Dahlia Scheindlin, a senior columnist at Haaretz and author focusing on Israeli democracy, joins the discussion on Benjamin Netanyahu’s groundbreaking courtroom testimony amid corruption charges. They explore the charged atmosphere with protests outside, where public opinion is sharply divided. The podcast dives into Netanyahu's courtroom strategies, revealing how he navigates his dual roles and the implications for Israel's judiciary. Tensions rise as they examine the potential erosion of trust in democracy tied to this high-stakes trial.

Amos Harel, Haaretz's senior military analyst, and Hassan Hassan, a Syrian-born journalist and author, dive into the complex aftermath of the Assad regime's collapse. They discuss how the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, with roots in extremist ideologies, may adopt a pragmatic approach towards Israel similar to that of Assad. Harel expresses skepticism about HTS's supposed moderation, while Hassan highlights potential stability implications for Israel. The conversation sheds light on shifting power dynamics and the cautious optimism among Syrians yearning for change.

Avi Scharf, National Security and Open Source Intelligence Editor at Haaretz, discusses his investigation into Israel's military entrenchment in Gaza, revealing the establishment of bases and civilian displacement. Rachel Fink, a Haaretz staff writer, dives into the determined efforts of settler activists, particularly Daniella Weiss, to revive Jewish settlements in the region. The conversation highlights the intertwining of military strategies with political ambitions and the divided sentiments of the Israeli public regarding future settlement initiatives.

Dahlia Lithwick, an award-winning journalist at Slate, and Yofi Tirosh, a prominent civil rights activist and law professor, delve into the urgent challenges facing women's rights in both Israel and the U.S. They discuss how authoritarian regimes target women first, revealing the unsettling connection between gender equality and democracy. Topics include the impact of Ezek el’s judicial overhaul and America’s Dobbs decision, political fatigue's role in activism, and the overarching theme of resilience against rising extremism. Their insights offer a powerful look at the struggle for women's autonomy.

In this discussion, media critic Oren Persico from The Seventh Eye delves into how Netanyahu's government is waging war on independent media, particularly targeting Haaretz with economic boycotts. Anat Saragusti, director of press freedom at the Union of Journalists in Israel, reveals the frightening rise of smear campaigns against journalists, often leading to violence. They explore the implications of government tactics that resemble oppressive regimes, creating an atmosphere of fear that stifles journalistic integrity and self-censorship.

Amir Tibon, Haaretz's diplomatic correspondent and author of "The Gates of Gaza," discusses the geopolitical implications of the ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. Aeyal Gross, an international law expert, provides insightful legal analysis on these developments. They delve into how the arrest warrants may impact Netanyahu's grip on power amid global reactions, the morality surrounding military actions, and the controversial BibiLeaks scandal. The dynamics of international law and war accountability further complicate the political landscape.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, discusses the pressing challenges for progressive American Jews during turbulent times. He explores generational divides and the importance of Jewish unity amid rising antisemitism. The conversation dives into balancing a love for Israel with critiques of its government policies, the need for open dialogue, and the role of spirituality in social responsibility. Jacobs emphasizes engaging the younger generation and addressing political polarization to strengthen community identity.

In this insightful conversation, Ksenia Svetlova, a former Knesset member and Middle East expert, delves into the peculiarities of Israel's reliance on Russia for negotiations concerning Hezbollah. Highlighting the strong Iran-Russia ties, she questions the feasibility of Moscow as a mediator. The discussion also covers the complex landscape of Israeli-Palestinian partnerships amidst escalating violence and the geopolitical ramifications of the U.S. elections on the Iran-Israel conflict. Svetlova's expertise shines as she unravels the intricate web of regional alliances.

David de Jong, an investigative journalist and author of "Nazi Billionaires," discusses the shocking violence against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. He explores how these incidents highlight the conflicting narratives shaped by media coverage. De Jong argues that such unrest benefits far-right parties, fueling anti-immigration sentiments across Europe. The conversation also delves into the ineffective response from Dutch authorities and the broader implications for political dynamics in Europe amidst rising polarization and tensions.

What do Donald Trump’s team choices signal about future policies on Iran, Gaza and Israel? How is the isolationist wing in Trump’s circle already influencing his decisions? And why is the U.S. Jewish community caught in a battle of narratives over the number of Jews who voted for Trump for president? In this episode of the Haaretz Podcast, host Allison Kaplan Sommer and Haaretz Washington correspondent Ben Samuels delve into Trump’s upcoming return to the White House and its potential impact on the Middle East and American Jews.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.