S3 E16. MK Simcha Rothman on Democracy in Israel and Fate of the Hostages

Part I: Can the government fire the head of Shin Bet? You bet! Says Simcha Rothman

Apologies for the gap in podcast posts, but this coming week your cup will runneth over. Lots of great stuff coming your way. And we begin with this fiery discussion with Religious Zionist MK Simcha Rothman. I spoke to him on Sunday, April 6, just after the government had fired Shin Bet Head Ronen Bar and two days before the appeal of his firing was being heard in the Israeli Supreme Court. Rothman sees this latest clash as yet another manifestation of the leftist deep state undermining the will of the people, as expressed by the democratically elected government. Any criticism of the termination of Ronen Bar is manufactured and disingenuous rage, in his view. Listen and decide. We get into the weeds on the recent revival of judicial reform efforts and the dramatic fallout from the firing of Ronen Bar and also discuss his position regarding the renewed fighting in Gaza and the issue of negotiating for the return of the hostages languishing in Hamas hell. Simcha is fascinating and a very influential political player in Israel. It is important to listen carefully. In a few hours we will post the second part of this podcast—in which I discuss the same issues with Amir Tibon, a writer and journalist who sees things very differently from Simcha Rothman. I thought it important to present both sides. I’d love to hear your feedback.

State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe