Haaretz Podcast

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.

Amos Harel, a senior military analyst for Haaretz, dives into Netanyahu's strategic gamble on a Trump presidency and its implications for Israel. He discusses how Netanyahu's decisions, including firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, are intertwined with the U.S. election. Harel highlights the potential U.S. support Netanyahu hopes to gain to stave off his criminal trial and advance controversial judicial reforms. Their conversation also touches on the fraught dynamics of Israeli and U.S. politics during this turbulent period.

Normally, foreign policy doesn't play a major role in presidential politics, but the 2024 race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has been an exception. Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon have become hotly debated issues. Susan Glasser, a staff writer at The New Yorker and co-author of “The Divider,” which chronicled the first Trump term, spoke to Haaretz Podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer on the eve of one of the closest elections is U.S. history. Glasser discussed the potential impact of the election on the Middle East and global politics, how a second Trump term would differ radically from a Harris presidency as far as U.S.-Israel relations are concerned, the influence of big Trump donors like Miriam Adelson and Elon Musk on the race, and her experience covering Trump's massive Madison Square Garden rally, the climactic pre-election event for Trump and the MAGA movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council, and Peter Deutsch, former Florida congressman, engage in a fiery debate over the 2024 election's implications for Israel and the Jewish community. Soifer champions Kamala Harris, praising her unprecedented military assistance to Israel. In contrast, Deutsch defends Donald Trump, arguing he prioritized Jewish safety during his presidency. The conversation dives into contrasting foreign policy approaches, rising anti-Semitism, and the complexities of Jewish voter sentiment. It's a riveting clash of ideologies!

Bar Peleg, a brave journalist who reported from southern Israel during the October 7 attack, shares his harrowing experiences under fire. Sheren Falah Saab brings attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the shared suffering of families on both sides of the conflict. Linda Dayan discusses the plight of hostages and their families, revealing the emotional toll on journalists grappling with grief and duty. Together, they reflect on the vital role of journalism in humanizing stories and fostering empathy amid chaos.

Orna Mizrahi, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and a veteran of Israel's security establishment, shares her insights on the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. She discusses the strategic decision-making post-Hamas attacks and argues that delayed military action against Hezbollah was a calculated risk. Mizrahi also highlights the challenges Israel faces managing conflicts on multiple fronts and the enduring resilience of Hezbollah, exacerbated by Iranian support, ultimately raising questions about regional stability.

Yossi Melman, a Haaretz columnist and expert in strategy and intelligence, shares vital insights on the Israel-Iran conflict. He cautions against targeting Iran's nuclear sites, emphasizing the dangerous implications for global oil markets. Melman critiques the performance of Israeli intelligence before and after October 7, pointing out a significant gap in effectiveness. He underscores the need for a calculated military response while advocating for a strategic approach to diplomacy amidst rising regional tensions.

Hannah Wacholder-Katzman, mother of peace activist Chaim Katzman who was killed by Hamas, shares her poignant journey of grief and advocacy. She recounts the challenges of mourning amid national trauma and reflects on how hostility from some segments complicates her advocacy for hostage families. Despite feeling more supported by the U.S. government than Israel's, she emphasizes the need for unity and understanding, while highlighting the politicization of grief in her son's memory and the frustrations of activists during such dark times.