"History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the US Presidential Inauguration," the first lady told Fox News. "For the first time, global audiences are invited into theaters to witness this pivotal chapter unfold – a private, unfiltered look as I navigate family, business, and philanthropy on my remarkable journey to becoming First Lady of the United States of America."

Fox News exclusively secured the trailer, opening with the first lady stepping into the US Capitol rotunda ahead of her husband's second swearing-in ceremony. Dressed in her now-iconic inauguration attire, she states: "Here we go again." The trailer alternates between the first lady and president at the inauguration; the pair standing outside Mar-a-Lago; behind-the-scenes inauguration moments featuring Barron Trump and First Lady Trump's father; various images of the first lady; Air Force One; the presidential seal and more, Fox News reported.

The first lady explained that the story "has never been told, and because the subject matter is historically consequential, it was imperative for me to produce a film of the highest cinematic standard, suitable exclusively in theaters worldwide. The 20 days of my life, preceding the US Presidential inauguration, constitutes a rare and defining moment – one that warrants meticulous care, integrity, and uncompromising craftsmanship," she stated. "I am proud to share this very specific moment of my life – 20 days of intense transition and planning – with moviegoers and fans across the globe."

Fox News confirmed the first lady remained involved "in every aspect" of the film – from her "creative vision," to serving as producer and ensuring proper post-production marketing execution. Sources told Fox News she maintained a "hands-on" approach throughout. The film was produced in a "highly cinematic" style. Sources told Fox News the first lady wanted the film to appear as an "elevated film" rather than a documentary. First Lady Trump conceived the film idea in November 2024, after President Trump won the election.

Marc Beckman, First Lady Trump's agent and exclusive senior advisor, led negotiations with Amazon, specifically CEO Andy Jassy, beginning Nov. 18, 2024, according to Fox News. Fox News confirmed Disney sought exclusive rights; Netflix and Paramount also competed. Amazon and MGM submitted the highest bid, purchasing the license for $40 million – the largest documentary deal in history.

"I'm honored to be working with Amazon – they've been great partners from the minute we started to negotiate the deal, through production, and now as we gear up for the film's release," Beckham told Fox News. "Speaking of the deal, there has been so much speculation in the press on the bidding and how we ended up with Amazon, that we're at a point where it's worth clarifying a few things," Beckman said.

First, Beckman told Fox News some bidders were "interested only in a film, and others only in a series." "Amazon ended up bidding on both, and checked all the boxes we were looking for, as they could also deliver a theatrical film release," Beckman explained. "I've seen reporting that Amazon paid nearly three times the nearest other bid, and that's just false," Beckman said, according to Fox News. "It was an incredibly competitive bidding process with multiple rounds of bids."

The film launches one year after her debut book, "Melania," Fox News reported. The memoir provides an intimate portrait of Melania Trump and includes personal stories and family photos she had not previously shared publicly. "Melania" has remained atop the New York Times' best-selling list since its public release.

After last year's memoir release, the first lady told Fox News that writing her story was "an amazing journey filled with emotional highs and lows. Each story shaped me into who I am today," she said. "Although daunting at times, the process has been incredibly rewarding, reminding me of my strength, and the beauty of sharing my truth."

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Across all theaters, Israel has achieved significant gains following the blow it suffered on October 7. It has struck its enemies hard and, with American assistance, succeeded in forcing Hamas and Hezbollah into moves they had refused to take – releasing hostages while the IDF maintains its presence in the Strip, and ceasing fire from Lebanon as an expression of solidarity with Hamas, despite Israel's continued freedom of operation in Lebanon and ground presence at five points along the border.

However significant these achievements are, they do not guarantee sustained and strategically meaningful long-term change in the regional landscape. To achieve this goal – which means victory in the war – Hamas must be fully disarmed, and Hezbollah must either be disarmed or at minimum prevented from strengthening and returning to southern Lebanon.

Realizing these objectives is far more difficult than achieving the goals reached so far, because for Hamas and Hezbollah, this is no longer about paying a heavy price to ensure survival and protect strategic assets, but rather about making concessions of existential significance. This is because they require Hamas and Hezbollah to relinquish a central component of their identity and control over territory, and because such a move would amount to Hamas admitting that the October 7 attack was a mistake and accepting that, in Palestinian national memory, the attack that galvanized the Palestinian public will be recorded as a disaster and grave error.

The impression is that the American administration has not yet decided whether to back powerful Israeli force moves that would enable completing the collapse of Hamas, or to prefer, as it currently leans, to begin implementing phase two of the plan (perhaps even without waiting for the return of Ran Gvili's body), at least in the area under IDF control, without disarming Hamas. Each path faces numerous obstacles due to the plan's ambiguity, which requires agreement on small details, the parties' differing interpretations of the plan's intent, the multiplicity of parties meant to be involved, and above all – President Trump's eagerness to demonstrate progress and strengthen the message that the war has ended, even when conditions on the ground actually indicate difficulty in advancing the plan.

To avoid having to make a strategic decision between completing the war objectives and leveraging achievements so far to shape a better security reality for the coming years, versus avoiding an undesired confrontation with an especially friendly American president who operates from his own motivations – Israel must make every effort to convince Trump that backing Israel to complete the mission is also in his interest. Among other reasons, it could help expand the Abraham Accords. One way to do this is to create a broad internal Israeli front on this issue, beyond the government. After all, the hostage dispute is already behind us.

The writer is the head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.

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The president additionally designated the Venezuelan "regime" as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and charged government officials with exploiting oil revenues for personal enrichment and funding drug terrorism. This action further amplifies the pressure Trump has applied against Venezuela as Washington attempts to compel Maduro's departure and warns of potential military intervention if he refuses.

Should Trump intend to classify the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization – a designation legally implemented by the State Department rather than the White House – Venezuela would become the first country ever to receive such status. Venezuela's government is already "blocked," a measure Trump enacted during his first term that prohibits any US person or entity from conducting business with it, according to the report.

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Video: The Gurmans fight the terrorist / Credit: Social media/X

Family members confirmed Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, as the individuals after providing a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald. Relatives stated: "We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris and Sofia Gurman," according to The Guardian.

They added: "They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January. We were looking forward to celebrating Sofia's 62nd birthday on Wednesday 17th of December," The Guardian reported.

Dashboard camera video uploaded to Rednote documented Boris – dressed in purple – tackling shooter Sajid Akram along Campbell Parade as the gunman exited a vehicle displaying an Islamic State banner, according to The Guardian.

These were Boris and Sofia Gurman - murdered in the Sydney massacre. In the face of terror, Boris showed extraordinary courage and disarmed one of the jihadists, trying to save others.

In life and in death, they were not separated pic.twitter.com/Fhbw2BoNsf

— נועה מגיד | Noa magid (@NoaMagid) December 16, 2025

The footage captures Boris forcing Akram down and wresting a firearm from his possession while Sofia participated in the struggle, The Guardian reported.

A Sydney resident whose camera inadvertently recorded the encounter shared the material with a Mandarin caption stating: "Such civilian heroes shouldn't be forgotten," according to The Guardian. Her post continued: "I'm truly heartbroken," The Guardian reported.

Later drone imagery shows the couple lying motionless side by side on the sidewalk. Family members characterized Boris as "a retired mechanic, known for his generosity, quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. Sofia worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and community," The Guardian reported.

The statement continued: "Bondi locals, together they lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect. Boris and Sofia were devoted to their family and to each other. They were the heart of our family, and their absence has left an immeasurable void," according to The Guardian.

Relatives additionally praised the couple's valor when facing the attacker, The Guardian reported. "In recent days, we have become aware of footage showing Boris, with Sofia by his side, courageously attempting to disarm an attacker in an effort to protect others," family members stated. They added: "While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were – people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others," The Guardian reported.

The statement concluded: "We are deeply grateful for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to our family during this unimaginable time. From here, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve," according to The Guardian.

The Gurmans number among 15 fatalities from the Bondi beach terror attack. Most casualties were participating in Hanukkah's opening day when gunfire began, representing Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996's Port Arthur tragedy, according to The Guardian.

Thirty-eight additional people sustained injuries, with 24 – including two officers – remaining hospitalized Tuesday afternoon, The Guardian reported.

Six Australia Post coworkers visited Bondi Pavilion Tuesday afternoon honoring Sofia, with one colleague declining identification while confirming years working together, according to The Guardian. All arrived uniformed, placing individual white roses and a card, The Guardian reported. One coworker stated: "It's very tragic and seeing this video made us realise just how brave she and her husband was," according to The Guardian.

Multiple bystanders have received widespread recognition for confronting danger attempting to halt the attackers. Among them is Ahmed al-Ahmed, acknowledged by prime minister Anthony Albanese and US president Donald Trump for charging toward Akram, jumping onto him and seizing the weapon, according to The Guardian.

Ahmed remains critically injured but stable at St George hospital after sustaining four to five shoulder gunshot wounds during the encounter, his parents confirmed to The Guardian. Reuven Morrison's daughter identified her father as the individual observed throwing an object in widely distributed footage, The Guardian reported.

Sheina Gutnick told CBS News Tuesday: "If there was one way for him to go on this earth, it would be fighting a terrorist. There was no other way he would be taken from us. He went down fighting, protecting the people he loved most," according to The Guardian. Authorities fatally shot Sajid Akram, while his son Naveed remains hospitalized under surveillance, The Guardian reported.

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For years, Saad topped Israel's target list, evading numerous assassination attempts until Saturday's successful strike. Together with Izz al-Din Haddad, who now leads Hamas' military apparatus in Gaza, he stood as the sole survivor among the organization's pre-war senior leadership and among the handful who knew the intimate details of Hamas' assault blueprint, which Israel designated "Wall of Jericho" (Hamas's operational code for the October 7 attack).

Israel justified Saad's elimination by pointing to his ongoing efforts to reconstitute Hamas' capabilities and an explosive device that injured two reserve soldiers near the southern Strip on Friday. Yet these explanations appear tailored for Washington's consumption: The authentic motivation boils down to a score Israel had to settle with him – or stated plainly, vengeance.

By Saturday evening, Hamas had yet to acknowledge Saad's death. The silence might reflect internal disarray, though questions remain whether the organization retains meaningful retaliatory capacity. Hamas has hemorrhaged most of its military strength alongside its military and civilian leadership throughout the war, leaving it organizationally shattered. Currently it channels its remaining resources toward consolidating control over the Strip's western sector, which stays under its authority. Israel presumably factored this weakness into its assassination calculus, which earned unanimous backing from the diplomatic-security establishment's uppermost echelons.

The singular gamble Israel appears to have accepted concerns the Washington administration. Saad's elimination provides Israel an opportunity to gauge President Donald Trump's temperature, for whom the Gaza accord stands as his first presidential term's marquee diplomatic accomplishment. Trump recently pressed Israel to throttle back its Gaza operations, affording space for the agreement's advancement; if he refrains from erupting now, Israel can interpret his silence as tacit authorization to persist in eliminating Gaza's senior hierarchy, mirroring its Lebanon approach.

Hamas will naturally strive to derail this trajectory, mobilizing its Qatari and Turkish sponsors hoping they'll persuade Trump to muzzle Israel. This contest for the president's attention – and by extension his policy direction – will dictate Gaza's near-term landscape. Israel seeks maximum postponement of transitioning to Phase 2, apprehensive it will mandate further withdrawals absent fundamental shifts in Gaza's circumstances. It partially attributes delays to Hamas' failure to return fallen hostage Ran Gvili, with Hamas contending that Israeli intelligence leads proved fruitless in pinpointing his location.

Three unpalatable paths

Meanwhile, Americans wrestle with assembling a multinational contingent to shoulder Gaza's security burden and execute its demilitarization. Simultaneously, mobilizing the billions required for the Strip's reconstruction proceeds at glacial speed: precisely as before, a chasm yawns between verbal pledges and written commitments. Trump must deploy his full leverage extracting promised funding – including from prosperous nations, principally Saudi Arabia – lest he grow tempted to embrace Qatari financing once more.

This tangle poses difficulties for Israel by generating three unpalatable paths. First, the grandiose promises yield nothing and Hamas continues governing overtly. Second, Americans declare victory prematurely, accepting a phantom governing structure masking Hamas' continued dominance. Third, the accord disintegrates entirely, forcing Israel back into comprehensive Gaza combat – bearing its physical, economic and diplomatic toll.

Israel will likely endeavor provisionally, at least publicly, to afford the agreement implementation opportunities as Trump desires. The assassination will be rationalized, as noted, through immediate operational necessity, simultaneously insisting Hamas cease its ongoing violations. Meanwhile, deliberately avoiding excessive administration irritation and projecting restraint, Israel shelved plans Friday to strike Hezbollah installations in Lebanon.

Israel maintained the scheduled operation was aborted because the Lebanese Armed Forces requested (and obtained) the intended target and pledged to address it independently. This signals encouragingly that threats of escalating military pressure toward renewed warfare are producing results, propelling the Lebanese Armed Forces toward action. Prudence nevertheless counsels withholding definitive conclusions: presently the probability of another Hezbollah confrontation remains elevated, merely deferred temporarily.

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US forces seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast Wednesday that was sanctioned for alleged ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, officials confirmed, according to CBS News. The vessel, identified as The Skipper, had been involved in "an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations" for multiple years, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated. President Donald Trump announced the capture during a White House meeting, saying the tanker was "seized for a very good reason" and indicating America would keep the oil cargo.

US commandos seized a substantial petroleum tanker near Venezuela Wednesday in a military operation, government sources confirmed, according to CBS News. President Donald Trump stated America would retain the vessel's oil cargo.

Video: Trump speaks about The Skipper off Venezuela on Dec. 10, 2025 / Credit: X/@FBIDirectorKash

Bloomberg initially reported the capture, which Trump announced during White House meetings as "seized for a very good reason," CBS News noted.

"As you probably know, we've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large," Trump told attendees, per CBS News. "Largest one ever seized, actually. And other things are happening, so you'll be seeing that later and you'll be talking about that later with some other people."

Queried about the petroleum's fate, Trump replied, "Well we keep it, I guess," before stating, "I assume we're going to keep the oil," according to CBS News.

Caracas issued a denunciation "strongly denounces and repudiates what constitutes a shameless robbery and an act of international piracy," CBS News reported. "In these circumstances, the real reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been exposed. It's not migration. It's not drug trafficking. It's not democracy. It's not human rights. It was always about our natural wealth, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people," the Venezuelan statement declared.

Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple… pic.twitter.com/dNr0oAGl5x

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) December 10, 2025

Knowledgeable sources identified the vessel as "The Skipper", with action commencing around 6 a.m. Wednesday deploying two helicopters, 10 Coast Guard personnel, 10 Marines and specialized operators, senior officials told CBS News. Forces intercepted the tanker moments after its Venezuelan port departure.

Helicopters carrying Coast Guard Maritime Security and Response Team members – an elite interdiction unit from Chesapeake, Virginia – launched from the USS Gerald Ford, America's most sophisticated carrier currently stationed in Caribbean waters, CBS News reported.

Treasury imposed sanctions on The Skipper in 2022 for connections to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, according to the report. The vessel formerly sailed as Adisa and The Toyo.

Attorney General Pam Bondi distributed seizure footage via social media, noting the tanker was "used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran" and was captured by FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Coast Guard personnel, "with support from the Department of War," CBS News stated. "For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations," Bondi declared.

Coast Guard authorities directed the mission with Naval assistance, per CBS News. Though federal agencies have confiscated sanctioned tankers before, fast-rope helicopter boardings remain uncommon at sea.

Officials are evaluating further similar missions, sources told CBS News. Trump has warned about extending America's maritime campaign targeting alleged narcotics vessels onto Venezuelan territory. Washington dispatched two fighter aircraft over Venezuela's gulf this week amid regional force augmentation.

Last week during a Cabinet session, Trump informed journalists, "We're going to start doing those strikes on land, too," when questioned about maritime operations, CBS News reported. "You know, the land is much easier ... And we know the routes they take. We know everything about them. We know where they live. We know where the bad ones live. And we're going to start that very soon, too."

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Trump said the council would be composed of leaders of the world's most influential countries. He added that "everyone wants to be part of the council".

When White House reporters asked, regarding the Gaza plan, when an announcement could be expected on the council's leadership structure, he replied that the move would take place early next year. According to Trump, the Gaza Peace Council will be "one of the most legendary councils ever."

"We did not think of it at first", Trump said, "but it will be led by the most important countries. It was not planned this way. We thought we would receive very important people who do this sort of thing for a living, but the candidates now include kings, presidents and prime ministers. They all want to be on the Peace Council."

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According to Boehler, his path to this role was not planned. It began years earlier, during a meeting between the first Trump administration and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I was sitting next to Robert O'Brien," Boehler recalls, "and I watched him ask the president of China to deliver two Bibles to two Chinese-American citizens being held captive in the country. I asked what this was about." O'Brien, who at the time served as the hostage envoy before becoming National Security Advisor, told him about the job. "Here was something that could have a real impact on people's lives, make a huge difference. It left an impression on me," Boehler says.

After four years in which, in his words, "US foreign policy, built painstakingly during the first Trump administration, steadily deteriorated under the Biden administration," the moment arrived when Trump again won the presidency. "It was a moment of great relief," he recounts. Shortly before the election, he found himself on a flight to the Republican National Convention (RNC). Sitting next to him was Morgan Ortagus, the former State Department spokesperson and now the deputy presidential envoy for the Middle East. "Morgan asked me what I wanted to do in the second term. I told her honestly that I hadn't thought about it. Then she said: 'Have you ever considered SPEHA?' I didn't even know that was the official name of O'Brien's job."

When the plane landed, he ran into O'Brien himself. "I asked him what he thought of me for such a role. He looked at me and said: 'That's a great idea. You already have the relationships – it's perfect for you.' As if it was something that was simply meant to be." Not long after, he sat with President Trump. "The president asked: 'What do you think about doing something broad in the Middle East, or something like that?'" Boehler recalls. "I answered that we already have excellent people working on the Middle East, and that the hostage issue is one of the most meaningful we have, because there are many Americans, many allies, and in this case Israelis as well, in captivity." The president liked the response. "'If that's what you want, no problem, I also think it's really important,' he said. And that was that."

He describes October 7 as a formative moment for him. "For some reason, I was awake late that night and saw the initial reports before anyone understood how terrible it was. I stayed up all night as things unfolded. Seeing October 7 as an American, as a Jew, it was devastating," he says plainly. "I felt frustrated, because I didn't think – and still don't think – that this would have happened under President Trump. When he won again, I couldn't sleep because I was so happy. I felt that finally we were going to do something about this. I didn't feel we were aggressive enough under the previous administration."

Boehler noted that during his meetings with the president, it was made clear that his mission would be far broader than the formal job description, which focuses on recovering Americans. "The president told me that all Israelis are included in my mandate," he says. "When I arrived for my first visit, I met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Each time I promised him that we would not stop until everyone was home." He adds: "This was deeply important to me, because for us, in the broad sense, as Jews – seeing what happened, growing up with the memory of what happened to us in the Shoah [the Holocaust], and then seeing a second Shoah… we must ensure that we act, that we don't forget the first, and now the second, and that from this pain some good may ultimately emerge," he says, referring to the regional changes underway in the Middle East as a result of the war, a region he describes as "completely transformed."

Several months into his role, one move he took triggered a major storm: a direct meeting with Hamas' negotiating team. In Israel, the step drew sharp criticism. "There was concern that we would offer something or make a deal without the Israelis," Boehler says, but insists on setting the record straight. "It's important to understand: nothing like this happens on my own authority," he emphasizes. "These things were widely coordinated with the White House." As for any possibility of bypassing Israel, he is unequivocal: "That is something we would never do. I don't make deals with currency. It was an Israeli decision what to offer." Asked what led him to take such a bold, unusual step, he answers without hesitation: "Time is a killer for hostages. When you operate only through intermediaries, it can take longer. While I'm sitting here, I'm thinking about hostages trapped somewhere, and it weighs on you. Talking to anyone, even Hamas, speeds up things."

It is worth mentioning that in later rounds of negotiations with Hamas, particularly the most recent one that produced a ceasefire and the return of the living and deceased hostages, both the President's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's close confidant and son-in-law Jared Kushner also engaged in direct contacts with the terror group's representatives.

When asked how he felt as a Jew meeting with Hamas operatives, Boehler said: "In my meetings with Hamas, or any other terrorist organization, I always remember that I am not there in a personal capacity, but representing my country. I try to stay focused on the goal, which is to secure the release of the hostages as soon as possible and ensure that they are never taken again. It also helps me emotionally to separate myself a bit; otherwise, I think I would be angry and upset all the time."

Boehler recounts how he kept a photo of one hostage, Edan Alexander, inside his notebook. "For me, it was a reminder that something could happen any day." He says the meeting with Hamas revealed something essential: "We wanted to understand what Hamas really wanted. And then it became clear in the talks that there was a possibility of a broad 'all-for-all' deal. People said it was impossible. But they weren't doing the math based on the reality that the president meant what he said. They weren't doing the math of the president and Bibi [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] having a strong view."

Regarding media claims at the time that the Gaza portfolio was taken away from him after the controversy, Boehler rejects them outright. "Those reports are wrong for two reasons: first, I never held the 'Gaza file' to begin with. Second, my portfolio is across the board, hostage affairs, and I continue working on bringing American and allied hostages home."

But Boehler prefers to focus on the results: first and foremost, the release of Edan Alexander. "It was a joint achievement of many: myself, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and other administration officials. And I was proud to be there, because when someone is freed, it is deeply moving." He describes the moments of a hostage's release as unlike anything else. He recalls being on the helicopter that brought Alexander back to Israel and describes a phenomenon he saw with him and with others who emerged from captivity: at first, their faces "do not look good," but within minutes of being in American hands, they suddenly come back to life." Boehler explains that this pattern repeated itself again and again: "We brought home 160 Americans and allies, and it's almost always the same. It's like a drug. You feel the presence of God in those moments."

He shares other experiences as well. "On Trump's inauguration day, we brought two people home from Afghanistan. I stood with the family of one of them at the inauguration ceremony; they were right behind the president," he says. "Later, around 11:30 p.m., we drove to their house. We woke up the wife and kids. I told them their father was in American hands, and then I connected them by phone. Seeing that moment, that gives you faith."

Another story he shares with emotion is that of Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped and held for two and a half years by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terror group in Iraq. Unlike other cases, Boehler chose a completely different approach: a public, sharp, and rare confrontation with the Iraqi prime minister. "In my first conversation with him, I received niceties and diplomatic talk, but no real commitment," he says. "I don't accept that on behalf of the president of the United States. It's insulting to the president. So I told him that directly."

The Iraqi response was swift. "It was as if they said: 'Okay, we didn't realize you were this serious.' And then they began to act." Boehler stresses that in return for Tsurkov's release, "I gave them nothing. We told Iraq: 'Let's work together, this is a burden for you. Fix that burden and let us help you.' And to their credit, the Iraqis responded. Some countries don't, and then, as the United States, we decide how to act. Holding Americans and allies hostage is a tremendous burden. And for those who choose this path, there are real consequences."

As a result of the efforts, Iraq released not only Tsurkov but also the remains of another American held there for years. "Just like in Israel, it is deeply important for families that if a family member has died, they can receive their loved one's remains; it means a lot."

When asked how many Americans are still held hostage abroad, Boehler answers: "Dozens. In Afghanistan, Russia, Iran." But he remains ambitious: "We will bring them all home. We will continue applying pressure until every American is home."

The conversation returns to the Israeli hostages. Of the 251 kidnapped on October 7, one Israeli hostage remains: Ran Gvili, recognized as deceased, who has not yet been returned to Israel. Boehler is asked how optimistic he is about bringing him home. "When we said 'everyone,' we meant every single one," he says. "We are committed to that."

Regarding the day after in Gaza, Boehler expresses cautious optimism. "I don't think you could ask for anyone better than Kushner, Witkoff, and the team working there. The president is committed, and that gives me great confidence." He adds, "It's incredibly hard, but no one knows how to navigate difficult situations like Jared Kushner. Everyone said the Abraham Accords were impossible. He proved otherwise. When everybody always reverts back to all the history, he looks at situations with original eyes."

In closing, Boehler offers an introspective reflection on the meaning of the role he has taken on. "I've heard every story, and these are things that are hard to hear. I see the worst of humanity." Yet alongside the pain, he emphasizes the light he sees as well: "But I also see the best of humanity. It reminds you that there is good in the world. I have never seen anything like it."

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These processors – ranked second in power within Nvidia's inventory – are critical components for artificial intelligence workloads. However, the president clarified that the agreement does not cover Nvidia's highly desired Blackwell series or the next-generation Rubin units.

"I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security. President Xi responded positively!" Trump wrote.

Nvidia, currently the most valuable corporation globally, has surged due to booming AI demand, yet this success has positioned it directly within geopolitical tensions over technological supremacy.

Trump's message included the stipulation: "25% will be paid to the United States of America," seemingly indicating the federal government will claim a quarter of the revenue Nvidia secures from these sales, according to CNN.

The announcement follows a meeting between Trump and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, amidst the president's repeated assertions that America must secure victory in the global AI race against heavy Chinese investment.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America. Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America," an Nvidia representative told CNN. Additionally, Trump revealed that the Commerce Department is finalizing similar protocols for Intel, AMD, and other American manufacturers.

"AMD commends President Trump's leadership in finding a thoughtful approach to export policies that allows for US companies to compete globally," an AMD spokesperson stated. "The president's decision strengthens American competitiveness, supports high-value domestic jobs, and drives American investment and growth in the semiconductor industry."

CNN noted that Intel did not immediately reply to a request for comment. This authorization follows earlier agreements Trump established this year, including a deal for AMD and Nvidia to remit 15% of their China-sales revenue to the US government, while he also stated in August that the state plans to take a 10% equity position in Intel.

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Trump intends to declare Phase 2 of the 20-point framework within days, despite Hamas withholding deceased hostage, Israeli hero Sgt. 1st Class Ran Gvili, who perished defending Kibbutz Alumim during the October 7 massacre. The original framework required the terrorist organization to repatriate all captives within 72 hours before advancing to Phase 2.

Israeli officials harbor hopes Trump will postpone the declaration until Gvili's recovery, yet even a formal Phase 2 announcement remains operationally ambiguous. The crux: Not a single nation has volunteered troops to combat Hamas. Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated Monday that his government lacks answers to fundamental questions about the prospective force's mandate, "rendering any decision on Azerbaijani military participation premature."

A day earlier, Netanyahu assessed the nascent international force likely cannot execute its primary objective: stripping Hamas of weaponry. Given this reality, diplomatic officials anticipate Hamas disarmament will dominate the Trump-Netanyahu dialogue.

Trump and his inner circle have repeatedly pledged to prevent Hamas governance in Gaza and ensure the Strip's demilitarization. The international coordination hub in Gaza (the Kiryat Gat Civil-Military Coordination Center) has already partitioned the territory into numerous compact sectors for sequential neutralization. Implementation methodology remains nebulous, with expectations Netanyahu will advocate for IDF authorization should alternative actors fail to materialize.

Beyond Gaza, Trump and Netanyahu will architect responses to additional diplomatic and security imperatives. Paramount among these: Iran's weapons program resurgence, Hezbollah's persistent armament, and potential Syrian security arrangements.

Next phase uncertainty

Regarding the final captive soldier's repatriation, Gvili, developments remain static. A Zeitoun neighborhood sweep yielded nothing. Israel Hayom confirmed the Gvili family confronted US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz Monday, insisting Washington forestall Phase 2 advancement pending their son's recovery.

Coordinator of Hostages and Missing Persons Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch briefed Waltz on operational status and retrieval initiatives. The ambassador articulated American resolve and personal dedication to mission completion and the soldier's dignified burial in Israel, yet declined to guarantee Phase 2 postponement.

American officials advocate Phase 2 commencement regardless of Gvili's discovery and return, proposing announcement once Hamas demonstrably lacks precise location intelligence and exhausts search capabilities.

Waltz earlier conferred with Netanyahu, continuing his Israel itinerary today with stops including the Kiryat Gat international headquarters.

Danny Zaken contributed to this report.

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