Daily Podcasts Video Research

Israel Policy Pod

A podcast hosted by Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Advisor Neri Zilber with featured guests to help you unpack developments from Israel and the region.
10 Apr
Bibi Back in Washington
The podcast explores Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's challenging meeting with Donald Trump in Washington and the ongoing efforts by the Israeli government to combat the influence of the so-called "deep state." The discussion touches upon the Qatargate scandal, post-Passover government priorities, and the political trajectories of figures like Yair Golan and Naftali Bennett.
3 Apr
Barbara Leaf on the Middle East Crisis
Former Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf discusses the complexities of US policy during the Gaza conflict, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and regional politics with host Neri Zilber. The conversation spans the US-Israel relationship, the role of Hamas in peace talks, and the evolving post-war strategies for Gaza and Syria.
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.
19 Mar
Ceasefire Collapse and Constitutional Crisis With Dan Meridor
Former Israeli minister Dan Meridor discusses Israel's renewed airstrikes in Gaza, the collapsed ceasefire, and the implications of Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The conversation highlights political dynamics, potential threats to Israeli democracy, and Netanyahu's accountability in light of ongoing security and judicial controversies.
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.
26 Feb
Will the Gaza Ceasefire Hold?
Discussions revolve around the aftermath of the hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza, focusing on the emotions in Israel following the return of both living and deceased hostages. The nuanced political and emotional landscape provides a backdrop to a broader analysis of Israel and Hamas's potential next steps, with US diplomatic involvement crucial to developments.
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.
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.
28 Jan
How Close Is Israel-Saudi Normalization?
Neri Zilber and Aziz Alghashian delve into the evolving dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy, focusing on the prospects for Israel-Saudi normalization. They explore the impact of regional tensions, particularly the Gaza conflict, on Saudi foreign policy and the need for an Israeli-Palestinian peace process foundation.
21 Jan
Hostages Returned, Hamas Recovered, and Trump Restored
Neri Zilber hosts a discussion with Michael Koplow and Shira Efron about the release of female hostages, the Israeli government's response, and the potential geopolitical consequences in the Middle East. They analyze the ceasefire, future negotiations, and the interplay between leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu amidst regional tensions.
16 Jan
The Hostage-Ceasefire Deal
Neri Zilber and Shanie Reichman delve into the terms of a new ceasefire-hostage deal aiming to release 33 Israeli hostages, while the Israeli Defense Forces are set to redeploy from Gaza. The episode discusses criticisms across the political spectrum, the complexities of implementing the deal, and the uncertain future for both the Gaza region and Israeli politics.
9 Jan
New Year, Same Israeli Politics
Neri Zilber and Tal Shalev discuss the robustness of Netanyahu's political standing, coalition dynamics, and internal challenges such as ultra-Orthodox conscription and judicial reforms. They also examine the potential impact of Donald Trump's new presidency on Israeli politics and Netanyahu's government.
20 Dec 2024
A Year of Tragedy, Triumph, and Transition
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex geopolitical developments in Israel and the broader Middle East at the end of 2024, focusing on the ongoing conflicts involving Israel, the fall of the Assad regime, and the potential impact of a Trump presidency on these dynamics. The discussion dives into Israel's interactions with Hezbollah, Gaza ceasefire prospects, and Netanyahu's political maneuvers in response to both internal and external pressures.
12 Dec 2024
Israel and the Fall of Assad
Neri Zilber and Yaakov Lappin analyze Israel's military actions following the fall of Assad's regime in Syria, highlighting implications for regional stability. They examine Turkey's influence in Syria, Israel's strategic gains against Iranian proxies, and the intricate multi-front conflict involving Hezbollah and Hamas.
5 Dec 2024
Ceasefire in Lebanon
The discussion centers on the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, scrutinizing its contents, implications, and the challenges in its implementation. Despite mixed reactions in Israel, the conversation reveals a cautious optimism for managed stabilization, albeit within a tense and complex regional context.
21 Nov 2024
Netanyahu Unbound
Neri Zilber and Tal Schneider analyze the fluid Israeli political scene amidst war, focusing on Netanyahu's strategic moves, including firing Yoav Gallant and enlisting Gideon Sa'ar, while also examining the potential for further dismissals of key figures. They explore the diminished role of the opposition, the looming judicial overhaul, and the influence of Donald Trump on Israel's domestic politics.
14 Nov 2024
Trump's Return
Natan Sachs and Neri Zilber discuss the potential impact of Donald Trump's anticipated return to the U.S. presidency on Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly regarding Israel's policies. They explore the implications of Trump's possible foreign policy appointments, Israel's current internal political turmoil, and the Biden administration's potential actions during its remaining months.
31 Oct 2024
Trump, Harris, and the Middle East
The hosts discuss Israel's recent strikes on Iranian targets and the broader implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics. They also explore potential political shifts in US policy toward Israel contingent on the upcoming US presidential election result.
23 Oct 2024
After Sinwar: Negotiation or Escalation?
The podcast examines the aftermath of Yahya Sinwar's death and its implications for Hamas, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and regional dynamics. The discussion explores potential Israeli strategies under Prime Minister Netanyahu and the complex political landscape surrounding possible ceasefire negotiations and future leadership in Gaza.
16 Oct 2024
The Long War
Amos Harel and Neri Zilber provide a detailed analysis of Israel's multi-front conflict, focusing on the ongoing ground offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah and the potential for escalation with Iran. They highlight the complexities and strategic challenges Israel faces, including the precarious situation in Gaza with the hostages and the long-term sustainability of the conflict for Israel's military and society.