Israel Explained : Recent Episodes
Shaiel Ben-Ephraim
Israel Explained will give you a bi-weekly deep dive into the latest issues in Israeli news. Join us for the most direct, no-nonsense, and comprehensive analysis of this wonderful but troubled land.
The US is brokering Saudi-Israeli normalization. Biden and Netanyahu want a foreign policy achievement and the Saudis have made some demands. Will it work? We go over the obstacles, explain the likelihood, and answer MANY amazing questions.
Israeli military experts have warned that the judicial reform will harm the IDF's capabilities. But that was all theoretical. Now that the legislation has started, what is actually happening within the army, and is the IDF still a mighty fighting force? We find out.
The operation in Jenin was the largest in the West Bank since the Second Intifada. Why was it needed, and why do some see it signaling the PA's demise? I also answer listeners' questions, such as why some residents of Jenin are considered refugees, who controls the city, and whether it is considered occupied territory. Listen now!
There have been over 100 murders in Arab society in 2023 so far, double the incidence last year. Why is this happening? Many blame Ben-Gvir, it is really his fault? And what can be done to stop it?
The Netanyahu government has passed its 2023 and 2024 budgets. And as expected, it gives preference to the Haredi and settler populations. What will the repercussions be for Israel in the long term?
The operation is over. But what is the aftermath? We look at the winners and losers, militarily, strategically, politically, and diplomatically. And answer your wonderful questions.
The IAEA has warned that Iran could create nuclear bombs at will. Meanwhile, they have been cooperating with Russia on cyber attacks against Israel. And as we know, Netanyahu is distracted by other things. How bad is the threat and what will Israel do about it?
The Netanyahu government has paused judicial reform, and BOOM, now they are trying to get a law to exempt all Haredi men from military service. Why? What is the rush? And does this change anything substantial? What has it got to do with judicial reform? We have the answers.
The Saudi-Iranian normalization deal was an unexpected blow to Israeli ambitions of furthering the Abraham Accords. But how bad a setback is it? And is it related to instability in Israel? What is China's role? We have the answers.
Since Russia started a full-scale war in Ukraine, Israel has tried to walk a tightrope and protect its relations with the Kremlin without alienating the US. But the Netanyahu government has started to tilt towards Kyiv by providing anti-drone systems to Ukraine. What has changed and how will Russia respond?
The coalition is driving the judicial reforms. But it takes two to tango. There are several compromise initiatives on the table. What are they and can and should the opposition accept them? We look at the splits within the opposition to find answers.
Settlers launched an attack on Huwara, a Palestinian village, killing one and injuring several. It came after a brutal terror attack killed two settlers. What does this instance of settler terrorism mean and how is the Israeli government handling it? We look at the state of settlements today and answer some great listener questions.
Countless experts are warning of dire consequences for the Israeli economy if the judicial reforms go through. But why? And are they correct? We look at all the major issues in the current Israel agenda, and answer all of your questions!
The two extreme right-wing ministers have come into the government vowing to change Israeli settlement and anti-terrorism strategy. But the old-school security establishment has other ideas. Who will prevail?
The Netanyahu government seems intent on passing judicial reform as quickly as possible. But President Herzog has stepped into the fray and made a compromise offer. Will Bibi be able to turn him down? We explain why it won't be easy. Plus we discuss how the reforms will influence Netanyahu's trial.
The Netanyahu government is proposing comprehensive judicial reforms. Everyone seems to have an opinion on it. We bring the main arguments of both sides and answer your questions on the matter.
Israel does not have a fully-fledged constitution. But it has well-developed constitutional law. We explain the current Israeli legal system. Why did this system evolve and what does it mean for the legal reforms planned by the Netanyahu government?
Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Israel with one hell of an agenda. Palestinian terror is on the rise, Israeli tensions with Iran are reaching a fever pitch, and the slated judicial reform. Where is this relationship going? Bibi has a history of bad relations with Democratic administrations. Will he do better this time?
The attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem on January 27, 2022, was the deadliest Israel faced in years. It came after a bloody battle in Jenin the day before. With Ramadan just months away, we ask if another Palestinian uprising is in the works.