Haaretz Podcast

Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher and former IDF military intelligence officer, dives into the rising threats posed by Iran. He discusses a foiled assassination plot targeting Israel's ambassador in Mexico, revealing Iran's deepening ties in Latin America, particularly through Venezuela. Citrinowicz highlights the potential for an increasingly aggressive Iranian missile program and its implications for Israeli security. He also explores Iran's strategies amid domestic pressures, urging Israel to seek coordinated political solutions.

Lila Stillman-Utterback, a young Jewish American activist recently deported from Israel, shares her shocking experience of being arrested while volunteering during the olive harvest. Anton Goodman, from Rabbis for Human Rights, highlights the alarming rise of settler violence in the West Bank, linking it to extremist government policies that embolden lawlessness. They discuss the cultural significance of the harvest, the challenges faced by volunteers, and the disturbing trend of youth recruitment into violence, painting a harrowing picture of the current situation on the ground.

Jonah Platt, an actor-turned-podcaster and advocate for Jewish representation, delves into the complexities of Jewish identity after the events of October 7. He shares insights on shifting voter dynamics, particularly among Gen Z Jews, and how political polarization impacts Jewish families. Platt discusses his nuanced stance on Israel, balancing support with criticisms of leaders, and emphasizes the need for joyful Jewish narratives in media. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining familial ties amid differing political views and the modern meaning of being Jewish.

Eran Shamir-Borer, a former IDF Military Advocate General's Corps officer and current director at the Israel Democracy Institute, delves into the shocking Sde Teiman affair. He discusses the severe implications of leaked videos showing abuses at the detention camp, expressing concern about the credibility of Israel's military justice system. Shamir-Borer highlights fears that this scandal could strengthen political efforts to undermine judicial independence and diminish Israel's standing in international law discussions.

Jacob Kornbluh, Senior political correspondent for The Forward, discusses Zohran Mamdani's surprising rise in the New York City mayoral race, highlighting the divided opinions among Jewish voters. Dov Scheindlin, a Columbia University program coordinator, explains his decision to support Mamdani despite disagreements on Israel, citing the candidate's commitment to New York's Jewish community. The conversation explores fears of antisemitism, changing Democratic dynamics, and the broader implications of Mamdani's candidacy for Jewish-Muslim relations.

Dr. Ayala Panievsky, a researcher and journalist specializing in media and populism, shares insights on the unprecedented self-censorship in Israeli media during the Gaza war. She highlights the stark contrast between international coverage and local reporting, revealing that only 3% of the media mentioned Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Panievsky discusses the pressures exerted by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s camp on journalists, which have stifled dissent and diverse voices. She also explores global trends in censorship and offers practical steps to defend journalism today.

Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur, a leading figure in the liberal Jewish movement in France and author, discusses the profound changes in French Jewish identity since the Gaza conflict began. She shares insights on the challenges of maintaining open dialogue within the community and the backlash she faced for criticizing Israeli policies. Delphine also highlights the rise of anti-Semitism and explores the impact of her HBO-adapted series, urging listeners to foster conversations amidst the turmoil and express hope for the future.

Joshua Leifer, a Haaretz columnist and commentator on Israeli and U.S. politics, sheds light on the recent influx of Trump administration officials to Israel post-ceasefire. He argues this signals deep U.S. distrust in Netanyahu's plans. Leifer discusses the Trump administration's intense supervision, likening it to a U.S. mandate over Israeli decisions. He explores the complexities of American Jewish responses to Trump's role in the ceasefire and raises concerns over potential reconstruction plans for Gaza, warning of a shift towards permanent control.

Assaf Amir, Chairman of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television and veteran producer, dives into the turbulent state of Israel’s film industry. He discusses how the Gaza conflict has stifled international collaborations and led to Hollywood boycotts, which he views as largely symbolic. Amir challenges the Israeli government's hostility towards films with Palestinian narratives, particularly focusing on the award-winning 'The Sea.' He expresses skepticism about the credibility of an alternative government prize and remains cautiously optimistic about the industry's future.

Amos Harel, a senior security analyst at Haaretz, dives into the complexities of post-war Gaza and Hamas's unyielding presence. He highlights the significance of the recent hostage returns while expressing concerns about Hamas's determination to retain power and weapons. The discussion also explores the potential for international forces in Gaza, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and Trump's provocative call for Netanyahu's pardon. Harel critiques political dynamics and reflects on the implications for regional diplomacy in the wake of the conflict.