Call Me Back - with Dan Senor
Episode: Netanyahu in Washington - with Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Call Me Back, host Dan Senor engages in an in-depth discussion with Nadav Eyal, a senior analyst at Yedioth Ahronoth, and Amit Segal, the chief political analyst at Channel 12, both now part of the Ark Media team. The conversation centers around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington, his interactions with President Donald Trump, and the multifaceted challenges facing Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza.

Netanyahu's White House Visit

Overview of the Visit

Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived in Washington on July 8, 2025, engaging in a series of high-stakes meetings with President Trump and other key figures. The discussions focused on several critical issues, including the Iran nuclear program, humanitarian efforts in Gaza, and potential normalization agreements with other nations.

Notable Discussions and Strategies

Nadav Eyal highlights the primary agenda:
“The first issue is Iran. Netanyahu's aim is to secure a commitment from President Trump that if Iran doesn't adhere to a strict nuclear agreement, the US will either strike Iran again or authorize Israel to do so” (07:27).

Amit Segal adds context to the relationship dynamics:
“The intensity of the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu is unmatched. Unlike conventional administrations, Trump is highly communicative, making his stance clear through frequent public engagements” (10:46).

Iran's Nuclear Program and US-Israel Relations

Strategic Alignment Against Iran

The podcast delves into the strategic partnership between the US and Israel in countering Iran's nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu seeks to reinforce a unified front, ensuring that both nations are prepared to act decisively against any Iranian threats.

Nadav Eyal emphasizes the depth of cooperation:
“Israel doesn't need a green light from the US because the relationship is such that actions are coordinated at a high level” (07:41).

Coordination and Military Collaboration

Dan Senor points out the extent of collaboration, suggesting that American assets may have played a role in recent operations:
“It was even more than greenlit. We're now learning of the extent to which it was coordinated” (07:50).

Hostage Negotiations and the Gaza Conflict

Current State of Negotiations

Netanyahu's visit also focused on securing a hostage release agreement. Reports indicate significant progress, with sources suggesting that “between 80 to 90% is already agreed upon” (07:41).

Challenges in Disarming Hamas

The discussion reveals deep skepticism about Hamas's willingness to disarm. Amit Segal asserts:
“The only way to ensure that Hamas disarms is through military governance and intense IDF operations, which the group is unlikely to agree to” (00:08).

Nadav Eyal further elaborates on the complexities:
“We are on the verge of a historic decision. Either we end the war, withdraw from Gaza, take all the hostages, and let Hamas remain, or we face the need for a military regime in Gaza” (35:52).

Humanitarian Aid and Governance in Gaza

The Role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on humanitarian aid, specifically the operations of the GHF. Amit Segal explains:
“The GHF has become a source for Hamas by channeling food and resources, effectively funding the organization” (18:02).

Proposed Solutions and Compromises

Nadav Eyal discusses potential compromises to sustain humanitarian aid while limiting Hamas's influence:
“Maintaining the GHF is essential for Netanyahu and his coalition. The compromise involves simultaneous implementation of truck convoys and food distribution centers to prevent Hamas from controlling aid” (18:02).

Normalization Agreements with Other Nations

Potential New Alliances

Netanyahu aims to secure normalization agreements with nations such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Nadav Eyal comments:
“Normalization with Indonesia could mimic the agreement with the UAE, while with Saudi Arabia, progress may be slower and contingent on ending the war in Gaza” (16:03).

Geopolitical Implications

The possibility of establishing formal relations with these countries signifies a strategic shift in Middle Eastern alliances, potentially isolating Iran further and strengthening Israel's regional standing.

Internal Israeli Political Dynamics and Military Strategy

Coalition Pressures and Public Sentiment

The Israeli government faces internal pressures from both the far-right and centrist parties. Nadav Eyal points out:
“The right wing is disappointed with the limited actions taken, while the center left feels too much has been done, creating a polarized political environment” (41:51).

Military Strategies and Challenges

The discussion critiques Israel's military strategy in Gaza, comparing it unfavorably to past operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Amit Segal highlights:
“Israel is missing the building phase crucial for establishing governance, making military operations less effective and more costly” (30:46).

Nadav Eyal adds:
“The current IDF chief of staff, Al Zamir, may no longer support the idea of a humanitarian city, viewing it as a precursor to a full military regime” (33:48).

Concluding Insights and Future Prospects

Potential Outcomes of Netanyahu's Visit

The episode concludes with reflections on the possible outcomes of the Washington meetings. Nadav Eyal anticipates a historic decision:
“Either we end the war with partial achievements or continue without a coherent strategy, risking further casualties and instability” (37:10).

Final Remarks by Guests

Amit Segal emphasizes the need for a clear and sustainable plan to resolve the Gaza conflict:
“Without separating Hamas from humanitarian aid and the population, nothing will change. We need concrete steps like emigration and the establishment of a humanitarian city” (43:09).

Dan Senor wraps up the discussion by highlighting the complexity of the situation and the uncertain path ahead for Israel and the broader region.

Key Takeaways

• US-Israel Alliance: Strong strategic partnership focused on countering Iran's nuclear ambitions and ensuring regional security.

• Hostage Negotiations: Significant progress reported, but deep-rooted challenges persist in fully resolving hostage situations and disarming Hamas.

• Humanitarian Aid Dynamics: Efforts to provide aid in Gaza are complicated by Hamas's control and utilization of aid for its purposes.

• Normalization Efforts: Potential agreements with Indonesia and Saudi Arabia could reshape Middle Eastern alliances, though challenges remain.

• Internal Israeli Politics: Polarized political environment influenced by military strategies and coalition dynamics, with significant public and political pressures.

• Future Prospects: Critical decisions looming that will determine the course of the Gaza conflict and Israel's regional posture.

Notable Quotes

• Amit Segal (00:08): “The only way to make sure that Hamas disarms is if you have a military governance of the Israelis of the Gaza Strip...”

• Nadav Eyal (07:27): “The first issue is Iran. Netanyahu's aim is very simple. He wants to get a commitment from President Trump...”

• Dan Senor (10:46): “Unlike most presidencies, the President is rarely available to the press... But Trump is highly communicative..."

• Nadav Eyal (35:52): “Hamas agrees to this, there is no difference between Lieberman, Bennett, Yargolan, and Prime Minister Netanyahu...”

Conclusion

This episode of Call Me Back provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate political and military landscape surrounding Israel's current challenges. Through insightful discussions with Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Netanyahu's strategic moves, the complexities of hostage negotiations, and the broader geopolitical implications in the Middle East.

For those interested in the ongoing developments and the future trajectory of Israel's policies, this episode offers invaluable perspectives and in-depth analysis.

Produced and edited by Lon Benatar, with sound and video editing by Martin Huergo and Mariangelis Burgos. Directed by Maya Rakoff and researched by Gabe Silverstein. Music composed by Yuval Semo.