As Israelis celebrate the return of four hostages rescued on Saturday, June 8, the rest of the world decries the number of Gazan civilians killed in the operation.Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the disparity between Israeli and global perspectives, the moral contours of the IDF’s rescue mission, and whether the safety of one’s own people should come at the expense of others.This episode is sponsored by Amy and Ted Kahan.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

On the week of June 4th, war fatigue is beginning to weigh on Israelis.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the achievability of the IDF’s remaining goals in Gaza, Hezbollah’s increasing threat from the north, and Netanyahu’s political survival as pressure mounts for the latest hostage deal.This episode is sponsored by Dan Rubin in honor of the birth of his granddaughter, Catharine Barbara Lambe.Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

This episode was originally aired on April 4th, 2024.180 days since the tragedy of October 7th, war still wages in Gaza, hostages have yet to bereturned, Israel’s allies are now pushing for a ceasefire, and the accidental bombing of seven aid workers on April 1st marks the latest IDF fumble.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi take moral stock of Israel’s failures, its critics, and its unsung heroes, as this long and complex war hits the six-month mark.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the challenges faced by Zionism in the midst of international scrutiny and rising anti-Zionist narratives. They explore the impact of the Gaza war on Israel, the historical roots behind negative perceptions of Zionism, and the need to navigate the complex landscape of Zionism to preserve its values.

On Tuesday, May 7th, President Biden paused a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel moments after the IDF mobilized into Rafah, drawing the ire of many Israelis and Zionists worldwide.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the consequences of this decision, the impact on the war, and whether Biden’s support for Israel may be wavering.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Is the sovereignty of the Jewish State at risk?Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi examine the dilemmas of this coming Israeli Independence Day (May 14, 2024), which will be celebrated under the shadow of an existential war with Hamas and Israel’s strained international relationships.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Since mid-April, protests against the Israel-Hamas war on North American college campuses have hit a fever pitch, with some critics leveling the charge of antisemitism against the wave of demonstrations.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi consider how this story gets framed in the global marketplace of ideas when antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and critique of Israel, lose their distinction.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Israeli political commentator Donniel Hartman and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Israel's first direct attack by Iran, the psychological aftermath, the true war between Israel and Iran, and the importance of wisdom in responding to Iranian threats. They also explore meaningful conversations at the Passover Seder and promote inclusivity during Pesach.

Hostage negotiations remain deadlocked as their families continue to pressure Israel’s government to reach a deal, while rightwing MPs are threatening to dissolve Netanyahu’s coalition if the IDF does not move into Rafah. In this landscape of stark public discord, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi clash on their own priorities for victory in this war. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Exploring the moral complexities of Israel at war for 6 months, discussing government failures, accidental bombings, and unsung heroes. Reflecting on deep emotional responses, moral dilemmas, and societal conflicts amidst the ongoing conflict. Assessing the government's moral collapse and the army's performance in reducing casualties. Balancing Israel's greatness with safety concerns and exploring Jewish history, politics, and existential questions