So I'm curious from both of you, if you can just kind of maybe give me, what are some of the main feelings of Israelis surrounding the events of the last couple of weeks, whether it be the actual signing of this memorandum of understanding or just things that have been said in public forums?

I think the point that's most direct for Israel is the issue of Lebanon.

The cities of northern Israel are under fire from Iran's proxy Hezbollah.

The school students go to school and they're forced to hide on the ground with their hands over their heads as Hezbollah drones and missiles fly over their heads.

And that's why the IDF is establishing a security zone in southern Lebanon.

That's why the IDF has been acting against Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut.

We understand – I think there's an understanding of why President Trump signed the MOU and why it was a good idea to open up the strait to give a chance, the opportunity or the possibility of dismantling the nuclear program.

The other threats are much more distant, but if the Iranians decide to move forward with it and America isn't ready, then that could definitely become existential.

A- and you're suggesting then for what's the policy thesis you're advocating?

So, so we're gonna...

We call it, we call it, the policy directly is called disengage, withdraw, replace.

What does that mean? The presumption should be that the United States is pres- providing zero funding to the United Nations.

Again, on a case-by-case basis, whether it is, uh, the Security Council doesn't necessarily cost money, but whether it's a technical body or whether it's a specific area of the world where the United States feels the UN can do the best job of delivering aid, it can work with the UN, it can contribute there.

But the presumption should be zero funding.

The goal should be to separate functions from institutions.

Now it's got to happen

Is this going to be a bigger quagmire than it already has been? Is there just the general optimism on this? Is it overstated? Is there a chance that this really does come to fruition? Or is it likely to fall apart? How tenuous is this deal at the moment?

It's a great question.

Look, President Trump has already twice done what I think nobody expected with the Abraham Accords in 2020, which all the experts thought would be impossible.

And then getting this deal in which the 20 living hostages were released and Israel did not compromise on its security control of the perimeter.

So I wouldn't, you know, I think it's a mistake.

to doubt the ability of President Trump to get things done.

But from a practical perspective, as you're asking, the ceasefire was announced more than a month ago.

So if they continue along this path, do you see a potential rupturing of the alignments in broader Middle Eastern politics?

Do you think the events of the last days are going to push that forward? And, and what is the risk if, if they actually do it?

I don't think so.

My understanding is that President Trump still sees the Palestinian issue certainly in Judea and Samaria, the West Bank, as an Israeli security issue.

If any country...

I mean, countries have recognized, Spain and others.

But if a country like the UK recognized a Palestinian state following October 7th, it would be a very clear message that terror pays.

And following the terror attacks and the war, the Palestinians got a state.

They'll have recognition by courts everywhere.