United States Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz recently returned from a trip through the Middle East, where he heralded the significant strides made in implementing President Donald Trump’s peace deal concerning Israel and Gaza. Speaking exclusively with Fox News Digital, Waltz described the transformation in the region as “night and day to where we were a year ago.”
Waltz’s journey took him from the Lebanese border to the Syrian and Egyptian borders, encompassing Jordan, Israel, and more. He emphasized the main purpose of his trip: to observe the ground-level progress of the peace initiative. “We met with the Jordanians, the king, the prime minister and president of Israel—we met with our troops,” he said, underscoring the extensive engagement and communication involved.
The ambassador noted that around 100 U.S. troops are stationed in Israel—not in Gaza—to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and military coordination. “We have had air defense assets in Israel for quite some time,” said Waltz, emphasizing the importance of security in the area. The U.S. is playing a critical coordinating role among various entities, from the United Nations to NGOs and regional governments, ensuring aid reaches those in need.
Waltz brought attention to the collaborative aspect of the effort, remarking, “From an ‘America First’ standpoint, the United States shouldn’t be doing this alone.” He highlighted the significance of “burden-sharing,” which involves multiple nations participating in this peace initiative under Trump’s leadership.
Central to Waltz’s message is the peace plan introduced by Trump, which aims to transform Gaza into a de-radicalized area devoid of terrorist threats. This initiative proposes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian committee to manage essential public service functions. A pivotal aspect of this plan is the creation of the “Board of Peace,” which would oversee governance in Gaza and is chaired by Trump himself.
“The bottom line is this: this was not a big symbolic thing or deal for the president,” Waltz stated, emphasizing Trump’s genuine commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. He articulated that the new stabilization force—which includes contributions from countries like Indonesia and Azerbaijan—will aid in restoring order and governance in the region.
Waltz also reflected on the broader implications of the agreement, suggesting that it could open the door for further diplomatic advances, specifically an extension of the Abraham Accords, which aims for normalized relations between Israel and other Arab nations. “This unlocks the next round of the Abraham Accords,” he asserted confidently.
To illustrate the progress made within a year, Waltz contrasted the current situation with previous concerns: “You had Iran marching towards a nuke; Hezbollah launching rockets on Israel; hostages in tunnels.” He noted the transformative developments that have occurred, such as the release of hostages and the stabilization of Lebanon, characterized as the best opportunity in a generation.
Ultimately, Waltz’s remarks underline not only the tangible progress observed in the region but also a robust commitment to a new path forward under Trump’s leadership. His emphasis on cooperation highlights a renewed approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy, aiming to ensure that previous cycles of violence do not repeat. As he concluded, “It is truly incredible. It is night and day to where we were a year ago.” These words capture the essence of a hopeful outlook for the future of the region, driven by significant diplomatic efforts and strategic partnerships.
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