What is the United States' role in the war in Gaza — and how has the relationship between Washington and Israel evolved?In this episode of The Deep Focus Show, host Arn Menconi speaks with Institute for Policy Studies fellow Phyllis Bennis, an author and longtime analyst of U.S. foreign policy, the Middle East and the United Nations.Bennis discusses the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the history of the U.S.-Israel relationship, changing public opinion in the United States, the political impact of the war, and developments in the West Bank.The conversation also examines reporting about warnings surrounding the October 7 attack, the role of the United States in providing military assistance to Israel, and what Bennis believes could change U.S. policy.Bennis is the author and editor of 12 books, including her 2025 book Understanding Palestine and Israel, as well as Before and After: U.S. Foreign Policy in the War on Terror and Challenging Empire.00:00 Gaza, U.S. Policy & the Israel-Palestine Conflict01:30 Introducing Phyllis Bennis01:59 How Did We Get Here?03:34 The U.S. Role in Israel's Military Support07:35 Is Public Opinion Changing?10:55 The War With Iran & Its Impact on Palestine14:21 The Human Cost in Gaza17:51 What Is Happening in the West Bank?22:27 What Did Israel Know Before October 7?27:18 The U.S.-Israel Relationship29:42 What Can Change U.S. Policy?Note: This interview presents Phyllis Bennis's analysis, arguments and interpretation of events. Claims and characterizations discussed in the conversation are attributed to her and are not presented as independent findings by The Deep Focus Show.What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe to The Deep Focus Show for in-depth conversations with journalists, authors, newsmakers and leading voices on global politics, economics and the stories behind the headlines.#PhyllisBennis #Gaza #IsraelPalestine #USForeignPolicy #DeepFocus #TheDeepFocusShow