BICOM's Podcast: Recent Episodes
BICOM
A weekly podcast from BICOM, an independent British think tank producing research and analysis to increase understanding of Israel and the Middle East in the UK. Be sure to subscribe, rate, review and listen!
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher about Israel, US, and Iranian strategic considerations against the backdrop of rising escalations across the region as Pakistani mediators are attempting to revive June's Islamabad MOU.
Dr Lynette Nusbacher is a former British Army intelligence officer and served as the Cabinet Office's national security strategy lead.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Eyal Zisser about the US-Iran MOU, political developments in Syria and Lebanon, Turkey’s regional ambitions, and Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbours. Professor Zisser also discusses Israel’s challenge of translating military achievements against Hezbollah and Hamas into lasting political gains.
Prof. Eyal Zisser is Chair of Contemporary History of the Middle East and Vice Rector at Tel Aviv University. He is also the author of several books and a prominent columnist for Israel Hayom, and previously served as Director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies.
In this episode, Dan Ritterband speaks with Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman about the new Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, the US-Iran MOU, and the state of US-Israel relations. Lerman assesses Lebanon’s commitment to disarming Hezbollah and discusses the ambiguities in the US-Iran MOU, the risks to American deterrence, and the possibility of renewed escalation over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman was Deputy Director for foreign policy and international affairs at Israel’s National Security Council. Prior to this he held senior posts in IDF Military Intelligence for over 20 years. He is currently Vice President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.
In this episode recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Brig. Gen. (res.) Assaf Orion about the fallout from the US-Iran MOU. Orion assesses Israel’s concerns over premature sanctions relief, the absence of restrictions on Iran’s missile programme and proxy network, and the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement. He also discusses Israel’s campaign in Lebanon, Hezbollah’s degraded but persistent threat, and the challenge of turning operational success into strategic victory.
Brig. Gen. (res.) Assaf Orion is an international fellow at the Washington Institute and a senior researcher at INSS. He previously served as head of the Strategic Division in the IDF Planning Directorate. He led the IDF team in the tripartite mechanism in Lebanon with UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces, took part in the US-Israel Security Dialogue, and represented the IDF in negotiations with the Palestinians.
In this episode recorded during media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ilan Berman for a first reaction to the US-Iran ceasefire announcement and the 60-day nuclear negotiation period now ahead. Dr Berman assesses Washington’s political calculations, the pressure of energy markets and the midterm elections, and why he believes the framework currently gives Tehran the advantage. He also discusses Iran’s internal instability, the role of the IRGC, and what the deal could mean for Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon.
Dr Ilan Berman is Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and an expert on regional security in the Middle East. In the past he has consulted for the CIA as well as the US Departments of State and Defence.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Roni Fantanesh Malkai about the story of Ethiopian Jews and their integration into Israeli society. Roni reflects on her family’s journey and the deep attachment to Jerusalem that sustained the community for generations.
Roni Fantanesh Malkai is an Ethiopian Israeli activist, commentator and author of ‘We Are Black Jews’. Born in Ethiopia, she came to Israel as a young child. Roni campaigns on issues affecting the Ethiopian Israeli community, with a particular focus on education and social mobility.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with author and commentator Yaakov Katz about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and the wider strategic implications of the war with Hezbollah. Katz examines Hezbollah’s use of fibre-optic drones and the significance of the IDF’s return to Beaufort Castle. He also relates to the emerging competition among the candidates to be the next prime minister.
Yaakov Katz is a former military correspondent and editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, where he continues to write a weekly column. He is the author of four books, relating to Israeli security including his most recent work on October 7. He also served as a senior foreign policy advisor to then Minister of Education and Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with veteran US official Elliott Abrams about the state of US-Iran negotiations. Abrams assesses President Trump’s approach to Iran’s nuclear programme, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and the risks of sanctions relief for Tehran. They also discuss the Trump administration’s decision-making process, the prospects for further US military action, the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Elliott Abrams is Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. He previously served in senior roles in the US government, including as Deputy National Security Advisor for President George W. Bush and as Special Representative for Iran in the first Trump administration.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Hagar Chemali about the prospects for Israel-Lebanon peace and the US-led diplomatic efforts taking place in Washington. Chemali outlines why she believes Hezbollah’s weakened position, shifting Lebanese public opinion and the Trump administration’s regional approach have created a rare opportunity for progress. Hagar also assesses Hezbollah’s current strength, Iran’s influence and the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Hagar Chemali is a former US official who served in several national security and public affairs roles, including as Director for Syria and Lebanon at the National Security Council under President Obama. She is the founder and creator of the award-winning world news show Oh My World! On YouTube, an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, and co-founder of the Lebanon Israel Peace Alliance.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Ambassador Amira Oron about Egypt’s role in the Middle East. Ambassador Oron outlines Egypt’s approach to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the Iranian issue. They also discuss Israel-Egypt relations and Turkey’s efforts to play a role in Gaza.
Ambassador Amira Oron served for three decades in Israel’s Foreign Ministry and dedicated her career to diplomatic activity in the Arab world. She was Israel’s Ambassador to Egypt from 2020 to 2024, having previously served in Cairo in the 1990s, later as Head of the Egypt Department at the Ministry. She was also the head of Israel’s diplomatic mission in Ankara.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Samer Sinijlawi about Palestinian politics. Sinijlawi outlines why he believes the recent Palestinian local elections were so significant and what the results reveal about public frustration with both Hamas and President Abbas. He outlines why reform is long overdue and must begin with a new democratic mandate. They also discuss Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the need to rebuild Israeli-Palestinian trust.
Samer Sinijlawi is a Palestinian political activist and the founding chairman of the Jerusalem Development Fund. Born in the Old City of Jerusalem, he became politically active during the First Intifada and later emerged as a leading voice calling for Palestinian reform, democracy, and renewed engagement between Palestinian and Israeli moderates.
in this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Chuck Freilich about the fragile ceasefires with Iran and Lebanon and the current negotiations. Prof Freilich outlines Iran’s perspective on the talks and the status of their nuclear programme. They also discuss Hezbollah’s remaining capabilities as well as wider implications for US-Israel relations.
Prof. Chuck Freilich is a former deputy national security advisor in Israel and long-time senior fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School, he now teaches at Columbia and Tel Aviv University. He is also the author of three books on Israeli national security affairs. Prior to serving in the National Security Council, Freilich was a senior analyst in the Israel Ministry of Defence, a policy adviser to a cabinet minister and a delegate at the Israel Mission to the UN.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Ilan Berman about the war with Iran, the ceasefire talks, and how Washington is thinking about what comes next. He examines the unresolved question of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and the implications for Gulf allies, NATO, and the UK-US relationship.
Dr Ilan Berman is Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and an expert on regional security in the Middle East. In the past he has consulted for the CIA as well as the US Departments of State and Defence.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Koby Huberman, who reflects on how the war with Iran is influencing the thinking across the Gulf and wider region. He examines changing perceptions of Iran among Gulf leaders, the long-term challenges, and opportunities that could emerge.
Koby Huberman is an Israeli high-tech veteran and business strategist. He is the co-author of the “Israeli Peace Initiative (IPI)”, and co-founded the Israeli Regional Initiative Group, which since 2006 promoted a new horizon for the Israeli-Arab conflict: a “Regional Package Deal” with a 2 states solution as part of a “Regional Framework”. He serves on the advisory board of MENA 2050 and also the co-author of the “Take off to 100” a vision and a strategic plan for the build-up of Israel following the crisis October 7, 2023, profiled in Fathom in May 2024 and a co-founder of the “Coalition for Regional Security”.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Ahmed Al Khuzaie, who reflects on how the war with Iran is being experienced in Bahrain and across the Gulf. He examines shifting public attitudes towards Iran, the mounting concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure, the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and the role of the IRGC within Iran’s decision-making.
Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie is a political consultant working predominantly with politicians in the United States and with diplomats based in Bahrain. His work focuses on Gulf affairs, regional security, and public diplomacy, with particular emphasis on Iranian influence, the GCC, and the Abraham Accords framework.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Eran Lerman, who assesses the achievements so far of the War with Iran, while examining the unresolved challenges around Iran’s nuclear programme and the strategic contest over control of the Strait of Hormuz. He also explores the role of the United States as an operational partner, the risks of escalation involving Hezbollah and the Gulf states, and the internal dynamics within Iran.
Dr. Col. (res.) Eran Lerman was Deputy Director for foreign policy and international affairs at Israel’s National Security Council. Prior to this he held senior posts in IDF Military Intelligence for over 20 years. He currently teaches Middle East studies at Shalem College in Jerusalem, and in post-graduate programmes at Tel Aviv University and the National Defence College.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr. Arash Azizi about the ongoing US–Israel campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Azizi examines the impact of leadership decapitation, including the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and why the regime has so far maintained cohesion. He also explores the limits of military pressure and the role of Iran’s security apparatus in sustaining internal control.
Dr. Arash Azizi is an Iranian American historian, journalist, and author specialising in Iranian politics and society. He is the author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran’s Global Ambitions and What Iranians Want, and is a frequent commentator on Iranian affairs across international media.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Sima Shine about the trajectory of the war with Iran. Sima examines the Iranian threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the implications for Gulf states and regional alliances, and the internal dynamics inside Iran as the regime works to maintain control during the conflict.
Sima Shine is a former senior official in Israel’s intelligence community who served for many years in the Mossad, ultimately heading a research and evaluation division. She later served as Deputy Head of Strategic Affairs at Israel’s National Security Council and as Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, where she oversaw the Iranian portfolio. She is currently a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Hackett about reported efforts to work with Kurdish forces against Iran. Jonathan examines the history and ambitions of different Kurdish groups and explains the mechanics of unconventional warfare. He also relates to the regional implications, and the possible outcomes of a new front opening in western Iran.
Jonathan Hackett is a United States Marine Corps veteran who spent 20 years across special operations and intelligence, much of that time focused on unconventional warfare. He worked with more than three dozen partner forces, including Kurdish groups in the Middle East.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the threat from Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border. Speaking from the Galilee amid ongoing rocket and drone fire, Sarit assesses Hezbollah’s current capabilities, the IDF’s response across Lebanon including Beirut, and the risks of escalation due to Iranian influence.
Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi is the founder and president of the Alma Research and Education Center, with 15 years of experience as an IDF intelligence officer focused on Israel’s northern front.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing on 3 March, Richard Pater speaks with Danny Citrinowicz about the trajectory of the campaign so far and what may come next. Citrinowicz explores the strategic logic behind targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, pressure on Gulf states, and who could become Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
Danny Citrinowicz is a Senior Researcher in the Iran and the Shi'ite Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies. He served 25 years in a variety of command positions units in Israel Defence Intelligence (IDI) including as the head of the Iran branch in the Research and Analysis Division (RAD) in the Israeli defence intelligence.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Bridget Toomey about the Iraqi militia ecosystem under the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) umbrella and the Houthis of Yemen. Toomey assesses their military capabilities and the implications for Israel, US forces, and regional stability. The discussion also examines what Iraqi militias, and the Houthis might do in the event of a direct confrontation with Iran.
Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis. Prior to joining FDD, she was a Fulbright Fellow in Israel where she completed an M.A. in security and diplomacy at Tel Aviv University.
In this episode, we look at Egypt’s role in the shifting post-war picture around Gaza. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Ruth Wasserman Lande. They discuss the implications of emerging plans for Gaza’s future governance, Egypt’s approach to Rafah and Sinai, and the wider regional influence of actors including Turkey and Qatar.
Ruth Wasserman Lande is an Arab affairs commentator. She previously served as Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Cairo and was a member of the Knesset for Blue and White, where she founded the Knesset caucus for the promotion of the Abraham Accords.
In this episode we look at Oman. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Marc Sievers, former US Ambassador to Oman, about the latest indirect US–Iran nuclear talks and why Oman so often sits at the centre of regional diplomacy. Sievers explains how Oman’s distinctive relationship with Iran developed from the Sultan Qaboos era, how it shaped backchannel engagement during the JCPOA years, and what changed under “maximum pressure” when the US withdrew from the deal.
Retired Ambassador Marc Sievers is now the Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Centre for Arab-Jewish Understanding. He served as a US diplomat for more than 30 years across the Middle East and North Africa, including postings in Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Rémi Daniel about Turkey’s Middle East policy. Together, they unpack President Erdoğan’s grip on power, what Turkey is trying to achieve in Syria, and how does the Kurdish question affect Ankara’s cross-border posture? The conversation also looks at Turkey’s balancing act towards Iran and what Turkey’s policy on Gaza could mean for Israel.
Dr Rémi Daniel is a specialist on Turkish affairs at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, where he heads the European Research Program. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the Hebrew University and was a Mediterranean Dialogue Fellow at the NATO Defence College in Rome.
In this episode we focus on Bahrain. Recorded in the country’s capital, Manama, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie about Bahrain’s strategic outlook, its place within the Gulf, and the regional impact of Iran’s behaviour. Drawing on Bahrain’s history, its role within the GCC, and its decision to join the Abraham Accords, the conversation examines the evolution of Bahrain–Israel relations, and how Gulf states view protests inside Iran.
Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie is a political consultant working predominantly with politicians in the United States and with diplomats based in Bahrain. His work focuses on Gulf affairs, regional security, and public diplomacy, with particular emphasis on Iranian influence, the GCC, and the Abraham Accords framework.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Terry Newman about Israel’s transition into what he calls the Jewish Century. Newman argues that Israel’s mainstream Jewish majority is seeking to reclaim ownership of Jewish identity, culture, and tradition from increasingly radical religious monopolies. The conversation explores how this struggle is shaping debates over democracy, national ceremonies, education, and Israel’s evolving story at home and abroad, including its foreign policy and regional relationships.
Terry Newman is an entrepreneur and investor in the construction, security, and healthcare sectors. He has previously served as a strategic advisor at McKinsey & Company and as Chief of Staff to a member of the House of Lords. He is Chairman of BNA Public Council, a member of the World Jewish Congress, and holds degrees from Oxford University and Tel Aviv University.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Javor as they look ahead to the 2026 Knesset election. Javor who broadly reflects a right-wing perspective explains how Israeli politics has shifted towards the right and examines the electoral challenges facing Likud and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The conversation also reviews the role of the ultra-Orthodox, the prospects for Naftali Bennett and how security, identity, and coalition considerations are shaping Israeli politics.
Jonathan Javor is a political consultant specialising in campaign strategy and management. He has worked in politics and consultancy for over fifteen years and has consulted many senior politicians both in Israel and abroad, including Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Paris, who outlines how Trump’s personalised diplomacy has reshaped regional dynamics. They discuss Trump’s relationships with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the new Syrian leadership. Jonathan also explains the US and Israeli strategy towards Iran and reflects on Yemen, Hezbollah, and the rise of antisemitism across Europe and the United States.
Jonathan Paris is a London-based Middle East analyst and former Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. He also served as a consultant to the US government and was a Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
In this episode, recorded during BICOM briefing, Tal Hagin presents his VIST method for identifying AI generated misinformation, and discusses the use of AI in psychological operations and information warfare. Tal also outlines how AI-driven manipulation is reshaping conflict reporting and what can be done to counter deception with case studies from Gaza, Sudan, and Iran.
Tal Hagin is an Information Warfare Analyst and Media Literacy Lecturer with over a decade of experience in information warfare and strategic communication. He also works as research fellow for FakeReporter, an Israeli watchdog group focusing on combating fake news, online incitement, and foreign influence campaigns.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Orna Mizrahi about where things stand a year after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, examining Hezbollah’s military recovery, the evolving Iranian role, the state of Lebanon’s political leadership, and whether a renewed round of conflict is becoming more likely.
Orna Mizrahi served for 26 years in the IDF, including as an intelligence analyst and as a senior officer in the Strategic Planning Division. She later spent twelve years at Israel’s National Security Council, culminating in her role as Deputy National Security Adviser. She now focuses on Israel–Lebanon dynamics, Hezbollah, and regional strategy at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Harounoff Israel’s Spokesperson to the United Nations. They discuss relations with the UK and other missions, combatting anti-Israeli prejudice including the debate over recognition of Palestinian statehood, and the next steps for the international stabilisation effort in Gaza.
Jonathan was born in London, graduated with a degree in Arabic, Persian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge. He completed his graduate studies in international relations, journalism and diplomacy at Harvard and received his master's from Columbia. Prior to the UN he worked as a journalist. He is also the author of Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt.
In this episode, recorded live in London, Richard Pater speaks with Andrea Stricker and Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) about Iran’s nuclear, missile, and regional threat landscape five months after the Twelve-Day War and the snapback sanctions.
Together, they discuss the whereabouts and condition of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stock, as well as Iran’s use of proxies across the region. Andrea Stricker is Deputy Director of FDD’s Non-proliferation and Biodefense Program, and Behnam Ben Taleblu is Senior Director of FDD’s Iran Program.
In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Najah Alotaibi and Dr Efrat Sopher about the prospects for Saudi–Israeli normalisation following the Gaza War. They discuss how Saudi Arabia’s social and educational reforms are reshaping public attitudes toward Israel. They also relate to the growing empowerment of women and the importance of grassroots initiatives.
Dr Najah Alotaibi is a Saudi academic, journalist and board member of MENA 2050. Dr Efrat Sopher is an Iranian Israeli security analyst and chair of the Board of Advisors at the Ezri Center for Iran and Gulf States Research at the University of Haifa.
In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan W. Hackett about the global reach of Iran’s intelligence and covert operations. Jonathan explains how the IRGC’s external apparatus evolved after 2009, outlines the shift from professionalised intelligence structures to more erratic and decentralised operations, and assesses the risks posed by Iranian networks. He also discusses the limitations of sanctions and the implications of proscribing the IRGC under UK counter-terror legislation.
Jonathan W. Hackett is a former US Marine Corps intelligence officer with 20 years’ experience in signals, HUMINT and counterintelligence, and has served with the National Security Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, and Special Operations Command. He is the author of Iran’s Shadow Weapons: Covert Action, Intelligence Operations and Unconventional Warfare and The Theory of Irregular Warfare.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Shiri Fein-Grossman about the evolution of the Abraham Accords on their five-year anniversary. Shiri reflects on the foundations of Israel’s normalisation with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. She outlines the mechanics that made the accords resilient through conflict and discusses the prospects for future expansion to Saudi Arabia and parts of Africa.
Shiri Fein-Grossman is the CEO of the Israel-Africa Relations Institute and a board member of the Forum Dvorah. She previously served in a number of positions at Israel’s National Security Council culminating as the Head of the Foreign Policy Branch for Regional Affairs, where she played a central role in advancing Israel’s relations with the Abraham Accords countries.
In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Lianne Pollak-David about the remaining challenges following the release of all living hostages and President Trump’s multilateral summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Lianne outlines the debate over establishing an international Arab security force in Gaza, and the regional shift toward a new “Abraham Alliance”.
Lianne Pollak-David is a Founding Partner of the Coalition for Regional Security and Strategic Consultant. She worked as an Adviser at the PM’s Office and the National Security Council, and is a former member of the Negotiation Team with the Palestinians.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Natalie Sanandaji, a New Yorker and survivor of the Nova Festival, who recounts her harrowing experience of that morning, from waking up to the sound of rockets to escaping Hamas terrorists on foot for hours.
Natalie also discusses her work with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, her efforts to build alliances between Jewish and Iranian communities, and the importance of sharing the truth of October 7 with global audiences.
In this episode, we share a recording of a BICOM media briefing led by Richard Pater with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi, marking one year since Operation Northern Arrows in Lebanon. Sarit delivered a detailed assessment of Hezbollah’s capacity and capabilities, Israel’s campaign to degrade the organisation, and the challenges of the post-ceasefire environment.
Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi is the founder and president of the Alma Research and Education Center, with 15 years of experience as an IDF intelligence officer.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Yaakov Katz about his latest book While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East, co-authored with Amir Bohbot. They discuss the events of 7th October, the failures within Israel’s political and security establishments and the lessons Israel must draw to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring.
Yaakov Katz is a journalist and the author of four books on the Israeli military. He is also a former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, having also served as a senior foreign policy advisor to then Minister of Education and Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown about Israel’s recent strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas leaders in Doha. They discuss the effectiveness of Israel’s operations, the role of Iran, and the reaction across the Gulf. Edmund also assesses the UK’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN, its implications for counter-terrorism, and the wider diplomatic fallout.
Edmund Fitton-Brown is a veteran British diplomat who served at numerous postings in the Middle East culminating as the UK’s Ambassador to Yemen from 2015 to 2017 and later coordinated UN expert panels on counterterrorism. He is now a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky about the UK’s recent announcement on recognising a Palestinian state, the dynamics around the humanitarian aid, and the prospects for a hostage deal. Michal assesses the role of Egypt as a mediator and the challenges posed by Hamas.
Dr Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky is a senior adviser and programme director at Mind Israel, an adjunct lecturer at Tel Aviv University, and one of the founding members of the Forum Dvorah. She holds a PhD in political science from Tel Aviv University.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher about the history of Israeli military strategy and doctrine, as well as how it has manifested itself in recent conflicts.
She is a is a former British Army intelligence officer and worked on developing two of the UK’s National Security Strategies as part of Britain’s National Security Secretariat. She has been Senior Lecturer in War Studies, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst; Head of the Strategic Horizons Unit in the UK Cabinet Office; and the Devil’s Advocate to Britain’s Joint Intelligence Committee.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Jonathan Spyer about his recent visit to Yemen, and prospects of an Arab-supported campaign to push the Houthis away from their coastal strongholds.
Dr Jonathan Spyer is a British-Israeli analyst, writer, and journalist of Middle Eastern affairs. He is Director of Research at the Middle East Forum and Editor of Middle East Quarterly magazine. This is a follow-up interview from our earlier interview two weeks ago in Episode 264.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh about the escalating violence against the Druze community in southern Syria. Gadeer offers powerful insights into the nature of the attacks, the fractured post-Assad Syria and the complex identity, history and loyalty of the Druze minority. She also explores the role of Israel and the international community in responding to the emerging threat of Islamist militias and reflects on the deep bond between Israel and the Druze.
Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh, director of Eastern Mediterranean Affairs at the Middle East Forum, is a Druze-Israeli broadcaster, politician, and consultant. She was Israel’s first non-Jewish anchorwoman for main evening news in Hebrew and Arabic and, in 2019, became the first Druze woman elected to the Knesset with Blue and White, serving until 2022. In 2021, Isaac Herzog appointed her the first non-Jewish Senior Envoy of the Jewish Agency in Washington, D.C.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Jonathan Spyer about the aftermath of Iran’s regional setbacks and the evolving security picture in the Middle East. Dr Spyer offers first-hand insights from his recent trip to Yemen, assesses the trajectory of Iran’s proxy network post-Operation Rising Lion, and examines the implications of the Assad regime’s collapse in Syria.
Jonathan Spyer is a British-Israeli analyst, writer, and journalist of Middle Eastern affairs. He is director of research at the Middle East Forum and editor of Middle East Quarterly magazine.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Oz Noy, a former senior security official, about Israel’s current strategy in Gaza and the prospects for a ceasefire with Hamas.
In the conversation – recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM – Oz Noy unpacks the tension between Israel’s declared objective of dismantling Hamas and the parallel goal of returning the remaining hostages. He assesses the security risks of a potential prisoner release, the strategic leverage of hostage diplomacy, and the role of Egypt and other regional powers.
Oz Noy served as a divisional head in Shin Bet (ISA – Israel Security Agency), equivalent in rank to a Major General in the IDF, before retiring in 2020. He now lectures at Reichman University in Tel Aviv.
In this episode, Richard Pater speak with Professor Kobi Michael about the trajectory of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. In the conversation, recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM, Professor Michael outlines the emerging trilateral cooperation between Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority, reflects on Qatari involvement, and discusses the prospects for further hostage releases.
Prof. Kobi Michael is a senior researcher at INSS and a visiting professor at the International Centre for Policing and Security at the University of South Wales. He served as the Deputy Director-General at Israel’s Ministry for Strategic Affairs and as the Head of the Palestinian division at Israel's National Security Council.
Please note that this episode was recorded before the Twelve-Day War with Iran.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Amichai Cohen about the IDF’s conduct in the war against Hamas. They explore Israel’s approach to the rules of engagement, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and how Israel’s accountability mechanisms compare internationally.
Professor Amichai Cohen is Professor of Law at Ono Academic College and head of the Amnon Lipkin-Shahak Program on National Security and the Law at The Israel Democracy Institute. Cohen was also a visiting professor and scholar at Columbia Law School and Cambridge University. He is the author of several books on international humanitarian law and has advised both Israeli and international bodies on matters of war crimes and proportionality in armed conflict.
Please note that this episode was recorded before the Twelve-Day War with Iran.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Behnam Ben Taleblu about the impact of Israel’s and the US’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. In this conversation – recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM – Ben Taleblu assesses the scale of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and explains why the strike may have lasting psychological and operational effects on the Iranian regime’s strategic planning.
Behnam Ben Taleblu is senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he oversees the organisation’s work on Iranian political and security affairs. He specialises in nuclear non-proliferation, ballistic missiles, the IRGC and its proxies, and internal Iranian dynamics. He has testified before the US Congress, the Canadian Parliament, and the UK House of Commons.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Helit Barel about Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In this conversation – recorded during a media briefing hosted by BICOM – Barel explains the objectives and scope of the strike, how Israeli intelligence and Mossad operated with extraordinary precision on the ground in Iran, and the technical vulnerabilities Israel aimed to exploit within Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Helit served as a Director at the Israel National Security Council, heading the U.S.-Israeli bilateral desk and is a former Managing Director of the Council for Peace and Security. She also worked at the Congressional Research Service in Washington DC authoring several reports for Congress on issues related to weapons of mass destruction.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown, former UK Ambassador to Yemen, about the evolving Houthi threat and its implications for Israel, the Gulf states, and the broader regional balance of power. They explore the role of the Houthis in Iran’s attempts to project power in the region and in ongoing talks about the Iranian nuclear programme.
Edmund Fitton-Brown is a veteran British diplomat who served as the UK’s Ambassador to Yemen from 2015 to 2017 and later coordinated UN expert panels on ISIL, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban. He holds advisory or fellowship positions with the Counter Extremism Project, the Middle East Institute, The Soufan Center and New America.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher about the future of UK–Israel relations, as viewed from a British strategic perspective. They explore how the Labour government’s evolving stance – including threats of sanctions and the suspension of trade talks – is reshaping bilateral ties, and what this means for defence, intelligence and cyber cooperation.
Dr Lynette Nusbacher is a strategic consultant and former British Army intelligence officer who was Head of the Strategic Horizons Unit in the UK Cabinet Office and Senior Lecturer in War Studies, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. She was part of Britain’s National Security Secretariat working on UK’s national security strategy.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with veteran journalist and Middle East expert Henrique Cymerman about his extraordinary 12-year relationship with Pope Francis. They discuss Cymerman’s unique role as an emissary between the Vatican and the Middle East, including organising the Pope’s historic visit to Israel, brokering interfaith peace initiatives, and advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Henrique Cymerman is a multi-award-winning journalist, fluent in five languages, with over 30 years’ experience covering the Middle East. He is also President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry between Israel and the Gulf States and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize at the initiative of Pope Francis.
In this episode, Daniel Levy hosts Professor Chuck Freilich for a discussion on the current state of US-Iran nuclear negotiations and the broader strategic implications for Israel and the region. They explore how Donald Trump’s diplomatic posture shapes the unfolding talks and whether a viable deal is within reach.
Professor Chuck Freilich is a former Israeli deputy national security advisor and currently a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. He is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University and a leading voice on Israeli national security strategy.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Ofra Bengio about the historical evolution and contemporary challenges of the Kurdish people across the Middle East. They discuss how being divided among four main states shaped Kurdish identity and delve into recent challenges, including the rise of the new Jolani regime in Syria.
Professor Ofra Bengio is a senior research fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle East and African Studies, where she directs the Kurdish Studies programme. She is also the author of 16 books and over 150 articles.
In this episode, Richard Pater discusses with Professor Charles Asher Small the ideological and financial influence of Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood on Western academia, especially in the UK and the US. Professor Small outlines how Qatar’s soft power has contributed to the spread of antisemitism and anti-democratic values on university campuses and beyond.
Professor Small is the founder and director of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), holds academic degrees from University College London and Oxford University, and is currently a research fellow at St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Tom Wegner, founder of the newly launched Center for Middle East Normalization. They discuss the center’s role in fostering civil society connections between Israel and pro-democracy, pro-peace groups across the region. Wegner shares insights from his experience in Israeli politics, military coordination with the Palestinian Authority Security Forces, and interfaith dialogue initiatives.
As a professional strategic consultant, Tom has led over 40 election campaigns and previously served as a spokesperson for the Peres Center for Peace. This year, Tom released his new book, The Abrahamic Revolution. Previously, he won the Global Books Award for Cannabis Wars and co-authored The Unity of the Believers with his Palestinian friend Elias N. J. Baboun.
In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Chaim Hames, the Rector of Ben Gurion University of the Negev. They discuss the horrific situation on campus following October 7th when, 88 members of the BGU community, students, staff, and family members, were murdered, and 6 students were taken hostage. One-third of the student body are active reservists. Prof. Hames also shares his experiences and actions regarding academic boycotts and radicalisation on campuses outside of Israel. Professor Hames is a historian of religious thought. He received his PhD in Medieval History from Cambridge University in 1996.
In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks to Lt.-Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch about the release of Palestinian prisoners in the ceasefire deal, and the state of security in the West Bank. Lt-Col (res.) Hirsch served as Director of the Military Prosecution for Judea and Samaria. Since retiring from the IDF, Hirsch worked as the Head of Legal Strategies for Palestinian Media Watch, as a Senior Military Consultant for NGO Monitor, an advisor to the Ministry of Defense, and head of an advisory committee in the Ministry of Interior.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President at the American Foreign Policy Council. The conversation was recorded as part of a live media briefing following Prime Minister Netanyahu's meeting with President Trump. They discuss a range of regional issues including Trump’s plan for Gaza and his likely approach towards Iran.
Ilan is an expert on regional security in the Middle East. In the past he has consulted for the Central Intelligence Agency as well as the US Departments of State and Defence. An author and editor of a dozen books has been called one of America's "leading experts on the Middle East and Iran" by CNN.
In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks to Sarri Singer. Sarri is the founder and director of Strength to Strength, a charity based in New York, established to bring survivors of terrorism and their families together globally to heal. After witnessing 9/11, Sarri moved to Israel and volunteered her time to help Israeli victims of terror attacks. In 2003, Sarri herself was a victim of the Davidka Square bombing in Jerusalem in June 2003 by Hamas.
Content warning: this podcast contains some graphic content.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Lynette Nusbacher. Recorded hours before Israel and Hamas agreed to the US, Egyptian, and Qatari-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal on Wednesday, they discuss how it would be implemented as well as what future phases might be and the impact of the deal on the Israeli government.
Dr Nusbacher is a former British Army intelligence officer and served as Head of the Strategic Horizons Unit in the UK Cabinet Office, and the Devil’s Advocate to Britain’s Joint Intelligence Committee. She was also a Senior Lecturer in War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Gerald Steinberg. They discuss Israel hostage agreement with Hamas, and the concessions Israel will have to make. Professor Steinberg, with his broad expertise also shares his concerns over rising violence in the West Bank and the role humanitarian organisations play both inside Gaza and their influence in international law. The also discuss Trump's presidency and his approach to the Iranian nuclear programme .
Professor Gerald Steinberg is the founder and president of NGO Monitor. He is Professor Emeritus of political science and international relations at Bar Ilan University, where he taught for forty years. His research focuses on Middle East diplomacy and security, nuclear proliferation, and the politics of human rights and non-governmental organisations, an academic field that he pioneered 25 years ago.
In this episode Dr Amira Halperin speaks with MK Shelly Tal Meron. They discuss the prospects of a hostage deal, the displaced Israelis in northern and southern Israel. She also presents a vision for the day after the war end and the involvement of President Trump in the negotiations.
MK Meron is a Yesh Atid MK and the co-Chair of the Israel-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group. She is a member of the Women's Rights and Finance committees in the Knesset. She completed her military service as a Captain in the Israeli Air Force.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Jonathan Paris about the latest developments following the fall of Assad. They discuss the future of Syria and the role of Turkey and Iran plus the potential ramifications for Lebanon and Jordan. Jonathan also explores the potential strategy of the incoming Trump administration in relation to Iran. Jonathan Paris is a London-based Middle East analyst and former fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. He is currently Senior Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies on Terrorism (CAST) and Senior Advisor Emeritus at the Chertoff Group where he shares his expertise on the region.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Behnam Ben Taleblu about Iran, its internal politics, proxies and the future of the region under President Trump.
Behnam Ben Taleblu is the senior director of FDD’s Iran Programme. Prior to his time at FDD, Behnam worked on non-proliferation issues at an arms control think tank in Washington. Behnam earned his MA in international relations from the University of Chicago, and his BA in international affairs and Middle East studies from the George Washington University.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Dr. Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky about the ICC, international lawfare, and the UN and UNRWA in Gaza. Dr. Hatuel-Radoshitzky is a senior adviser and programme director at Mind Israel and a founding member of the Dvora Forum. She is an adjunct lecturer at Tel Aviv University, where she earned her PhD.
In this episode Richard Pater talks to Professor Jonathan Rynhold about the impact of Trumps's victory on the region. They explore the potential impact on the current fighting in Lebanon and Gaza as well the Iranian threat and the prospect of normalisation with Saudi Arabia.
Professor Rynhold is the Head of the department of Political Studies and the Academic Director of the Jonathan Sacks institute, both at Bar Ilan University. He is also the author of The Arab-Israeli Conflict in American Political Culture.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Joshua Krasna, ahead of the 30th anniversary of Israel – Jordan diplomatic ties. They discuss cooperation in the fields of energy and security whist political relations remain fraught. They also discuss the ramifications of the ongoing war, its effect on domestic Jordanian politics, Palestinian – Jordanian ties and more.
Dr. Krasna served for 30 years as a strategic analyst working for the Israeli government where his main focus was Israel - Jordanian relations. Since leaving government he is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Research Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Centre in Tel Aviv University. He also teaches at NYU’s Centre for Global Affairs.
In this episode Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Dorit Nitzan. They discuss the mechanism of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as Israel works in coordination with international organisations including UNRWA. Professor Nitzan highlights the complexity of the mission that Israel has taken on since the beginning of the war.
Professor Dorit Nitzan is an advisor on humanitarian aid to Israel’s Defence Minister and the Acting Regional Emergency Director of the World Health Organisation's European Region Health Emergencies Programme. She is also the Director of the MA programme in Emergency Medicine at Ben Gurion University.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Hagar Chemali about the current situation in Lebanon, including her assessment of the public’s view of Hezbollah. Hagar also shares her perspective on US regional policy and gives her prediction for the US presidential election. Chemali is a former US official, serving in various positions in the Obama administration including as Director for Syria and Lebanon at the National Security Council. She is now the host and creator of an award-winning world news show on YouTube called Oh My World! as well as an adjunct professor at Columbia University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks to Dr Nir Boms about the 4th anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords. They discuss the state of the Accords, their potential for expansion, as well as current relations with Jordan and Egypt. Boms is a Research Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University. He is the Chairman of the Syria Research Forum and the Gulf Israel Policy Forum, as well as the coordinator of the TAU Workshop on Israel and the Middle East and the Hiwar Forum for Intra-Regional Dialogue.
In this episode, Dr Amira Halperin speaks with Professor Uzi Rabi. They discuss the possibility of an Iranian strike on Israel following Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran, as well as American attempts to prevent the outbreak of a catastrophic regional war.
Professor Uzi Rabi, Ph.D (Tel Aviv University, 2000) is the Director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, a Professor of Middle Eastern History at the Department of Middle Eastern and African Studies, and a senior researcher at the Center for Iranian Studies, all at Tel Aviv University. Formerly, he was the Head of the Department of Middle Eastern and African History at Tel Aviv University.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Dr Guy Ziv. They discuss PM Netanyahu's recent visit to the US, his speech to Congress, and meetings with President Biden, VP Harris, and former President Trump. They also discuss the state of US-Israel ties, and his recent book, Netanyahu vs The Generals: The Battle for Israel's Future.
Dr Guy Ziv is an associate professor in American University's School of International Service's US Foreign Policy Programme. His research focuses on foreign policy decision-making, the role of political elites in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and civil-military relations in Israel. He has previously worked for the US State Department and regularly appears across US and Israeli newspapers.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Egyptian analyst Haisan Hassanein. They discuss Israeli-Egyptian ties in the context of the operation in Rafah. Haisan shares his assessment of Egypt’s current relations with Palestinian factions and rivalries with other regional powers.
Haisan was born and grew up in Egypt, before moving to the US. He is currently adjunct fellow at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies, where he analyses Israel’s relations with Arab states and Muslim countries. Previously, he was a research fellow at the Washington Institute, where he focused on Israel-Egypt relations.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the situation on Israel’s northern border and ongoing attacks by Hezbollah. Sarit describes what escalation along the border looks like for communities affected by Hezbollah's rocket fire. They also discuss Hezbollah’s presence not just in the south, but across Lebanon and what Israel can do to counter the threat. Sarit is a former IDF intelligence officer and the founder of Alma, an independent research and education centre focussing on Israel’s security challenges on its northern border.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Lt. Col. (res) Jonathan Conricus. They discuss the progress of Israel’s operation in Rafah, South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide at the ICJ, and the prospects for a diplomatic resolution in the north. Conricus is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies. He served in the IDF for 24 years, in a variety of roles including as an infantry commander, as liaison to the UN, and finally as the IDF’s international spokesperson.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Jacky Hugi, an expert on regional affairs. They discuss the state of Hamas and its leadership, the ongoing hostage negotiations, what could come next for Gaza and who could be in charge. Hugi is an Israeli journalist, serving as the Arab affairs editor and host at Army Radio and as a columnist at the daily newspaper Maariv.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Professor Rosa Freedman, an expert in international human rights law. They discuss Israel’s obligations in facilitating aid into Gaza and the current role of NGO’s operating in the Strip. Prof Freedman also explores the politicisation of aid, and the failure of the Red Cross to visit the Israeli hostages since October 7th. Freedman is Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development at the University of Reading. She is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Civil Society Advisory Board on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, a member of the FCDO Steering Committee on the Global Framework, and the Civil Society Workstream Lead on the Prevention Project.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Prof. Kobi Michael, an Israeli expert on security affairs and the Palestinian arena. They discuss the performance of the IDF so far, the Israeli security calculus during Ramadan, the internal dynamics within both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and the need for Israel-Palestinian peace to be pursued through a multilateral regional framework. Prof. Michael is a senior researcher at INSS and the Misgav Institute, as well as a visiting professor at the International Centre for Policing and Security University of South Wales. The author of 20 books, he previously served as the deputy director general and head of the Palestinian desk at the Ministry for Strategic Affairs.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Barak Seener about Qatar, its regional policies, and its role post-October 7th. They discuss Qatar’s status as, simultaneously, a major sponsor of extremism and a western security ally. They also consider its role in the hostage negotiations and in the future reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Seener is a Senior Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society and the founder of Strategic Intelligentia and the Gulf Futures Forum. He also co-hosts The Geo-Godfather Wars podcast. Previously, Barak was a Global Intelligence Manager at HSBC and the Middle East Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Jonathan Paris about the latest US thinking on Israel’s war in Gaza and its regional implications. They discuss the US position on a potential operation in Rafah, President Biden’s push for a two-state solution, and the likely impact of Middle East policy on the next US election. Paris is a London-based analyst, a former Middle East Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and an advisor to the Chertoff Group in Washington.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Dr Elai Rettig about the Gaza Strip’s water and energy supply. Rettig explains how much of Strip’s energy supply Israel was responsible for providing prior to October 7th, the importance of fuel to the water supply, and Hamas’s neglect of the Strip’s infrastructure and its own people’s welfare. Rettig is Assistant Professor at Bar Ilan University and the head of the energy division at the Begin Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Inbal Nissim-Louvton, an expert on Yemen. They discuss the Houthis’ foundation and their emergence as a social and political power. Inbal presents their ideological roots and gives her assessment on the current political environment in Yemen. She also relates to the Houthis’ regional role and their connections to Iran and the Palestinians. Inbal Nissim-Louvton teaches at the Department of History, Philosophy and Judaic Studies at the Open University in Israel and is a Research Associate at the Forum for Regional Thinking.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the situation on Israel’s northern border. They talk about how it feels for families to live under Hezbollah missile fire, the prospects of a diplomatic solution, and Hezbollah and Iran’s strategic calculations. Sarit is a former IDF intelligence officer and the founder of Alma, an independent research and education centre focussing on Israel’s security challenges on its northern border.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Shalom Lipner. Two months into the war, they discuss the military campaigns in the south and the north as well as the diplomatic front and Israel - US relations. They also speculate on the day after for the Palestinians and inside Israel. Shalom Lipner is a nonresident senior fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, and a former veteran of the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, serving seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers over 25 years.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Mohammad Darawshe, a leading expert on Jewish-Arab relations. They discuss the heroic sacrifice made by Darawshe’s cousin Awad on October 7th. They discuss the high levels of national Israeli identification amongst Arab-Israelis since the Hamas massacre, and the future prospects of Arab-Jewish cooperation in Israel. Darawshe is Director of Planning, Equality and Shared Society at Givat Haviva Educational Centre, and a fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute. Mohammad Darawshe previously served as a city council member in his hometown Iksal. In 2009 he served as a member of The National Committee which drafted Israel’s Coexistence Education policy and was previously Co-Director of The Abraham Fund Initiatives (2005-13).
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Behnam Ben Taleblu about Iranian regional aggression. They discuss the structure of Iran’s proxy network, the extent of Iranian knowledge of Hamas’s plans for October 7th, and the effectiveness of the Biden Administration’s Iran policy. Ben Taleblu is a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies where he focuses on Iranian security and political issues. A native Farsi speaker, he has testified before the US Congress and Canadian Parliament.
In this recording of a live briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Colonel (res.) Adv. Pnina Sharvit Baruch. Pnina explains the context of the war and why it’s crucial that Israel defeats Hamas for there to be peace in the future. They discuss recent actions, including around the hospitals in Gaza and some of the moral dilemmas Israel faces. Pnina served in the International Law Department of the Military Advocate General (MAG) Unit for twenty years, five of which (2003 - 2009), she was head of the Department. Following her retirement from the IDF she joined the INSS as a senior researcher and heads the programme on law and national security.
In this recording of a live briefing, Richard Pater speaks with former director of the Mossad Efraim Halevy. Halevy presents his assessment of Israel’s operation in the Gaza Strip, the chances of Iran entering the conflict and the response within Israeli society. Halevy joined the Mossad in 1961 and advanced through its ranks. From 1990–1995, he served as an emissary and negotiator on behalf of Prime Minister Rabin and Israel’s ambassador to the EU. From 1998, Halevy served as head of the Mossad during the terms of Prime Ministers Netanyahu, Barak, and Sharon. In 2002 he became the head of the National Security Council.
In this episode, Calev Ben-Dor talks to Gidi Grinstein about Israel’s war aims in Gaza. They discuss Israel’s current lack of a clear exit strategy, the prospects of the Palestinian Authority taking control in a post-Hamas Gaza Strip, and the role of Iran’s regional strategy in the October 7th attacks. Grinstein was part of Israel’s negotiating team at the Camp David talks under Prime Minister Barak. He is the founder of the Reut Group, a non-partisan not-for-profit research, strategy and leadership group, and of Tikkun Olam Makers, Reut’s social impact arm.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Koby Huberman about reaction in the Arab world to Hamas’s attack of October 7th. They explore the responses of Israel’s Abraham Accords partners, Egypt’s reluctance to open its borders, and Qatar’s destabilising regional role. A leading figure in the promotion of regional peace programmes, Huberman is co-founder of the Israeli Peace Initiative, a non-partisan Impact Group working with partners across the Arab world.
In this episode Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer about US-Israel relations and the prospects for an Israel-Saudi normalisation deal. They explore the range of possibilities for the Palestinian component of any deal, and potential opposition in the Democratic Party to the defence alliance demanded by Riyadh. Ambassador Kurtzer is the S. Daniel Abraham Professor in Middle Eastern policy studies at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton. He previously served as US. ambassador to Egypt from 1997 to 2001 and to Israel from 2001 until 2005 when he retired after a 29-year career in the US Foreign Service. He was a crafter of the 1988 peace initiative of Secretary of State George P. Shultz and was instrumental in bringing about the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Dr Najat AlSaied, a Saudi academic based in the Emirates, who gives her perspective on the normalisation deal. She explores Saudi considerations – distinct from those of the Abraham Accord countries, views on normalisation amongst the Saudi public, the role and motivations of the Biden Administration, and the likely impact of a deal on the Israeli-Saudi security dynamic. Dr AlSaied is a writer and analyst specialising in political and societal development communication geared toward a modern and tolerant Middle East. She is a Professor at American University in the Emirates in the UAE and a columnist with Al Ittihad and Arab News.
In the second part of this two-part episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman continues his discussion with renowned Israeli legal scholar Professor Yuval Shany. They address the legal factors in the exemption of ultra-Orthodox men from military conscription; the question of prime ministerial conflict of interest; and whether Israel has reached a “constitutional moment”.
Professor Shany is the Chair in International Law at Hebrew University and its former Dean of Law. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Israeli Democracy Institute and a former Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. His PhD in International Law is from SOAS.
In the first part of this two-part episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to renowned Israeli legal scholar Professor Yuval Shany. They discuss the Supreme Court’s upcoming deliberations on the legislation annulling reasonability; the significance of basic laws; the impact of reservists' protests on Israel’s military preparedness and the role of a citizen army in a democracy.
Professor Shany is the Chair in International Law at Hebrew University and its former Dean of Law. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Israeli Democracy Institute and a former Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. His PhD in International Law is from SOAS.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Dr Elai Rettig about energy issues in Israel and the wider Middle East. Rettig explains how Israel’s reliance on energy sources influenced its foreign and defence policy and how the discovery of natural gas has changed that paradigm. They also explore the energy policy dilemmas of Israel’s allies, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Rettig is Assistant Professor at Bar Ilan University and the head of the energy division at the Begin Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speak to Iranian democracy campaigner Vahid Beheshti. They discuss Beheshti’s campaign to have the UK government proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They also cover the IRGC’s record of global terror – including its multiple assassination attempts of British nationals – and the fundamental weakness of the Iranian regime in the face of huge unpopularity and domestic dissent. A journalist, human rights campaigner, and long-time UK resident, Beheshti is currently engaged in a sit-in protest outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office in London, following a previous 72-day hunger strike.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Lt. Col. (res) Jonathan Conricus about Israel’s recently concluded operation in Jenin. They assess the operation’s achievements and consider its likely impact on wider West Bank security. They also discuss the current threats from Lebanon and Syria. Conricus served in the IDF for 24 years, in a variety of roles including as an infantry commander, as liaison to the UN, and finally as the IDF’s international spokesperson.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Ksenia Svetlova about developments in Russia and a variety of regional security issues. They discuss Yevgeny Prigozhin’s recent aborted coup attempt against President Putin and US calls for Israel to share its missile defence technology with Ukraine. On the Middle East they address prospects of an Israeli-Saudi normalisation deal and the current state of Israel’s diplomatic-security relations with Jordan and Egypt. Svetlova is Chief Executive of ROPES (The Regional Organisation for Peace, Economics & Security), senior research fellow at the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University, and a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. She previously served as an MK for the Zionist Union.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Yiftach Golov, one of the leaders of the protest movement against the Israeli government's proposed judicial reforms. They discuss the basis of the movement's objection to the reforms and its tactics and future direction. Golov served in an IDF Special Forces unit and is currently completing his PhD in Biophysics at Tel-Aviv University.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Oren Kessler, author, journalist, and political analyst. They discuss Kessler's new book, Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict, and the ways in which the Revolt continues to inform both the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic and the direction of Palestinian politics and terrorism today. Kessler previously served as deputy director for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society in London, Arab affairs correspondent for The Jerusalem Post, and as an editor and translator at Haaretz English edition.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Tal Shalev, political correspondent at Walla News, about the latest political developments in Israel. They discuss the internal dynamics within the coalition and their achievements in securing concessions in the recently passed budget. They also explore the government’s chances of passing a new Draft Bill reaffirming ultra-Orthodox exclusion from the military draft; and the prospects of the ongoing negotiations over judicial reform achieving a successful compromise.
In this podcast, Richard Pater, Director of BICOM speaks to Brigadier general (Res.) Assaf Orion, Senior Researcher at the INSS and Director of The Diane & Guilford Glazer Israel-China Policy Center. They discuss the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), assess Operation Shield and Arrow’s success in degrading PIJ’s terror capabilities, explore Hamas’s role, and look at the performance of Iron Dome in intercepting PIJ rockets. After two decades in command positions in military intelligence, in his final posting as a Brigadier General, Orion served as the head of the Strategic Division of the IDF General Staff’s Planning Directorate, responsible for strategy and policy planning.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Professor Efraim Inbar, President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security. They discuss what the Ramadan period showed us about Israel’s current security challenges, the state of its deterrence, and the level of Iranian influence in the region. They also consider Israeli relations with Saudi Arabia, the US, and, in the light of Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s recent visits, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Professor Inbar is an expert on Israeli strategic doctrine, US Middle East policy, and Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy. He was the founding director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies and professor of political studies at Bar-Ilan University.
In this live podcast, Richard Pater, Director of BICOM speaks to Ehud Yaari, the Middle East commentator for Israel's Channel 12 television and former associate editor of the Jerusalem Report.He has been a Middle East commentator for Israeli television since 1975. Among his numerous awards for journalism are the Israeli Press Editors-in-Chief prize for coverage of the peace process with Egypt, the Sokolov Prize for coverage of the Lebanon War, and the Israel Broadcasting Award for coverage of the Gulf War.
They discussed the current state of the West Bank, Israeli perspectives on regional developments, and domestic politics.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman speak to Sir John Jenkins. Sir John was British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from June 2012 to January 2015. He previously served as the ambassador to Libya, Iraq, and Syria, and as the British Consul General in Jerusalem. They discuss the recent China-brokered normalisation deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, its implications for Israel and for Chinese and US regional influence respectively, as well as what we might expect to see next from Iran’s nuclear programme and its support for its regional proxies.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Sarit Zehavi, a major in the IDF reserves who specialises in intelligence and holds an MA in Middle East Studies from Ben-Gurion University. She is the founder and CEO of ALMA, an organisation specialising in research and analysis of Israel’s security challenges on the northern border. In this episode, they discuss the state of Hezbollah and the recent attack it may be linked to inside Israel, politics in Lebanon and the current threat the organisation poses.
In this episode, BICOM Director Richard Pater talks to Dr Michael Milshtein, an expert on the Palestinian Arena and the Head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel-Aviv University.
In this 200th episode of the BICOM podcast, they discuss the growing terror attacks on Israel, what the run-up to Ramadan may look like, the future of the West Bank and how to prevent future friction between Settlers and Palestinians, as seen in Hawara this week.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Benham Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) where he focuses on Iranian security and political issues. They discuss the current state of Iran's nuclear programme, Iran's links with Russia, and where the US and the EU stand on Iran.
Leveraging his subject-matter expertise and native Farsi skills, Behnam has closely tracked a wide range of Iran-related topics including nuclear non-proliferation, ballistic missiles, sanctions, the IRGC and internal Iranian politics. Benham recently produced a monograph on Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackman, Research Associate at BICOM speaks to Professor Amichai Cohen. Professor Cohen is a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute and a faculty member of the Faculty of Law, Ono Academic College. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and holds a master's degree and a doctorate from the Yale Law School. His research deals with constitutional and international law, and he's the author of the book The Wars of the High Court. Professor Cohen joins Jack for a discussion of the dominant domestic Israeli political issue of the day: judicial reform - what does it look like, how does it compare internationally and what is next for Israel's judicial system?
In this episode, Jack Omer-Jackaman, BICOM Research Associate is speaks to Professor Jonathan Rynhold, head of the department of Political Studies at Bar Ilan University. Rynhold's research focuses on US-Israeli relations, Israeli foreign policy and the role of political culture in foreign policy. They discuss the internal dynamics of the coalition government, the state of proposed judicial reforms, and look at the current strength of the relationship between Israel and the US.
In this live episode, Richard Pater speaks to Tal Shalev, political correspondent at Walla News about the new coalition government and what may be the future challenges facing Israel. At Walla News, Tal covers Israel’s prime minister, the government, and parliament as well as the country’s foreign and diplomatic affairs. She studied Political Science and Philosophy at Tel Aviv University. This briefing was recorded live with questions by the audience, facilitated by Kira Lewis.
In this episode BICOM Director Richard Pater speaks to Jonathan Paris about the current state of US and Israeli policy concerning Iran and Russia. In a wide-ranging conversation they discuss the geopolitical implications of both Tehran’s nuclear programme and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jonathan is a London-based analyst, a former Middle East Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and a senior adviser to the Chertoff Group.
In this episode, BICOM Research Associate Jack Omer-Jackaman speaks to Calev Ben Dor about his recent Fathom essay ‘Politically homeless’: Yamina voters tell their story. Calev assesses the impact on November’s election results of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s stepping back from politics, the inter-communal violence of May 2021, the presence of Mansour Abbas in the previous government, and the rise of Religious Zionism. Calev Ben Dor is Senior Research Associate at BICOM and Deputy Editor of Fathom.
In this episode, Richard Pater discusses judicial reform with Professor Suzie Navot. Prof. Navot explains the background of Israel’s legal system, its uniqueness among other parliamentary democracies and the significance of potentially implementing an override clause.
Suzie Navot is Vice President at the Israeli Democracy Institute. She is a Professor of Constitutional Law, her areas of expertise include constitutional law, law of institutions, parliamentary law and comparative constitutional law.
In this episode, BICOM Director Richard Pater speaks with Carrie Keller-Lynn, a political and legal correspondent at the Times of Israel. They discuss the election results, breaking down what happened by party, and what could be next for the new government. Originally from the US, Carrie attended Stanford Law School and also holds a degree from Yale. She was called to the bar in New York and DC in 2017. Carrie also hosts her own podcast, and is based in Tel Aviv.
In this episode, Richard Pater speak to Jacky Hugi, the Arab affairs analyst of Israeli Army Radio and a columnist for the Maariv newspaper. Jacky gives his assessment of the Israel – Lebanon maritime agreement and the role Hezbollah plays in domestic Lebanese politics. They also discuss the ongoing violence in the West Bank. Jacky describes the current level of popularity of the Palestinian Authority and the new phenomenon of the Lion's Den group.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Israel’s former Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev about his experience meeting the Queen. Ambassador Regev also shares his views on King Charles’s relationship with Israel and the strength of the bilateral relationship under Prime Minister Truss. He also offers his latest assessment on Iran, the Abraham Accords and the maritime talks with Lebanon. As well as having served as Ambassador in London, in the past he was the international spokesperson and media adviser to Prime Ministers Olmert and Netanyahu. Today he is the head of the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy, which is part of Reichman University’s Lauder School of Government.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Israel’s former Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev about his experience meeting the Queen. Ambassador Regev also shares his views on King Charles’s relationship with Israel and the strength of the bilateral relationship under Prime Minister Truss. He also offers his latest assessment on Iran, the Abraham Accords and the maritime talks with Lebanon. As well as having served as Ambassador in London, in the past he was the international spokesperson and media adviser to Prime Ministers Olmert and Netanyahu. Today he is the head of the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy, which is part of Reichman University’s Lauder School of Government.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Israel’s former Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev about his experience meeting the Queen. Ambassador Regev also shares his views on King Charles’s relationship with Israel and the strength of the bilateral relationship under Prime Minister Truss. He also offers his latest assessment on Iran, the Abraham Accords and the maritime talks with Lebanon. As well as having served as Ambassador in London, in the past he was the international spokesperson and media adviser to Prime Ministers Olmert and Netanyahu. Today he is the head of the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy, which is part of Reichman University’s Lauder School of Government.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Orna Mizrahi, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. With the US negotiator’s imminent return to the region, they discuss the prospects of Israel and Lebanon reaching an understanding over their maritime border. Orna also shares her assessment of the current threat posed by Hezbollah and the state of Lebanese politics ahead of their Presidential election. Before joining the INSS Orna had a distinguished military career with the IDF and the National Security Council. In her last role she served as Deputy National Security Adviser for Foreign Policy. She is one of Israel’s leading experts on Hezbollah and Lebanon.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Orna Mizrahi, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. With the US negotiator’s imminent return to the region, they discuss the prospects of Israel and Lebanon reaching an understanding over their maritime border. Orna also shares her assessment of the current threat posed by Hezbollah and the state of Lebanese politics ahead of their Presidential election. Before joining the INSS Orna had a distinguished military career with the IDF and the National Security Council. In her last role she served as Deputy National Security Adviser for Foreign Policy. She is one of Israel’s leading experts on Hezbollah and Lebanon.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Orna Mizrahi, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. With the US negotiator’s imminent return to the region, they discuss the prospects of Israel and Lebanon reaching an understanding over their maritime border. Orna also shares her assessment of the current threat posed by Hezbollah and the state of Lebanese politics ahead of their Presidential election. Before joining the INSS Orna had a distinguished military career with the IDF and the National Security Council. In her last role she served as Deputy National Security Adviser for Foreign Policy. She is one of Israel’s leading experts on Hezbollah and Lebanon.
In this episode Richard Pater and Dr Assaf Shapira, director of the Political Reform Programme at the Israel Democracy Institute, discuss the primary system in Israel. They talk about why parties chose to elect their candidates through different systems and what benefits parties such as the Likud and Labour gain from using the closed primary system. Richard and Assaf also talk about issues are most likely to dominate the election campaign in the Autumn.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Najat Al-Saied, a Professor at American University in the Emirates, Dubai, to gain a Gulf perspective of US President Biden's recent trip to the Middle East. Richard and Najat discuss the UAE's strategy vis-a-vis Iran, how the gulf views more open security and military cooperation with Israel and why the Abraham Accords are still not viewed favourably among the Arab publics. Najat is a columnist with Al Ittihad (an Arabic-language newspaper published daily in the UAE) as well as Al Hurra (an American satellite television news channel in Arabic). Beginning in January 2021, she joined Israel Hayom as contributor and columnist to the newspaper, and appears on i24 News.
In this episode, Samuel Nurding speaks to Ambassador (Ret.) Daniel C. Kurtzer on what the Biden administration hopes to achieve from its upcoming trip to the Middle East. Ambassador Kurtzer also lays out a possible Israel-Saudi roadmap for normalisation and examines whether a Middle East NATO is plausible.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Dr Assaf Shapira, director of Political Reform Programme at the Israel Democracy Institute. They discuss the latest developments in Israel to dissolve the Knesset and what that means for the many reform bills currently in the legislative process. Dr. Shapira also provides some reforms that lawmakers could enact to make the political system in Israel more resilient. Dr Shapira specialise on political representation, political parties, the role of money in politics, and reforms in Israel's public service.
In this episode, Samuel Nurding speaks with Gabriel Mitchell, an expert on Israel’s energy policy, about the new Israel-EU gas deal. They discuss the potential benefits of the deal for the Israeli-EU and Israeli-Egyptian relationship, as well as any potential blowback from Russia. Gabriel also speaks about the latest developments between Israel and Lebanon over their maritime dispute and the likelihood of an agreement being reached soon. Gabriel the currently the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the University of Notre Dame in Jerusalem. He is also a Policy Fellow at the Mitvim foreign policy institute where he specialises on the relationship between energy security and the formation of Israeli foreign policy, international maritime law, and regional politics in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In this episode, BICOM Director Richard Pater speaks to Dr Michael Milshtein, a colonel (res.) in the Israel Defense Forces and former head of the Department for Palestinians Affairs in the IDF Intelligence Unit. They discuss the latest threats posed by Hamas. Michael talks about the recent appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as secretary-General of the PLO and whether recent threats by the Palestinian Authority to end recognition of Israel are genuine or not. They also reflect upon internal Israeli-Arab affairs and the successes and failures of Ra'am as the coalition approaches one year in power. Michael is a senior analyst at the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) at Reichman University and Head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel-Aviv University.
In this episode, Sam Nurding speaks to military and security analyst Yaakov Lappin. They discuss the causes and fallout to the Jerusalem Police's intervention at last week's funeral procession for Shireen Abu Aqla. Lappin explains why, unlike last year, tensions on the Gaza border have not flared up (yet), as well as the latest reported Israeli airstrike in Syria and whether the invasion into Ukraine is impacting on Russia's policy there.
Richard Pater speaks to Dr Raz Zimmt, an expert on Iran at the Institute for Nation Security Studies in Tel Aviv. They discuss the extent of Iran’s influence on the recent wave of terror attacks in Israel. They also examine Iran’s involvement in destabilising activity across the region. Dr Zimmt outlines the latest development surrounding the Vienna nuclear talks, whether the US will remove the IRCG from its terror watch list, Israel’s concerns regarding the JCPOA and how close the parties are to signing a new deal.
Richard Pater speaks to Natan Sachs, the director of the Center for Middle East Policy at The Brookings Institution. They discuss the latest developments in the JCPOA nuclear negotiations, whether a deal will actually be signed and the differences between the Netanyahu and Bennett-Lapid governments approach to relations with the United States, especially over the Iranian nuclear issue. They also discuss the broader status of US foreign policy towards the region and how domestic dynamics within the United States influence the country’s policy abroad. They also touch on relations between the US and the Palestinians, the stability of the Gaza Strip and more.
In this Easter/Pesach special, BICOM's Richard Pater and Samuel Nurding discuss the current political and security situation in Israel. We talk about whether the government will survive Idit Silman’s resignation, why MKs Aymen Odeh and Bezalel Smotrich are coming under heavy criticism, and explain the government’s Ramadan policy regarding the West Bank and Gaza.
BICOM's Research Associate Sam Nurding sits downs with Haaretz's intelligence and security correspondent Yossi Melman to discuss Israeli security issues. This episode clips their conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the threat of Iran. A full transcript of their discussion will be published in our journal, Fathom, in a few weeks.
Samuel Nurding speaks to Dr. Ely Karmon, senior research scholar at the Institute for Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University. They discuss the causes and perpetrators behind the three recent terror attacks in Israel, the current security situation in the West Bank and why Jenin is the terror capital, and how this new spike in violence compares to previous waves of terror.
Israeli author Matti Friedman sits down with Fathom Deputy editor Calev Ben-Dor to discuss Matti's new book, Who By Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai (Spiegel & Grau, 2022). The book is released on Amazon UK on 29 May 2022.
Sam Nurding speaks to Grant Rumley, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, where he specialises in military and security affairs in the Middle East. Grant has recently served in both the Trump and Biden administrations as an advisor for Middle East Policy in the Pentagon. They discuss the US view of the Ukraine-Russia war, implications of the war on the Middle East, the possible removal of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, the status of JCPOA negotiations and the future of US presence in the region.
Sam Nurding speaks to Professor Eyal Zisser, the Vice Rector of Tel Aviv University and the holder of The Yona and Dina Ettinger Chair in Contemporary History of the Middle East. They discuss the latests developments in the JCPOA talks, whether an agreement is imminent and the Israeli political and defense view of a possible agreement. They also discuss whether Iran's attack on an alleged Israeli 'strategic centre' and possible cyber attack on Israeli government websites yesterday mark an escalation in hostilities between the countries. They examine the latest developments in Israel's efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and more.
Richard Pater speaks with Middle East analyst and former MK Ksenia Svetlova. They discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and how the war is perceived inside Russia. Ksenia gives her assessment Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s surprise visit to Moscow and how Israel is in a unique position to mediate the conflict. They also discuss the impact of the war on the Iran nuclear talks and on the region.
Richard Pater speaks to Amichai Stein, diplomatic correspondent at Kan News, the Israeli public broadcasting corporation. They discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Israel's diplomatic dilemma in relation to Russia. They talk about the latest developments in nuclear talks in Vienna and the reasons why Israel sent a delegation there last week. They also reflect on a busy week of Israeli regional diplomacy.
Richard Pater speaks to Lord Ian Austin, UK Trade envoy to Israel, about his latest trip with the Secretary to State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan to open negotiations with Israel for a free trade agreement. Lord Austin and Richard also discuss how the UK can both benefit from and advance the Abraham Accords as well as the Iranian threat.
Richard Pater speaks to Dr Arik Rudnitzky, a researcher in the 'Arab Society in Israel Programme' at the Israel Democracy Institute. In the same week that Amnesty International UK released a damning new report accusing Israel of maintaining an “apartheid regime” not only in the West Bank, but inside Israel too, Richard and Arik discuss the social, political and economic situation of the Arab citizenry in Israel. Arik explains some of the important social and economic programmes in the new budget for the Arab sector, the current situation over the military draft for young Arabs, government actions to tackle the level of crime in Arab towns, as well as the political dynamics between the United Arab List (in government) and the Joint Arab List (in opposition).
Richard Pater speaks to Senior Contributing Editor and Diplomatic Correspondent of The Jerusalem Post Lahav Harkov about a wide range of current diplomatic and political issues. They discuss the meeting between Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Palestinian minister Hussein al-Sheikh, the rift in the US negotiating team in Vienna talks, whether Benjamin Netanyahu's plea bargain option will continue with the next attorney general, and the future of the Abraham Accords.
Richard Pater speaks with Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum about the background and legal case of the latest eviction in Sheikh Jarrah. Fleur also refutes the recent claim from the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem that extreme Israeli groups are trying to expel Christians from the city. They also discuss some of the initiatives that the municipality is undertaking to improve social services and economic prosperity for East Jerusalem residents.
Samuel Nurding speaks to BICOM Director Richard Pater about events that transpired over the Christmas period. Most significantly, Defence Minister Benny Gantz hosting PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in his home and the Palestinian view of right wing politician Ayelet Shaked. They also discuss Hamas’s latest provocation towards Israel, and an update from the Knesset. To catch up on events in Israel, be sure to listen to this episode.
In this episode, Samuel Nurding speaks with Dr Sanam Vakil. Sanam is the Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, where she leads project work on Iran and the Gulf. They discuss the British and Iranian negotiation positions during the 7th round of talks in Vienna, what is driving deescalation in the region and what the regional response has been to the Abraham Accords.
In this episode, Samuel Nurding speaks to Major (res.) Danny Citrinowicz, who has over 20 years of experience in intelligence and analysis and was in charge of the Iran file in the IDF’s Military Intelligence unit as well as the IDF’s representative at the Israeli embassy in Washington. They discuss what the main stumbling blocks are between the US and Iran in returning to the JCPOA nuclear deal, whether Russia has the influence and ability to separate Syria from Iran, and assess the importance of Israel's recently military exercises with its Gulf allies in the region.
Richard Pater speaks with Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Before joining FDD he served as the Director for Countering Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction for the White House National Security Council under President Trump. He reflects on his time working for the Trump administration and its maximum pressure campaign against Iran and Trump’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA nuclear deal. They review Iranian demands and discussed whether the international community has done enough to restrain Iran’s nuclear activity.
In this episode, Richard Pater talks with Walla's political correspondent Tal Shalev to discuss what next for the government since passing the 2021 and 2022 state budgets. They analyse the most important elements of the budget, the impact it will have for the government's long-term stability and the cost of living crisis in Israel. They also discuss the future for Netanyahu as his corruption trial enters the next phase and the government looks to pass new legislation preventing a member of the Knesset under indictment from forming a new government.
In the episode, Richard Pater talks to Blue and White MK Professor Alon Tal about how Israel and Israeli technology can play a significant role in helping the world address climate change. They discuss the history of environmental activism in Israel, Tal's journey into politics, cooperation with Palestinian and Jordanian organisations on a regional green agenda, and what role Israel can and should play in the global arena.
Professor Tal is a leading Israeli environmental activist and academic. He is the founder of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, and co-founder of Ecopeace: Friends of the Earth–Middle East, the Israel Forum for Demography, Environment and Society, and the Green Movement. In 2017 Prof. Tal was appointed chair of the department of Public Policy at Tel Aviv University.
BICOM's Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks to Dr Michael Milshtein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel-Aviv University, about how the government intends to tackle the high rate of gang crime and violence in the Arab sector. Michael also talks about the emerging split within the Arab political movement on how best to tackle the issue, as well as the political impact of Mansour Abbas' decision to join the coalition.
In this episode, BICOM's Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks with Lord Eric Pickles, the Parliamentary Chairman (Lords) of the Conservative Friends of Israel, about everything Israeli-related at the Tory party conference, as well as Sally Rooney's decision to join the cultural boycott of Israel, and the UK's position on designating Hamas' political wing, Iran and the JCPOA, and strengthening the Abraham Accords.
Richard Pater was in Dubai and sat down with Dr. Mohammed Baharoon, the Director General of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center. They discuss the progress of the Abraham Accords and the development of bilateral relations between Israel and the UAE. They also discuss the wider regional implications of the accords, whether other countries will join and how they can help foster a two state solution. Dr. Baharoon also shares his perspective on the Iranian role in the region.
Ronie Gazit speaks to Luke Akehurst, the Director of We Believe in Israel, and an elected member of Labour’s National Executive Committee, about the 2021 Labour Party Conference. Luke discusses Keir Starmer’s leadership, foreign policy and his agenda for ridding the party of antisemitism. Luke also discusses the importance of other key members in the party’s leadership, such as Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy and her position towards Israel and the two state solution.
In this episode, Director Richard Pater interviews Dr Moran Zaga on the eve of the one year anniversary of the signing of the Araham Accords. Dr Zaga speaks about the impact the accords has had on the region during its first year, analyses how Israel and its new Gulf partners will look to expand ties in the year ahead, and examine how other regional countries can take advantage of the shifting strategic map of the Middle East.
Dr Zaga is a research fellow at the University of Haifa focused on the geopolitics of the Gulf. She is also a policy fellow at Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, where she specialises on existing and potential cooperation between Israel and the UAE.
Professor Jonathan Rynhold, the Deputy Head of the department of Political Studies at Bar-Ilan University, speaks about the future of American leadership following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, specifically whether the "American Era" is over in global politics, and the Middle East in particular, or whether the basic coordinates of US leadership will remain in place. His opening remarks were part of a BICOM Webinar held on 9 September 2021.
Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks with Robert Wexler, President of the Washington-based S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace and former Democratic member of Congress from 1997 to 2010. Robert discusses the impact of the first meeting between Prime Minister Bennett and President Biden, as well as the shifting sands of support for Israel within the US Democratic Party and why Michael Herzog is an excellent choice for the next Israeli ambassador to the US.
Ronie Gazit speaks to retired Brigadier General Assaf Orion about the latest escalation with Lebanon, and the threats from Syria and Iran. Brig Gen Orion explains the background to Palestinian groups responsible for the recent rocket attack from Lebanon. They discuss whether Hezbollah will further escalate the situation and growing frustration from the Druze community in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. They also discuss Iran’s malign regional behavior, Israeli-Russian deconfliction in Syria and what more the international community should be doing to stabilise the increasingly volatile situations in Lebanon, Syria and the region as a whole.
Director Richard Pater talks with distinguished historian Professor Gil Troy about the latest developments in Israeli politics. They discuss the true meaning of Ben & Jerry's recent decision to boycott Israeli settlements, assess Foreign Minister Yair Lapid's new agenda to talk about antisemitism and look toward Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's upcoming trip to the US.
In this episode, Research Associate Samuel Nurding and Director Richard Pater discuss the how the new Israeli government is holding up after five weeks in power. Richard also explains how the opposition is acting in new and unprecedented ways, the rivalry emerging between the United Arab List and the opposition-based Joint Arab List, and the potential government-ending obstacles that lay in wait.
Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks to Henry Rome, the deputy head of research at the geopolitical risk consultancy firm, the Eurasia Group. Samuel and Henry discuss the state of play at the nuclear talks in Vienna, what Iran's foreign policy may be under President Raisi, and how a return to the JCPOA agreement could impact the balance in the region.
Richard Pater speaks to Elad Simchayoff, the European correspondent for Israel’s Channel 12 News. Richard and Elad discuss how the Bennett-Lapid government has fared in its first couple weeks in power and what we may expect to see from opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Elad also discusses his experience being an Israeli journalist in London, the growing anti-Israel rhetoric he has seen over the years, covering UK politics for an Israeli audience, and UK-Israel relations more broadly.
In this episode, BICOM's Samuel Nurding speaks with Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer about the Biden administration's approach to the Middle East. Ambassador Kurtzer draws on his unique experience as the US Ambassador to Israel and Egypt to discuss the US role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the challenges of confronting Iran and reconstruction in Gaza, and Israel's relations with its neighbours in the region.
Daniel C. Kurtzer is the S. Daniel Abraham Professor of Middle East Policy Studies at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. During a 29-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, Ambassador Kurtzer served as the United States Ambassador to Israel and as the United States Ambassador to Egypt.
Brig Gen (ret) Michael Herzog talks to Ronie Gazit about the Vienna talks and the implications for Israel, should the US return to the nuclear deal. They discuss the most important elements Israel would like to see in a new deal and the significance of the Iranian threat when it comes to Israel’s relations with Arab countries. Gen Herzog also reflects on the latest escalation between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and what the US, Gulf countries and broader international community should do to rebuild Gaza without strengthening Hamas.
In this episode, BICOM's Director Richard Pater explains the makeup of the new government and its priorities, what we may expect to see in the coming weeks and months, as well as what options Benjamin Netanyahu now has as leader of the Opposition. He takes questions from an audience on a range of other issues regarding the political significance of the new government in Israel.
In this episode, BICOM's research associate Samuel Nurding speaks to Director Richard Pater about the dramatic events on Wednesday night when Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid informed President Rivlin that he had succeeded in forming a coalition. Richard spoke about why negotiations went down to the wire, explains the structure of the Change Government and some of the key principles that the government will try to adopt, and assesses what next for Netanyahu.
Sam Nurding speaks with Ehud Yaari, the leading Middle East commentator for Israel's Channel 12 News. Yaari has appeared on Israeli TV since 1975, and is multi award winning expert analyst on regional affairs. They discuss where the latest escalation leaves Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, what the conflict means for Israel's relations with Arab countries and wider implications for the Middle East as a whole.
In this episode, BICOM's Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks with MP Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, about the UK's foreign policy concerning the current escalation on the Gaza border, where UK policy over Iran has gone wrong, and how important the UK-Israel relations is for securing British interests in the region.
On 12 May, BICOM Director Richard Pater discussed the latest escalation on the Gaza border between Israel and Hamas. He explained how the fighting started, and provided insights into how the renewal rocket fire is impacting Israel's political and social domains.
In this special podcast, Richard Pater speaks to Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal about the latest developments in Israel's political crisis. With Yair Lapid officially being tasked with trying to form the next government, Nadav discusses the chances of success in the 'bloc of change' and what impact a new Prime Minister and government will have on Israeli policy both inside and outside of the country. Nadav also talks about the main themes from his new book, Revolt: The Worldwide Uprising Against Globalisation.
Nadav Eyal is one of Israel's leading journalists and a winner of the Sokolov Prize, Israel's most important journalism award. Nadav has been covering Middle Eastern and international politics in the last two decades for Israeli radio, newspapers and television.
In this podcast, BICOM's Ronie Gazit speaks to Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Khaled Elgindy. They discuss the recent postponement of the Palestinian elections and what impact it could have on Palestinian politics and the wider region. They also touch upon US-Palestinian relations and whether the Biden administration will look to play a role in peacemaking between Israelis and the Palestinians. Khaled served as an adviser to the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah on permanent status negotiations with Israel from 2004 to 2009, and was a key participant in the Annapolis negotiations of 2007-08.
Richard Pater speaks to former senior Mossad official Sima Shine. Sima, the head of Iran programme at the Institute for National Security Studies outlines the latest developments surrounding Iran's nuclear programme and its implications for regional and international players. Richard and Sima also discuss the progress made in the Vienna talks, what returning to the JCPOA nuclear deal means for Israel. Sima also explores what policy options remain for Israel as it continues to push back against Iran's regional and nuclear ambitions.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to Yohanan Plesner, the President of the Israel Democracy Institute, about the chances of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being able to form a government, the alternatives and what to look out for in Netanyahu’s trial. Plesner, a former member of the Knesset between 2007-13, also offers an insider's guide to coalition building.
In this episode, BICOM's Sam Nurding speaks with Daoud Kuttab about the unprecedented public dispute in the Jordanian Royal Family, how it has affected the King's stability as well as the domestic and international challenges facing the country. They also discuss the upcoming Palestinian elections and whether PA President Abbas has passed the point of no return.
In this episode, BICOM brings you a recording of the webinar with Director Richard Pater about the initial results from Israel's 4th election and what they mean for breaking the political stalemate. The webinar was held on Thursday 25 March at 3pm UK time, when around 99% of the votes were counted.
In this episode, editor-in-Chief of the Jerusalem Post Yaakov Katz and Walla News correspondent Tal Shalev share their latest analysis ahead of Election Day. They discuss the prospect of Benjamin Netanyahu leading the next government, or whether a new figure will become the country's prime minister.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks with Dahlia Scheindlin and Anshel Pfeffer about the latest campaign developments in Israel, whether Benjamin Netanyahu or Yair Lapid has done enough to win a decisive victory, and what to expect for the day after 23 March.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Raz Zimmt, a research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), about how the nuclear issue is debated from inside Iran. Dr Zimmt provides the arguments between the hardliners and the pragmatists, and explains how the nuclear issue could impact the upcoming Presidential elections in Iran. He also provides his assessment on how Israel should respond to both Iran and the Biden administration.
In this latest episode, director Richard Pater speaks to Yamina candidate Jeremy Saltan on his party's views on the upcoming Israeli elections, whether the party will join a Netanyahu-led government and what differentiate Yamina from New Hope. Jeremy also talks about why he thinks Bennett is the right leader of Israel now, during the pandemic. Jeremy is a Knesset Insider, campaigner and leading political analyst and author of https://knessetjeremy.com/.
Richard Pater speaks to Professor Tamar Hermann, a Senior Research Fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute and the Academic Director of the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research. Richard and Tamar discuss the Israeli public response to the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and how the issue has affected the ultra-Orthodox community in particular. They also discuss the openness of Israel’s Arab community to further integrate into Israeli society, and the big issues facing voters in the March election.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to MK Aida Touma-Suleiman from the Hadash faction within the Joint List. She describes what it means to be communist in 2021 and how the Joint List operates a shared agenda among competing ideologies. They discuss the party’s prospects of running without the United Arab List and why her party voted against the Abraham Accords in the Knesset.
Richard Pater speaks to Sharren Haskel, a member of Gideon Saar’s New Hope party. Sharren, a former Likud MK, discusses her introduction into politics and decision to leave the Likud for New Hope. Richard and Sharren also discuss whether Israel needs elections right now, what New Hope’s main messaging will be throughout the election campaign and how the party plans to court Likud votes. Sharren explains why Gideon Saar is the only candidate who can oust Netanyahu and bring much needed stability and reform to the country.
Richard Pater speaks to Yair Zivan, the Foreign Affairs Advisor and International Media Spokesperson to Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid. Richard and Yair discuss the breakdown of the Israeli government and the factors the forced Israel into a fourth election in two years. They discuss whether the center left parties will unite with Yesh Atid ahead of the election and the party’s key messaging and priorities throughout the election campaign.
Richard Pater speaks with Eli Hazan, the Likud party’s foreign affairs director. Richard and Eli discuss the reasons why Israel is heading for another election and who is to blame. Eli explains why he believes Gideon Saar and Zeev Elkin made a mistake in leaving the Likud and outlines what we can expect to hear from the Likud campaign in the weeks ahead.
Richard Pater talks to Yaakov Katz the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post. They discuss the break-up of the coalition and what messages we will hear during the campaign. Yaakov outlines the competition Prime Minister Netanyahu faces from other right-wing parties and the prospects of him able to form a governing coalition next time around.
Richard Pater speaks to Britain’s Ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan. Richard and Ambassador Wigan discuss the role the UK has played and will continue to play in supporting the Abraham Accords including in economic, scientific and political areas. The two also discuss concerns over the JCPOA nuclear deal, Iran’s regional agenda and the UK’s role in the Middle East. Ambassador Wigan also addresses bilateral UK-Israel ties and what impact Brexit will have on the relationship.
In this episode, Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks to Sir John Jenkins, a senior fellow at Policy Exchange and a board member for MENAF (Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum), on whether Saudi Arabia will normalise relations with Israel after 20 January 2021, how the US-Iran nuclear standoff will play out, and why the UK Government is still not confronting the challenge of Islamism.
In the episode, Richard Pater speaks to Shalom Lipner, the nonresident senior fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, and a former veteran of the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, serving seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers over 25 years. They discuss the fallout of President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Israel, what the implications of a democratic President are on domestic Israeli politics and what we should expect between Israel, the Palestinians and the US over the next four years.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Dr. Majid Al Sarrah and Dan Fefferman, both founding member of the UAE-Israel Business Council and Policy Forum. Dr. Majid is an Emirati legal adviser and expert in public policy. He is a former professor at the American University of Sharjah and a researcher in international law, economics and policy analysis. Dan Feferman is a Fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, and a former Israeli intelligence analyst. They discuss the opportunities created by the Abraham Accords, where this leaves the Palestinians and the significance of the F-35s deal.
In this episode, Ronie Gazit speaks to Israel Policy Forum’s Policy Director, Dr Michael Koplow. Ronie and Michael discuss what we may see from the Trump administration’s last two months in office, and what actions he make take regarding Iran and Israel. Michael also lays out how President Elect Joe Biden’s administration will differ from what we’ve seen from Trump in its approach to Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Iran.
In this episode, BICOM’s research associate Samuel Nurding speaks with Jonathan Paris, a geopolitical analyst and Senior Advisor at the Washington-based Chertoff Group, to discuss the US presidential election, how the make-up of the Senate and House of Representatives could impact US foreign policy, and what a Biden 1st term means for Israel, Iran and the region as opposed to a Trump 2nd term.
Five days out from the US Presidential election, Richard Pater speaks with Joel Braunold, the managing director of the S Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace. How important is foreign policy in this election? Have the Abraham Accords swayed any American votes? Richard and Joel discuss this, what four more years of Trump mean for the Middle East compared to a Biden administration’s approach in the region, and more.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks with Blue and White MK Michal Culter-Wunsh to discuss what political life is like in the Knesset under the cloud of coronavirus. Michal also speaks about her new proposed law to enshrine Israel's Declaration of Independence into a new social contract, what needs to be done to help ensure the return of Israeli soldiers and civilians from the Gaza Strip, and why the Abraham Accords are a paradigm shift for the entire region.
Richard Pater talks to Tal Shalev, the political correspondent for Walla News. They discuss the likelihood of passing a budget and the prospect of new elections, how loyal is Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and could Naftali Bennett really form a government with the centre-left?
Sam Nurding speaks to Col (res) Dr Eran Lerman, the Vice President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and former deputy director for foreign policy and international affairs at the National Security Council in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Dr Lerman shares his analysis of the competing regional powers and their alliances through ideological camps. Sam and Dr Lerman discuss the progress of the Iranian nuclear project, amid the expiration of the arms embargo and the European role in combatting the threat of a nuclear Iran. Dr Lerman also highlights the growing threat Turkey poses for Israel and the region and the importance of Israel’s normalisation with the UAE and Bahrain.
In this episode, Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks with Anders Persson, senior lecturer at Linnaeus University and author of the new book, 'EU Diplomacy and the Israeli-Arab Conflict, 1967-2019'. The two discuss the EU's role in the conflict over the last 50 years, the impact of the Israel-UAE and Israeli-Bahrain peace deals on EU policy and how the EU has contributed to the development of Israel.
Following the formal ceremony marking the normalisation of relations between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain at the White House, Richard Pater speaks to Ilan Goldenberg, the Director of the Middle East Security Program at the Center for a New American Security and former Chief of Staff to the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations at the US Department of State. Richard and Ilan discuss the how normalisation will impact the Palestinians and whether other Arab states will follow. They also discuss the importance of Jordan, the dangers F-35 sales to the UAE, what a Biden presidency means for the Middle East and more.
Richard Pater speaks to Dr Yossi Draznin, Director General of Israel’s Ministry for Regional Cooperation, about normalisation between Israel and the UAE. Dr Draznin was a member of the Israeli delegation on the direct flight from Israel to Abu Dhabi in early September and shares his experience from the visit. Richard and Dr Draznin also discuss government projects and private sector collaboration between Israel and the UAE, implications for regional cooperation with neighbouring countries and more.
Richard Pater speaks to Fleur Hassan-Nahoum who serves as the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and is one of the founders of the Israel-UAE business council. They discuss the recent visit of the Israeli delegation to Abu Dhabi, the aim of the Israel-UAE business council, the relationship Jerusalem can have with the Gulf through East Jerusalem’s Arab community, various development, high-tech and education projects in East Jerusalem, the coronavirus crisis and more.
Following the historic announcement between Israel and the UAE, Richard Pater speaks to Koby Huberman, the co-founder of the Israeli Peace Initiative. The initiative is aimed at connecting Israel with the key Arab states to create a new regional paradigm. They discuss the development of Israeli-Emeriti relations in recent years, the importance of the agreement for both countries, how the full normalisation of relations may progress in the future.
Ronie Gazit speaks to Dr David Pollock of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy about the historic agreement between Israel and the UAE. Ronie and David discuss what factors led the two countries to agree to the full normalization of relations, whether other moderate Arab states will follow suit, what it means for the Palestinians and more.
In this episode, Richard Pater speaks to veteran political commentator Nahum Barnea, at Yedioth Ahronoth, on the budget crisis in Israel and why Netanyahu is demanding a one-year budget despite historically preferring two-year budgets. Barnea also shares his time as a journalist during the Sharon, Barak and Olmert era and why Bibi has a different approach to the media than his predecessors.
Richard Pater speaks to Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, CEO and founder of Alma, about the explosion that devastated Beirut, why Hezbollah has responsibility to bear, the fallout going forward, Iran’s ongoing entrenchment in Syria and more.
Richard Pater speaks to Brig Gen (res.) Nitzan Nuriel, an associate at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Interdisciplinary Center, Herzilya and a former director of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau in the Prime Minister’s Office. They discuss the latest escalation on Israel’s northern border, why Hezbollah attempted to infiltrate Israel, Iran’s regional agenda and more.
In this new episode, Richard Pater and Dr Toby Greene, who is the Marie Skłodowska-Curie research fellow at Queen Mary University of London's School of Politics and International Relations and about to take up a new teaching position at Bar Ilan University in September 2020, speak about the debate surrounding the Peter Beinart essay, whether the EU has any future in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, and what Kier Starmer’s leadership means for the UK Labour Party's relations with Israel over the next few years.
In this podcast, Richard Pater and Prof. Avi Weiss, President of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, discuss how the Israeli economy is coping with the coronavirus. They also compare the 2011 social protests and the new protests emerging now in Israel, and look ahead to the key issues in the upcoming budget vote in August.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks with Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) expert Sima Shine about Iran. Sima gives her view on the significance of the recent explosion at the Natanz enrichment plant and on whether the US will be able to convince allies to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran. Sima Shine is currently the head of Iran programme at the INSS and previously served as Head of the Research & Evaluation Division of the Mossad.
In this episode, BICOM’s Ronie Gazit speaks to Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow in The Washington Institute and former advisor to the Palestinian negotiating team during the 1999–2001 permanent-status talks, on the possible Palestinian reactions to proposed Israelis move of applying its law in areas of the West Bank. Ghaith also talks about his latest research paper on Palestinian accession after Mahmoud Abbas.
In this podcast, BICOM’s research associate Samuel Nurding sits down with military and strategic affairs analyst Yaakov Lappin to discuss the latest alleged Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria, the importance of continuing the UN arms embargo on Iran, Israel’s security policy under new Defence Minister Benny Gantz and the role of the IDF in combating the coronavirus in Israel.
Richard Pater speaks to Tal Shalev, the political correspondent for Walla News, about the Israeli government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, tensions within the new unity coalition, whether annexation will actually happen, and much more.
In this episode Richard Pater speaks to Ben Avrahami, a senior advisor to the former Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat on East Jerusalem affairs and a Senior Associate at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research. Ben discusses his research civil society in East Jerusalem, the Israeli government’s plan to further integrate the population of East Jerusalem into the State of Israel, and what we can learn from Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem 53 years ago.
Richard Pater speaks to Pnina Sharvit Baruch, a senior research associate at INSS and retired IDF colonel, about legal questions regarding Israel’s annexation of the West Bank. Richard and Pnina discuss the legal status of the West Bank and international and domestic implications of annexing the West Bank
Richard Pater speaks to Middle East analyst and journalist, Neri Zilber. Richard and Neri discuss the Palestinian Authority’s decision to suspend security cooperation with Israel, how the strategic outlook has shifted with the prospect of annexation and what will be the ramification on the ground.
In this episode, BICOM Director Richard Pater talks to Middle East expert Professor Eyal Zisser about a wide range of regional issues including the instability inside Lebanon and Iran’s influence in Syria. They also discuss annexation, the latest comments from PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and the prospects of maintaining the vision of a two state solution.
In this week’s episode, BICOM’s Ronie Gazit speaks with David Makovsky, director of the Project on Arab-Israel Relations at The Washigton Institute for Near East Policy, about US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s brief visit to Israel. Ronie and David discuss why Pompeo traveled to Israel in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, whether Netanyahu will proceed with West Bank annexation, and US concerns over Chinese investment in Israel.
In this BICOM podcast Director Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Amir Fuchs, Head of the Defending Democratic Values Programme at the Israel Democracy Institute, about the two-day Supreme Court hearing and the verdict, and they look ahead to the Netanyahu corruption trial that is due to start on 24 May.
To mark our 100th episode, Richard Pater interviews Yesh Atid MK, Idan Roll, and Likud Foreign Affairs Spokesman, Eli Hazan. Richard, Idan and Eli discuss the formation of the new coalition government, the Supreme Court decision concerning its legality, how the Israeli government has responded to the coronavirus outbreak, and the prospect of Israeli annexation after July 1st.
In this wide-ranging podcast, Richard Pater and The Jerusalem Post’s Editor-in-Chief Yaakov Katz assess the government’s grade on how it is handling the coronavirus so far, unpack the coalition agreement signed earlier this week between Benny Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu, and discuss the latest security concerns for the IDF, including Iran’s military satellite launch and the escalating tension on the northern border.
Richard Pater talks to International Spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus about the IDF's growing role in combating COVID-19 in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the likelihood of renewed violence on the Gaza border and whether COVID-19 is changing Iran's entrenchment strategy in Syria.
James Sorene talks to journalist and Netanyahu biographer Anshel Pfeffer about Benny Gantz’s dramatic decision to join a Netanyahu led Government, the future of the Israeli right and the ultra-Orthodox communities response to coronavirus.
Richard Pater talks to former Israeli Justice Minister Dan Meridor about Israel’s constitutional crisis, coalition talks, the postponement of Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial and Israel's response to the coronavirus.
James Sorene interviews Dr. Assaf Shapira from the Israel Democracy Institute to discuss defections, minority Governments and a new law to ban an indicted MK from forming a Government.
James Sorene interviews Tom Segev, author of the monumental new biography of David Ben-Gurion, A State At Any Cost.
James Sorene interviews pollster and political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin and Richard Pater interviews Tal Shalev from Walla News in a two-part evaluation of Israel’s third election.
Richard Pater talks to Eli Hazan, the Likud’s Foreign Affairs Director to discuss the latest polls, the Trump plan and rockets from Gaza. Richard also spoke to Blue and White MK Izhar Shay to talk about the party’s campaign and its plan for after the election.
Richard Pater talks to Likud pollster Rafi Smith about how Israeli parties are shaping up as they enter the final week of the campaign.
Richard Pater talks to Professor Avi Weiss about the big issue being ignored in the Israeli election campaign – Israel’s increasing budget deficit and the required cuts to public spending.
In an exclusive interview for the BICOM Podcast, Raffi Berg, author of Red Sea Spies, tells the remarkable story of the Mossad-run diving resort in Sudan that evacuated thousands of Ethiopian Jews from Sudanese refugee camps and brought them to Israel.
James Sorene talks to polling expert Dahlia Scheindlin for a deep dive on Israel’s 2nd of March election: has anything changed since the last election?
James Sorene talks to journalist Anshel Pfeffer to assess whether the US plan will provide a boost for Netanyahu’s election campaign or opens an unintended can of worms.
James Sorene talks to Neri Zilber and Richard Pater about this week’s unveiling of the US plan for Israel and the Palestinians, it’s impact on the Israel elections and how Palestinian leaders will react.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, gives an exclusive interview to the BICOM podcast about Britain-Israel trade, Iran, Royal visits and the RAF to mark the publication of BICOM’s new study, Britain and Israel: The new strategic partnership.
James Sorene interviews Dr Sanam Vakil, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, to discuss Suleimani’s legacy, Iran’s retaliation and how the Iranian regime will steer through 2020.
Richard Pater spoke to BICOM Senior Fellow, Brigadier-General Michael Herzog, to assess the impact of Soleimani’s assassination on Iranian military capability, what Iran might do in response and whether Israel could be part of the Iranian retaliation.
James Sorene talks to Richard Pater and Neri Zilber about BICOM’s new report that tries to predict the major events, political change and military conflict in the Middle East in 2020.
As Israel heads for an unprecedented third election in less than 12 months, Ronie Gazit speaks to journalist and Bibi biographer Anshel Pfeffer about how this happened and whether a third election will actually break the political deadlock.
BICOM's James Sorene and Ronie Gazit discuss the results of the 2019 poll of UK public attitudes to Israel and the Middle East carried out for BICOM by Populus. James also speaks with Rick Nye, Principal & Strategy Director at Populus about the major trends in the survey over the last 5-10 years.
Richard Pater explores the legal and political consequences of Benjamin Netanyahu’s indictment by the Attorney General with Tal Schneider from Globes, and Dr Amir Fuchs from the Israel Democracy Institute.
James Sorene speaks to Brig. Gen Michael Herzog and David Makovsky to analyse the US announcement that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are not illegal and to assess what impact it will have on future talks to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. James also talked to Michael Herzog about what we can learn from last week’s conflict between Israel and Islamic Jihad.
David Makovsky's podcast Decision Points, in which David is joined by guests to analyse crucial moments in the US-Israel relationship, can be found here.
Richard Pater speaks to Dr Kobi Michael from the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) about the conflict this week between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Richard also interviewed Lilach Even Tzur, from Kibbutz Nirim, about living close to the Israel-Gaza border.
James Sorene talks to Sam Nurding who wrote BICOM’s new paper “UK-China relations and the Changing Middle East” and to Dr Andreas Krieg from King’s College London about China’s objectives in the Middle East and how it is expanding trade, investment and arms sales across the region.
Read UK-China relations and the Changing Middle East here.