In this interview, Dennis Prager questions Ambassador Friedman about the international and domestic responses to President Trump's Middle East peace plan. Friedman reports that the majority of Arab states—including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco—issued constructive statements praising the plan and urging the Palestinians to negotiate with Israel under U.S. auspices. He notes limited opposition, primarily from Iran, Hezbollah, and some criticism from Jordan. The conversation then shifts to U.S. politics, where Friedman and Prager contrast the enthusiastic reception from Arab governments with the strong opposition from the American left, citing figures such as Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and outlets like The New York Times. Friedman characterizes the plan as a historic, pragmatic effort and urges the Palestinians to engage rather than protest. The interview underscores the geopolitical divide between Middle Eastern acceptance and U.S. partisan criticism, framing the plan as a potential breakthrough despite domestic controversy.
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Now, what about, what was the reaction? I have not been able to discern this. What is the reaction among the Arab states of the Middle East?
I think generally it's been terrific. We had the ambassadors of the Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain at the ceremony yesterday.
That's interesting. That is very interesting, yeah.
The Saudis put out a very helpful statement in which they said that they believe the parties, the Palestinians and the Israelis, should negotiate. They should negotiate the plan, and they should negotiate based on this plan under the auspices of the United States. The Egyptians called the plan a serious effort that should be the basis for negotiations. The Emirates put out—I don't remember the exact words, but the Emirates put out, I think, maybe the strongest statement. All these countries are not saying that these are the specific terms that we want the Palestinians to accept. I want to be careful. They're not saying, this is the deal, take it or leave it. But what they're saying is a lot of work went into this, a lot of thought went into to it. There are a lot of good things in it, and they're encouraging the Palestinians to engage with Israel if they have issues and they want to make it better. We've said very simply, the Palestinians don't like certain things, they should sit down with Israel and discuss it. They're certainly not going to get any more by holding a day of rage.
Right. That's the usual reaction. What other than the Palestinians and I presume Hezbollah in Lebanon. Who in the Arab world or in the Muslim world condemned the agreement?
I think the Iranians did. Yeah, naturally.
Well, that's Hezbollah.
Yeah, go on. As far as I can tell, I don't think— I think the Jordanians were critical. I don't know if they condemned it, but they were critical. But apart from the Jordanians, no, no one condemned it. Many were very constructive. I didn't mention Morocco. Morocco put out, I think, a very constructive statement. So So let's just, you know, kind of be clear about where we are today. We have a specific offer from Israel that has specific terms. And the overwhelming majority of the Arab world is saying, good job. You know, may not be perfect, but, you know, the parties should engage on this basis.
I mean, this is huge. People— that Saudi Arabia— look at the world we live in. Saudi Arabia, the guardian of the Muslim holy places. Is amenable to this deal, but the left in the United States, Elizabeth Warren and the New York Times, are not amenable to it. I mean, it gives you an idea of how far the left in America has gone.
Yep, yep. I mean, you should read the statement. It's really, it's really quite remarkable and historic. And yeah, I mean, it's frustrating. By the way, I think there's only one reason why Elizabeth Warren and Sanders and whoever else are against it. Because Trump thought of it. If Obama would have thought of it, they would be hailing this as the greatest advancement in the history of the Middle East.
Never has a greater truth been told. I know you have to go at 50 after the hour. I look forward to seeing you again. Ambassador Friedman, thank you for your time. Thank you so much, Dennis.
