🔥 Episode Summary

In this breaking-news edition of Verdict with Ted Cruz, recorded live at 1:00 AM Eastern, Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson react in real time to the release of hostages held in Gaza. The release follows a historic peace agreement brokered by former President Donald Trump, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East.

📌 Key Topics Covered ✅ Hostage Release in Gaza

Hamas has released all 20 living hostages to the Red Cross.
The agreement includes the release of both living hostages and the remains of those killed.
Celebrations erupt in Israel as the first seven hostages are confirmed released.
In exchange, Israel is releasing about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including:
- 250 serving long sentences,
- 1,700 detained during the conflict

🕊️ Trump’s Peace Deal

Israel agrees to a full ceasefire in exchange for the hostages.
Trump travels to the Middle East to personally welcome the freed hostages.
The deal is praised across political lines, including by Hillary Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

🛑 Criticism of Biden Administration

Cruz argues Biden’s policies empowered Hamas via funding to Iran.
Contrasts Trump’s “peace through strength” with Biden’s “weakness and appeasement.”

💣 Military Strategy & Diplomacy

Trump’s bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities cited as pivotal.
Israel’s covert pager operation against Hezbollah discussed as a cinematic-level intelligence success.

🏆 Nobel Peace Prize Controversy

Cruz criticizes the Nobel Committee for overlooking Trump.
Prize recipient María Corina Machado reportedly dedicates her award to Trump.

🏛️ U.S. Government Shutdown

Cruz blames Democrats for the ongoing shutdown.
Highlights Senate voting dynamics and political motivations behind the delay.

Senator Cruz closes the episode by praising Trump, Netanyahu, and the Israeli people, calling the day “historic” and “a victory for peace.” The episode captures a rare moment of real-time diplomacy and bipartisan recognition.

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Trump Middle East peace deal
Gaza hostage release
Ted Cruz podcast Verdict
Israel Hamas ceasefire
Nobel Peace Prize Trump
Biden Iran funding controversy
Netanyahu Trump diplomacy
Peace through strength Trump
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Verdict with Ted Cruz: PEACE in the Mid...