For Heaven's Sake

Exploring the Haredi dilemma in Israel, the debate on drafting Ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army, societal reflections on draft legislation, and the evolving relationship of the Haredi community with military service. Delving into internal struggles and challenges ahead for the Haredi community amidst changing societal norms.

On Tuesday, Hamas countered Israel’s ceasefire proposal with a sweeping offer to return all remaining captives from October 7 and beyond­–those alive and the remains of those who perished–for what amounts to a near-total dismantling of the IDF’s military effort in Gaza. Could the country accept a hostage deal that would essentially forfeit the goal of eliminating Hamas’ military power? This week, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi grapple with the impossible position faced by Israel: choosing between the Zionist imperative of self-defense and the Jewish imperative of pidyon shvuyim (redemption of captives). JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learnmore.  Go deeper on this subject with scholars from the Hartman Institute:Read Mikhael Manekin’s essay in Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas On Redeeming CaptivesWatch Elana Stein Hain’s session on The Mitzvah of Redeeming Captives

A staggering 38% of Israelis support post-war Jewish resettlement in the Gaza Strip, exemplified by a discordantly jubilant conference on Sunday, January 28 led by right-wing activists, ministers, and lawmakers including Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich. Why do so many Israelis want to undo the 2005 Gaza disengagement, and why are some of them celebrating this moment? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi unpack the layers of motivation driving this sentiment, the consequences it could have to Israel’s unity, the peace process, and the genocide case at the Hague, and what the Israeli political center can do in response. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more. Mentioned in this episode:https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/38-of-israelis-back-reestablishment-of-gaza-settlements-poll/https://www.timesofisrael.com/12-ministers-call-to-resettle-gaza-encourage-gazans-to-leave-at-jubilant-conference/

On Friday, January 26, the International Court of Justice stopped short of calling for an immediate, unilateral ceasefire, and instead ordered Israel to take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and prevent and punish incitements to genocide. Is this a vindication or a setback for Israel as the world awaits a final verdict in the Hague? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on the trial and the shift in behavior by Israel’s government since this ruling.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

The podcast discusses the possibility of a "grand bargain" between Israel, the Palestinians, and their Sunni Arab neighbors. They explore the shift in Israeli public opinion, the challenges in achieving peace, the potential role of Saudi Arabia, and alternative approaches in the war. They also discuss the importance of having credible dreams and regaining a sense of home in the Middle East.

The hosts discuss the shifting reality and unfulfilled goals of the war in Gaza. They explore Israel's evolving strategies, concerns about shifting goalposts, and the implications for military deterrence. They also reflect on the messianic spirit of Zionism, the need for non-messianic approaches, and the constant threat of war. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of a clear goal, patience, leadership, and societal support in the ongoing war against the Iranian regime.

Amidst heavy losses in Gaza, Israel faces a trial in The Hague accused of genocide. The chapter explores the emotional toll and significance of the trial. It discusses the complexities of facing trial and the burden of proof. It analyzes politicians' statements and the challenges of reckless speech. It expresses frustration with the government's response and the need for strong defenses.

On Monday, the Israeli Supreme Court struck down the reasonableness clause, a key element in the highly disputed judicial overhaul by Netanyahu’s right-wing government. Will this landmark decision reignite pre-October 7th disputes in a country that was on the verge of a constitutional crisis? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the ongoing fight for Israel’s democracy, how the trauma and tragedy of the war have become politicized, and whether the current feeling of national unity can be maintained amid the resurging political discourse.In this episode:Talmud Yevamot on the rabbinic prohibition against the Jewish people splitting into factions. Other resources: The Reasonableness Clause - For Heaven's Sake | Podcast on Spotify JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Israel’s domestic support for the war remains strong despite growing global calls for a ceasefire. With mounting international pressure to end defensive action, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore why this conflicts with what many Israelis feel is the moral, political, and military reality given that the threat from Hamas extends beyond the borders of Gaza.   JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS  Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.     It’s Time for the U.S. to Give Israel Some Tough Love Thomas L. Friedman 

Discussion on post-war period in Israel, hopes for the future of Gaza, appeal and challenges of peace with Egypt. Acknowledging Palestinian tragedy, Israel's government dealing with Palestinians, emotional struggle and longing for stability among Israelis.