Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office, and his second term has already focused on U.S.-Israel relations and Middle East diplomacy. In this episode, host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to unpack the key issues and challenges ahead.From the plight of hostages and the prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords to questions about the future of Gaza, Iran, and the fight against antisemitism, this conversation dives deep into the policies shaping the weeks and months ahead. Tune in for expert analysis and a candid discussion about what Trump’s second term means for Israel, the Jewish community, and the broader Middle East.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

In this episode, host Aviva Klompas delves into the agonizing uncertainty surrounding Israel’s long-awaited hostage deal with Hamas. Phase one of the agreement will see the release of 33 hostages—women, children, the elderly, and the infirm—over a 42-day period. However, with more than 60 individuals excluded from this initial phase, the anguish of waiting and the fear of what lies ahead remain deeply troubling.Aviva is joined by Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to examine the deal’s implications, the profound moral and strategic dilemmas it raises, and the broader context of Israel’s ongoing struggle against a terror organization.Recorded on Friday, January 17, as Israel’s cabinet convenes to vote on the agreement, Aviva and Michael discuss the complexities and emotions behind the headlines.If you found this episode insightful, subscribe to Boundless Insights and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback fuels our mission to deliver thoughtful discussions on the issues that matter most.

Qatar and the United States have announced a three-phase ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The first phase would see Hamas release 33 of the 98 hostages remaining in Gaza. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences.The agreement has sparked intense debate in Israel, with critics cautioning that it could embolden Hamas and leave hostages behind.Joining host Aviva Klompas to break down the details and implications of this deal is retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF spokesperson and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Guest Bio:Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson. 

Before October 7, judicial reform dominated Israel’s domestic agenda, sparking massive protests and fierce debates. Supporters of the plan argued reform was necessary to curb an unelected judiciary, while critics warned it posed an existential threat to Israeli democracy.Then came October 7. In the aftermath of the attack, judicial reform was frozen as the country united to confront war. Now, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has signaled plans to resume the reforms, even as Israel remains at war and divisions are as raw as ever. Why now and what’s at stake? To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Oren—historian, diplomat, and one of the most thoughtful voices on Israel’s past, present, and future.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Mentioned in the episode: 2048: The Rejuvenated State by Dr. Michael Oren

In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), about the alarming rise in antisemitism across the United States and Europe—and what’s being done to fight back.Ted spent over a decade in Congress where he was co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. Now, as the head of the AJC, he’s at the forefront of addressing the surge in Jew-hatred on a global scale.Aviva & Ted discuss:- Can legislation effectively curb antisemitism?- Why did the Antisemitism Awareness Act fail to advance?- What can the new Congress and the Trump administration do to prioritize Jewish safety?If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.  Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Guest Bio:American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch is a lifelong Jewish and pro-Israel activist. He assumed the role of CEO in October 2022, following more than 12 years of service in the United States House of Representatives. In Congress, Ted served as chair of the House Ethics Committee, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on which he served as chair of the Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee. Ted was a founding co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and also served as co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, as well as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, the Latino-Jewish Congressional Caucus, and AJC’s Transatlantic Friends of Israel inter-parliamentary group. Ted is a proud alum of Camp Ramah and the University of Michigan and Michigan Law School, where he chaired the Hillel Governing Board. Under Ted’s leadership, AJC launched its Center for Education Advocacy and Center for a New Middle East. AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people.

In this episode of Boundless Insights, Dr. Rachel Fish sits down with retired Colonel Miri Eisen, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism at Reichman University and a former Israeli intelligence officer.They dive into how language influences the way we understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the impact of words like “oppressor-oppressed,” “David and Goliath,” and “victimhood.” These terms, while powerful, can often oversimplify deeply complex realities and create greater divisions between peoples. Rachel and Miri also explore the different lenses through which people view war—some emphasizing humanitarian concerns, others prioritizing security—and why these perspectives are so important. Along the way, they share practical tips for having clear, empathetic, and fact-based conversations about Israel, terrorism, and the broader regional challenges.Guest Bio:Retired Colonel Miri Eisin is a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism (ICT) at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel. With a 20-year career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), she held roles, including intelligence officer for a regional border brigade, the airborne division, and Deputy Head of the Combat Intelligence Corps—the first woman to serve in each of these positions. After retiring from the IDF, Miri served as the Israeli government spokesperson during the 2006 Second Lebanon War and as international press secretary to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. She is a frequent media commentator on intelligence, security, and diplomacy.

Aviva Klompas sits down with actor, comedian, and proud Jewish advocate Michael Rapaport for a special year-end episode. Known for his unapologetic commentary and passionate support for Israel, Michael brings his signature no-holds-barred style to a conversation reflecting on the highs, lows, and surprises of 2024.Highlights from the Episode:-Balancing comedy and advocacy: Michael on tackling serious issues with humor.-The Jewish and Israeli stories Hollywood needs to tell.-A lightning round of 2024’s biggest news stories, including the pager attack on Hezbollah, Swifty fever, the presidential election, and the rise of AI.-Michael’s approach to New Year’s resolutions.Guest Bio: Michael Rapaport is an actor and comedian celebrated for his direct and no-nonsense approach. With a career spanning film, television, and stand-up comedy, he has become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken supporters of Israel, using his platform to inspire others to stand up and speak out.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

In this episode of Boundless Insights, Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to analyze the latest prospects for a hostage deal. The discussion delves into the likelihood of a deal, the complexities of negotiations, and what it all means for Israel and its allies.Key points include:-Reports of proof of life shared with families of captives.-The role of international actors, including President Trump’s recent warnings.-Contradictory reports about negotiation sticking points and what they reveal about Hamas’s strategy.-The broader implications of the hostage crisis for Israel’s ability to declare victory.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others. Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Additional Resources:The Wall Street Journal op-ed titled “America Demands the Return of Its Hostages.

For decades, Iran has advanced its nuclear ambitions, circumventing sanctions and ignoring global condemnation. Now, with Hamas’s military largely dismantled in Gaza, Hezbollah weakened, and Syria’s Assad regime faltering, the Islamic Republic finds itself on the back foot.With only weeks remaining before Trump takes office, Tehran may see its window closing and feel compelled to make a final push toward a nuclear weapon.How close is Iran to the bomb? Will Israel act to stop it? And where does the United States stand if preemptive action becomes inevitable?Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren—historian, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, and one of the sharpest voices on Israel’s security and foreign policy.Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompasFind Michael Oren on X @DrMichaelOren

Join Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF spokesperson and Middle East expert, as he delves into the rising threat of the Houthis, Iran's proxy in Yemen. He explains how this rebel group, despite Yemen's poverty, has developed advanced military capabilities, launching attacks on Israel and disrupting global trade. Conricus also unpacks the origins and ideological roots of the Houthis and examines regional security implications of their aggression. His insights highlight why the world remains hesitant to confront this growing menace.