Sunday shows preview: Israel reignites war in Gaza; 2024 primary inches closer

Israel’s return to combat after a temporary truce with Palestinian group Hamas expired will likely be the focus of this week’s Sunday news shows.

Israeli fighter jets struck Gaza minutes after a short-term pause in fighting ended on Friday. Mediators had previously clambored to try and extend the truce, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said combat resumed due to Hamas violating the agreement.

He accused the group of failing to meet its obligation “to release all of the women hostages” and launching rockets at Israeli citizens.

Over 100 hostages held by Hamas were freed amidst the truce, with 140 remaining in Gaza. Israel itself released 240 Palestinians from captivity as part of the truce.

White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby will headline ABC’s “This Week,” NBC’s “Meet the Press,” CBS’ “Face the Nation” and “Fox News Sunday,” where he will most likely discuss the next stages of the war between Israel and Hamas.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a visit to the Middle East this week, the third tour of the region he has done since the conflict began in October. He made efforts to push for the continued cease-fire in Gaza — but when the truce fell apart, he said Hamas was behind its failure Friday.

“It came to an end because of Hamas,” Blinken said, according to The Associated Press. “Hamas reneged on commitments it made. In fact, even before the pause came to an end, it committed an atrocious terrorist attack in Jerusalem, killing three people, wounding others, including Americans.”

Ron Dermer, the Israeli minister of strategic affairs, will also appear on “Meet the Press.” 

Presidential hopefuls Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) and former Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) are making appearances on “Meet the Press” and “Face the Nation,” respectively, as the Iowa caucuses inch closer. The caucuses, which mark the first votes in the primary season, will kick off on Jan. 15 — less than 50 days away.

DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) had a heated debate on Fox News Thursday, where the two discussed issues like abortion, LGBTQ rights, education and immigration. The debate was moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity

At one point, Newsom called the flights of migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. and California by DeSantis’ administration “disqualifying.”

DeSantis made his own jabs at the Golden State governor, including referring to him as a “liberal bully” after Newsom criticized him over his handling of last year’s Special Olympics in relation to a vaccine requirement.

“That’s being a liberal bully,” DeSantis said, later adding “they wanted to marginalize the athletes” as he sought to defend himself.

Nick Robertson contributed.

Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this week’s Sunday talk shows:

ABC’s “This Week” — White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby; Ron Dermer, Israeli minister of strategic affairs; Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

NBC’s “Meet the Press” — Kirby; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate; Allyson Felix, Olympic gold medalist and Black maternal health advocate.

CBS’ “Face the Nation” — Kirby; Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio); Govs. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Spencer Cox (R-Utah); former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican presidential candidate; Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner.

CNN’s “State of the Union” — Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

“Fox News Sunday” — Kirby; Gen. CQ Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Reps. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).

Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” — Govs. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Greg Abbott (R-Texas); Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.); Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake.