian military-industrial sites, which, coupled with economic pressure, might convince Putin to pause the war. 1145-1200 Russia's Multi-Front War: European Drones, Space Threats, and Tomahawk Missiles Guests: John Hardie, Bill Roggio J FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hostages, Disarmament, and Hamas's Reach into Europe Guest: Joe Truzman Joe Truzman details the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, which center on the release of the remaining 48 hostages (living and deceased) within 72 hours, potentially in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists. The central obstacle to peace is Hamas's refusal to disarm, viewing it as tantamount to surrendering their identity. Fighting has lessened, with Israel toning down air strikes, possibly to show goodwill to President Trump. Truzman emphasizes that if Hamas retains its arms, another conflict is inevitable. He also notes the rise in reported Hamas plots in Europe, something uncommon historically, indicating the organization may be branching out its operations and feeling emboldened, as seen in the recent deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester. 1215-1230 Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hostages, Disarmament, and Hamas's Reach into Europe Guest: Joe Truzman . 1230-1245 Maduro Regime Threatens US Embassy; Lula's Concern over US Pressure Guests: Alejandro Piña Esclusá, Ernesto Araújo Alejandro Piña Esclusá reports that Nicolás Maduro's chief negotiator, Jorge Rodríguez, falsely claimed a third party plans to assault the US embassy in Caracas, but Esclusá warns that Maduro himself ordered the operation. The regime is allegedly interested in the embassy because they believe opposition leader María Corina Machado is hidden there. The regime, which stole the election, is now persecuting and imprisoning more opposition members than ever to infuse terror into the population. Ernesto Araújo views an attack on the embassy—an action against the "only thing that's sacred in international relations"—as very serious, suggesting Maduro is desperate for a bargaining chip with the US. Brazil's Lula da Silva is reportedly worried about the seriousness of the US attitude toward Maduro and may be softening his stance with Trump, fearing what information might emerge regarding the Foro de São Paulo organization if the Maduro regime falls. 1245-100AM Maduro Regime Threatens US Embassy; Lula's Concern over US Pressure Guests: Alejandro Piña Esclusá, Ernesto Araújo
The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 1898 RAMALAH
On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations to discuss the UK, France, Canada, and Australia's recognition of Palestinian statehood. Elliott discusses the complexities surrounding Palestinian statehood, the role of the Palestinian Authority, and the implications of Western recognition of a Palestinian state. He argues that Palestinian nationalism is fundamentally opposed to the existence of a Jewish state and that the leadership of the Palestinian Authority has failed to build a viable state. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of Israeli politics, the potential for annexation, and the changing attitudes towards Israel in the United States.
IT APPEARS Hamas has accepted President Trump's 20-point plan for peace in Gaza. We say “appears” because Hamas said nothing in its formal acceptance about demilitarizing, and it insists on a role in governing Gaza after Israel withdraws. Both points are key for Israel, the US, and the Palestinian Authority, which holds no love for Hamas. The plan calls for security in Gaza to be provided by 5,000 Palestinians who've been training in Egypt in recent months, who will be joined by Palestinian police officers currently training in Jordan—which means there have been plans in the works for the handover of Gaza from Israel to Palestinians. Per i24 News: The security forces will operate under the supervision and management of a Gaza Management Committee that will include 15 Palestinian technocrats, who will operate under the guidance of the Gaza Management Council, which will be led by Tony Blair, which itself will operate within the framework of the mandate given to it by the Governing Council, which will be led by President Trump. Will peace last? We're skeptical. Religious fundamentalists, especially Muslims, don't give up their beliefs easily, and it's their belief the land of Israel belongs to them. (The spiritual forces behind this belief are the focus of Derek's 2018 book Bad Moon Rising and his forthcoming book War of the Watchers.) Meanwhile, the UN is pushing for the right to fight non-communicable diseases, including mental health. That would give the UN and the WHO power to govern social media. Apparently, social media can make you crazy, so the globalists should be allowed to police mis-, dis-, and malinformation. Thankfully, the US is not on board with this power grab. Also: Pope Leo blesses a block of ice but is silent on the genocide of Nigerian Christians; the UK says marrying your cousin is AOK (lots of Pakistani Muslims in the UK, you see); and Trump's social media team has fun with the US government shutdown. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Follow us! X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert | @gilberthouse_tvTelegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunkerSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/pidradio JOIN US IN ISRAEL! We will tour the Holy Land October 19–30, 2025. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. NOTE: If you'e going to Israel with us in October, you'll need to apply for a visa online before you travel. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.50). Log on here: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! Our 1,200 square foot pole barn has a new HVAC system, epoxy floor, 100-amp electric service, new windows, insulation, lights, and ceiling fans! If you are so led, you can help out by clicking here: gilberthouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site: gilberthouse.org/video! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.
In this special episode, we examine the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists in Gaza during two years of Israeli genocide. With international media barred from freely reporting in the Strip, local journalists have risked their lives to document the unprecedented killing, destruction and displacement around them. Since October 7, 2023, more media workers have been killed in Gaza than in any modern conflict. Families have been torn apart, homes and offices destroyed, and reporters have been wounded, seen their families killed or have been killed themselves. This episode reveals the extraordinary playbook employed by Israel to threaten, intimidate, smear and target Palestinian journalists. Contributors: Wael Dahdouh – Gaza Bureau Chief, Al Jazeera Jodie Ginsberg – Chief Executive, Committee to Protect Journalists Sharif Abdel Kouddous – Journalist & Editor, Drop Site News Rachel Shabi – Journalist and author Presenter: Richard Gizbert Produced by: Soumaya El Filali, Monazza Farooqi, Ella Willis, Tariq Nafi, Meenakshi Ravi
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, AJC hosted a conversation with Jason Greenblatt, a key architect of the Abraham Accords, and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro. They discussed the challenges threatening regional stability, from unilateral moves on Palestinian statehood to political pressures within Israel, and underscored what's at stake—and what it will take—to expand the Abraham Accords and advance peace. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. Episode lineup: Dan Shapiro (1:00) Jason Greenblatt (18:05) Full transcript: https://www.ajc.org/news/podcast/accords-of-tomorrow-architects-of-peace-episode-5 Resources: AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace - Tune in weekly for new episodes. AJC.org/AbrahamAccords - The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC.org/CNME - Find more on AJC's Center for a New Middle East Listen – AJC Podcasts: AJC.org/ForgottenExodus AJC.org/PeopleofthePod Follow Architects of Peace on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace You can reach us at: podcasts@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript: Manya Brachear Pashman: In September 2020, the world saw what had been years – decades – in the making: landmark peace agreements dubbed the Abraham Accords – normalizing relations between Israel and two Arabian Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Later, in December, they were joined by the Kingdom of Morocco. Five years later, AJC is pulling back the curtain to meet key individuals who built the trust that led to these breakthroughs and turning the spotlight on some of the results. Introducing the Architects of Peace. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, American Jewish Committee hosted conversations with former Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt, a key architect of the Abraham Accords, and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro:. Both diplomats discussed the dangers threatening peace in the region, including some countries' unilateral calls for Palestinian statehood. They shared what's at stake and what it will take to expand the Abraham Accords and make progress toward peace in the region. We're including those conversations as part of our series. AJC's Chief Strategy and Communications Officer Belle Yoeli starts us off with Ambassador Shapiro. Belle Yoeli: Ambassador Shapiro, thank you so much for being with us. We're going to speak primarily about unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, but I, of course, want to ask you a couple of questions, because you have so much to share with us before we dive in. First and foremost, as we've said, It's been almost two years, and at AJC, we're all about optimism and playing the long game, as you know, but it does feel like the challenges for the Jewish community and the state of Israel continue to build. And of course, the war looms very large. What is your analysis of the geopolitical horizon for the war in Gaza. Dan Shapiro: First, thanks for having me. Thank you to American Jewish Committee and to Ted and everybody for all you do. Thank you, Ruby [Chen], and the families, for the fellowship that we can share with you in this goal. I'll just say it very simply, this war needs to end. The hostages need to come home. Hamas needs to be removed from power. And aid needs to surge into Gaza and move forward with a reconstruction of Gaza for Palestinians who prepare to live in peace with Israel. This is something that is overdue and needs to happen. I think there have been a number of missed opportunities along the way. I don't say this in a partisan way. I think President Trump has missed opportunities at the end of the first ceasefire, when the first ceasefire was allowed to expire after the Iran strike, something I strongly supported and felt was exactly the right thing to do. There was an opening to create a narrative to end the war. I think there have been other missed opportunities. And I don't say in a partisan way, because the administration I served in, the Biden administration, we made mistakes and we missed opportunities. So it can be shared. that responsibility. But what I do think is that there is a new opportunity right now, and we saw it in President Trump's meeting with Arab leaders. It's going to take very significant, deft, and sustained diplomatic effort. He's got a good team, and they need to do the follow through now to hold the Arabs to their commitments on ensuring Hamas is removed from power, on ensuring that there's a security arrangement in Gaza that does not leave Israel vulnerable to any possibility of a renewal of hostilities against it. And of course, to get the hostages released. That's pressure on the Arabs. And of course, he's got a meeting coming up with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and I do think he's going to need to lean on Prime Minister Netanyahu to overcome the resistance that he has to deal with in his cabinet, from those who want to continue the war or who those who rule out any role of any kind for the Palestinian Authority in something that will follow in the day after in Gaza. So there is a real opportunity here. Once the war is over, then we have an opportunity to get back on the road that we were on. Two years ago at this UN General Assembly, I was serving as the Biden administration's Senior Advisor on regional integration, the first State Department position to hold that, trying to follow through on the excellent work that Jason Greenblatt and Jared Kushner and, of course, President Trump did in the first term in achieving the Abraham Accords. And we were building out the Negev Forum. And in fact, at that UNGA meeting, we had planned the next ministerial meeting of the Negev Forum. It was to take place October 19 in Marrakesh. Obviously, no one ever heard about that summit. It didn't happen. But getting back on the road to strengthening and expanding the Abraham Accords, to getting Saudi Arabia to the table as a country that will normalize relations with Israel, to expanding regional forums like the Negev Forum. Those are all still within reach, but none of them are possible until the war ends, till the hostages are home, till Hamas is removed from power. Belle Yoeli: Absolutely. And we look forward to talking more about the day after, in our next segment, in a segment coming up. Ambassador, you just got back from Israel. Can you tell us about your experience, the mood, what's the climate like in Israel? And any insights from your meetings and time that you think should be top of mind for us? Dan Shapiro: I think what was top of mind for almost every Israeli I spoke to was the hostages. I spent time in the hostage square in Tel Aviv, spent time with Ruby, spent time with other hostage families, and everywhere you go as everybody who spin their nose, you see the signs, you hear the anxiety. And it's getting deeper because of the time that people are worried is slipping away for, especially for those who are still alive, but for all of those hostages to be returned to their families, so deep, deep anxiety about it, and candidly, some anger, I think we just heard a little bit of it toward a government that they're not sure shares that as the highest priority. There's a lot of exhaustion. People are tired of multiple rounds of reserve duty, hundreds of days. Families stressed by that as well the concern that this could drag on with the new operation well into next year. It's allowed to continue. It's a lot of worry about Israel's increased isolation, and of course, that's part of the subject. We'll discuss how countries who have been friends of Israel, whether in the region or in Europe or elsewhere, are responding in more and more negative ways, and Israel, and all Israelis, even in their personal lives, are feeling that pinch. But there's also some, I guess, expectant hope that President Trump, who is popular in Israel, of course, will use his influence and his regional standing, which is quite significant, to put these pieces together. Maybe we're seeing that happening this week. And of course, there's some expectant hope, or at least expectant mood, about an election next year, which will bring about some kind of political change in Israel. No one knows exactly what that will look like, but people are getting ready for that. So Israelis are relentlessly forward, looking even in the depths of some degree of anxiety and despair, and so I was able to feel those glimmers as well. Belle Yoeli: And relentlessly resilient, absolutely resilient. And we know that inspires us. Moving back to the piece on diplomatic isolation and the main piece of our conversation, obviously, at AJC, we've been intensely focused on many of the aspects that are concerning us, in terms of unfair treatment of countries towards Israel, but unilateral recognition of Palestinian state is probably the most concerning issue that we've been dealing with this week, and obviously has gotten a lot of attention in the media. So from your perspective, what is this really all about? Obviously, this, this has been on the table for a while. It's not the first time that countries have threatened to do this, but I think it is the first time we're time we're seeing France and other major countries now pushing this forward in this moment. Is this all about political pressure on Israel? Dan Shapiro: Well, first, I'll say that I think it's a mistake. I think it's an ill advised set of initiatives by France, by Canada, Australia, UK and others. It will change almost it will change nothing on the ground. And so to that sense, it's a purely rhetorical step that changes nothing, and probably does little, if anything, to advance toward the stated goal of some sort of resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. And in many ways, it may actually set it back in part because of the way it appears to and certainly many Israelis understand it too. And I'm sorry to say, many Arabs understand it to reward Hamas. Hamas is celebrating it as an achievement of October 7, and that October 7 will find its place in the pantheon of the Palestinian Liberation story that should never be allowed to happen. So doing it this way, doing it without conditioning it on the release of hostages, on the disarming and removal of Hamas from Gaza, is a mistake. And of course, it tells Israelis that their very legitimate concerns about obviously the hostages, but also that some future Palestinian state, wherever and whatever form it might take, could become a threat to them from other parts, from parts of the West Bank, as it was from Gaza on October 7. And you cannot get to that goal unless you're willing to engage the Israeli public on those concerns, very legitimate concerns, and address them in a very forthright way. So I think it's a mistake. I'm sure, to some degree, others have made this observation. It is motivated by some of the domestic political pressures that these leaders feel from their different constituencies, maybe their left, left wing constituencies, some right wing constituencies, and some immigrant constituencies. And so maybe they're responding to that. And I think that's, you know, leaders deal with those types of things. I think sometimes they make bad decisions in dealing with those types of pressures. I think that's the case here, but I it's also the case. I think it's just fair to say that in the absence of any Israeli Government articulated viable day after, plan for Gaza, something we were urged Israel to work with us on all the time. I was serving in the Biden administration, and I think the Trump administration has as well, but it's remained blurry. What does what is that vision of the day after? Not only when does it start, but what does it look like afterwards? And is it something that Arab States and European states can buy into and get behind and and put their influence to work to get Hamas out and to do a rebuild that meets the needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. There hasn't been that. And so that could have been a way of satisfying some of those domestic pressures, but it wasn't really available. And so I think some of the leaders turn to this ill advised move instead. Belle Yoeli: So perhaps catering to domestic political concerns and wanting to take some sort of moral high ground on keeping peace alive, but beyond that, no real, practical or helpful outcomes, aside from setting back the cause of peace? Dan Shapiro: I think it has limited practical effects. Fact, I think it does tell Israelis that much of the world has not internalized their legitimate concerns, and that they will be, you know, cautious at best for this. Everybody knows that there are many Israelis who have been long standing supporters of some kind of two state resolution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. And post October 7, they've, they don't still hold that position, or at least they say, if it can happen, it's going to take a long time, it's going to look very different. And I think that actually is some a real practical takeaway, that if we are going to talk about some future establishment of a Palestinian state and some two state arrangement, certainly separation between Israelis and Palestinians, so they don't try to live intermixed in a way that they govern each other. I think that is that is desirable, but it's not necessarily going to look like two state outcomes that were envisioned in the Oslo period, in the 90s and the 2000s it's going to look different. It's going to take longer. And so that is something that I think we have to make sure is understood as people raise this initiative, that their goal is not the goal of 1993 it's going to have to look different, and it's going to have to take longer. Belle Yoeli: So as more and more countries have sort of joined this, this move that we find to be unhelpful, obviously, a concern that we all have who are engaged in this work is that we've heard response, perhaps, from the Israelis, that there could be potential annexation of the West Bank, and that leads to this sort of very, very, even more concerning scenario that all of the work that you were discussing before, around the Abraham Accords, could freeze, or, perhaps even worse, collapse. What's your analysis on that scenario? How concerned should we be based on everything that you know now and if not that scenario? What else should we be thinking about? Dan Shapiro: We should be concerned. I was actually in Israel, when the UAE issued their announcement about four weeks ago that annexation in the West Wing could be a red line, and I talked to a very senior UAE official and tried to understand what that means, and they aren't, weren't prepared to or say precisely what it means. It doesn't necessarily mean they're going to break off relations or end the Abraham Accords, but that they would have to respond, and there's a limited range of options for how one could respond, with moving ambassadors or limiting flights or reducing certain kinds of trade or other visits. Nothing good, nothing that would help propel forward the Abraham accords and that particular critical bilateral relationship in a way that we wanted to so I think there's risk. I think if the UAE would take that step, others would probably take similar steps. Egypt and Jordan have suggested there would be steps. So I think there's real risk there, and I think it's something that we should be concerned about, and we should counsel our Israeli friends not to go that route. There are other ways that they may respond. In fact, I think we've already seen the Trump administration, maybe as a proxy, make some kind of moves that try to balance the scales of these unilateral recognitions. But that particular one, with all of the weight that it carries about what how it limits options for future endpoints, I think would be very, very damaging. And I don't think I'm the only one. Just in the last hour and a half or so, President Trump, sitting in the Oval Office, said very publicly that he, I think you said, would not allow Netanyahu to do the Analyze annexation of the West Bank. I think previously, it was said by various people in the administration that it's really an Israeli decision, and that the United States is not going to tell them what to do. And that's perfectly fine as a public position, and maybe privately, you can say very clearly what you think is the right course, he's now said it very publicly. We'll see if he holds to that position. But he said it, and I think given the conversations he was having with Arab leaders earlier this week, given the meeting, he will have his fourth meeting. So it's obviously a very rich relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday, I think it's clear what he believes is necessary to get to the end of this war and not leave us in a worse position for trying to get back on the road to his goals. His goals of expanding the Abraham accords his great achievement from the first term, getting Saudi Arabia to normalize relations, of course, getting hostages released and getting Arabs involved in the reconstruction of Gaza in a way that Gaza can never become the threat it was again on October 7, those are his goals. They'll be well served by the end of the war that I described earlier, and by avoiding this cycle that you're referencing. Belle Yoeli: Putting aside the issue of unilateral recognition, I think we've seen in our work with our Israeli counterparts, sort of differences in the political establish. Around how important it is in thinking about the day after and seeing movement on the Palestinian issue. And we've seen from some that they perhaps make it out that it's not as important that the Palestinian having movement towards a political path. It's not necessarily a have to be front and center, while others seem to prioritize it. And I think in our work with Arab countries, it's very clear that there does have to be some tangible movement towards the political aspirations for the Palestinian for there to really be any future progress beyond the Abraham accords. What's your take? Dan Shapiro: My take is that the Arab states have often had a kind of schizophrenic view about the Palestinian issue. It's not always been, maybe rarely been their highest priority. They've certainly had a lot of disagreements with and maybe negative assessments of Palestinian leaders, of course, Hamas, but even Palestinian Authority leaders. And so, you know, it's possible to ask the question, or it has been over time, you know, how high do they prioritize? It? Certainly those countries that stepped forward to join the Abraham accords said they were not going to let that issue prevent them from advancing their own interests by establishing these productive bilateral relations with Israel, having said that there's no question that Arab publics have been deeply, deeply affected by the war in Gaza, by the coverage they see they unfortunately, know very little about what happened on October 7, and they know a lot about Israeli strikes in Gaza, civilian casualties, humanitarian aid challenges, and so that affects public moods. Even in non democratic countries, leaders are attentive to the views of their publics, and so I think this is important to them. And every conversation that I took part in, and I know my colleagues in the Biden administration with Arab states about those day after arrangements that we wanted them to participate in, Arab security forces, trainers of Palestinian civil servants, reconstruction funding and so forth. They made very clear there were two things they were looking for. They were looking for a role for the Palestinian Authority, certainly with room to negotiate exactly what that role would be, but some foothold for the Palestinian Authority and improving and reforming Palestinian Authority, but to have them be connected to that day after arrangement in Gaza and a declared goal of some kind of Palestinian state in the future. I think there was a lot of room in my experience, and I think it's probably still the case for flexibility on the timing, on the dimensions, on some of the characteristics of that outcome. And I think a lot of realism among some of these Arab leaders that we're not talking about tomorrow, and we're not talking about something that might have been imagined 20 or 30 years ago, but they still hold very clearly to those two positions as essentially conditions for their involvement in getting to getting this in. So I think we have to take it seriously. It sounds like President Trump heard that in his meeting with the Arab leaders on Tuesday. It sounds like he's taking it very seriously. Belle Yoeli: I could ask many more questions, but I would get in trouble, and you've given us a lot to think about in a very short amount of time. Ambassador Shapiro, thank you so much for being with us. Dan Shapiro: Thank you. Thank you everybody. Manya Brachear Pashman: As you heard, Ambassador Shapiro served under President Obama. Now AJC's Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson speaks with Jason Greenblatt, who served under President Trump. But don't expect a counterpoint. Despite their political differences, these two men see eye to eye on quite a bit. Jason Isaacson: Jason first, thank you for the Abraham Accords. The work that you did changed the history of the Middle East. We are so full of admiration for the work of you and your team. Jared Kushner. Of course, President Trump, in changing the realities for Israel's relationship across the region and opening the door to the full integration of Israel across the region. It's an unfinished work, but the work that you pioneered with the President, with Jared, with the whole team, has changed the perspective that Israel can now enjoy as it looks beyond the immediate borders, Jordan and Egypt, which has had relations with a quarter a century or more, to full integration in the region. And it's thanks to you that we actually are at this point today, even with all the challenges. So first, let me just begin this conversation by just thanking you for what you've done. Jason Greenblatt: Thank you. Thank you, and Shana Tova to everybody, thank you for all that you do. Jason Isaacson: Thank you. So you were intimately involved in negotiations to reach normalization agreements between Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Kingdom of Bahrain, of course, the United Arab Emirates. Can you take us behind the scenes of these negotiations? At what point during the first term of President Trump did this become a priority for the administration, and when did it seem that it might actually be a real possibility? Jason Greenblatt: So I have the benefit, of course, of looking backward, right? We didn't start out to create the Abraham Accords. We started out to create peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, which, as Dan knows, and so many people here know, including you Jason, seems to be an impossible task. But I would say that if I follow the breadcrumbs, my first meeting with Yousef Al Otaiba was a lunch, where it was the first time I actually ever met an Emirati, the first time I understood the psychology of the Emiratis. And others. I realized that the world had changed tremendously. Everything that you heard about anti-Israel wasn't part of the conversation. I'll go so far as to say, when I went to the Arab League Summit that took place in Jordan in March of 2017 where I met every foreign minister. And I'm not going to tell you that I loved many of those meetings, or 85% of the conversation, where it wasn't exactly excited about Israel and what Israel stood for. There were so many things in those conversations that were said that gave me hope. So it was multiple years of being in the White House and constantly trying to work toward that. But I want to go backwards for a second, and you touched on this in your speech, there are many parents and grandparents of the Abraham Accords, and AJC is one of those parents or grandparents. There are many people who work behind the scenes, Israeli diplomats and so many others. And I'm sure the Kingdom of Morocco, where the architecture was built for something like the Abraham Accords, everybody wanted regional peace and talked about Middle East peace. But we were fortunate, unfortunately for the Palestinians who left the table, which was a big mistake, I think, on their part, we're very fortunate to take all of that energy and all of that hard work and through a unique president, President Trump, actually create that architecture. On a sad note, I wouldn't say that when I left the White House, I thought I'd be sitting here thinking, you know, five years out, I thought there'd be lots of countries that would already have signed and all the trips that I take to the Middle East, I thought would be much. Now they're easy for me, but we're in a very, very different place right now. I don't think I ever would have envisioned that. Jason Isaacson: Thank you. The administration has talked a great deal about expanding the Abraham Accords, of course, and as have we. Indeed, at an AJC program that we had in Washington in February with Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, he talked publicly for the first time about Lebanon and Syria joining the Accords. Obviously, with both of those countries, their new political situation presents new possibilities. However, the ongoing war in Gaza, as we've been discussing with Ambassador Shapiro, and Israel's actions, including most recently striking Hamas in Doha, have further isolated Israel in the region and made an expansion of the accords harder to envision. At least, that's the way it seems. Given the current situation in the Middle East. Do you think the Trump administration can be successful in trying to broker new agreements, or do the current politics render that impossible in the short term? How hopeful are you? Jason Greenblatt: So I remain hopeful. First of all, I think that President Trump is a unique president because he's extremely close to the Israeli side, and he's very close to the Arab side. And he happens to have grandchildren who are both, right. I think, despite this terrible time that we're facing, despite hostage families, I mean, the terrible things that they have to live through and their loved ones are living it through right now, I still have hope. There's no conversation that I have in the Arab world that still doesn't want to see how those Abraham Accords can be expanded. Dan, you mentioned the Arab media. It's true, the Arab world has completely lost it when it comes to Israel, they don't see what I see, what I'm sure all of you see. I'm no fan of Al Jazeera, but I will say that there are newspapers that I write for, like Arab News. And when I leave the breakfast room in a hotel in Riyadh and I look at the headlines of, not Al Jazeera, but even Arab News, I would say, Wow, what these people are listening to and reading, what they must think of us. And we're seeing it now play out on the world stage. But despite all that, and I take my kids to the Middle East all the time, we have dear friends in all of those countries, including very high level people. I've gotten some great Shana Tovas from very high level people. They want the future that was created by the Abraham Accords. How we get there at this particular moment is a big question mark. Jason Isaacson: So we touched on this a little bit in the earlier conversation with Dan Shapiro:. Your team during the first Trump administration was able to defer an Israeli proposal to annex a portion of the West Bank, thanks to obviously, the oped written by Ambassador Al Otaiba, and the very clear position that that government took, that Israel basically had a choice, normalization with the UAE or annexation. Once again, there is discussion now in Israel about annexation. Now the President, as Ambassador Shapiro just said, made a very dramatic statement just a couple of hours ago. How do you see this playing out? Do you think that annexation is really off the table now? And if it were not off the table, would it prevent the continuation of the agreements that were reached in 2020 and the expansion of those agreements to a wider integration of Israel in the region? Jason Greenblatt: To answer that, I think for those of you who are in the room, who don't know me well, you should understand my answer is coming from somebody who is on the right of politics, both in Israel and here. In fact, some of my Palestinian friends would say that sometimes I was Bibi's mouthpiece. But I agree with President Trump and what he said earlier today that Dan had pointed out, I don't think this is the time. I don't think it's the place. And I was part of the team that wrote the paperwork that would have allowed Israel to . . . you use the word annexation. I'll say, apply Israeli sovereignty. You'll use the word West Bank, I'll use Judea, Samaria. Whatever the label is, it really doesn't matter. I don't think this is the time to do it. I think Israel has so many challenges right now, militarily, hostages, there's a million things going on, and the world has turned against Israel. I don't agree with those that are pushing Bibi. I don't know if it's Bibi himself, but I hope that Bibi could figure out a way to get out of that political space that he's in. And I think President Trump is making the right call. Jason Isaacson: So, I was speaking with Emirati diplomats a couple of days ago, who were giving me the sense that Israel hasn't gotten the message that the Palestinian issue is really important to Arab leaders. And we talked about this with Ambassador Shapiro earlier, that it's not just a rhetorical position adopted by Arab leaders. It actually is the genuine view of these Arab governments. Is that your sense as well that there needs to be something on the Palestinian front in order to advance the Abraham Accords, beyond the countries that we've established five years ago? Jason Greenblatt: You know, when I listened to Dan speak, and I told him this after his remarks, I'm always reminded that even though we disagree around the edges on certain things, if you did a Venn diagram, there would be a lot of overlap. I agree with how he sees the world. But I want to take it even back to when I was in the White House. There are many times people said, Oh, the Arabs don't care about the Palestinians. They don't care. We could just do whatever we want. It's not true. They may care more about their own countries, right? They all have their visions, and it's important to them to advance their own visions. The Palestinian cause may not have been as important, but there is no way that they were going to abandon the Palestinians back then, and I don't think the UAE or the Kingdom of Morocco or others having entered into the Abraham Accords, abandoned the Palestinians. I think that was the wrong way to look at it, but they are certainly not going to abandon the Palestinians now. And I think that how Dan described it, which is there has to be some sort of game plan going forward. Whether you want to call it a state, which, I don't like that word, but we can't continue to live like this. I'm a grandfather now of three. I don't want my grandchildren fighting this fight. I really don't. Is there a solution? Okay, there's a lot of space between what I said and reality, and I recognize that, but it's incumbent on all of us to keep trying to figure out, is there that solution? And it's going to include the Palestinians. I just want to close my answer with one thing that might seem odd to everybody. I'm not prone to quoting Saeb Erekat, who I disagreed with, the late Saeb Erekat, who I disagreed with just about on everything, but he used to tell me, Jason, the answer isn't in the Koran, it's not in the Torah, it's not in the Christian Bible, and the Israelis and the Palestinians are not leaving the space. So let's figure out a solution that we could all live with. So that's how I see it. Jason Isaacson: Thank you for that. One last question. I also heard in another conversation with other em righty diplomats the other day that the conflict isn't between Arabs and Israelis or Arabs and Jews, it's between moderates and extremists, and that the UAE is on the side of the moderates, and Morocco is on the side of the moderates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain is on the side of the moderates, and Israel is on the side of the moderates. And that's what we have to keep in our minds. But let me also ask you something that we've been saying for 30 years across the region, which is, if you believe in the Palestinian cause, believe in rights for the Palestinians, you will advance that cause by engaging Israel, not by isolating Israel. Is that also part of the argument that your administration used five years ago? Jason Greenblatt: 100%. I think, I mean, I kept pushing for it and eventually they did it, for the Israelis and the Arabs to engage directly. Yes, the US plays a role, and they could play a moderating role. They could play somewhat of a coercive role. Nobody's going to force the Israelis, or frankly, even the Palestinians, to do anything they don't want to do, but getting them in the room so there are no missed signals, no missed expectations, I think, is the key part of this solution. I'm still hopeful, just to go back to your prior question, that they could get the right people in the room and somebody like President Trump, together with Emirati diplomats, Moroccan diplomats and others. They could talk rationally, and sanely, and appropriately, and we'll get somewhere good. Jason Isaacson: Ok, look ahead. We just marked the fifth anniversary of the Abraham Accords. Will there be a 10th Anniversary of the Abraham Accords, and will it look the same that it is now? Jason Greenblatt: No, I think it's going to be better. Yes, I think there's going to be a 10th Anniversary. I think there will be challenges. But maybe the best way I could answer this is, when the, I'll call it, the beeper incident in Lebanon happened. Okay, quite, quite a feat. I was in a conference room at a client of mine in the Middle East. Most of the room was filled with Lebanese Arabs, Christians and Muslims and some Druze. And it was unusual for everybody's phone to buzz at once, because I'm usually following the Israeli and American news. They're following Arab news. All the phones buzz. So somebody stopped talking, and we all picked up our phone to look at it. And I'm looking at the headlines thinking, oh, boy, am I in the wrong room, right? And after a minute or so of people kind of catching their breath, understanding what happened, two or three of them said, wow, Jason. Like, that's incredible. Like, you know, I wasn't in the White House anymore, but they also want a different future, right? They are sick and tired of Lebanon being a failed state. Their kids are like my kids, and they're just . . . they're everything that they're building is for a different future, and I see that time and time again. So to go back to the UAE diplomats comment, which I hear all the time as well. It really is a fight of moderates against extremists. The extremists are loud and they're very bad. We know that, but we are so much better. So working together, I think we're going to get to somewhere great. Jason Isaacson: Very good. Okay. Final question. You can applaud, it's okay. Thank you for that. Out of the Abraham Accords have grown some regional cooperation agreements. I too, you too, IMEC, the India, Middle East, Europe, Economic corridor. Do you see that also, as part of the future, the creation of these other regional agreements, perhaps bringing in Japan and Korea and and other parts of the world into kind of expanding the Abraham Accords? In ways that are beneficial to many countries and also, at the same time, deepening the notion of Israelis, Israel's integration in the region. Jason Greenblatt: 100% and I know I think AJC has been very active on the IMEC front. People used to say, Oh, this is not an economic peace. It isn't an economic peace, but nor is economics not a very important part of peace. So all of these agreements, I encourage you to keep working toward them, because they will be needed. In fact, one of the fights that I used to have with Saeb Erekat and President Abbas all the time is, I know you're not an economic issue, but let's say we manage to make peace. What's going to happen the next day? You need an economic plan. Let's work on the economic plan. So whether it's IMEC or something else, just keep working at it. Go, you know, ignore the bad noise. The bad noise is here for a little while, unfortunately, but there will be a day after, and those economic agreements are what's going to be the glue that propels it forward. Jason Isaacson: Jason Greenblatt, really an honor to be with you again. Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman: In our next episode of the series, we will explore more of the opportunities and challenges presented by the Abraham Accords and who might be the next country to sign the landmark peace agreement. Atara Lakritz is our producer. T.K. Broderick is our sound engineer. Special thanks to Jason Isaacson, Sean Savage, and the entire AJC team for making this series possible. You can subscribe to Architects of Peace on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace. The views and opinions of our guests don't necessarily reflect the positions of AJC. You can reach us at podcasts@ajc.org. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to spread the word, and hop onto Apple Podcasts or Spotify to rate us and write a review to help more listeners find us. Music Credits: Middle East : ID: 279780040; Composer: Eric Sutherland Inspired Middle East: ID: 241884108; Composer: iCENTURY Mystical Middle East: ID: 212471911; Composer: Vicher
Today, Martha, Les, Jamil, and Jess break down the new Gaza peace plan unveiled by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House. The proposal, reportedly a 20-point framework, calls for an Arab peacekeeping force led by Jordan and Egypt, a governing council that includes the Palestinian Authority but excludes Hamas, and the release of all hostages. Trump has put himself at the center of the effort, touting a role as Chairman of the Board of Peace, while Arab states like Qatar and Turkey have signaled openness to the plan.Is this really a breakthrough or just a reshuffling of familiar proposals? Does Trump's personal stake give the plan greater chances of success—or just raise the political risks if it fails? And with Arab leaders weighing their options after recent Israeli strikes, is this a moment for serious movement, or simply another round of the same stalemate?Check out these sources which informed our experts' opinions: https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-israel-hamas-war-gaza-708a08671b8842d7a7a5e250ec51351c @lestermunson@marthamillerdc@NotTVJessJones@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/Jh31GtHZhqE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, Josh exposes the real stakes from Monday's White House meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. He lays out why the U.S.–Israel bond is unshakable, why the Palestinian Authority can never be trusted with Gaza, and why Hamas will flat-out reject the so-called “deal” on the table.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Shutdown Likely After White House Talks Fail | NTD Good MorningWith just hours left before the government shutdown deadline at midnight, lawmakers remain deadlocked. Republicans are pushing a clean continuing resolution to extend current funding for seven weeks, giving Congress time to pass the full slate of appropriations bills. But Democrats are holding firm, refusing to support any bill that doesn't extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.War Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed America's top military leaders at the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday. He said that the department is “clearing the way for leaders to be leaders” and will be enforcing new standards, including for physical fitness and appearance.Global reactions to President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan are pouring in. Arab and Muslim nations welcomed the effort but stopped short of fully endorsing it. The Palestinian Authority signaled that it's ready to engage. Families of hostages called the moment historic, even as they remain cautious about the final outcome. Western leaders are urging the Hamas terrorist group to accept the proposal.
World leaders at the UN announce recognition of a Palestinian state; Trump unveils 21-point plan to end the Gaza war; Palestinian Authority demands £2 trillion in reparations from the UK & Rabbi Yossi Madvig leaves a New Year message to think about between now and Yom Kippur.Thank you to Perri Schwartz for contributing scripts to today's show and Bernie News Network for information and sourcing. Israel Daily News website: https://israeldailynews.orgIsrael Daily News Roundtable: https://www.patreon.com/shannafuldSupport our Wartime News Coverage: https://www.gofundme.com/f/independent-journalist-covering-israels-warLinks to all things IDN: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynewsMusic: Makom Prati; Edan Tamlerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I-i6LSV_jgRaviv Dermal: Tel. 0525185487 & on WhatsApp Instagram Raviv Dermal: https://www.instagram.com/ravivdermal?igsh=Z3RtNzZtMmEwNG1m
The former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail after he was found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to millions of euros of illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Also: the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas speaks at the United Nations General Assembly via video link, the BBC releases a film calling for international journalists to be allowed into Gaza, and Bolivia's former anti-drugs chief is arrested after cocaine lab was found on his property. Fake Labubu dolls make up 90 per cent of all counterfeit toys seized at UK borders, Zimbabwe's quest to become Africa's blueberry capital, and how yoghurt might have helped the late Maria Branyas Morera live to 117. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Subscribe to Inside Call me Back: https://inside.arkmedia.orgGift a subscription of Inside Call me Back: http://inside.arkmedia.org/giftsSubscribe to Amit Segal's newsletter ‘It's Noon in Israel': https://arkmedia.org/amitsegal/Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: https://lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': https://lnk.to/rfGlrAFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: https://instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: https://x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: https://tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode: Over the past few days, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and several other countries formally recognized a Palestinian State at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The practical implications of this “diplomatic wave” are yet to be seen, but the Israeli Government is taking the move seriously, as many interpret Palestinian recognition as a reward for Hamas' terrorism. Meanwhile, the IDF continues its operations in Gaza City. To discuss the implications of recognizing Palestinian statehood and the evolving situation in Gaza, Dan was joined by Ark Media contributors Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal. CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive ProducerMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer
With a government shutdown looming, the White House is threatening more federal firings. We have the latest on the shooting at an ICE detention facility in Dallas. Federal prosecutors are weighing up an indictment for former FBI director James Comey. The UN General Assembly is set to hear from the Palestinian Authority president today. Plus, how Jimmy Kimmel fared on his return to his late-night show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Join Jim and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch as they break down explosive news about a Chinese-linked plot centered around New York City. They also laugh as the Democrat running for governor in New Jersey cannot answer a basic question about her finances and Britain's recognition of a Palestinian state is not exactly met with gratitude.First, they applaud the Secret Service for disrupting a massive scheme involving hundreds of SIM servers and more than 100,000 SIM cards—an operation that could have crippled cell towers and emergency communications in New York City and around the U.S. And the initial investigation suggests the Chinese government was heavily involved in this plot.Next, they enjoy watching New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill squirm as she gets asked a very simple question about her amazingly successful investments since entering Congress. Sherrill, who is running for governor in New Jersey, reportedly made $7 million in investments, but she acts like she has no idea if that's true.Finally, they highlight the bizarre reaction to the UK's formal recognition of a Palestinian state from Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. Instead of gratitude, Abbas immediately demanded reparations from Britain for last century's occupation, and the suggested price tag is not cheap. Jim and Greg warn Prime Minister Keir Starmer that appeasing terrorists only leads to more demands.Please visit our great sponsors:Formulated for men, Caldera Lab upgrades your skincare routine. Visit https://CalderaLab.com/3ML and use code 3ML for 20% off your first order.Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and port your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3MLFind the right support that's right for you with BetterHelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3ML
Join Jim and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they marvel at Erika Kirk's powerful display of faith in forgiving her husband's killer, blast British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for recognizing a Palestinian state, and dissect two alarming incidents of political violence where officials seem oddly confused about the motives.First, they reflect on Sunday's memorial service for Charlie Kirk and the emotional moment when his widow, Erika Kirk, publicly forgave the “young man” who murdered her husband earlier this month. Jim calls it “one of the most profoundly Christian moments” we've ever witnessed in public life.Next, they slam Prime Minister Keir Starmer for effectively rewarding Hamas terrorism by formally recognizing a Palestinian state. Starmer insists this will remove Hamas from power, and reform the Palestinian Authority. Of course, he also blames Israel for the humanitarian problems in Gaza. Bottom line: he's not helping.Finally, they examine two recent instances of possible political violence where authorities seem to be confused about motive when the facts aren't very fuzzy. They discuss the California man who fired shots at the ABC affiliate in Sacramento and the guy who opened fire at a New Hampshire country club. In the latter incident, the gunman reportedly yelled "Free Palestine" before opening fire, but officials say it's unlikely that's what caused him to shoot people. Really?Please visit our great sponsors:Formulated for men, Caldera Lab upgrades your skincare routine. Visit https://CalderaLab.com/3ML and use code 3ML for 20% off your first order.Find the right support that's right for you with BetterHelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3ML
Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Magid discusses the draft of a developed proposal, formed by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, regarding a transitional body for post-war Gaza. He notes that Israel is still engaging with this topic and that the proposal does not call for the displacement of Gazans. As security talks in the UK between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israel continue, Magid says an announcement could be within days, possibly coinciding with al-Sharaa's upcoming appearance at the United Nations. The long-running 'pay-to-slay' program for the Palestinian Authority that critics claimed incentivized terror attacks against Israelis is over, according to Magid, with a new program instituted to pay people based on economic need. There haven't been any payments yet as the PA is out of cash and relies on revenues that Israel collects on its behalf, which Israel has been withholding over various issues. After US Senator Bernie Sanders used the term genocide to refer to the ongoing war in Gaza, Magid discusses that Sanders has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Revealed: Tony Blair’s US-backed proposal for ending the Gaza war and replacing Hamas PA document shows ‘pay-to-slay’ has been scrapped, new system in place Hostage families camp outside PM’s home amid rumored start to Gaza City ground op Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: Former British Prime Minister and Middle East envoy Tony Blair (center) visits Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip, in his first visit to the Hamas-run enclave since being appointed, March 1, 2009. (Mahmud Hams/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Friday's Mark Levin Show, a federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs was unlawful, which is absolutely ridiculous. This decision could disrupt trade agreements with countries like the EU, Japan, and South Korea which is not what Trump wants. It also puts at risk tariffs aimed at China, Canada, and Mexico, which were intended to curb fentanyl shipments in border traffickings. In addition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made the decision to prevent Palestinian leaders, such as Mahmoud Abbas, from participating in the forthcoming UN General Assembly. The genius of Rubio asserts that this action is in accordance with U.S. laws that oppose Palestinian statehood and impose penalties on the Palestinian Authority for financially supporting those convicted of terrorism. This decision effectively denies visas to high-ranking officials from both the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, although personnel at the UN mission will still be permitted to remain. Lastly, a group of Democratic influencers were offered $8,000 a month to join a secretive program run by Chorus, a nonprofit tied to a liberal marketing platform. These influencers are a problem; therefore, we demand to know how much make so we can put an end to their political funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices