Unpacking Israeli History Intelligence Operations that Shaped Israel’s Story with Ronen Bergman, LIVE in LA
Dec 23, 2025
Join Pulitzer Prize-winner Ronen Bergman, an Israeli investigative journalist, as he shares captivating insights into the world of intelligence. He reveals how he convinced operatives to talk and discusses the balance between democracy and secrecy. A key highlight is his analysis of the October 7 intelligence failures, focusing on misallocation and hubris. The conversation is sprinkled with dramatic espionage tales and absurd stories from the field, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Mossad's operations and the realities of Israeli intelligence.
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Publish To Improve Intelligence Accountability
- Publish scrutiny of intelligence to strengthen democratic accountability and fix failures.
- Ronen Bergman says he regretted not warning more before October 7 and that transparency can force needed reforms.
Leverage Ego To Get Secrets Out
- Use human motives like recognition to persuade secretive operatives to speak.
- Bergman says telling operatives someone else took credit often unlocks their willingness to tell the full story.
Responsibility Shapes Israeli Intelligence Culture
- Israeli intelligence officers carry an extra burden: their failures can kill people at home.
- Bergman argues this accountability mindset shapes recruitment, sacrifice, and risk appetite uniquely.