For Heaven's Sake

What does it mean to fight a just war justly—and who decides when we’ve crossed a moral red line? What began as a just war of self-defense has evolved into something more morally ambiguous, raising questions about Israel's tactics, humanitarian concerns, and international standing. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi confront their differing "red lines" regarding Israel's conduct in Gaza and examine public discourse on this issue, including Yair Golan’s recent controversial statements about the war. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

As Israel enters a perilous new stage of the Gaza war—authorizing indefinite occupation of captured territory—Netanyahu’s pledge of “complete victory” over Hamas is deepening societal rifts and threatening to further fracture Israeli unity, pitting nationalist agendas against calls for restraint. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi dissect the cascading consequences of occupation tactics, from escalating Gazan casualties to the erosion of soldiers’ morale, and as the conflict enters its 577th day, ask: Can a nation survive when its leaders weaponize survival itself? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

This Yom Ha’atzmut carries an apt but concerning metaphor for the State of Israel: as a brushfire burns along Route 1, the annual Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony has been canceled and the connection between Israel’s cultural and ideological poles, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is literally blocked.   In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi test the limits of their gratitude to the Israeli government and look for avenues of hope in a deeply broken country this Independence Day.   JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

In the wake of the Holocaust, the Jewish people defied history. We restored sovereignty in our homeland and established the State of Israel, vowing that such victimization would never befall us again. Then came the massacre on October 7. Though Israel has successfully fought back against Hamas and its allies, the war is still being waged, hostages remain in captivity, and the evil that motivated the attack grows. As we approach Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on what this moment of remembrance means to them this year in an Israel still shaken and hardened by tragedy.   JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

The podcast dives deep into the emotional complexities surrounding this year's Passover celebrations amidst ongoing conflict and captivity. It discusses the challenges to democracy posed by recent political developments in Israel, including court rulings and government accountability. The hosts share insights on how personal narratives can enrich the Seder experience, blending tradition with modern interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on freedom, compassion, and the significance of liberation during this precarious moment.

The Shin Bet, IDF, and Israel’s judiciary should serve the nation regardless of the government’s political leanings. But Prime Minister Netanyahu seems determined to bend these institutions to serve his will and that of his right-wing coalition. Despite his visibly corrupt behavior, he may already be succeeding at instilling autocracy into Israel’s highest public institutions. This week, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi unpack the unbelievable recent absurdities and tragedies—from Netanyahu’s whiplash dismissal of his new Shin Bet chief and his response to Qatargate, to IDF arrests in the West Bank village of Jinba—and the choice Israelis face in allowing the current leadership to remain in power. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

The podcast dives into the complexities of Ultra-Orthodox draft refusal amid the ongoing war in Gaza. It uncovers the tensions between the Haredi community and Israeli society, questioning their reliance on military exemptions while benefiting from taxpayer funds. Historical obligations versus modern expectations create internal contradictions within the Haredi identity. As the community navigates its evolving role, the discussion emphasizes the need for dialogue and cultural transformation to bridge gaps in understanding and responsibility.