War

Woodward recounts the intensifying debate over continued US support for Ukraine, focusing on the efforts of Polish President Andrzej Duda and other leaders to underscore the strategic importance of preventing a Russian victory. Duda stressed to both Biden and former President Trump the existential threat that Poland and other Eastern European nations would face if Ukraine fell. While Biden sought bipartisan support, Trump wielded considerable influence over Republican resistance to the proposed aid. Speaker Mike Johnson ultimately swayed Trump to allow the bill’s passage by proposing a forgivable loan structure. Congress then passed the unprecedented $60.8 billion aid package, offering Ukraine a potential lifeline in its defense against Russian advances.

Woodward explores the tense deliberations between the U.S. and Israel regarding a planned Israeli operation in Rafah. President Biden warns Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about the potential geopolitical consequences of aggressive actions, cautioning that they could jeopardize alliances with Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Jake Sullivan presses Israeli officials to prioritize humanitarian aid and hostage negotiations over military action. The chapter also recounts an emotional hostage situation involving Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Abigail Edan, highlighting the human cost of the conflict and the U.S.’s role in navigating these delicate issues.