From The New York Times, I'm Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily.

Today, President Trump says peace in the Middle East does not require a two-state deal.

That's a remarkable break from decades of American diplomacy.

Then, a Times investigation reveals that Trump's campaign team was in repeated communication

with Russian intelligence officials in the months leading up to the election.

What we know and what we don't.

And the president's controversial pick for labor secretary, Andrew Puzder,

has withdrawn his nomination. Why Republicans turned on him. It's Thursday, February 16th.

Did I have the honor of welcoming my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,

to the White House? During his presidency, Barack Obama's meetings with the Prime Minister of Israel

had a distinctly uncomfortable feel. With this visit, the United States again reaffirms our

unbreakable bond with our cherished ally Israel. The differences between the two leaders, both in style

and outlook, seemed unbridgeable. On Wednesday, in the White House, we saw a new relationship.

President Trump, thank you for the truly warm hospitality. You and Melania have shown me,

my wife Sarah, our entire delegation. I deeply value your friendship.

To be to the state of Israel, it was so clearly evident in the words you just spoke.

President Trump was focused on what he wants.

The United States will encourage a peace and really a great peace deal. We'll be working on it

very, very diligently. Israel, he said, will have to do its part. As with any successful

negotiation, both sides will have to make compromises. You know that, right?

Netanyahu repeated it, both sides. For Israel, Trump said, that means holding back on new settlements

for the moment. None of this was new from an American president, but what Trump said next was.

...