We’ve released a few episodes on Honestly for the anniversary of October 7. Today, we’re bringing you one more conversation with someone who has been breaking news on the ground every single day of this war: journalist Trey Yingst.
On the morning of October 7, Trey was in Israel’s south, reporting on the massacre as it unfolded. He saw bodies dragged into vehicles, mothers trying to save their children, and the bloodshed—unlike anything he had ever seen—in the communities and kibbutzim. He reported these stories live on Fox—in many instances while rockets rained down on him and his crew, who often didn’t have time to take shelter. He remembers those early hours and days as “a true horror movie.”
That was just the beginning of his reporting on the unfolding war, which has taken him into Gaza and more recently on an embed with Israeli troops into southern Lebanon. He tells these stories in his new book Black Saturday, which chronicles his reporting over the last year and the very real human stories of this war, both from the perspective of Israelis and Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Trey is the chief foreign correspondent for Fox News. He has reported from the front lines in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and since 2018, he’s been based in Israel. He says he tries to talk to everyone involved in the conflict, and he’s gone a long way toward doing so. He’s interviewed the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and he’s sat down on the Israeli side with everyone from Benjamin Netanyahu to Yoav Gallant.
If you’re someone listening who holds stereotypes about what a Fox correspondent might sound like, Trey will surprise you. Trey has unconventional and strongly held views about the future of the region, about whether Hamas can ever be defeated, and about what should happen next in the war. Most of all, he has an unwavering commitment to a kind of old-school journalism that tells stories of human beings in times of war, whatever side of the border they fall on.
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I don't understand this word "can't" that Trey keeps using. I see no point in fatalism—the bully is too big—let's just lie down and let him rape us. Yes, it will not be easy to remove them from their terroristic power, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. History shows us it is possible.
While I disagree with the "can't" belief, I appreciate Trey's focus on telling the true story and getting facts right. I love his goal of humanizing everyone and telling stories and sentiments from both sides that are compassionate to each other. If everyone could hear more of those, it might just help turn the tide towards peace.
Bari, I often think about how challenging it must be to hear certain ideas or statements that you strongly disagree with. Yet, no matter the differences, you always allow your guests to share their perspectives, treating them with respect. I have the utmost admiration for your ability to maintain that balance.
Very interesting interview, Bari. Thank you for it.
I respect Trey's opinion about the war in Gaza being unwinnable but I disagree with it. Surely if Israel withdraws from Gaza and leaves Hamas or PIJ to regroup, then Gaza will be returned to terrorist control.
What is needed is a de-Hamas-ification, of the sort that occurred in both Germany and Japan after the War. Gaza must be occupied for the next 10-20 years, with Israel responsible for security and a friendly Arab country like UAE responsible for education and re-education.
Trey sounds like a good and dedicated journalist, but it's a bit shocking that he is not a better student of history. Wars can be won and wars can be lost. Wars that are suspended before victory tend to simply simmer for a bit before returning. This is what Israel is not willing to do again.