What Matters Now What Matters Now to Micah Goodman: End of Gaza war heralds a tectonic shift in Israel
Oct 15, 2025
Micah Goodman, a renowned author and public intellectual known for his insightful books on Israeli society, discusses Israel's potential transition into a new political era. He argues that the country is nearing a Third Israeli Republic, driven by shifts in societal values post-war. Goodman emphasizes the distinction between pragmatic right and far-right politics, noting the emergence of a centrist bloc focused on effective governance. He also highlights grassroots movements as vital catalysts for change, linking current events to themes of renewal in the Torah.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
A New Israeli Republic Is Emerging
- Micah Goodman argues Israel is transitioning to a Third Israeli Republic after the trauma of recent wars.
- He compares historical shifts to French republics and sees a generational rebirth led by those who fought this war.
'67 Euphoria Meets '73 Disillusion
- Goodman says the current moment combines the effects of 1967's euphoria and 1973's disillusionment at an intensified scale.
- That simultaneous experience reshapes Israeli society and political foundations.
Far‑Right Fantasies Declared Dead
- Netanyahu's signing of the US 20-point plan signals abandonment of long-held right-wing fantasies like reversing disengagement and annexation.
- Goodman sees this as a paradox: the most right-wing government has delegitimized far-right goals.
