The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Trump's Not Fetishizing 'Peacemaking'

11 snips
Oct 16, 2025
The discussion kicks off with Trump’s bold threats directed at Hamas, aiming to change the landscape of hostages and hostilities. Amidst political turmoil, the American response is examined, revealing a growing split among leaders. The hosts ponder if Trump is leveraging power for peace or merely exacerbating tension. They delve into the implications for U.S. politics, highlighting shifting views within the Jewish American community. The fallout of leaked Republican chats adds another layer to the controversial narrative, questioning responsibility in the face of radicalization.
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ANECDOTE

Elite Soldier Returns And Celebrates

  • Avinathan Orr, a freed hostage, surprised viewers by playing guitar and celebrating soon after release.
  • John Podhoretz noted he was a Sayeret Matkal commando, which was kept secret from Hamas.
INSIGHT

Withholding Bodies Is Self-Harm

  • Hamas's refusal to return all bodies undermines its leverage and risks further Israeli action.
  • The hosts debate whether Hamas misjudges its bargaining power or is testing Trump and Israel's resolve.
INSIGHT

Force As A Peacemaking Tool

  • Donald Trump pairs peacemaking with credible threats of force to compel compliance from Hamas and Israel.
  • John Podhoretz argues this marks a departure from prior US diplomacy by making force an explicit adjunct to peace deals.
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