The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: U.N. Sec. Gen. Shamefully Blasts Israel & Senate Considers Jack Lew-Key Player in Disastrous Obama Iran Deal-to be Ambassador to Israel Release Date: October 25, 2023

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a deep and critical conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, focusing on the United Nations' recent stance on Israel, the controversial nomination of Jack Lew as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. The discussion delves into the rising anti-Semitism, the impact of past and present U.S. policies on Middle Eastern stability, and the urgent need for leadership that unequivocally supports Israel.

1. UN Secretary-General’s Controversial Remarks

The episode kicks off with a heated exchange about the recent statements made by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Senator Cruz criticizes the UN as a longstanding entity fostering anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments.

• Ben Ferguson (00:01): Introduces the topic by highlighting the UN Secretary-General's "shocking words" and Israel's call for his resignation.

• Senator Ted Cruz (00:32): States, “The United Nations has long been a pit of Israel hatred and anti-Semitism... All that being said, the behavior of the Secretary General this week was shameful even by the standards of the United Nations."

A clip of Guterres condemning Hamas attacks is played, after which Cruz dissects the statement, arguing that it fails to fully condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas:

• Cruz (05:52): Critiques Guterres for only condemning the "targeting of civilians or firing rockets," omitting the severity of the violence, including atrocities like the rape of women and children.

2. Analysis of Guterres’s Statement

Cruz elaborates on how Guterres's remarks create a moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel, which he finds unacceptable.

• Cruz (07:30): Points out the cold language used by Guterres, such as "treated humanely" for hostages, which Cruz finds insufficient given the brutal actions of Hamas.

He also challenges the Secretary-General’s narrative of Palestinian suffering, asserting that Gaza is not under Israeli occupation and that Hamas itself is responsible for Gaza's hardships:

• Cruz (07:55): Argues, “Gaza is not subject to occupation, suffocating or otherwise. Israel left Gaza... The only people occupying Gaza is Hamas.”

3. The Nomination of Jack Lew as U.S. Ambassador to Israel

A significant portion of the episode centers on Senator Cruz’s questioning of Jack Lew’s suitability for the ambassadorial role, given his involvement in the Obama administration's Iran policies.

• Cruz (20:54): Highlights Lew’s role in the Obama Iran nuclear deal, stating, “The Obama Iran nuclear deal was spectacularly foolish. It resulted in over $100 billion going to Iran... Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.”

Cruz contends that Lew’s actions have directly contributed to the current instability in the Middle East, including funding Hamas:

• Cruz (23:11): Connects Lew’s policy decisions to the proliferation of Hamas drones and rockets, asserting that Lew is partly responsible for the ongoing terror attacks on Israel.

During the Senate hearing, Cruz presses Lew on his knowledge and approval of U.S. funding to Gaza, which Cruz argues has inadvertently supported Hamas:

• Cruz (27:42): Questions whether sending money to Gaza was a mistake, given the high risk of it benefiting Hamas.

• Lew (27:45): Claims ignorance about the specific funding decisions, deflecting responsibility.

Cruz criticizes this evasive stance, underscoring the need for an ambassador who staunchly supports Israel:

• Cruz (29:38): Summarizes Lew’s defense as disingenuous, noting, “He’s reduced to just dissembling.”

4. Biden Administration’s Foreign Policy and Its Impact

The discussion shifts to the Biden administration's policies, particularly the continuation of funding to Iran and Gaza, which Cruz argues have destabilized the region and empowered terrorist organizations.

• Cruz (24:36): Details how Biden’s administration has perpetuated the Obama-era policies, leading to increased Iranian support for Hamas and subsequent attacks on Israel.

Cruz emphasizes the lack of accountability within the administration, pointing out the failure to address the consequences of these policies:

• Cruz (28:00): Accuses the administration of prioritizing political agendas over national security, resulting in the undermining of Israel’s safety.

5. Rising Anti-Semitism in America

A critical and urgent segment of the episode addresses the surge in anti-Semitic incidents in the United States, which Cruz links to campus radicals and the broader leftist agenda.

• Cruz (44:15): Highlights the White House’s inadequate response to anti-Semitism, stating, “Jewish communities across this country have a level of concern and a level of fear unlike any time I’ve ever seen.”

He recounts personal stories and reports of increased threats against Jewish Americans, countering the White House's claims of no credible threats:

• Cruz (47:37): Shares a firsthand account from a Jewish friend near Times Square, who reported heightened security alerts and fears of violence.

Cruz criticizes the White House for downplaying these threats and failing to provide necessary protections:

• Cruz (44:31): Mocks the White House's response by referencing satirical headlines that mirror the administration’s mischaracterizations of anti-Semitism as Islamophobia.

6. Call to Action for Listeners

Throughout the episode, Senator Cruz urges listeners to actively support Israel and combat anti-Semitism by holding American politicians accountable and sharing accurate information.

• Cruz (17:50): Advises listeners to “speak out for Israel” and emphasize that Hamas is solely responsible for civilian casualties, not Israel’s defensive actions.

He encourages the audience to share the podcast to spread awareness and counteract what he views as misleading narratives in mainstream media.

• Cruz (19:12): Advocates for sharing the podcast to inform others about the “open anti-Semitism” and the real threats facing Jewish communities.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ben Ferguson wraps up the conversation by reinforcing the importance of staying informed and vigilant against rising anti-Semitism and misguided foreign policies that endanger both Israel and American communities.

• Ferguson (48:07): Promises to continue covering these critical issues and urges listeners to subscribe and share the podcast for ongoing updates and in-depth analysis.

Senator Cruz reiterates the necessity for steadfast support of Israel and the urgent need to address anti-Semitism, emphasizing that the future of American integrity and global stability depends on it.

This episode of The 47 Morning Update serves as a rallying cry for supporters of Israel and vigilant defenders against rising anti-Semitism. Through incisive analysis and passionate discourse, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz aim to enlighten listeners on the complex interplay between international policies, domestic threats, and the unwavering need to protect Jewish communities worldwide.