Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWelcome to The Times of Israel’s newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what’s behind the news that spins the globe.
It’s September 15, 2020, and on the South Lawn of the White House, a group of leaders from the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain assembled to mark a once-unlikely normalization agreement.
Berman talks us through why these countries were originally included in the accords and which were on deck before the Hamas massacre of 1,200 on October 7, 2023, that launched the Gaza war.
More from Lazar Focus
September 11, 2026Yossi Abravanel: Despite sanctions, Israel must keep communication open with Europe
August 14, 2026Bjorn Lomborg: Energy, climate, and the fight for a better world
August 7, 2026Is there really progress in Trump's Gaza, Lebanon and Iran talks?
July 31, 2026Victor Davis Hanson: Trump must set up an Iranian government-in-exile
July 24, 2026Israel should worry about Saudi deal, but there is good news in Lebanon
We hear what gains were made through these accords — and what setbacks there have been since the Gaza war erupted.
We also discuss how Israel’s recent attempted assassination of the Hamas leadership this week in Qatar may affect relations with the Gulf States moving forward.
Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.
Check out last week’s Friday Focus:
The Times of Israel Community.