Seizing the Moment

A billboard in Tel Aviv promoting a possible second Abraham Accords normalizing Israeli relations throughout the region (Yael Lavie).

The Middle East has already changed drastically in the past few weeks. 

The so-called “12-day war” has come to an end, the streets of both Tehran and Tel Aviv are starting to return to their bustling states, and life is preparing to move forward.

I’m careful not to use the phrase “back to normal” — if you ask an Israeli, nothing has been normal since Oct. 7th — and it won’t be normal until the situation in Gaza is dealt with and hostages come home. 

That’s where the focus has shifted to — and many hope that conversation can leverage a bright future.

Hostage situation

NewsNation spoke with the family of Guy Gilboa-Dalal this week. Like many hostage families, they want the conversation to zero in on those hostages who are still being held in Gaza.

“We can’t start the healing process that we as families need. That the hostages need, our nation needs, and the whole Middle East needs,” said Gal Gilboa-Dalal, Guy’s older brother. “It can never end or start until the hostages return.”

It’s a sentiment shared by many in Israel. Until the situation in Gaza is dealt with conclusively, Oct. 8th will not arrive. 

Friday in Tel Aviv, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum created a display outside the U.S. Embassy Branch Office, reminding the public that time is running out for the hostages. 

A display outside the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv (Hostages and Missing Families Forum).

“Already 630 days of unforgivable political abandonment. Only President Donald Trump can set clear boundaries for Netanyahu,” the groups said in a statement. “In front of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, a painful reminder was placed by the families of the hostages and concerned citizens: They are dying on us!!”

So, as everyone discusses nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, which both sides have admitted do not yet have a formal slot on the schedule, many in Israel hope the conversations will include hostages held in Gaza.

Almost all of those conversations to date have gone through Qatar, which has played a mediating role in these talks. NewsNation’s Brian Entin sat down exclusively with the Qataris this week to talk about the state of these negotiations. 

“Through the mediation that Qatar undertook, 133 hostages are home with their families. That is important to remember,” said Majed al-Ansari, official spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This is not a failed attempt at mediation. If you ask any of the 133 hostages today, did the Qatar-led mediation succeed? They would say yes.”

The grander vision

In Tel Aviv, a billboard went up this week showing Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing with leaders in the Middle East. 

That’s the big picture, the ultimate goal: A day when all the nations in the region recognize Israel and open up diplomatic ties. 

“We fought with strength against Iran — and achieved a great victory. This victory opens up a dramatic opportunity to expand the peace agreements. We are working on this vigorously,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Alongside the release of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas, there is a window of opportunity here that must not be missed. We must not waste even a single day.”

He said it rather bluntly there: “There is a window of opportunity here that must not be missed.”

That is the gravity of the situation we are presently in. The Middle East, and for that matter, the world, is on the verge of changing like never before. 

All of these moving pieces are separate yet connected.

Trump wants a new Abraham Accords, and Saudi Arabia is a top priority.

Saudi Arabia does not want to make a move toward this until the situation in Gaza, and more broadly, the Palestinian statehood issue, is dealt with.

Israelis don’t want to conclude the situation in Gaza until security is restored in the region.

Iran is broadly viewed as the ultimate puppet master when it comes to destabilizing and threatening security. 

The White House wants to keep communication lines with Iran open to diminish that destabilizing factor. 

See what I mean? Every move hinges upon the previous. 

We’ll be watching each move carefully, but make no mistake about it: this is a potential watershed moment in history. 

Thanks to all of you who have written in the last few days. Your words mean so much. You can continue following along on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for all my updates. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I value your support.