Transcript:
Host: Now, for a military perspective, we brought in Eric Navarro. He’s the director of military and strategy programs at the Middle East Forum. Here’s more of what Netanyahu told Newsmax about how Israel is telling the civilians of Gaza to actually leave the area.
Netanyahu (clip): Leave the war zone. You know, we send them text messages, telephone calls, millions, pamphlets, and Hamas says, “You don’t go. You try to leave the war zone, we’ll shoot you.” And they shoot them because they want the pictures of dead civilians that they are causing put on Israel’s head. And that’s what you get in TikTok and the social media. It’s pathetic. They’ve turned the Gazans into human shields.
Host: So, Eric, how likely is it that Hamas will eventually release the hostages? We’ve heard a very negative estimate from Simone. What is your view?
Eric Navarro: Unfortunately, I have to echo Simone’s analysis there. I’ve been very negative on whether or not they would release the hostages throughout. It’s kind of tough stuff. The Israelis had, going into after October 7th, two war aims. They stated it. One is obviously to destroy and defeat Hamas. The other was to get the hostages home. Those two are in conflict and always have been because they limit—when you’re worried about getting the hostages back, it limits your war, the way you conduct things. On top of that, like you said, Hamas wants the pictures of dead Palestinian civilians. So they hide amongst them. They hide the hostages amongst them, and they want the Israelis to attack them and kill the civilians for those pictures, for the propaganda effect that it has. And you’re seeing it throughout the Western world. When your previous segment was discussing Zohran Mamdani, when you have major political candidates saying “globalize the intifada,” Hamas sees that and thinks that it’s winning the propaganda war.
Host: I think you’re right, Colonel. So, Colonel, I do want to ask you about Iran, though. Obviously, that overwhelming force that we used to take out their nuclear capabilities was a big part of the recipe for peace there. How much of that, in your opinion, sent a strong message to China? We know that Iran’s—most of their military capabilities and weapons actually came from China. I feel like the president was sending a message to Xi that, you know, we can come for you anytime we get ready. Make no mistake about it: The United States is ready, should you decide to move. How much of that was a message for the rest of the world, including China?
Eric Navarro: Completely agree. President Trump reestablished peace through strength by demonstrating strength and then reestablished strategic deterrence. Remember, our adversaries are watching our every move. They responded to former President Biden’s disastrous retreat from Afghanistan. You saw Putin invade Ukraine shortly after, thinking the U.S. wouldn’t respond and was weak. Well, this is the opposite, right? President Trump showed that he’s willing to go and take out Fordow and the other nuclear sites. And Xi and Putin and others have to contend with the idea that President Trump means what he says and will do what’s necessary.
Host: Yeah, President Trump doesn’t bluff. That’s for sure. Eric Navarro, thank you.
