Linda Gradstein, Sara Hirschhorn and Noah Efron talk about (1) The “Pacts Americana,” being the trade and investment pacts that US President Donald Trump is reaching with Gulf states on his visit to the region this week, and where it leaves Israel; and (2) The “Cracks Americana,” being awkward ambivalence some Israelis feel about a hostage being released solely because he has an American passport and the American government intervened on his behalf, doing what Israel’s government could not or would not do.

All this and the return of a fallen soldier after 43 years, plus more music of these times.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why does Israel go to such great length to return the bodies of soldiers and hostages killed and held beyond our borders?