Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

Nadav Eyal, an Israeli journalist known for his insights on Israeli society, and Amit Segal, a political journalist and author, dive into pressing topics surrounding the October 7 war. They discuss the surprising resilience within Israel and the political dynamics post-conflict. Eyal and Segal debate the portrayal of Gaza in the media and critique the normalization of severe terms in global discourse. They also analyze the implications of hostage-related politics and the future of Gaza and Israeli leadership, offering a thought-provoking conversation.

Ronen Bergman, an investigative Israeli journalist, reveals explosive insights into Hamas' strategies surrounding the October 7 attacks. He discusses a recently uncovered memo by Yehia Sinwar, detailing premeditated horrific acts meant to instill terror. With 8200 recordings confirming orders for violence, Bergman highlights the strategic objectives behind the brutality, aiming to ignite conflict with Iran and provoke international outrage. He also examines Hamas' deceptive tactics and the intricate coordination between their political and military leaders.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza-born critic of Hamas, and Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, share their insights on the complex dynamics within Gaza. They discuss Hamas' brutal treatment of dissenters, including public executions, and the implications of recent attacks on Israeli forces. The guests analyze the shifting power dynamics in Gaza, the prospects for reconstruction, and the challenges faced by anti-Hamas activists. They emphasize the need for immediate humanitarian action and the minimal support left for Hamas among locals.

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the first East-Asian ordained rabbi and leader at Central Synagogue, explores her journey of faith and identity in her memoir. She reflects on the impact of recent events, the longing for safety within community spaces, and the necessity of nuanced views on Israel and Palestine. Angela discusses her transformation from feeling like an outsider to embracing that perspective as a source of strength. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in fostering relationships, aiming to make Jewish wisdom accessible through her writing.

Ari Shavit, a veteran Israeli journalist renowned for his insights on Middle Eastern politics, shares his emotional response to the recent hostage return. He delves into the pre-October 7 strategic maneuvers aimed at thwarting a potential Israeli-Saudi deal. Ari discusses significant events that reshaped Israeli policy and examines the roles of mediators like Egypt and Qatar in the ceasefire negotiations. He also outlines Israel's future plans for Gaza and predicts trends in regional diplomacy, emphasizing a potential shift away from extremism.

Nadav Eyal, a journalist focused on Israeli politics and regional affairs, and Tal Becker, a former Israeli diplomat and legal advisor, dive into the emotional aftermath of hostages being returned after two years. They discuss the deep connections between the hostage saga and Israeli identity, the pivotal role of Trump's diplomatic approach, and the ongoing complexities in Gaza. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between military success and political progress, stressing the importance of transforming momentary victories into lasting peace.

Amit Segal, an investigative journalist and author, unpacks pivotal moments in Israeli politics through his new book, revealing the drama behind prime ministers’ decisions. He recounts a revealing 4 a.m. call with Netanyahu, reflecting on leadership during crises. Segal discusses how fear shapes Israeli governance and contrasts it with U.S. politics. He also highlights the tragic arcs of prime ministers and the enduring connection between security and religious identity in their strategies. It's a deep dive into the emotional and political complexities of Israel.

Amit Segal, an insightful Israeli political commentator, and Nadav Eyal, a keen observer of Middle East policy, dive deep into the recent ceasefire in Gaza. They discuss the complex emotional landscape in Israel, analyzing the mixed public sentiment after the hostage deal. Eyal outlines the specifics of the deal, while Segal explores Trump's motivations, emphasizing the political calculations at play. The discussion also touches on Hamas’ weakened position and the emerging dynamics among regional players like Qatar and Turkey, alongside the political implications for Netanyahu.

Nadav Eyal, an experienced Israeli journalist and ARK Media contributor, delves into a historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He highlights the imminent release of hostages and the negotiation's ties to Trump's 21-point plan. Eyal discusses the balancing act of Palestinian prisoner releases, territorial negotiations, and the challenges of retrieving Israeli bodies. He also explores the implications for Gaza's future and how military pressure has reshaped Hamas's decision-making. The conversation reveals the complexities of this pivotal moment in the region.

Sam Harris, a philosopher and neuroscientist known for his insights on rationality and ethics, joins to reflect on the two-year aftermath of the October 7 attacks. He discusses the alarming rise of antisemitism and the cultural impact of Islamist extremism in Europe. Harris examines the political balancing acts that have empowered extremists and delves into the complexities of engaging in discussions about Islam. The conversation touches on Israel's military strategies, the narrative surrounding Hamas, and the challenges in ensuring Jewish safety amid rising extremism.