Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy

Send us a textIn Part 2 of our conversation with John Spencer, we dive into the brutal complexities of Israel’s war against Hamas, the impossible choices Israel faces, and the international double standards being applied. Topics include:Legal Reality vs. Moral Expectations: Is Israel legally obligated to provide aid to Gaza while Hamas controls it?The Dilemma of Hostages: Can military pressure force Hamas to release them, or does negotiation only drive the price up?Hamas’ Human Shield Strategy: How the terror group weaponizes civilians to manipulate international law.Lessons for the West: What democratic nations must learn from Israel’s military innovations and experience in urban warfare.The Broader Conflict: The Iranian-backed Houthi threat and the broader implications of Israel’s war for the free world.🔥 Don’t miss this in-depth, unapologetic analysis of Israel’s ongoing struggle to secure its borders and rescue hostages from the clutches of Hamas.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse Sklar00:00 - Introduction and Overview01:27 - International Law and Humanitarian Aid09:08 - Hostage Crisis and Negotiation Strategies21:00 - Houthi Pirates and Iranian Proxies29:22 - Lessons from Urban Warfare38:24 - Conclusion and Broader ImplicationsFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textDive into an in‑depth conversation with John Spencer as he delivers an inside look at Israel’s government communication strategy and its evolving approach to urban warfare. In this episode of Israel: State of a Nation, John—chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point and a renowned military analyst—breaks down the shifting battlefield dynamics, the double standards of international law, and the challenging questions about hostages, ceasefires, and the future of Gaza.Key Topics Discussed: • How Hamas’ tactics and the “moral trap” shape modern urban warfare • The political stakes and international pressures influencing Israel’s strategy • The role of advanced IDF tactics—including tanks, drones, and infantry innovations—in fighting an enemy entrenched in tunnels • The hostage crisis, failed ceasefire negotiations, and the dilemma of international aid • Lessons from historical battles and how they inform today’s conflictIf you’re looking to understand the complex interplay between military strategy, international law, and government messaging during wartime, this episode is a must‑listen.0:00 - Introduction: The War Israel Must Win5:06 - Hamas’s Strategy: Sacrificing Civilians for Victory14:05 - The Double Standard: Why Israel Can’t Win By Playing By the Rules27:51 - Occupation or Anarchy: Israel’s Impossible Choice34:38 - Israel's Approach to Fighting in Unimaginable TerrainCo-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textIs peace still possible after October 7th and who is even left to fight for it? In this explosive episode, Ittay Flescher, a longtime peace activist and educator, sits down for a raw and revealing conversation about the Israeli government’s communication strategy, the failures of peace movements, and the deep ideological divide in Israeli-Palestinian relations. But what starts as a respectful debate takes an unexpected turn… Key Topics Covered in This Episode:How October 7th shattered long-held beliefs about peaceThe failures of peace activism and uncomfortable truths about Hamas’ supportInside the Israeli government’s messaging strategy—what’s working and what’s failingHow Israel should handle the war of narratives in global mediaWhat Ittay Flescher’s experience inside a peace movement reveals about Palestinian perspectives🔔 Subscribe for more hard-hitting conversations on Israel’s fight for truth.This episode delivers blunt analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe for more hard-hitting insights on Israel, global security, and the war beyond Gaza.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarChapter Markers: 0:00 - Introduction and Setting the Stage2:36 - How October 7th Changed Ittay Personally7:00 - Debate on Israel’s Response to Hamas10:55 - Visions for Peace: Confederation vs. Security19:06 - Clash of Conceptions and Palestinian Intentions28:24 - Building Partners for Peace and Historical Examples40:55 - Israel’s Role and Path to Peace45:48 - Ittay’s Meltdown and Reflections on Peace PartnersFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textInside Israel’s Government: The War for Public OpinionWhat is Israel’s strategy to combat Hamas’ global propaganda machine? In this exclusive interview, Salo Aizenberg, an independent scholar and leading voice in exposing misinformation, gives an inside look at how the Israeli government counters Hamas’ disinformation war.Key Topics Covered in This Episode:How Hamas manipulates the media to spread anti-Israel narrativesThe NGO industrial complex that launders Hamas propagandaWhy Israel’s communication strategy struggles against biased global mediaThe real numbers behind humanitarian aid and the famine mythHow Hamas weaponizes international law to secure military advantages🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive analysis on Israel’s fight for truth.Matti Friedman’s 2014 Essay00:00 - Coming Up00:21 - Monologue02:02 - Intro08:27 - Hamas’ PsyOps Campaign11:47 - Why Does the Media Believe Hamas?18:23 - Reverse Engineering the Laws of War25:58 - Behind the Humanitarian Aid Numbers44:49 - Debunking the Genocide Myth56:12 - A Turning Point in Global Opinion? 59:27 - Wrap UpCo-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textWhy did Hamas attack Israel on October 7, and how did it backfire spectacularly - particularly for ‘puppet master’ Iran? Hamas launched its brutal invasion expecting to shatter Israel’s strength—but instead, it triggered a seismic shift in the region, unraveling Iran’s proxy strategy and redefining the balance of power in the Middle East.In this episode of Israel: State of a Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Saul Sadka, a sharp political analyst known for his no-nonsense breakdowns of the war. Together, they expose the ripple effects of Hamas' catastrophic miscalculation and what it means for Israel and the world.🔹 How Hamas’ attack destroyed Iran’s "ring of fire" strategy🔹 Why the media war is just as crucial as the military one🔹 The role of Western appeasement in empowering Iran’s proxies🔹 Israel’s new strategic position—and the path to lasting victoryThis episode delivers blunt analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe for more hard-hitting insights on Israel, global security, and the war beyond Gaza.00:00 - Intro: Meet Saul Sadka03:15 - Hamas’ Strategic Failure09:05 - Iran’s Proxy Collapse20:46 - How the West Empowered Hamas34:39 - A Palestinian State = Chaos?40:34 -  Israel’s Path to Victory48:18 - ConclusionCo-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textHow does Israel manage its global communications during times of war? In this episode, Eylon Levy sits down with Tal Heinrich, former spokeswoman for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, for an unfiltered conversation about the challenges, successes, and failures of Israel’s media strategy in the wake of October 7th. 🔹 The urgent call that put Tal Heinrich in front of the world’s cameras 🔹 The chaos inside Israel’s media war room after October 7 🔹 How the international narrative turned against Israel—and why it happened so fast 🔹 The media’s double standards: Why Hamas isn’t held accountable 🔹 What Israel must do to win the information warDon’t miss this insider perspective on the battle for global opinion. Subscribe for more hard-hitting conversations on Israel, diplomacy, and the war beyond Gaza.00:00 - Coming Up00:20 - Monologue01:51 - Intro02:28 - Becoming a Spokesperson on October 7th13:40 - The Media Strategy19:00 - Our Most Memorable Interviews23:08 - The Woke Right 27:18 - How Money Got to Hamas30:37 - The Case for Total Victory35:50 - US Presidential Influence38:08 - Why Tal Left the Prime Minister’s Office41:40 - Improving the Fight - The Importance of Storytelling55:27 - Reflecting on Our Work1:05:03 - Wrap UpCo-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textIn this hard-hitting episode of State of the Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Ilay David—the brother of Evyatar David, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for over 500 days. This exclusive interview delivers raw, firsthand insights into the brutal tactics of the Hamas terror regime and the inhumane conditions inside Gaza’s underground dungeons.As pressure mounts for the release of the remaining hostages, President Trump has issued his strongest warning yet, vowing that Hamas will face catastrophic consequences if they do not immediately release the hostages. Join us as Ilay David reveals the devastating impact of hostage propaganda, the relentless struggle for freedom, and the urgent call for international political pressure. Learn about the dynamics of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the psychological warfare used against innocent hostages, and the deep-rooted commitment of Israeli society to “leave no man behind.”👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for more exclusive updates on the October 7th War.Freedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textIsrael’s regional threats are shifting fast—and the stakes have never been higher. Former Israeli diplomat and Knesset member Ruth Wasserman Lande joins Eylon Levy to analyze the instability on Israel’s borders and the global forces reshaping the Middle East after October 7.With decades of experience in Arab affairs, diplomacy, and security, Wasserman Lande offers unique insights into:🔹 The shifting Middle East – Why October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel, but a turning point for the region.🔹 Egypt’s military buildup – Why is Cairo violating its peace treaty with Israel?🔹 The rise of radical Islam – How both Sunni and Shia extremists are competing for dominance.🔹 Lebanon & Hezbollah – Can Lebanon reclaim its sovereignty, or is Iran too deeply entrenched?🔹 Jordan’s fragile future – Is Israel’s longest, quietest border now its most unpredictable?🔹 The myth of peace with Palestinians – Why a two-state solution could further destabilize the region.This is a must-watch deep dive into the geopolitical challenges that will shape Israel’s security for decades to come.Co-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschLine Producer - Tal SegalIntern - Jesse SklarChapters00:00 - Coming Up 00:59 - Welcome2:33 - Where are we 500+ days into the war?04:22 - How to frame Middle East conflict06:45 - The Sunni/Shi’a Divide11:14 - A worldwide Islamist caliphate15:50 - Egypt’s Military Buildup27:50 - Foreign Policy Recommendations35:32 - What is going on in Jordan?41:03 - Is a two-state solution still possible?49:40 - Post-Assad Syria55:47 - What’s Next in Lebanon?1:02:05 - The Future of Israel’s Borders1:05:12 - Wrap Up1:06:47 - OutroFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textEveryone wants to know: What will it take to defeat Hamas once and for all?In this episode of Israel: State of a Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former U.S. National Security Council official, to break down the bigger war beyond Gaza—and what it will take to end Hamas for good.Doran argues that Hamas is just a pawn in Iran’s larger war against Israel, and that Tehran is the true mastermind keeping the terror group alive. But is Iran really the key to victory, or do Hamas’s other patrons—Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt—also bear responsibility?Key topics covered:🔹 How to take down Hamas—what’s the real strategy for ending this war?🔹 Iran’s role in the war—does cutting off Tehran mean the collapse of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis?🔹 Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt—How much power do they really have over Hamas?🔹 The seven-front war—can Israel afford to focus on one enemy, or is every front a potential disaster?🔹 What happens if Hamas survives?—the stakes of failing to finish the job.See more of Michael's work with The Hudson Institute here: www.hudson.org00:00 - Coming up00:15 - Monologue02:31 - Welcome03:45 - Understanding Iran06:47 - Defining state sponsors11:10 - US role in framing Hamas15:12 - Iran's support of Hamas23:34 - Hezbollah's role 31:02 - Let's talk about Qatar46:20 - US role in Qatar48:53 - Let's talk about the Egyptians53:35 - Who to focus on59:48 - Where does Turkey fit into this?1:07:00 - The Future of the Middle East1:12:48 - Wrap Up1:13:44 - OutroCo-Creator and Host - Eylon LevyCo-Creator - Guy RossExecutive Producer - Asher Westropp-EvansDirector/Editor - Benny GoldmanStudio Manager - Lotem SegevGraphics - Thomas GirschIntern - Jesse SklarFreedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/

Send us a textIn this fast talking episode of Israel State of the Nation, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy sits down with fearless student activist Shabbos Kestenbaum to expose the deep-rooted campus antisemitism and systemic discrimination undermining elite institutions like Harvard. Through hard-hitting insights and firsthand accounts, they dissect a controversial lawsuit alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act and challenge the narrative that has allowed hate to flourish on college campuses.In This Episode: 🔹 Campus Antisemitism Exposed: Uncover shocking incidents of discrimination and bias faced by Jewish students. 🔹 Harvard Under Scrutiny: Dive into the details of a landmark lawsuit and explore systemic issues at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. 🔹 Bold Activism in Action: Learn how Levy and Kestenbaum are demanding accountability from academic elites and political leaders to safeguard Jewish civil rights.00:00 - Coming Up00:15 - Opening Monologue03:00 - Welcome04:10 - The Lawsuit Against Harvard14:50 - Campaigning for Donald Trump19:15 - Pervasive Radicalization26:17 - Israel as a Bipartisan Issue30:52 - Shabbos’s Approach to Fighting Antisemitism 41:00 - The Failure of the Democratic Party50:18 - OutroClick here to read the full lawsuit: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68152041/kestenbaum-v-president-and-fellows-of-harvard-college/The latest article from Harvard post settlement: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/1/21/harvard-settles-antisemitism-lawsuits/ Join us for this must-watch conversation that bridges grassroots activism with high-stakes political debate. Subscribe now for more exclusive insights on Israeli politics, Jewish rights, and the global fight against antisemitism, and hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated!Freedom to LearnChampioning school choice, defending parental rights, & exposing the harm caused by unionsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showStay up to date at:X: https://twitter.com/stateofapodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofapod/