28 Mar
Netanyahu's Multi-Front War
The episode delves into Israel's internal political upheavals, including the recent judicial overhaul, a constitutional crisis, and the dynamics of the renewed military offensive in Gaza. Netanyahu's government is facing domestic opposition and potential international consequences as it attempts to consolidate power while managing an intensifying conflict with Hamas.
28 Mar
‘Qatargate’: Explaining the scandal that has Netanyahu panicked
Mounting evidence suggests close aides to Prime Minister Netanyahu were possibly involved with Qatari interests, amidst allegations of Qatar's financial support to Hamas prior to and during the October 7 attacks on Israel. This has led to investigations and political maneuvers within Israel, as well as questions regarding Netanyahu's decisions to fire security officials leading investigations which could unravel further details of Qatargate.
27 Mar
How Israel Will Save Western Civilization, with Josh Hammer
Josh Hammer discusses his book 'Israel and Civilization' with Liel Leibovitz, positing that the future of Western civilization is intricately tied to the success of Israel and the Jewish people. The conversation explores the challenges posed by the Neo-Nietzschean right and the liberal Jewish loss of direction, advocating for a Jewish-Christian coalition to navigate current global tumult.
26 Mar
We asked Pierre Poilievre about federal funding for UNRWA. Here’s what he said
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, emphasized stopping federal funding to UNRWA, an organization he links to terrorist activities, during a media roundtable. He also criticized Liberal policies on crime and advocated for stronger security measures to combat antisemitism and lawlessness in Canada.
18 Mar
Lighting Up Gaza
Jonathan Shanzer joins the Commentary Magazine Podcast to discuss Israel's decisive actions against Hamas in Gaza, as the Trump administration simultaneously targets Iranian influences in Yemen. The discussion delves into strategic reasons behind Israel's military operations and the broader geopolitical implications.
17 Mar
15 Things Just That Happened
The episode covers an exceptionally busy three-day news cycle, highlighting a breadth of significant political and global developments. The hosts engage in a brisk dialogue about the implications of such events for U.S. politics and foreign policy, from congressional maneuvers to international conflicts.
13 Mar
What Matters Now to Micah Goodman: What Israel can trust about Hamas
Dr. Micah Goodman discusses the complexities facing Israel as it decides whether to negotiate with Hamas for hostage release or continue military efforts. He highlights the internal conflict between national security and solidarity, suggesting that a peace deal might ultimately align with long-term national security if trust can be placed in Hamas to eventually provoke another justified military response.
13 Mar
Why Dual Loyalty is Good for the Jews, with Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz
Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz argues in favor of embracing dual loyalty for American Jews, advocating for simultaneous loyalty to both America and Israel as a harmonious concept. He discusses the historical context of dual loyalty, the post-October 7th Jewish identity crisis, and the societal differences between the potential acceptance of Jews in America and Europe.
12 Mar
Israel in Ceasefire – The Domestic Front
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the current state of political tension in Israel amidst national scandals and a fragile ceasefire. They explore how Israelis might overcome these divisions to foster healing, despite the government's divisive tendencies and looming budget crises.
11 Mar
The IDF Under New Management
Neri Zilber and Amos Harel discuss the challenges facing new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in light of the ongoing war and possible military action in Gaza. They analyze the complexities of the ceasefire and hostage negotiations mediated by the U.S., as well as the implications of direct negotiations with Hamas.
10 Mar
'Trump is frustrated with Netanyahu so he pushed through a back channel with Hamas'
Amos Harel explores the political repercussions and military complexities of the Trump administration's direct negotiations with Hamas, contrasting this approach with the Biden administration's strategies. He also delves into the implications of recent events in Israel, including the resignation of IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari and the findings of an IDF probe into past failures.
7 Mar
Meet the MIT Scientists Fighting Academic Boycotts of Israel
MIT scientists Or Hen and Ernest Fraenkel discuss how their Kalaniyot Foundation aims to counteract the negative impacts of academic boycotts against Israel by fostering collaboration between Israeli and American scholars. They highlight initiatives to normalize Israeli presence in academia and emphasize how maintaining these partnerships is crucial for scientific progress and innovation.
6 Mar
What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Egypt's farcical plan for postwar Gaza
Haviv Rettig Gur discusses Egypt's $53 billion plan for Gaza reconstruction, which aims to stabilize the region without addressing Hamas's disarmament. The proposal has been criticized for lacking practical solutions to the ongoing conflict, as it avoids addressing key issues like Hamas's continued presence and the requirement for substantial international support.
6 Mar
Israel in Ceasefire – Zelenskyy
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi navigate the complexities of Israel's relationship with the United States amidst the Trump administration's foreign policy shift towards Ukraine, reflecting on the potential implications for Israel's security. They delve into the moral and political dimensions of aligning with Trump, highlighting the broader impacts on Israeli society and the Jewish diaspora, particularly in light of recent UN votes and geopolitical maneuvers.
6 Mar
What to Do in Ukraine, and in Gaza? With Eli Lake
Journalist Eli Lake critiques Trump’s handling of Ukraine, highlighting missteps including potential appeasement towards Putin, while analyzing Israel’s strategic stance post-Hamas ceasefire. Discussions extend to ongoing Middle Eastern issues with a nuanced view of regional politics and individual nations' roles in current conflicts.
4 Mar
#366 - Reality Check: Dr. Eli David on Gaza, AI, and Israel's Future
Dr. Eli David offers a provocative analysis of Israel's current situation with Gaza, discussing the feasibility of Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's residents and addressing the complexities surrounding a stalled hostage deal. He also delves into AI's potential role in modern warfare and the challenges facing Israel's government amidst changing U.S. administrations.
3 Mar
Yossi Klein Halevi: What’s Next: The Future of Liberal Zionism (18Forty Podcast Re-Release)
Yossi Klein Halevi reflects on the implications of October 7th for Israel and liberal Zionism post-Tragedy, urging a recalibration of Israeli-Palestinian relations amidst global and internal challenges to the Zionist ethos. His discussion explores the existential stakes for Israel and critiques on both political sides regarding the preservation of a Jewish state while probing possibilities for reconciliation with the Palestinian people.
27 Feb
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Gaza Reconstruction, Israeli Security, and the Future of Middle East Diplomacy
Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, discusses strategies for Gaza reconstruction and the broader Middle Eastern diplomatic efforts, including the impact of the Abraham Accords and regional shifts. Witkoff emphasizes the need for a long-term plan for Gaza, excluding Hamas from governance, to foster stability and integration between Israel and the Arab world.
26 Feb
The House Vote and the Hostage Funerals
The episode discusses the U.S. House Republican majority's success in passing a resolution aimed at continuing Trump's legislative agenda, including significant tax cuts and budget plans. Additionally, the hosts reflect on painful funerals in Israel for hostages recently returned and emphasize the emotional impact and political ramifications of the ongoing conflict.
26 Feb
Israel in Ceasefire – The Wars of Gaza
The episode delves into the current Israeli-Gaza ceasefire and the complex interplay of emotions and strategies surrounding the hostilities with Hamas. The discussion highlights the challenges Israel faces in ensuring deterrence and the cultural radicalization of Gazans, amid the traumatic backdrop of the hostage situation, including the poignant case of the Bibas family.
25 Feb
Lizzy Savetsky: Becoming a Jewish Influencer and Israel Advocate [Outreach 4/5]
Lizzy Savetsky discusses her journey to becoming a prominent Jewish influencer, emphasizing her pivot from fashion to advocacy for Israel. Her story highlights the potential of social media as a tool for Jewish outreach, while acknowledging the complexities it introduces in modern Jewish identity.
24 Feb
Yishai Fleisher: ‘Israel is not meant to be equal for all — it’s a nation-state’
Yishai Fleisher argues that Israel, as a nation-state, should prioritize its Jewish citizens while offering limited rights to non-Jews, aligning his views with traditional interpretations of a nation-state. Fleisher discusses the importance of strength and leadership in maintaining Israel's security and dismisses full democratic equality as impractical within a Middle Eastern context.
21 Feb
Israel's Stark Choices
The episode examines the emotional and strategic ramifications for Israel following the discovery of gruesome details about the death of two Israeli children and their mother's unreturned body, killed by Hamas. With tensions heightened and military options on the table, Israel faces the strategic challenge of addressing Hamas directly or shifting focus to Iran and broader regional threats.
20 Feb
Jonathan Dekel-Chen on His Son's Return From Captivity
Jonathan Dekel-Chen discusses his son Sagui's emotional return after 498 days in Hamas captivity, shedding light on his family's ordeal and the broader impact on Israeli society. The conversation also delves into the diplomatic efforts behind the hostage deal and the ongoing challenges in securing the release of remaining hostages.
20 Feb
The Absolute Horror of Hamas
The episode explores the complexities of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, highlighted by the tragic death of the Bibas family and the questioning of Israel's political path forward in dealing with hostages. Additionally, the conversation delves into Donald Trump's foreign policy approach, emphasizing his transactional perspective and its implications for global alliances.
20 Feb
Israel in Ceasefire – Agony and Uncertainty
The episode explores the intense emotional turmoil within Israel as the bodies of hostages are returned amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Hosts Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the profound agony and uncertain outcomes facing the nation as it grapples with the conflicting desires for full hostage return and the elimination of Hamas.
20 Feb
Israel in Ceasefire – Agony and Uncertainty
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the deep anguish and political uncertainty in Israel following the return of the bodies of hostages killed in captivity by Hamas. As Israel faces the end of the first stage of a ceasefire and the beginning of uncertain negotiations, the discussion highlights the emotional and political turmoil within Israeli society.
19 Feb
What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Why is Israel handing Gaza back to Hamas?
Haviv Rettig Gur discusses the emotional impact of the Bibas family's captivity, how Hamas uses hostage release ceremonies to manipulate perceptions, and the complex political landscape surrounding Israeli negotiations with Hamas. The potential motivations behind Israel's controversial Gaza negotiations are examined, speculating on possible larger strategic plans involving the US and Iran.
19 Feb
How to Be a Jew ... Like Olympian AJ Edelman
AJ Edelman, the first Orthodox Jew to compete in the Winter Olympics, discusses the challenges and triumphs of being an Israeli bobsledder and the cultural attitudes of Jews towards sports. He also delves into his ongoing efforts in Israeli sports advocacy, the practicalities of maintaining orthodox practices while competing, and his role in speaking out for Israel amid geopolitical tensions.
17 Feb
Gallant: Not a Goofus
The episode discusses an insightful interview with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, shedding light on decision-making processes during the war that erupted in October 2023. It also delves into Gallant's criticism of the U.S. administration's inconsistent stance and highlights tensions within the Israeli government.
13 Feb
Israel’s embrace of Trump’s Gaza plan is ‘atrocious, unthinkable and morally wrong’
The episode discusses the controversial acceptance of former President Trump's plan to depopulate Gaza, which has been publicized and supported by Prime Minister Netanyahu, sparking fear of ethnic cleansing. While Trump’s ultimatum concerning hostages and military action gains political traction in Israel, Netanyahu's political maneuvering remains under scrutiny as he navigates international dynamics and domestic coalition challenges.
13 Feb
What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Trump's Gaza plan is a warning
The episode explores U.S. President Donald Trump's unexpected proposal to resettle the population of Gaza and the reactions from Israeli politicians and the Arab world. Haviv Rettig Gur and Amanda Borschel-Dan analyze the complex implications of this proposal and what it reveals about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
12 Feb
The Man Who Sat in the Oval
Donald Trump's Gaza clearance plan is the dominant topic of discussion as it currently stands as the only viable roadmap, even being more assertive than Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's approach. The episode debates Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's population and the lack of counterproposals from other political figures, emphasizing his comfort with unprecedented plans.
11 Feb
When Bibi Met Donald
This episode discusses the recent meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, highlighting contentious plans for Gaza and hurdles in Israeli-Saudi relations. It also touches on the precarious Gaza ceasefire and the Palestinian Authority's reforms, which may affect regional dynamics.
11 Feb
Trump's Hostage Deadline
The episode dives into the high-stakes situation following Donald Trump's ultimatum to Hamas for the release of hostages, exploring implications for Israeli politics and Benjamin Netanyahu’s precarious position. Discussions extend into potential U.S. foreign policy shifts under Trump, focusing on the dynamics between Israel, its neighbors, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
10 Feb
Shani Taragin: 'The ideal is for the Jewish People to live in the Land of Israel'
Rabbanit Shani Taragin shares her deep connection to Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people, discussing the challenges and ideals of religious Zionism. She navigates complex issues such as the release of Palestinian prisoners, the role of Zionism, and the delicate balance between hope and fear for Israel's future.
7 Feb
Unpacking Trump’s Gaza Plan
Donald Trump's proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza has sparked debate, appearing both innovative and unfeasible. Jason Isaacson from AJC discusses the potential implications on the ground and the broader geopolitical landscape, including impacts on hostages and regional peace efforts.
6 Feb
Israel’s Ever-Expanding War on the West Bank
Israeli military operations in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, have intensified, echoing tactics used in Gaza and raising concerns of escalating conflict. Analysts discuss the impact and motivations behind these actions, as well as the broader implications for Palestinian residents and regional stability.
6 Feb
Israel in Ceasefire – Trump’s Dystopia
Israeli society grapples with the implications of a proposed American takeover and transformation of Gaza, presented by Donald Trump as a solution to longstanding tensions. The discussion highlights a mix of messianism, moral ambiguity, and realpolitik, with Israeli leaders and public opinion deeply divided.
5 Feb
Despite shocking Gaza plan, 'Netanyahu didn't get anything he wanted from Trump'
Haaretz columnist Alon Pinkas explains that despite the optics of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting, Netanyahu did not secure any substantial American support for actions desired by the Israeli right. Trump's unpredictable plan to "take control" of Gaza overshadowed diplomatic goals, leaving Netanyahu with little tangible progress on key issues like Iran and the Gaza cease-fire.
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by Matt Sienkiewicz
by Matt Sienkiewicz
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