Former Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl has issued a grave warning two years after the Oct. 7 attacks, commending President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to broker a peace deal. During an appearance on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” Pearl called out the “atrocities” of the attacks on Israel, emphasizing the tragedy of over 1,200 Israeli lives lost and 50 Americans killed. He praised Trump’s determination to secure the return of hostages, both living and deceased, highlighting the need to reject compromises that could reward terrorism.
Pearl, a long-time supporter of Israel and chairman of the U.S. Israel Education Association, criticized the failed land-for-peace approach in Gaza, stressing that Trump’s current plan—requiring Hamas to demilitarize and return hostages within 72 hours—is the “baseline” for peace. Negotiations in Egypt are underway to revive Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes Israeli troop withdrawal and disarmament of Hamas. Pearl warned that allowing Hamas to remain a military force could lead to another October 2023 tragedy, underscoring the urgency of his message.