Can the Israel-Hamas Deal Hold?
About this episode
Negotiators Rob Malley and Hussein Agha — co-authors of 'Tomorrow Is Yesterday' — assess the Trump-brokered Israel-Hamas deal of October 9, 2025, which freed the 20 remaining hostages and paused the fighting. Both are skeptical of Phase 2: Agha quips 'deal, schmeal — in our region, deals do not matter,' arguing only achievable realities count, while Malley notes Hamas won't disarm and Israel occupies half of Gaza. They describe the Palestinian Authority as one of Israel's 'most extraordinary accomplishments' — subcontracting the occupation — a weakened, reactive body under 89-year-old Abbas. They outline three paradoxes: Israel is regionally stronger yet more vulnerable and isolated than ever; Palestinians enjoy unprecedented global sympathy with no state; Trump wields unmatched leverage with an erratic attention span. Agha argues Oct. 7 shattered Israel's security doctrine, exposing dependence on America. They warn Israel is sacrificing its future legitimacy, especially among young Americans, for present gains.