If and when Israel and Hamas reach a deal for a cease-fire, the United States will immediately turn to a different set of negotiations over a grand diplomatic bargain that it believes could rebuild Gaza and remake the Middle East.

Michael Crowley, who covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times, explains why those involved in this plan believe they have so little time left to get it done.

Guest: Michael Crowley, a reporter covering the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The New York Times.

Background reading:

• Talks on a cease-fire in the Gaza war are once again at an uncertain stage.
• Here’s how the push for a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia looked before Oct. 7.
• From early in the war, President Biden has said that a lasting resolution requires a “real” Palestinian state.
• Here’s what Israeli officials are discussing about postwar Gaza.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.