Israel Update

A surprising proposal for Gaza from Trump raises eyebrows, even catching Netanyahu off guard. The discussion dives into the historical significance of their meetings and the moral dilemmas surrounding population dynamics. Responses across the Israeli political spectrum reveal deep divisions, especially regarding the two-state solution. Intelligence lapses in security operations highlight vulnerabilities. Lastly, the podcast navigates the emotional complexities of current Gaza politics and the potential for redefining Palestinian aspirations within the shifting geopolitical landscape.

Gadi spoke with British author Melanie Phillips about her new book The Builder's Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West—and Why Only They Can Save It.

Tensions soar as a self-appointed Supreme Court president stirs up political chaos in Israel. The conversation heats up with passionate arguments over Gaza's future and the challenges posed by Hamas. Hostage negotiations and Trump’s influence complicate the already tense situation. A humorous debate ensues, comparing cultural references with serious geopolitical issues, showcasing the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for decisive action in the face of ongoing violence.

The resignation of IDF General Herzi Halevi sparks a fiery discussion on military leadership and the criticisms surrounding it. Hosts reflect on public relief and the complexities of valuing motivations beyond politics. Meanwhile, they analyze the impact of Trump's early days in office on U.S.-Israeli relations, amid concerns over foreign policy shifts regarding Iran. A deep dive into media narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict also reveals the challenges of presenting unbiased viewpoints in a polarized landscape.

The deal that Israel is now forced to accept is not very different from the one the Biden administration has tried to impose. Combined with the rise of the isolationist elements of MAGA, this may signify a worrying trend. But Mike is less concerned than Gadi is. Granted, he also had significantly lower expectations.Plus: turmoil in Israel's Knesset, and a new scandal involving the man designated to preside of Israel's Supreme Court.

Accompanied by a Turkish driver and two lightly armed escorts, Mike had the opportunity to see firsthand what post-Assad Syria is like. The country was devastated. The scenes of poverty and destruction are heart wrenching. At one-point Mike's escort had to change the route to evade an attack by Israel.Meanwhile in Israel chief of staff Herzi Halevi seems intent on evading a serious enquiry in the disastrous failure of the army under his command on the fateful Shabbat of October 7.

A network of anti-Israel officials inside the Biden administration is encouraging President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken to spring on Israel a nasty January surprise. They are modeling their scheme on the ambush at the United Nations that the outgoing Obama administration sprung on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government in December 2016.Obama, you will recall, orchestrated the passing of UNSCR 2334, which aims to turn the ceasefire lines that separated Israel from Jordan before the 1967 war into an internationally recognized political boundary between Israel and a Palestinian state.This year’s January surprise aims to find Israel officially guilty of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, thereby laying the evidentiary basis for a new UN resolution punishing Israel. Mike and Gadi have the scoop.

Is a clash inevitable between Israel and Turkey over Syria? Or can they find a mutually beneficial arrangement? Two heavy hitters, IU's Mike Doran and Haifa University's Dan Schueftan, face off against each other on this crucial issue for Israel's future.

Mike has been following the Syrian question for decades and he explains why Israel has a great opportunity now, if it acts with a cool head, but may also fall into a dangerous trap if it does not.Plus: we had some hearty laughs at the end. 

After a number of off the record talks with high ranking sources in Israel, both Gadi and Mike are under the impression that the talks of larger goals are sincere. In that case we are probably witnessing a lull, no more, until President Trump takes office.Meanwhile, Netanyahu's domestic enemies are going into overdrive, with two new surprising investigations: one against the chief of Israel's Prison Service, and one against the chief of Israel's Police in Judea and Samaria. The problem seems to be this: they did what Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, told them to.