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When the Saudis do their like cost benefit analysis, the normalization with Israel is no longer as beneficial as it was before October 7th, just in terms of the risk they're taking from their

population because the Arab population is very much incited against Israel right now by

pan-Arab media. But they don't want to give up on the other elements, right? This civil nuclear

program and the defense pact with the U.S. So the Saudis are really trying to push it.

And Trump, you know, he loves to make a deal.

A defense pact with the Saudis would mean selling a lot of arms,

which is something that he thinks is good for the U.S. to do.

And so I think he sees less of a downside

because he doesn't see progress happening, at least on that

element of the Abraham Accords right now.

It's 9 a.m. on Friday, May 9th here in New York City. It's 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9th in Israel.

As Shabbat comes in and Israelis get ready to wind down for the week.

We are releasing this episode slightly off schedule as we are trying to get some clarity and piece together.

A lot of the big

moving pieces, the new war plans in Gaza, the U.S. Houthi Agreement, and of course the Gulf

Summit and a potential New Deal or New Deal in the Works between the U.S. in Saudi Arabia.

I wish I could say the puzzle is now complete and we're here to deliver an

episode that explains it all, but it's not. The big piece in the puzzle, the U.S. Saudi deal,

is still missing and I actually think a ways away. But here's what we do know. On Tuesday,

during a press availability in the Oval Office, the White House, President Trump told

reporters that the total number of living hostages in Gaza dropped from 24 to 21.

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