Weekly Update: Nachum Segal and Malcolm Hoenlein Discuss the Latest News

Malcolm Hoenlein is with us. Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations. We call this the weekly update. Mr. Hoenlein, a pleasure to welcome you back to JM in the AM. >> Yeah, good to be with you as always. >> Appreciate that. And we'll get to the serious news, and there is plenty of serious news, but I did say that I would start with this. Not a quiz. I'm not quizzing you. I just found it funny and interesting. I'm in Israel this week, and I uh I turn on, of course, Israeli television as I tend to do. See what's happening. Check out what's going on in terms of all the uh interesting news and the latest developments. And the craze uh all over the news channels this week, Malcolm, as you know, was the Likud primaries. You're familiar with that, right? >> I've heard about it. >> So, now, these days, what's different about television these days as opposed to the old days? Now, we've got this crawl at the bottom of the screen that tells you the headline they're talking about as they're talking about it. Correct? >> Right. >> This crawl >> [laughter] >> This crawl has the words starting at the start of the at the front of the line here, at the beginning of the sentence, "Primaries Likud." And I took I took a picture because I said to myself that you and I and many others until today until today have been curious, how do you spell primaries in Hebrew? And I wish I wish our Fred Meyer Weingarten would have been around this week for this one. I would have had a half hour on the air with him on this one. Anyway, I'm not quizzing you. I'm not quizzing you. I just want to get this out of the way cuz I told the listeners yesterday when I got back that I would do this. Primaries, pay reish, yod yod, mem reish, yod zayin. And there it is, Malcolm. The question for you and for everybody has been answered. >> [laughter] >> It did Right. It shows the It shows how un-Israeli it is to have primaries that when you know, but the the um I you know, I've seen it before. I've seen it on on in the Hebrew thing, but the It is time that they came up with a word for it. >> Nice. Maybe we could uh maybe we could uh lead the charge on that uh campaign. Maybe that will be one that will actually be effective since so many others unfortunately go by the wayside. There is a lot of serious news this week, folks, obviously, and we will start with a story that um again captivates the Jewish heart around the world. And Malcolm, uh I just want your reaction to it because I'm sure it's similar to all of our reaction to it. The remains of Yehuda Katz were located, brought home for Kevura 44 years later. Uh those of us who went to Kerem B'Yavneh always felt a special connection. We have people here. Robert Katz is his first cousin. Yishai Herzog, president of Kedem Wine, is his first cousin. There's always been an American connection to all this, even stronger than uh with some of the other POW MIAs. And of course, the funeral took place in the military section of Har HaZeitim of the Mount of Olives earlier this morning. Your reaction to this development uh regarding the uh burial now of Yehuda Katz. Well, like the return of uh uh Na'aman Frankel that he the the returns of of um those who stood and defended Israel and who you know, were true heroes uh and all but forgotten uh I have to say that you know, uh we worked very hard with the families. They were some of them literally lived in their offices for the whole time and until their death, they they continued the fight unyielding. And as you know, that was one of the reasons why I went to meet Assad in Syria. It was a primary reason in fact was to get the bodies and to get information on it which is too long to start for now but my heart breaks when I think about the parents. If you knew how they literally devoted 24/7 to this campaign because even Shabbat they would go and speak in shuls they would go and speak other places. All the family so devoted to this because you know the Torah tells us that we that a family has no menucha they don't have any rest until their loved one come to burial until they actually get buried. And unfortunately they died without ever getting that at least that satisfaction of knowing that their children came back. And so it's it's especially meaningful and you know there are still unfortunately missing in action that have not been recovered and then and Israel continues no matter what to search for them and and the idea that we not leave no soldier behind continues and it's an important moral message and commitment to those those who are serving and to the families those of those who did serve. And so I am glad that there's closure in part and that people should go back and read about the battle of Sultan Yacoub. We saw the three of them on a tank in Damascus. There were there were pictures published afterwards. And [clears throat] Assad I mean of course they all denied it denied it. But this is really at least some point of closure for them. >> And as Malcolm refers to those who are still left behind Ron Arad captured 1986 and obviously Eli Cohen who was executed in 1965 and those uh, remain high profile people that still we hope their remains will be be brought to Israel. Um, you know, I commented earlier So, you know, we always wonder about how the government officials and military, um, heads in [clears throat] Israel you know, weigh the, um, the the risk and reward when it comes to sending the boys into battle. Because, you know, if you're the Prime Minister or anybody, we know with any type of, uh, you know, decision-making or if you're in the military and you're, you know, you have to make these decisions, uh, you would think, you you know, that you would think about it a thousand times before actually deciding to send young men into battle because, you know, for obvious reasons, because of what both both you as an individual and what you potentially could feel based on the results and obviously what their families would end up going through, God forbid, et cetera, et cetera. And you wonder how seriously those who make these decisions take, uh, these decisions. And I think that this attitude of, uh, no man left behind, doing everything in our power to rescue Jew alive or dead anywhere in the world, State of Israel, military of Israel, you know, uncovering every stone to try to find where these people are. I think it's sort of I don't want to say justifies, but I think it's sort of, um, gives us a perspective on the attitude in general. It can't be, Malcolm, and I mean, I assume you agree with this. It can't be that a people and leadership that takes what happened this week so seriously. It can't be that they don't take the original decisions of sending those into battle just as seriously. >> I remember seeing Rabin cry at a meeting he had with us when somebody asked him about the most difficult thing about being Prime Minister and he said making decision to send boys to die. I won't go through the whole thing, but when you realize that he said in the President of the States to make a decision, but he never faces the families. He said, "We see them every day. They're outside my house. They're on my street. I know many of them. And that it is a personal decision to have to send them and and to have to face them afterwards the immediate ramifications, which is not true for the president. There might be some demonstrations once in a while, but in Israel for in for an Israeli leader, it's a decision that in it is for their own children, too. And I I I think it's something that people forget. And we often let statistics replace the personal stories. And we should never let that happen. How how each one of them is a hero. And the personal stories of them will help remain keep them their presence alive. Remind us who they are. And and what they're doing for us, not just for them. And the the I I I will never forget Rabin's discussion of that and and seeing tears in his eyes about coming out and every day when you walk out of your house or I get in my car, there are the families of of somebody who served. >> Yeah. And it's interesting because how many times have we when there when there have been hostage situations, obviously way too common recently. And back in the Gilad Shalit episode, uh you know, you'd walk by the the prime minister's home and there there'd be protest nearby and and there would be continuous 24/7 around the clock. And not just protest, but a presence. And this is something that he saw every single time. Every single time he walked in or out or drove in and out of his own home. So, yeah, you're right. There's something to be thought of in terms of that. All right. So, the news of the week, the prime minister and the Jared Kushner met in Jerusalem. There seems to be um some discrepancy about what the results of the meeting was. Apparently, the theme was that Kushner wants on behalf of the US wanted Israel to take small steps in Gaza to test whether Hamas is generally committed to disarming or not. Do you Do you have any type of definitive uh information about what Israel or Netanyahu's reaction was to the meeting with Kushner? >> I do not. And they've played it really close to the vest, which is something that's very unusual. And uh I've had some discussions, but I It's not information I can share because I can't confirm it. And uh I don't want to speculate like many do about these things. Um it's very sensitive. It's very important. This is not peripheral discussions. The fact that Jared again is playing a lead role um is very clear. Uh and I think he was there without Witkoff, uh although he was there with uh Tony Blair and the people and Mladenov, who is the um the ostensible head of the um uh the Board of Peace, uh as well as another representative from the board. Uh I don't think that the Israelis have much con- much confidence in the work of the board or its potential to carry out things and the you know, additional restrictions placed on Israel are are very complicated. Uh Israel is trying to accommodate and you see the orders that were given, which are very troubling to a lot of people, not to take offensive action. And the statements of leaders, military leaders, saying that our role along the border in Gaza and stuff was defensive. And so that you could have 60 attempts in a little over a week to probe the Israeli defenses and to have uh people cross over and Israel's soldiers given the orders not to shoot. Uh I I hope that you know, we're not seeing a repetition of the past, but but they they are trying to be sensitive to international order and to the to the that the blame for the failure, which is inevitable because Hamas will never live up to the agreement. Uh will should not fall on Israel as it is today, no matter what. But the the we have to remember the lesson of of October 7th and that when they are are testing things, they came, they stole some equipment, um engineering equipment and other things. And for many Israelis, this is causing um a lot of pain and a a lot of concern. And that the you know, on the other hand, we have to recognize the position Israel is in and the uh pressures that are are being brought to bear. >> I never even considered that. Is it possible cuz there was a report this week that Israel has pulled back somewhat, but but done it quietly. Is it possible that they are adhering and that Netanyahu is paying attention to Kushner and his demand and at the same time doesn't want the Israeli public, who he wants voting for him, to know that there is a real pull back going on? >> Well, I don't think anybody these days can dismiss the impact of the elections on decisions that are being made, especially because they are so close. I mean, there's there's no clear winner right now and uh and they could as fall behind somewhat. So, the uh that obviously is a major consideration. I think the people of Israel want to see the army be free to take the steps necessary to protect them, that they don't want to be put in a position again regardless of people can can run over. Remember, Hamas did not give up their weapons and I don't believe that they intend to give up their weapons and the international community can do what they want. now. They changed the rules and if you look at the outcome of the discussions as reported, uh [clears throat] they they it includes turning over the weapons, but not to Hamas and not to to uh uh storage houses that obviously they could raid any time, but to an international force that would ultimately destroy those weapons. And it's the removal of the weapons. It's not just, you know, some sham operation where they turn over the weapons or they the and Hamas reclassifies, you know, Kalashnikovs as personal weapons that people were allowed to keep, you know, certain arms for their own protection. That the the uh uh rules that are are are being set in this in the in the discussions and obviously concessions that they got. There were 15 points, I think, in the agreement. Um to me the most important was was about uh advance on the weapons and that the principle that Israel does not withdraw until the disarmament is completed or at least uh sufficiently underway for that to begin. Israel has insisted on it, rightly, that they cannot pull back because we know from history exactly what happens and how manipulative they are. We have not seen new leadership emerge in in Gaza at all that can take control and and and and enforce this. The border peace has not gotten the recruits. They have I think 100 from Morocco and one other country that pledged, but you don't really you have some training going on in Jordan uh for that quote police force that's supposed to govern uh Gaza, but we know that the tremendous number of weapons that have been uncovered tells you how much is is there and how much is in private hands and how much is in still in Hamas storage areas that have not been uncovered. >> Are there supposed to be Americans in that force? >> No, Americans are not in that force. Uh from the President Trump said they would not be. Uh Uh there would be some Europeans, Africans, and as I said Morocco. They They would be under the guidance of the Board of Peace. Um and the deployments are still very vague about what would happen, but they're not there. They just don't have the soldiers there. The people have not delivered on it. And so, you know, there are so many steps that have to be taken first. >> Do you think a guy like Tony You know Tony Blair? Do you think a guy like Tony Blair thinks it's a total waste of time? Like what what what do you think he's thinking as all this is going on the Board of Peace? And he's sitting at these meetings. >> I actually do know him and have worked with him in the past. I don't think he's playing that central role. He is He's good as a door opener and he's good to go when you travel to the Arab countries and he raises money prolifically for his own operations and activities, which >> [clears throat] >> I frankly haven't seen having a broad impact, but may well but but he's as an international figure respected and certainly very few amongst them that would Israel would engage with with any degree of of trust. So, his role is is symbolic, but also I think practical. The fact of the matter is as I said this to the Quarto, more important role people should go back and look at the 15 points and the agreements that were reached because they do meet some of of or many of Israel's concerns. But the fundamental thing is is the problem that Israel didn't agree to stop the targeted killings, it didn't agree to withdraw to the yellow line, it didn't agree to reduce the military presence, which ultimately would be uh, something to be uh, implemented. And I think the, you know, Mike Huckabee was there, was part of the discussions as well, as Miladinov, who's the director general, former ambassador, and a very good friend of ours, and uh, somebody who, uh, did speak in in was Middle East envoy at one point. Uh, so you have to look at the at the, uh, different, uh, parts in that they, again, the fact that the weapons will not be initially transferred to the, you know, technocratic government, uh, Palestinian government that's supposed to be created. So, uh, and they will be transferred to the, uh, US-led ISF forces for, uh, for destruction. So, these are all important parts of the, of of what really went on, but doesn't get reported very much. >> Could you imagine if that destruction's on public display? I mean, that would be some sort of >> of it would have to be because I don't think the Israeli people will have confidence in it if they don't see it because they know that all these things are going to be >> know if the enemy I don't know if the enemy could tolerate it. I don't know if they'll be able to tolerate that. >> Well, if they get paid for the weapons to get turned in, >> [laughter] >> they'll change the they'll change their minds. America's one and only Jewish moments in the morning radio program heard on listener sponsored digital radio around the world on the web at malcolmhonlein.com and on the Malcolm Honlein Network, and of course on the beloved NSN app. Malcolm Honlein's with us. We call this the weekly update. So, on the subject of misdirection, uh, because I brought it up regarding the, um, you know, whether Israel's actually pulling back or not. Um, could a similar thing be going on at the Strait of Hormuz? And what I mean is that as President Trump continues to what looks like stall through this process, you know, and every every week there's a new declaration about how he's handling it and how we're winning and etc. etc. etc. It it does seem and and there are reports that of the American the American military has been quietly operating a shipping corridor through the straits, the navy is escorting tankers in and out. Millions of barrels supposedly, you know, making its way. A lot of side deals going on whether it's the Iranians or the Americans or the Oman or the UAE are involved, etc. etc. Is it possible that the United States is just waiting this whole thing out because soon, if this continues, if what I just said is accurate, if this continues, soon it'll be irrelevant if Iran controls the strait. >> Well, I I don't think it'll become irrelevant, but I think you're making important point. First of all, the exports they admitted this week are down to zero. And and so a country that was dependent for its existence, its income largely on its oil exports had to acknowledge that it's it's been effectively curtailed. There was always some smuggling, there's always some little bits to get out, but the United States has done a job that again the media doesn't portray accurately. And the president is clamping down on the economic warfare, though many would have liked to see a more kinetic war and you can finishing the job or we're or at least taking sharper actions. You know, they did fire on on several boats in during the week and you had from Yemen, you had from others which against UAE shipping. The UAE has cut off all of its trade. So beyond the energy trade, the and income, the UAE was a major source of hundreds of of Iranians with businesses and trading and stuff. All of that has stopped, the trade between UAE and and Iran has been has been stopped and curtailed. The the So the the events at the at the in terms of the boycott, the United States stranglehold does work. It it does tell tell you that they have control of of the Straits of Hormuz. The threats against Oman coming from both the West and from Iran has [clears throat] sort of neutralized their role. There are shipping lanes that have been developed where United States protects and and some ships go through not not stopping in Iran, not picking up Iranian oil, but transversing You see still have hundreds of ships in the area that did not get through during the short time that the Straits were open and the Iranians also limit ships, especially if they have American and Israeli ships related ships are are banned and they will certainly reactivate that. This causes now ladies, this is an international waterway and as we remember from the Straits of Tiran story, those who are old enough to remember what led to the 60 war and to other conflicts when when Israel's lifeline was cut off from south the the story is the same here that that the Iranian efforts to control shipping and the idea that they would impose charges and other things. So it's not just a battle for now, it's also about the conditions that will obtain afterwards. >> And um the the when Trump goes ahead and declares the whole economic thing and as you just said, you know, this stranglehold on Iran actually could work. Is he meeting parenthetically, when Netanyahu comes here next month, is he meeting with the president? My point being, is this sufficient for the prime minister? Like is Netanyahu going to you know, consider this very close to what Obama would have done or will he say this is actually an effective strategy? >> Um again, remember it's going to be a little over a month before the election. >> Right. >> And people are going to want to see very strong statements. The prime minister will be here for time because between you people and Sukkot and you know, he has and you have the several fronts, the issues that um uh he has to consider because Gaza will will obviously be playing up very big and and will be a big issue between United States and and Israel and the international community and the continuing beating up of Israel on on everything. Um and I think the the meeting in Egypt that when the Jared Kushner went and met with Hamas, people were critical of it. Um he said I think this was the second time there had been such contact. >> Right. >> Uh but you know, we have to see that the the president hasn't you know, has talked about endorsing a candidate in the election in Israel. >> Right. >> I I I I I don't think he I don't think we should count on that. But a lot of things happened that were important. For one, you know, the one of the major sources of information in the background negotiations uh which people you know, was it was not done publicly, but those who who were involved in the backdoor channel through the regional government was eliminated and I think the um the question of uh what's happening with the IRGC internally, there are pressures to close it, there are pressures political pressures developing um between between them. You see Iran's warnings to Oman and the acts of desperation. I think they you know, they they are afraid by the way of an end to the war in some regard because and Rouhani actually said this the former president because they they They there'll be a civil war once the war's over in Iran internally that the a lot of the dissension and stuff will will erupt again. Uh it's not clear whether people after the events of last January when when 50,000 were killed as you know. Um and the the will will will will they be willing to go into the streets cuz you can be sure the IRGC will be there and they'll be vicious. They're executing people continuously yet you don't hear anything about that, no condemnations, no no uh concern being expressed. >> Right. >> And and the question is whether they they shift the offensive in the coming weeks. There's a lot to to be looked at >> [clears throat] >> um on those fronts. Do they continue to try to activate the uh their proxies? And then you have the parallel threat which we've discussed here from years trying to get people to understand that Turkey is more aggressive um moves uh also are very relevant. >> Um yeah, I'm sure that'll be a topic if he does meet with meeting of the Prime Minister meets with Trump. Um but just can we go back for a second to the with the Straits of Hormuz and what you confirmed, you know, after I asked you about the uh uh reopening of some of the channels, etc. Many of the Israel critical people, especially those that are, you know, accusing Israel of causing this whole conflict and bringing the United States into it, they continue to cite the shortage of energy that's imminent for the United States. We've gone through our backup supply, prices are going to be double what they are now. If it's $4 a gallon, it'll be $8,000 a gallon, etc., etc. Based on what you've how you responded [clears throat] to this, it doesn't look like any of this is really going to affect the supply of American oil of of oil that American needs. Am I right about that or not? Is it Is Is this completely alarmist and false that there's actually going to be a shortage down the road? >> So, first of all, America is energy independent. America's a net exporter of of energy. So, America itself should should not does not have to be affected. It means we can't sell on the market then the market goes up and companies oil companies tend to then take advantage of that circumstance when the international prices is up and then they can charge more, but the fact is that the supply is there. It is true that our strategic reserve is at the lowest point in 40 years, I think. Uh and um I think that the the um the you know, and we can't look and see Europe this winter going to into a a winter with shortage of of gas and people be freezing just like they're suffering this summer from the extreme heat. Uh and the and the needs for for Ukraine, etc. and Russia, which has sufficient oil for itself and is the biggest net exporter in the world um not being able to market its stuff is sure certainly selling as much as it can on black market. Um but Europeans are dependent on on Russian gas also and oil. So, you have a lot of factors that will come into play as they face a cold winter and the So, for the United States, it's a secondary thing, but but we a lot of what we buy the products the byproducts are made with uh uh petroleum uh products from abroad and in the manufacturing of plastics of so many things that are are you know, have components or are dependent upon petroleum supplies. So, it does affect things we buy. It does affect the global market and the demand and you know, the United States can't just uh gluttonously continue to to consume >> Yeah. >> Nonetheless, COVID caused more of a uh of a shortage than this war is causing. I'm talking about in general with the you know the types of supplies you just referred to. >> Well, with the with the resumption of fracking and using our domestic um uh resources and exploiting it, we have plenty of energy for Americans and for some of our allies. >> Back to the primaries with a pay for a moment. So, Likud is threatening legal action over these subsidized flights. So, what's the idea? The idea is that some people in Israel want to pay Israelis who live abroad to come back and vote. Is that outrageous in your opinion? Is this something that's common? What is this all about? >> So, it's they don't pay them as far as we know. We know they paid for their airplane tickets and they're encouraging people to sponsor a flight for somebody to come. Uh I think that it's for people living abroad if they're not diplomats and they're not serving in organizational or official roles, there are a lot of people believe that there shouldn't be um uh extended uh privileges. Although many countries do provide uh voting booths at official sites so that people their citizens abroad can participate. Uh the the um Israel does not allow people who are in official roles. So, they're saying we will pay for them to come because most of those abroad would be likely to vote center-center left. Um and in the past that this is not the first time it's been done. It's it it has happened in past elections. Remember this is the first time a government in I don't know 40 years lasted the full 4 years. >> That's right. >> So, you know, we don't have that much experience recently. But the the I have I know people who are involved in organizing some of these efforts. I've I have a lot of questions about it. It's certainly ideologically driven. It's not a you know just a democracy raising the flag of democracy to give everybody a chance to vote. Uh >> [clears throat] >> many people do and they used to for many years fly back to vote, which is perfectly legitimate thing to do if you're a citizen. You come back, you're there. But the idea that you you uh subsidize it and you know, you pay for people to come has raised a lot of opposition and all people feel that it's, you know, it distorts democracy. But it's uh you know, there are a lot of Israelis abroad. And so that there are flights that are being organized. There are And again, they were this was done before, but in truth, the numbers were very small. The impact was very minimal. >> We might be able to fact-check this somehow. But if I would have asked you on October 8th of uh 2023 if uh this government would have remained for the full 4-year term, what would you have said? >> No chance. >> You have funny >> But but I I would have said that in '22. It would have I mean, when they got elected, there was no chance, you know, cuz they didn't It hasn't happened. And and you saw Netanyahu governed uh the governments he ran were also short-lived. In fact, that they sustained uh >> [clears throat] >> against all the predictions, uh I don't understand enough of Israeli politics to ever be able to predict anything. >> I wonder if it's because >> say. >> But I wonder if it's because of the war or or coincidentally, has nothing to do with the war and that just this government just because of the numbers because of you know, the precariousness of the uh situation, it just survived. Do you think it's all war-related? >> It it I think it is related to the war. It's always a factor and you say, you know, you don't want to divide the country during the war. But I think that there are other factors. Number one, the weakness of the opposition. You don't have a strong leader. You don't have somebody who really rallies and can show that they can win, you know, 61 seats yet. Uh they come close, but they haven't, but it would have to be in coalitions, and a lot of people leave those coalitions won't really hold and that there'll be a lot of shifting of um of people, but you know, once the election even before the election. And we've seen, you know, people starting these new parties. You have a whole slew of of small parties being created. Whether it's just a position the leaders because they weren't going to get in in winnable positions, let's say on the Likud list. Uh because the Likud primary this past week, they have 140,000 members, and only half turned out. And of the 25 slots, eight uh were pre-position were given to Netanyahu uh to to populate. So, you were they were really voting over 17 >> [clears throat] >> slots all together, and then of course you have national elections parallel that which are independent of this. Uh and they they elect on members of Knesset on the national scale. So, you have um a very uncertain and and shaky political bases across the board. And And with the um >> [clears throat] >> movements that are taking place, and as the you get closer, it will become much more heated amongst those opposing Netanyahu and as well as within the Likud where those who didn't get winnable positions, including some well-known names. >> But the other stat well-known names who are accused of being aligned with the Brady uh community or others? >> No, others who who just didn't make the cut. >> Um the this the other statistic that everyone keeps talking about from the primaries with the pay is um last time was 58% and this time only 53%. It Do you think there's a lack of enthusiasm for the Likud party compared to the way it was 4 years ago? >> Absolutely. And I think for Netanyahu personally, and that there comes a point, you know, after all the years even supporters, you know, feel that that sometimes change in democracy is healthy, but nobody there is no leader that compares to him, I think, now that has arisen. So, people can't There's nobody around whom they can rally. If you had some strong personality, you would see greater dissent. But But on the other hand, there are people who still have great confidence in Netanyahu and see him as the leader. And I think some of his actions in the last days can be interpreted in that light. >> Right. >> Uh that he has to project a certain image and the the protection of the people right now, I think, the question of building their confidence in who can who can assure that their their security will be maintained. October 7th still is a cloud over everybody and deep scars. >> Uh August 21st, I will tell you who the dark horse is. Lieberman. Today it's Lieberman. Today he would get more votes than people expect. I don't know if you agree with that, but that's my impression. >> If you would have asked me who is a pivotal figure today, I would have said Lieberman. And not because he's going to increase his vote so much. Uh I don't think that's the issue. The issue is that he um could be pivotal in getting to 61 votes. And that he's a very shrewd operator. And um maybe with Eisenkot, they can work out a you know, rotation. They can work out something. But I think right now he is a pivotal figure. >> Yeah, someone made an interesting comment to me this week that um we know, obviously, national security was always the number one issue and continues to be. But now, domestic issues are seeping back into the Israeli electoral scene. Which makes sense because it's it's been getting very little attention, so to speak, you know, for the last couple of years. Uh and if that's the case, then obviously Not obviously, but if that's the case, many people think that Lieberman will deal with those situations better than Netanyahu, so see what happens. >> Yeah, but it's very divisive issues right now, and that's the greatest danger is when Israel is divided internally, uh, Haredi issues, other issues that are coming to the fore, and you need somebody who can be a unifier. So, Eisenkot and others are presenting themselves as those who can build the coalition. Gilad Erdan, others who are newer to see are saying that they can bring together different factions. I'm [clears throat] worried about, you know, the impact of this both post-election as well as now. Uh, >> [clears throat] >> and I think calls for unity that we've heard, uh, are not resonating that well because of the, you know, the deep resentments that have been, uh, created. I think the media has to play a more responsible role than they do. They generally haven't in Israel, but I think now under these circumstances, they really have to. >> Hopefully, they will. Thank you so much for all your time. Have a wonderful Sabbath. We'll speak, please God, next week. >> God willing, have a great Sabbath, and we have to talk about what's happened with what happened with Turkey this week, and we have to talk about the implications still of the the spreading influence of the Pakistani, Saudi, Turkey deal. Uh, so, we have a lot to talk about next week. >> Well, we have something even more important to talk about. You have your first Sabra in the family. >> Oh, that is the biggest simcha, and, uh, the first Sabra great-grandchild for us, grandchild and child born to our our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren who live in, uh, Ramat Beit Shemesh. He's attorney Mayor Stein, those who know the Steins who live here in Brooklyn, but he's the first that made aliyah, and, uh, she gave birth this week to, uh, to a baby girl. She's their third child, and it's, uh, a true simcha and a milestone in history of our family. It's something that previous generations wanted and tried to do during the war and before the war. In fact, my my parents were you know, both in Hashara and had the singular goal of getting to to then Palestine and of course Hitler had other plans in mind. So the this is a huge simcha for us and something to celebrate. >> Wow, amazing. Mazel tov. Pretty incredible. Have a wonderful Shabbos. Malcolm Hoenlein Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Friday 7:40 a.m. Eastern Time for the weekly update here at JMN.