MEF Executive Director Gregg Roman joins Washington Watch to analyze the announcement of a new National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the Trump administration’s push toward phase two of its Gaza peace plan. Roman explains why the proposed technocratic governing bodies lack real authority on the ground, warning that Hamas remains armed, entrenched, and unwilling to relinquish control. He examines Israel’s broad political opposition to the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar—Hamas’s chief backers—in the process, arguing that their involvement undermines demilitarization and reconstruction efforts. Roman outlines an alternative path forward centered on moderate Arab and Muslim allies, while stressing that without Hamas’s complete disarmament, any governance framework will fail. He also assesses the deteriorating situation in Iran, describing a regime under mounting internal pressure, economic collapse, and growing defections that could signal a decisive turning point.
PERKINS: Over the weekend, Palestinian and regional officials confirmed the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which the Trump administration says is a vital step toward implementing phase two of the president’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. More than three months after Israel and Hamas agreed to the plan, a ceasefire has largely held, and living hostages have been released. According to the president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, phase two moves from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. Joining me now is Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum, joining us from Israel. Gregg, welcome back.
ROMAN: Tony, it’s always a pleasure to speak with you.
PERKINS: Let’s start with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The administration describes it as a transitional technocratic Palestinian authority. What does that actually mean?
ROMAN: There are two bodies under what’s called the Board of Peace. The first is the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which on paper is responsible for day-to-day governance—water, energy, policing, infrastructure—essentially a cabinet-style structure. It’s headed by a former Palestinian Authority planning official. The problem is that none of them are actually in Gaza; they’re operating out of Egypt and have no real authority on the ground.
ROMAN: The second body is the executive board of the Board of Peace, which oversees international fundraising and coordination. While their roles are defined on paper, how they actually work together has not been implemented. Hanging over all of this is the reality that Hamas has not agreed to any of it, remains armed, and controls roughly half of Gaza’s population.
PERKINS: So are we skipping over the most fundamental issue—that Hamas was supposed to be gone?
ROMAN: Exactly. Hamas’s patrons, Turkey and Qatar, now effectively have representation in this process. Their presence shields Hamas. The president has been clear, and his envoy has been clear: Hamas must disarm completely. If that doesn’t happen, either U.S. policy prevails or Turkey and Qatar will face serious consequences for obstructing it.
PERKINS: How is Israel responding to Turkey and Qatar being involved?
ROMAN: With near-universal opposition. Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly rejected the current composition of the executive board and tasked the foreign minister with addressing it directly with Secretary Rubio. This isn’t just a government position—it reflects overwhelming consensus in the Knesset. Over 90 percent of Israel’s parliament rejects Turkish and Qatari involvement.
PERKINS: Why such strong opposition to Turkey specifically?
ROMAN: President Erdogan has a decades-long record of antisemitism, anti-Zionism, hostility toward Christians, and antagonism toward the United States. He has hosted Hamas leaders, accused Israel of genocide, supported jihadist groups, and openly pursues neo-Ottoman ambitions. Israel is the primary obstacle to his regional Islamist project.
PERKINS: But ultimately, this may be academic if Hamas never relinquishes control.
ROMAN: Correct. This is political theory, not reality. Hamas will not allow this structure to function while it remains armed.
PERKINS: So what’s the realistic way forward?
ROMAN: A coalition of moderate Arab and Muslim allies—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco—along with European involvement. Exclude Qatar, Turkey, and Islamist actors entirely. If that fails, Israel will be left with no option but to finish dismantling Hamas militarily.
PERKINS: Briefly on Iran—what’s happening now?
ROMAN: Iran is a collapsing zombie state. Tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands injured, mass protests continuing despite brutal repression. The economy has collapsed into bartering. Defections are beginning at the elite level. The regime is cracking.
PERKINS: What’s the tipping point?
ROMAN: A credible U.S. military posture—carrier groups, missile defense, and readiness to act. President Trump is positioning the U.S. to back the Iranian people if repression continues.
PERKINS: And Iran’s remaining capacity?
ROMAN: The regime still has millions it can mobilize, but today’s arrest of a former president and foreign minister for contacting the opposition shows panic. When former regime leaders reach out to the crown prince, the end is approaching.
PERKINS: Gregg Roman, thank you for joining us from Israel.
ROMAN: Thank you, Tony. Always a pleasure.
