Ambassador Michael Waltz recently returned from an intensive journey through the Middle East, witnessing what he describes as a dramatic shift in the region’s trajectory. His assessment, delivered shortly after his return, paints a picture vastly different from the landscape of just one year prior.
Waltz’s travels took him across a volatile arc, from the Lebanese and Syrian borders to Egypt, Jordan, and deep into Israel. The core purpose of this mission was direct observation – to assess the tangible implementation of a new framework for peace between Israel and Gaza.
A small but crucial contingent of approximately 100 U.S. troops is currently stationed in Israel, not within Gaza itself. Their role isn’t combat, but coordination – streamlining the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and bolstering military cooperation between key players.
For some time, U.S. air defense assets have been present in Israel, a response to ongoing threats emanating from Iran. Now, a dedicated headquarters element has been established to facilitate communication and collaboration where previously there was fragmentation.
This coordination extends to a diverse coalition: the United Nations, numerous non-governmental organizations, Israeli and Egyptian authorities, Arab nations, and even direct contact with Palestinian representatives. The goal is a seamless flow of aid to those who need it most.
Central to this new approach is a commitment to shared responsibility. The United States isn’t shouldering this burden alone; dozens of nations are contributing under the leadership established by a new peace initiative.
Waltz spearheaded the adoption of a United Nations resolution that formally endorses a Board of Peace, outlining parameters for Gaza’s transitional governance and authorizing the deployment of an International Stabilization Force – all elements of a comprehensive 20-point peace plan.
The plan envisions a Gaza transformed: a de-radicalized, terror-free zone, incapable of threatening its neighbors, and rebuilt to benefit its own people. It includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a temporary Palestinian governing committee focused on essential public services.
This transitional government will operate under the oversight of the Board of Peace, chaired by a former U.S. President and comprised of other global leaders. The resolution elevates this plan to the level of international law, providing a firm foundation for progress.
A fundamental tenet of this strategy is the dismantling of Hamas. The concern is that continued support without addressing the root cause – Hamas’s continued existence and stated intent to attack – will inevitably lead to a repetition of past cycles of conflict and destruction.
The Board of Peace, alongside the newly formed stabilization force – including contributions from nations like Indonesia and Azerbaijan – and the technocratic committee tasked with restoring essential services, represent a novel approach to regional stability.
Securing international endorsement for this multifaceted plan was a significant achievement. It represents a departure from symbolic gestures, signaling a serious commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
The next strategic move focuses on expanding the Abraham Accords, viewed as the ultimate objective – fostering broader normalization of relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The current peace efforts are designed to unlock further progress in this area.
Looking back just one year, the situation was starkly different. Iran was on the brink of nuclear capability, Hezbollah was launching rockets into Israel, and hostages were held captive. Now, hostages have been released, Lebanon has a renewed opportunity for stability, and Iran’s nuclear program has been significantly disrupted.
The transformation, Waltz asserts, is “night and day.” It’s a testament to a new strategy, a commitment to burden-sharing, and a determination to break the cycle of conflict that has plagued the region for far too long.
