Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Biden Lead Negotiator Brett McGurk
31 snips
Jun 9, 2025 Brett McGurk, former White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, shares insights from his extensive national security experience. He discusses the complexities of recent U.S. negotiations post-October 7 attacks, emphasizing the balance between humanitarian concerns and diplomatic strategies. McGurk highlights challenges surrounding Israel-Saudi normalization and the implications of campus protests on international perceptions. His perspective on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict reveals crucial lessons about securing peace and the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
McGurk's October 7th Account
- Brett McGurk was at the White House on October 7th, 2023, as the Hamas attack unfolded, spending the entire night monitoring the crisis.
- He described it as the most intense and tragic situation he had ever been involved in, with rapid developments including multi-front attacks and threats of further escalation.
US Stance Prevented Larger War
- The U.S. commitment to stand firmly with Israel after October 7th was a strategic decision to prevent a broader Middle East war.
- McGurk explained that weakness in Israel would have emboldened adversaries like Hezbollah and Iran, risking a multi-front war.
Hostage Deals Key to Ceasefire
- A hostage deal was essential to ending the war, with early agreements focused on releasing women and children.
- Hamas broke a ceasefire deal by refusing to release young women, which led Israel to reject continuing the ceasefire.