The Blogs: What Washington expects from Israel's next government | Ruby Chen

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen killed on October 7, describes a Washington memorial event for American victims hosted by Secretary Rubio. He reports that administration officials expect Israel's next government to change policy in the West Bank and Gaza, improve public diplomacy, and present a bold plan after elections to rebuild trust with Arab leaders and expand the Abraham Accords.

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen who was killed on October 7, recounts a Washington memorial event for American victims of the attack, hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Chen says the families were acknowledged by senior administration officials, including CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper. In his meetings, Chen asked what Washington expects from Israel's next government and summarizes three points: a policy change in the West Bank and Gaza to restore calm and reopen the door to expanding the Abraham Accords; a recognition that Israel's public diplomacy is failing, with a perception that Prime Minister Netanyahu does not care what the world thinks; and that President Trump is betting Netanyahu will win the elections and can overcome mistrust from Arab leaders. Chen warns that Israel's standing with the American public is deteriorating, with 'genocide' being the first word young Americans associate with Israel, and calls for strategic thinking to ensure Israel remains a bipartisan issue.