*Abstract* This webinar features a conversation between Ambassador Dennis Ross, former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, and Jeff Robbins, a partner at Saul Ewing. They discuss the current Israeli-Hamas war, the state of U.S.-Israeli relations, and potential pathways to peace in the aftermath of the conflict. Ambassador Ross emphasizes the need for a comprehensive "day after" strategy that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prevents a power vacuum, and offers a credible alternative to Hamas rule. He also highlights the importance of a regional coalition to counter Iranian influence and the need for a long-term approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially through a two-state solution with strict benchmarks for Palestinian governance. *Summary* *Introduction (**00:00:00**)* * Naomi Reinhardt, CEO of the American Society of University of Haifa, introduces the webinar and its speakers. * This is the second in a three-part series on Israel and World Jewry in a Time of Crisis. * Ambassador Dennis Ross, former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, is the guest speaker. * Jeff Robbins, a board member of ASUH and partner at Saul Ewing, moderates the discussion. *Ambassador Ross's Credentials and Expertise (**00:00:30**)* * Ambassador Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process for decades. * He helped orchestrate key agreements like Oslo II, the Hebron Agreements, and the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. * He served under Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. *Current U.S.-Israeli Relations (**00:07:00**)* * The current acrimony between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu is placed in historical context. * While there are genuine concerns and tensions, President Biden remains fundamentally supportive of Israel. * The administration has provided significant military resupply and diplomatic support to Israel. * However, there are questions regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and its commitment to facilitating humanitarian assistance. *A Credible "Day After" Strategy for Gaza (**00:13:00**)* * Ambassador Ross emphasizes the importance of planning for the "days and months before the day after." * A successful strategy must address the humanitarian crisis, prevent a power vacuum, and offer an alternative to Hamas. * This involves: * Establishing a secure and efficient delivery system for humanitarian assistance. * Providing prefabricated housing and infrastructure for displaced Gazans. * Forming a humanitarian board with international participation, including Arab states. * Engaging functional, non-political Palestinian bureaucrats and business people. * Reforming the Palestinian Authority to create a credible alternative to Hamas. *Prospects for a Two-State Solution (**00:22:00**)* * Ambassador Ross acknowledges that a two-state solution is not immediately feasible. * However, he believes it remains the only viable long-term solution to the conflict. * A future Palestinian state must meet specific benchmarks, including: * Rejecting Hamas and extremist leadership. * Committing to genuine coexistence with Israel. * Not being a source of instability. * Developing strong and functioning institutions. * Acknowledging the historic Jewish connection to the land. *Countering Iranian Influence in the Region (**00:27:00**)* * Ambassador Ross emphasizes Iran's role in exploiting regional conflicts and supporting proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. * He argues that the U.S. needs to adopt a more threatening posture towards Iran to deter its malign activities. * This involves: * Building a regional coalition with Arab states and Israel. * Conducting joint military exercises and demonstrating a willingness to use force. * Creating a regional integrated air and missile defense system. * Communicating a clear message that crossing certain thresholds will result in the destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. *Saudi-Israeli Normalization (**00:38:00**)* * Ambassador Ross believes that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is real and driven by Saudi Arabia's internal transformation and economic goals. * However, the current conflict in Gaza has complicated the process. * Saudi Arabia wants to see progress on the Palestinian issue before moving forward with normalization. *The Future of UNRWA (**00:45:00**)* * Ambassador Ross believes UNRWA should be phased out over time as it perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem rather than resolving it. * He advocates for a needs-based approach to assisting refugees and transitioning responsibility to other UN agencies. *Reconstruction of Gaza and the Role of Gulf States (**00:48:00**)* * Ambassador Ross emphasizes the need for a structured approach to Gaza reconstruction, ensuring demilitarization and preventing Hamas control. * He believes Gulf states can play a significant role in reconstruction efforts, but only within a framework that guarantees progress and accountability. *Potential Operation in Rafa (**00:52:00**)* * Ambassador Ross believes some form of military operation in Rafa is likely necessary to address Hamas battalions and smuggling tunnels. * However, he emphasizes the need for careful planning and evacuation of civilians before any operation takes place. Disclaimer: I used gemini pro 1.5 (2024.04.01) to summarize the video transcript. This method may make mistakes in recognizing words and it can't distinguish between speakers. Token count 12,663 / 1,048,576
great video- Frank - NY, NY
*Abstract*
This webinar features a conversation between Ambassador Dennis Ross, former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, and Jeff Robbins, a partner at Saul Ewing. They discuss the current Israeli-Hamas war, the state of U.S.-Israeli relations, and potential pathways to peace in the aftermath of the conflict. Ambassador Ross emphasizes the need for a comprehensive "day after" strategy that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prevents a power vacuum, and offers a credible alternative to Hamas rule. He also highlights the importance of a regional coalition to counter Iranian influence and the need for a long-term approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially through a two-state solution with strict benchmarks for Palestinian governance.
*Summary*
*Introduction (**00:00:00**)*
* Naomi Reinhardt, CEO of the American Society of University of Haifa, introduces the webinar and its speakers.
* This is the second in a three-part series on Israel and World Jewry in a Time of Crisis.
* Ambassador Dennis Ross, former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, is the guest speaker.
* Jeff Robbins, a board member of ASUH and partner at Saul Ewing, moderates the discussion.
*Ambassador Ross's Credentials and Expertise (**00:00:30**)*
* Ambassador Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process for decades.
* He helped orchestrate key agreements like Oslo II, the Hebron Agreements, and the Israel-Jordan peace treaty.
* He served under Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
*Current U.S.-Israeli Relations (**00:07:00**)*
* The current acrimony between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu is placed in historical context.
* While there are genuine concerns and tensions, President Biden remains fundamentally supportive of Israel.
* The administration has provided significant military resupply and diplomatic support to Israel.
* However, there are questions regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and its commitment to facilitating humanitarian assistance.
*A Credible "Day After" Strategy for Gaza (**00:13:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross emphasizes the importance of planning for the "days and months before the day after."
* A successful strategy must address the humanitarian crisis, prevent a power vacuum, and offer an alternative to Hamas.
* This involves:
* Establishing a secure and efficient delivery system for humanitarian assistance.
* Providing prefabricated housing and infrastructure for displaced Gazans.
* Forming a humanitarian board with international participation, including Arab states.
* Engaging functional, non-political Palestinian bureaucrats and business people.
* Reforming the Palestinian Authority to create a credible alternative to Hamas.
*Prospects for a Two-State Solution (**00:22:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross acknowledges that a two-state solution is not immediately feasible.
* However, he believes it remains the only viable long-term solution to the conflict.
* A future Palestinian state must meet specific benchmarks, including:
* Rejecting Hamas and extremist leadership.
* Committing to genuine coexistence with Israel.
* Not being a source of instability.
* Developing strong and functioning institutions.
* Acknowledging the historic Jewish connection to the land.
*Countering Iranian Influence in the Region (**00:27:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross emphasizes Iran's role in exploiting regional conflicts and supporting proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
* He argues that the U.S. needs to adopt a more threatening posture towards Iran to deter its malign activities.
* This involves:
* Building a regional coalition with Arab states and Israel.
* Conducting joint military exercises and demonstrating a willingness to use force.
* Creating a regional integrated air and missile defense system.
* Communicating a clear message that crossing certain thresholds will result in the destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
*Saudi-Israeli Normalization (**00:38:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross believes that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is real and driven by Saudi Arabia's internal transformation and economic goals.
* However, the current conflict in Gaza has complicated the process.
* Saudi Arabia wants to see progress on the Palestinian issue before moving forward with normalization.
*The Future of UNRWA (**00:45:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross believes UNRWA should be phased out over time as it perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem rather than resolving it.
* He advocates for a needs-based approach to assisting refugees and transitioning responsibility to other UN agencies.
*Reconstruction of Gaza and the Role of Gulf States (**00:48:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross emphasizes the need for a structured approach to Gaza reconstruction, ensuring demilitarization and preventing Hamas control.
* He believes Gulf states can play a significant role in reconstruction efforts, but only within a framework that guarantees progress and accountability.
*Potential Operation in Rafa (**00:52:00**)*
* Ambassador Ross believes some form of military operation in Rafa is likely necessary to address Hamas battalions and smuggling tunnels.
* However, he emphasizes the need for careful planning and evacuation of civilians before any operation takes place.
Disclaimer: I used gemini pro 1.5 (2024.04.01) to summarize the
video transcript. This method may make mistakes in recognizing words
and it can't distinguish between speakers.
Token count 12,663 / 1,048,576
Who decides when
world Jewry
Is in a time of crisis
Stop stirring the pot