Haaretz Podcast

In a candid discussion, Alon Pinkas, a senior columnist and former diplomat, critiques Netanyahu’s self-proclaimed status as a master strategist in the Middle East. He argues that Netanyahu's claims about his role in Syria and Iranian power are inflated and disconnected from reality. Pinkas highlights the absurdity of Netanyahu taking credit for military successes, asserting they are due to the Israeli military, not personal strategy. He further suggests Netanyahu’s narrative stems from ‘delusions of grandeur,’ reshaping perceptions of his leadership amid political turmoil.

Israel, the United States, and European leaders are all missing a unique opportunity in their policy stance and behavior toward the new post-Assad regime in Syria, veteran Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom said on the Haaretz Podcast. Carlstrom, a journalist for The Economist currently based in Dubai, said that the leader of the Islamist faction that led the toppling of Bashar Assad’s regime has made it clear that he has no hostile intentions towards Israel. And yet, Israel has attacked hundreds of targets in the country, targeting weapons depots and air defense systems. Israel's decision to deploy troops on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights and seize control of a buffer zone between the two countries is, according to Carlstrom, worrying and alienating the Syrian population. "For Syrians, that looks like exploitation, not security," he explained.  Also on the podcast, German journalist Vera Weidenbach discussed how the collapse of Assad’s regime has reignited debates about Syrian refugees in Europe. With asylum applications frozen in Germany, and with other countries considering similar steps, she said refugees face mounting uncertainty as “deeply polarizing” rhetoric intensifies. "You see the far-right dominating the discourse in Germany, celebrating Assad’s fall as a reason for refugees to ‘finally go home,’ creating a toxic atmosphere."    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.