Israel Policy Pod: Recent Episodes
Israel Policy Forum
A weekly podcast that goes beyond the headlines to bring you analysis from Israel Policy Forum experts and distinguished guests including policymakers, activists, and academics.
In this special two-part episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow discuss the assassination of Hezbollah’s top military commander in Beirut and what it says about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal, the state of play in Gaza amid what appears to be a stalled postwar transition, and what we learned from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's meeting with President Trump last week. Following that, Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman and co-founder of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum U.S. Matan Sivek discuss the story behind the Hostage and Missing Families Forum’s efforts over more than two years to free the hostages taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman hosts Jacob Magid, U.S. Bureau Chief at The Times of Israel. They discuss whether the Gaza ceasefire will hold, the Hamas members trapped in Rafah, the UNSC resolution vote on President Trump’s 20-point plan, PA reform, settler violence in the West Bank, and more.
No Time to Lose: A Blueprint for Reforming the Palestinian Authority
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the state of play in the Gaza ceasefire, the recent scandal over the IDF military advocate general and the Sde Teiman abuse, the American Jewish community after the ceasefire, the NYC election and Jewish community reactions to it, remembering Yitzhak Rabin z”l, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel. They discuss the method and timing behind the Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal, comparisons with the Biden administration’s diplomacy, whether senior U.S. officials are really coming to Israel to "Bibi-sit,” the prospects for Phase I of the deal holding, the challenges looming in Phase II, whether more regional normalization is really at hand, what’s next on the Iran front, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel to discuss how the Trump-brokered ceasefire came into being, the mood in Israel last week after the living hostages were finally released from Gaza, the state of play of the deal's first phase, the heavier diplomatic and security challenge awaiting in the second phase, the prospects for renewed conflict with Iran, a reflection on the past two years of war, and more.
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Note: This episode of Israel Policy Pod is an audio recording of a webinar Israel Policy Forum hosted today on Zoom. Yesterday, President Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a deal to end the war in Gaza, which will reportedly see all hostages freed in the coming days. In this Israel Policy Briefing, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow, Washington Managing Director and Senior Policy Analyst Rachel Brandenburg, Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik, and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber shed light on the factors that contributed to this diplomatic breakthrough, the contours of the reported agreement, what we can expect to see in Gaza in the coming weeks, and the impact of the deal for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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Note: This episode of Israel Policy Pod is an audio recording of a webinar Israel Policy Forum hosted today (9/30) on Zoom.
Amid mounting international pressure on Israel and growing determination from the Trump administration to end the war in Gaza, a hostage-ceasefire deal appears to be within reach. As the impact of yesterday's White House visit by Prime Minister Netanyahu comes into focus, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Washington Managing Director and Senior Policy Analyst Rachel Brandenburg join Policy Advisor and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber to shed light on Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, Netanyahu’s current political calculus, the role of various regional players, and what to expect in Gaza in the coming weeks.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Distinguished RAND Israel Policy Chair Shira Efron. The trio discuss last week's Israeli strike on the Hamas headquarters in Doha, whether Donald Trump knew of the attack ahead of time, the start of the Israeli offensive into Gaza City, the fate of the Israeli hostages, next week's meetings at the U.N. on Palestinian statehood, reasons for optimism heading into a new Jewish year, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik and Ibrahim Dalalsha, director of the Horizon Center think tank in Ramallah. They discuss the Israeli government's negative policies towards the West Bank, economic and political instability inside the Palestinian Authority, the benefits and pitfalls of the upcoming Palestinian statehood recognition bid in New York later this month, the latest proposal by Donald Trump for a Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal, various day-after postwar scenarios, strained Israel-Egypt ties, and more.
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On this episode, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Distinguished RAND Israel Policy Chair Shira Efron join Tel Aviv-based journalist and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to discuss the current juncture in the Gaza war, including Israel's impending Gaza City offensive, prospects for a deal, Israel's mass demonstrations on Sunday, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the role of the Trump administration, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Col. (ret.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, former head of the Department for Palestinian Affairs in Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate. They discuss the Netanyahu government's decision last week to expand the offensive against Hamas by re-invading Gaza City, the number of Israeli forces and time needed to prepare for such a major operation, what is left of Hamas to destroy, and the potential costs of the operation to Israel, as well as the lack of any realistic day after planning, the prospects for a ceasefire deal, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Jeremy Issacharoff, Israel’s former ambassador to Germany. They discuss the growing "diplomatic tsunami" facing Israel, how Israel's current international standing compares to years and wars past, why and how Israel got to this low point, what can be done to remedy the situation, the craft of Israeli diplomacy, Iran's nuclear program after the 12-day war, and more.
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In this timely webinar on the humanitarian emergency in Gaza, LTC (res.) Or Elrom (former COGAT Senior Officer) and Dr. Shira Efron (Israel Policy Forum’s Research Director and The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow) examine the dire conditions on the ground, barriers to delivering aid, what can be done to address the crisis, and where the international community can play a role.
Read our statement calling for urgent action on Gaza's humanitarian crisis here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the crisis inside the Netanyahu governing coalition over the ultra-Orthodox military draft issue, the chances of a snap election being called early next year, the status of the Gaza ceasefire talks, the escalation last week between Israel and Syria over spiraling inter-ethnic violence in the largely Druze part of southern Syria, American Jewish perceptions of Israel and the ongoing war, and more.
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In the wake of the 12-day war against Iran and with the campaign in Gaza still ongoing, Israel’s regional outlook is characterized by both deepening challenges and emerging opportunities. Israel Policy Forum and ROPES—The Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security—present a webinar on the state of Israel’s regional integration featuring Ksenia Svetlova (Executive director, ROPES), Farah Bdour (Jordanian policy analyst), and Aziz Alghashian (Saudi policy analyst) in conversation with Rachel Brandenburg (Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow, Israel Policy Forum). Ksenia, Farah, Aziz, and Rachel unpack the wider regional environment and its implications for Israel, including the aftermath of the Israel-Iran war, the new government in Syria, the new status quo in Lebanon, the state of the Israeli-Palestinian arena, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Tal Shalev, political correspondent at Walla News. They discuss the third meeting this year between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu in Washington, the prospects for a new Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal, what Netanyahu may want to accomplish now that the Iran war is over, the ultra-Orthodox military conscription crisis roiling the governing coalition, the fractured state of the Israeli opposition, and more.
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On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Alana Zeitchik—Israeli-American advocate, writer, and executive director of The Narrow Bridge Project based in Brooklyn, NY—joins Israel Policy Forum Director Strategic of Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman to share the harrowing story of her family members, who were kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. Most were released in the November 2023 hostage deal, though her cousin’s husband David Cunio and his brother, Ariel Cunio, remain held hostage in Gaza. Alana reflects on the personal toll of the past 21 months, the complex advocacy efforts she’s undertaken across two U.S. administrations, the disconnect between hostage families and much of the American Jewish community, the urgent need to center the hostages’ plight in policy debates, and more.
Follow: @alanalindsay @bring.david.cunio.home @bring.ariel.home
Support the efforts of The Hostages and Missing Families Forum here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow and Research Director Shira Efron. The trio discuss the success of the Israel-Iran war, whether diplomacy with Iran can work in this new postwar era, the potential of further Israeli and U.S. military action against Iran, the prospect of Netanyahu agreeing to end the Gaza war in return for a Trump-led "grand bargain" in the Middle East, the current state of play in Israeli politics, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel to discuss the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the role of President Trump, Israel's success in the 12-day campaign, the murky state of Iran's nuclear program, Iran's lackluster performance during the war, the role of diplomacy and military action moving forward, what impact the conflict with Iran may have on Israel's war in Gaza, and more.
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This is a recording of an Israel Policy Forum webinar held on Wednesday, June 18, at 1pm ET.
Days into its military campaign against Iran, Israel has racked up an impressive series of achievements: decimating Iran’s top military echelon, setting back its nuclear program, taking out drones and rocket-launchers, and achieving freedom of operation in the skies above Tehran. Yet the war’s impact on the Israeli homefront has been costly, with at least two dozen casualties and unprecedented levels of destruction in central Israel. Israel’s endgame and Washington’s appetite to assist in eliminating Iran’s nuclear program remain unclear.
Israel Policy Forum Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow Rachel Brandenburg hosts Raz Zimmt, director of the Iran program at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, and Kenneth Pollack, vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, to unpack the state of the war.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel. They discuss the prospects for a new nuclear deal with Iran, the utility of the U.S. and Israel threatening military action, how close a Saudi-Israel normalization deal was before October 7, the truth behind the Biden administration's weapons shipments to Israel, the current state of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and more.
Watch Obama's full eulogy for Shimon Peres here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the recent terror attacks against Jews in America, the safety of the American Jewish community, the controversial new humanitarian aid plan for Gaza and competing narratives over chaos and violence at the aid distribution hubs, growing international pressure on Israel, the latest Israeli domestic political intrigues, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow and Research Director Shira Efron. The trio discuss the launch of Israel’s new offensive in Gaza, growing international pressure on Israel to end the war, concerns over the grim humanitarian situation inside the strip, what President Trump actually wants, and more.
This podcast was recorded before the terrorist attack at the Capital Jewish Museum. Read Israel Policy Forum's statement below:
Israel Policy Forum mourns the senseless killing of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in the terrorist attack at the American Jewish Committee Young Diplomats reception in Washington, D.C. Our hearts go out to their families and to their Israeli Embassy colleagues, and their killer must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
This was an antisemitic terrorist attack targeting a Jewish event ostensibly carried out in the name of Palestinian solidarity, and there can be no space for this in the United States. Support for Palestinians confers no legitimacy to attack Jews, Israeli or otherwise, and the terrorist who gunned down two innocents last night has only damaged whatever cause he was allegedly trying to advance. Neither the October 7 attacks nor the war in Gaza provide any justification for political violence, and language used in anti-Israel protests that often glorifies such violence must stop. Jews in this country should not have to live in fear because of fighting taking place six thousand miles away, and we reject any attempted connection between these two arenas.
We also reject the immediate rush to map terrorism on American shores to domestic Israeli partisan politics. The political point scoring already taking place, as if the terrorist was motivated by statements from politicians on either side of the spectrum rather than by events on the ground and his own twisted antisemitic hatred, is unseemly and must stop.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims’ families.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Ambassador Dennis Ross, lead Middle East peace process negotiator in the H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations and current counselor and William Davidson distinguished fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, to unpack President Trump's trip to the Middle East. They provide a high-level overview of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration and discuss the U.S.-Israel and Trump-Netanyahu relationships, the present and future of the Gaza war, prospects for a two-state outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Dennis' new book, Statecraft 2.0: What America Needs to Lead in a Multipolar World.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Col. (res.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, former head of the Palestinian arena in Israeli Military Intelligence. They discuss the looming new Israeli military offensive in Gaza, the huge danger it entails not just for the Palestinians but also for Israelis, what will happen to the hostages, the need for a full ceasefire-hostage deal, the prospect that President Trump is able to broker a new truce before the Israeli operation gets underway, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the resignation of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, the legal and political battle over Bar’s firing by Prime Minister Netanyahu, the prospects for a new hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza, the growing concern over the humanitarian situation inside the strip, reflecting on Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut in the second year after October 7, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Naysan Rafati, senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group. They discuss the current alarming state of Iran's nuclear program, the new diplomatic push by President Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to make a deal with Iran, how this time could be different due to Iran's weakness after 18 months of regional war, the major challenges to actually getting a deal done, the possible implications if diplomacy fails and the U.S. and Israel choose to deploy the military option, and more.
Read Dr. Shira Efron's op-ed on Israel's Syria policy in Foreign Affairs, here.
Read this week's Koplow Column, here.
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Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman interviews Yotam Cohen, whose brother, Nimrod, remains in captivity in Gaza. A 20-year-old IDF soldier from Rehovot, Nimrod was serving as a tank gunner on the Gaza border on October 7 when Hamas attacked and dragged him into Gaza. Yotam reflects on the fight to free his brother, his perspective on the Gaza war, and Israel’s responsibility to prioritize bringing the hostages home.
Follow @bring.nimrod.home and @allhostages on Instagram and support the hostage families' fight to bring their loved ones home.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Tal Shalev, political correspondent at Walla News. They discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's rather unsuccessful meeting with Donald Trump in Washington this week, the Israeli government's war against the so-called “deep state,” the Qatargate scandal, the Netanyahu government’s priorities after Passover, the political fortunes of Yair Golan and Naftali Bennett, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Barbara Leaf, the former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs and distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C. They discuss the Biden administration on October 7 and during the Gaza war, the evolving U.S.-Israel relationship during the conflict, reflections of the prior ceasefire-hostage deal talks, the prospects for a new hostage deal and a realistic post-war plan for Gaza, Barbara’s impressions after meeting new Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa, Washington under the Trump administration, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the Netanyahu government going after the judiciary, the dual firings of the Shin Bet chief and the attorney general, Israel's looming constitutional crisis, the status of the renewed military offensive in Gaza, the protests against Hamas in Gaza, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts former Israeli minister Dan Meridor, who held a handful of high-ranking cabinet positions over multiple decades. They discuss the collapse of the ceasefire in Gaza and renewed Israeli airstrikes against Hamas, the precarious fate of the hostages, the upcoming dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and the legal hurdles Benjamin Netanyahu will have to overcome to push it through, the future of Israeli democracy under this government, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel to discuss the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. They cover his first week in the post and future plans for the army, the state of the IDF now 17 months into this war, the threat of a renewed Israeli military offensive into Gaza, the prospects of the ceasefire-hostage talks succeeding, the IDF inquiries into the failures surrounding Hamas' October 7 attack, and more.
No Time to Lose: A Blueprint for Reforming the Palestinian Authority
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the national trauma and mood in Israel after last week’s return of four deceased hostages, the joyful return of six living hostages on Saturday, the potential for the hostage-and-ceasefire deal in Gaza to be extended, the U.S.’ role in the ongoing talks, growing tensions and violence in the northern West Bank, and more.
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, who was just freed from Hamas captivity after 498 days. They discuss the joyful reunion between Sagui and his wife and three young daughters, Sagui's road to recovery, the months of campaigning to get this hostage deal done, the role of the Trump administration and Netanyahu government, the prospects for the ceasefire to be extended and for all the hostages to be returned home, and more.
Israelis' hearts are heavy with grief today as four deceased hostages are returned from Gaza—likely Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, although we are still awaiting final forensic confirmation. We have all come to know their faces well over the past 503 days as symbolic of the human cost of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7. It is unimaginable that their families will never again get to embrace them.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow Shira Efron. The trio discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu's trip to Washington last week, President Trump's plan to turn Gaza into the riviera of the Middle East, the status of the Gaza ceasefire deal, dimming prospects for Israel-Saudi normalization, possible reform in the Palestinian Authority, and more.
Read Shira Efron's op-ed in The New York Times here.
Read Alex Lederman's op-ed in The Forward here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Aziz Alghashian, a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. They discuss how the past 16 months have looked from Riyadh and the Gulf, the prospects of Israel-Saudi normalization, the demand for a viable pathway towards Palestinian statehood, how Benjamin Netanyahu has misled the Israeli public, the Trump effect on Middle East diplomacy, and more.
Policy Recommendations for the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. The trio discuss the release of the first three female hostages from Hamas captivity, the surprising (for some) Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal, the re-emergence of Hamas fighters and the lack of a day after plan for the strip, the prospects of the ceasefire being continued into a second stage, what Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have planned for the Middle East and each other, and more.
Policy Recommendations for the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the terms of the ceasefire-hostage deal and how it will be implemented, how many hostages are set to come home and if the deal will actually end the war, why the long-awaited deal was finalized now, criticisms of the deal from both the right and left, the political implications for the Netanyahu government, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Tal Shalev, political correspondent at Walla News. They discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu's political strength at the dawn of a new year, the state of play inside his coalition government, Itamar Ben Gvir's waning influence, the fraught issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, the return of the judicial overhaul, Trump's potential impact, and more.
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On the last Israel Policy Pod episode of 2024, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. The trio discuss the past year of war across all of Israel's battlefields and fronts, the upheaval in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime, the renewed prospects for a ceasefire-hostage deal in Gaza, Netanyahu's increasing political strength heading into the new year, what Trump may (and may not) do in the Middle East, and more.
View our latest explainers on critical issues facing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts military affairs analyst Yaakov Lappin. They discuss the demise of the Assad regime, how the rebel takeover of Damascus is being viewed from Israel, the IDF ground incursion into southern Syria, the far-reaching air campaign against the Syrian Arab Army, what the future may hold for the fragmented country, the dismantling of the Iran-led axis of resistance, the status of Israel's multi-front war, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Assaf Orion, international fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and senior researcher at INSS. They assess the Israel-Hezbollah war over the past 14 months, and discuss the reasons why the ceasefire was concluded last week, what the agreement entails, how it differs from the one that ended the last Lebanon war, the prospects that it is successfully implemented, and more.
View our latest explainers on critical issues facing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Tal Schneider, political correspondent at The Times of Israel. They discuss the return of Israeli politics during wartime, the defection of Gideon Sa’ar, the firing of Yoav Gallant and the rumors regarding who may be next, the resumption of the judicial overhaul, the impact Donald Trump may already be having on internal Israeli affairs, and more.
View our latest explainers on critical issues facing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Natan Sachs, director of the Brookings Institution Center for Middle East Policy. They discuss Donald Trump's impending return to the White House, what his early foreign policy appointments could mean for Israel and the Middle East, inherent contradictions between Trump’s goals and the current policies of the Netanyahu government, what the Biden administration may seek to achieve before January 20, last week's firing of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and more.
Explore our recent explainers here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. The trio discusses the upcoming U.S. election and the debate over Israel policy, Israel's strikes on Iran this past weekend, the implications of Israel banning UNRWA, renewed diplomacy to end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum CEO David A. Halperin hosts Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber to discuss the violent life and death of Yahya Sinwar, where Hamas goes from here, future prospects for a hostage-and-ceasefire deal in Gaza, the linkage being made by Israel between the various war fronts, Prime Minister Netanyahu's likely rising political fortunes, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel to discuss the state of the Israeli ground offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, how far this campaign will go, lessons from past Israeli wars in Lebanon, the potential Israeli strike options against Iran, the bleak state of the Gaza front, how long Israel can keep up this multi-front war of attrition, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. The trio reflects on the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack and discusses Israel's thus-far successful escalation with Hezbollah in Lebanon, possible Israeli retaliatory options against Iran, U.S.-Israel relations in the shadow of the war, the current state of the Gaza campaign, and more.
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In this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Israel Policy Forum CEO David Halperin hosts Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Senior Rabbi at Park Avenue Synagogue. They discuss key themes from Rabbi Cosgrove’s new book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today—including the effect of October 7 on American Jews, the generational divide of Israel views, lessons learned from this past year, and more.
Watch our video briefing with Ksenia Svetlova on the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss Hezbollah’s pagers and walkie-talkies blowing up across Lebanon, the prospects for further escalation on Israel’s northern front, the chances Yoav Gallant will actually be fired, the state of the Gaza hostage-ceasefire talks, Itamar Ben Gvir's Israel Police, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Col. (res.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, former head of the Palestinian arena in Israeli Military Intelligence, to assess the state of the Israel-Hamas war following the tragic murder of the six Israeli hostages over the weekend. They discuss the lessons that should be drawn about Israel's current war strategy, the debate over the Philadelphi Corridor, the status of Hamas inside Gaza, growing concerns that the West Bank will turn into the newest front in the ongoing war, and more.
- Read this week's letter from our board chair and CEO, "Mourning and Looking Forward," here.
- Read this week's Koplow Column here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. The trio discussed the attempted attack by Hezbollah earlier this week that was thwarted by the IDF, the implications of this event on the northern front, the state of the Gaza ceasefire/hostage talks after Secretary of State Blinken's visit last week, what the Biden administration should do to advance this important foreign policy objective, and more.
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts two families of Israeli hostages seized on October 7 who are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. First, Maya and Gili Roman describe their family's harrowing experience in Kibbutz Beeri on Black Saturday, and how their relatives Yarden Roman-Gat and Carmel Gat were taken hostage. Carmel remains a hostage in Gaza. Next, Jonathan Dekel-Chen discusses the fate of his family in Kibbutz Nir Oz during and after October 7, and talks about his son Sagui, who remains a hostage in Gaza.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Israel Policy Forum Director of Strategic Initiatives and IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the waiting game for an Iranian and Hezbollah retaliation, what the threatened attack may look like, the recent controversial strike in Gaza City, the prospects for a ceasefire-and-hostage deal to materialize in the upcoming Doha summit, the Netanyahu government bringing back the judicial overhaul, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. The trio discussed the targeted assassinations of Hamas political head Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon, possible Iranian and Hezbollah retaliations, the wider impact it could have on hostage talks, what role the Biden administration can play in avoiding a regional war, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and Director of Strategic Initiatives and Director of IPF Atid Shanie Reichman discuss the likely assassination of Mohammed Deif, the state of play in the renewed hostage negotiations, Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming trip to Washington, Israeli politics ahead of summer break, checking-in on the northern front with Lebanon, and more.
Bibi's Visit to Washington (Webinar):
Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to visit Washington next week for a Congressional address and to meet with President Biden. This landmark visit comes at a moment when domestic politics in both countries are straining the bilateral relationship. Simultaneously, mounting security threats amid the war in Gaza are highlighting its necessity.
Join Israel Policy Forum Monday, July 22nd at 2pm ET for a virtual learning session that will unpack the state of U.S.-Israel ties and what to watch for during Bibi’s visit.
To register, go to ipf.li/summerseries
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In this episode, Ehud Yaari, a longtime Middle East commentator for Israel's Channel 12 and an international fellow at the Washington Institute, joins Neri Zilber for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of play in the Gaza war, the prospects for a hostage deal, myths surrounding the day after, the chances for de-escalation with Hizballah in Lebanon, fears for stability on the West Bank, and much more.
Join Israel Policy Forum for our virtual Summer Learning Series on key issues and concepts related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, led by Israel Policy Forum experts and guest educators. Every session will be preceded by the distribution of recommended readings and resources to enhance the experience.
Held on four Mondays over the course of the summer, beginning July 1, these one-hour sessions are offered at no cost. Recordings of past sessions are available for viewing. Learn more and register here.
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Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Foundation of Policy Research Shira Efron to discuss developments in Israel’s political arena and across the various fronts of the ongoing war. They unpack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s first Hebrew-language interview in over a year, his upcoming visit to Washington, and the Haredi military conscription saga threatening his coalition. With the chances of a hostage-for-ceasefire deal appearing increasingly slim, Neri, Shira, and Michael assess the future of the Gaza campaign and the possibility of a major escalation in Lebanon.
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Join Israel Policy Forum for our virtual Summer Learning Series on key issues and concepts related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, led by Israel Policy Forum experts and guest educators. Every session will be preceded by the distribution of recommended readings and resources to enhance the experience.
Held on four Mondays over the course of the summer, beginning July 1, these one-hour sessions are offered at no cost. Learn more and register here.
Support the Show.
On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Neri Zilber hosts Yair Zivan, chief foreign policy advisor to former Israeli prime minister and current opposition leader Yair Lapid, and the author of the forthcoming anthology The Center Must Hold: Why Centrism Is the Answer to Extremism and Polarization. They discuss the meaning of centrism as a distinct political movement, its increasing importance worldwide, the experience of working in the Bennett-Lapid government, and the current moment in Israeli politics and the Gaza war. Finally, they delve into the question on everyone's mind: when will there be elections in Israel?
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Join Israel Policy Forum for our virtual Summer Learning Series on key issues and concepts related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, led by Israel Policy Forum experts and guest educators. Every session will be preceded by the distribution of recommended readings and resources to enhance the experience.
Held on four Mondays over the course of the summer, beginning July 1, these one-hour sessions are offered at no cost. Learn more and register here.
Support the Show.
On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman discuss Saturday's heroic hostage rescue operation, the landmark speech by President Biden laying out a Gaza hostage-and-ceasefire deal, the implications of Benny Gantz's resignation from the emergency wartime government, the prospects of war breaking out with Hizballah in Lebanon, and more.
At this critical juncture in the war in Gaza, Israel Policy Forum experts are providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on Israeli politics and Israeli-Palestinian affairs.
- In this Tuesday's Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow unpacks the potential implications of Benny Gantz’s decision to quit the emergency wartime government with Netanyahu. Read here.
- Our Israel fellow and former advisor to Shimon Peres, Nimrod Novik, was interviewed on CBC News to discuss how Israel’s daring rescue of four hostages on June 8 could impact the Israeli political arena and the possibility of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Watch here.
- Shira Efron, Jess Manville, and Alex Lederman recently published a policy report on how to advance a viable path forward for UNRWA given its essential role and deep, systemic flaws. Explore the report here.
If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact. Donate now.
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October 7 and the war in Gaza have cast a spotlight on UNRWA’s deep-seated and longstanding flaws. On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Israel Policy Forum's Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Dr. Shira Efron, Senior Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman, and Policy Advisor Jess Manville discuss their new policy report charting a path toward incremental and meaningful UNRWA reform to align the agency with realistic future outcomes to the conflict, guarantee dignified service provision for Palestinian refugees, and account for Israel’s legitimate security needs.
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On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Samer Sinijwali, a Palestinian activist from East Jerusalem and a member of the Fatah party 'shadow leadership,’ to discuss his unique story from rock-throwing youth to peace activist, the need for true reform in Palestinian politics, building bridges and empathy between Israelis and Palestinians in the wake of October 7, what the day after in Gaza could look like, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman discuss this year's Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut under the pall of October 7, the state of U.S.-Israel relations, the ongoing Rafah operation amid the wider war in Gaza, Israel's lack of a day-after strategy, growing dissent in the war cabinet, anti-Israel campus protests, and more.
Read Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Sr. Director of Policy Research Shira Efron's recent op-ed in The New York Times here.
Read this week's Koplow Column here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel to discuss the overall state of the Israel-Hamas war. They cover the limited Israeli ground incursion into Rafah, Hamas' response to the ceasefire-for-hostage deal proposal, the situation on the northern border with Lebanon, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum’s Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. Together they assess the ongoing turmoil on U.S. college campuses surrounding the Gaza war, the prospects for a ceasefire-for-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, the state of play in the war nearly seven months in, and more.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman discuss Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, the Israeli mood before and after, the timing and scope of the impending Israeli retaliation, the state of play in the Gaza war, the fate of a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, rising tensions in the West Bank, and more.
In the wake of Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on regional dynamics and the state of the Israeli-Palestinian arena.
- In this week’s Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow unpacks misconceptions surrounding Iran’s attack and the opportunity Israel now has to undo some of the mistakes it made after October 7. Read here.
- Writing in Foreign Affairs, our Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research, Dr. Shira Efron, offers tangible recommendations for addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis while underscoring the importance of involving the Palestinian Authority. Read here.
- Following Iran’s attack, we have updated our concise explainer on the role of Iran and its proxies in driving conflict across various theaters. Read here.
- Over the past few days, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber has written a handful of timely dispatches in the Financial Times on the fallout from Iran’s attack. Explore Neri’s analysis here.
If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact.
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On this week’s episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum’s Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. Together they unpack Israel’s anger at the U.S. abstention at the U.N. Security Council, why Netanyahu seems intent on creating a crisis with the Biden administration, domestic politics in Israel dictating diplomacy, how U.S.-Israel ties reached this low point in the wake of October 7, and more.
As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict.
- In this week’s Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow unpacks Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response to the U.S. declining to veto U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Read the column here.
- In the coming days, we will be publishing recommendations to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, based on an Economic Cooperation Foundation report by Shira Efron, Jess Manville, and Celine Touboul. A link will be available here once the document has been published.
If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact. Donate now at the support link below.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Col. (res.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, former head of the Palestinian arena in Israeli Military Intelligence to assess the current moment in the Israel-Hamas war. They cover Israel’s misconception before October 7, the third phase of Israel’s war campaign in Gaza, planning for the day after Hamas, the chances of a hostage and ceasefire deal by Ramadan, and more.
Listen to the May 2023 episode with Col. (res.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts military and strategic affairs analyst Yaakov Lappin to discuss the current state of play between Israel and Hizballah. They cover what Hizballah is actually thinking, the connection to the Gaza war, the merits of diplomacy versus a military operation to resolve this conflict, and more.
As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict.
- In the Financial Times, Policy Advisor and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber wrote on the impact of Smotrich and Ben Gvir on Netanyahu’s approach to the war. Read here.
- Applications are open for IPF Atid’s leadership summit in Chicago from May 19 to May 21, open to young professionals in IPF Atid’s leadership network. Apply here.
- IPF Atid is also accepting applications for its policy fellowship for undergrads. This exclusive cohort opportunity is offered to 10 college students across North America who are passionate about promoting informed, policy-based discourse about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus. Fellows receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the fellowship. Apply here.
- Explore our 2023 Impact Report, which provides a brief snapshot of our work amid last year’s unprecedented challenges and tragedies. View here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum’s Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik and Director of the Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha. They discuss the current mood in the West Bank amidst the Gaza war, growing concerns ahead of Ramadan, diplomacy surrounding Gaza and whether the U.S.-led ‘grand bargain’ can actually succeed, Palestinian Authority reform, the day after in Gaza, and more.
As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict.
- In the Financial Times, Policy Advisor and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber wrote on the impact of Smotrich and Ben Gvir on Netanyahu’s approach to the war. Read here.
- Applications are open for IPF Atid’s leadership summit in Chicago from May 19 to May 21, open to young professionals in IPF Atid’s leadership network. Apply here.
- IPF Atid is also accepting applications for its policy fellowship for undergrads. This exclusive cohort opportunity is offered to 10 college students across North America who are passionate about promoting informed, policy-based discourse about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus. Fellows receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the fellowship. Apply here.
- Explore our 2023 Impact Report, which provides a brief snapshot of our work amid last year’s unprecedented challenges and tragedies. View here.
Support the show
On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman discuss a potential impending Rafah operation, the state of play of the hostage negotiations, strains in the Israel-U.S. relationship over the Gaza war, tensions growing on the northern border with Lebanon, and more.
Explore more of our commentary and analysis at our Israel at War resource hub, here.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman unpack the latest updates from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, possibilities for an upcoming hostage-release deal, tensions on the northern border with Hizballah, debates in the government about resettling Gaza, emerging details about UNRWA’s involvement in the October 7 attacks, and more.
- This week, our board chair, David Sherman, and CEO, David Halperin, wrote a letter explaining why the U.S. must promote a viable pathway to two states that acknowledges the obstacles on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Read here.
- In this Thursday’s Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow wrote on Israel’s relationship to the international community following the last week’s International Court of Justice decision and recent revelations about UNRWA
- We also published two articles in The Forward this week: one by Senior Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman on his recent Israel Policy Forum delegation to Israel and why embracing subjectivity is key to understanding the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza (read here)
- and another by Evan Gottesman on last week’s ruling at the International Court of Justice on Israel’s genocide case. Read here.
- Finally, this week our policy advisor Neri Zilber wrote in the Financial Times on the current state of play of Israel’s campaign in Gaza (read here)
- and in the Christian Science Monitor on reconciling the two aims of Israel’s war against Hamas. Read here.
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In this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. They discuss the state of play in the Gaza war, whether Israel's twin war aims of destroying Hamas and rescuing the hostages are now in conflict, the prospects for a new hostage release deal, the humanitarian situation inside Gaza, renewed talk internationally of a two-state outcome, and more.
Read this week's Koplow Column, here.
Visit our Israel at War resource hub, here.
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Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Walla News Chief Political Correspondent Tal Shalev to discuss the state of play in Israeli politics amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
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With the war in Gaza apparently entering its third phase, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Tel Aviv-based journalist and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to discuss the current state of play in the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli politics, and the region. They discuss the reported assassination of senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut, the social implications of Israel’s military reservists beginning to return home, the latest on the Israeli hostages who remain in captivity, the High Court’s decision to strike down the reasonableness law, and more.
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As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict.
- In TIME Magazine, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Israel Policy Forum CEO David A. Halperin explain why the U.S. must push for a proactive Israeli vision on the day after in Gaza that is compatible with its regional allies’ priorities. Read here.
- In a CNN interview with Christiane Amanpour, Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik, a former advisor to Shimon Peres, discusses Israel’s reported killing of senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri. Watch here.
- In this week’s Koplow Column, Michael Koplow unpacks the High Court’s decision to strike down the reasonableness law and why Netanyahu and the opposition should leverage this moment to resolve a question at the core of the debate over the judiciary. Read here.
- In the Liberal Patriot, Michael Koplow writes on how the U.S. can bridge the gap with Israel over the question of the PA returning to Gaza. Read here.
If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact.
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Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to share his experience since October 7 in balancing his role as an Israeli citizen and professional journalist. They assess the state of Israel's military operation against Hamas in Gaza and analyze the larger regional threats and dynamics at play.
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Nearly two months since the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, the immense challenges ahead are still coming into focus. Our policy, community, and next-generation leaders are on the front lines in an increasingly hostile, complex, and polarized moment. They need our support—and we need yours.
Please consider making a gift today to ensure that we can continue to be a source of credible analysis and constructive ideas. Donate now here.
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In this episode of Israel Policy Pod, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber for their last wartime update of 2023. They discuss the recent stories from Israel's military operation in southern Gaza, Netanyahu's latest political moves amidst rising domestic friction, the challenges facing the U.S.-Israel relationship, the mounting international pressure on Israel, and more.
Read our new policy report, Starting From the Ground Up:
U.S. Policy Options for Post-Hamas Gaza, here.
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Nearly two months since the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, the immense challenges ahead are still coming into focus. Our policy, community, and next-generation leaders are on the front lines in an increasingly hostile, complex, and polarized moment. They need our support—and we need yours.
Please consider making a gift today to ensure that we can continue to be a source of credible analysis and constructive ideas. Donate now here.
Support the show
In this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron to discuss the state of affairs in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and their forthcoming policy report, Starting From the Ground Up: U.S. Policy Options for Post-Hamas Gaza, releasing early next week.
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Nearly two months since the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, the immense challenges ahead are still coming into focus. Our policy, community, and next-generation leaders are on the front lines in an increasingly hostile, complex, and polarized moment. They need our support—and we need yours.
Please consider making a gift today to ensure that we can continue to be a source of credible analysis and constructive ideas. Donate now here.
Support the show
On this week’s episode, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber for another update amid a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas that has allowed for the release of over 90 hostages. They discuss the details of the deal that has enabled the release of hostages, what a resumption of the ground invasion of Gaza may look like, how the situation is viewed by the U.S., the PA, and other key players, the mood of the Israeli public, and more.
For all of our resources on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, including a timeline of events from 1949 until now, explore our new Israel at War resource hub.
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On this week’s episode, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber for another wartime update as the IDF progresses in its ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. They discuss the unfolding situation at Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital and other key locations to watch in the Strip, the status of efforts to secure the release of the hostages, the backstory of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, scenarios for the day after in Gaza, the state of play in the West Bank, and more.
For all of our resources on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, including a timeline of events from 1949 until now, explore our new Israel at War resource hub.
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On this week’s episode, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber for a wide-ranging conversation on the newly-entered phase in the Israel-Hamas war. They discuss Israel’s methodical launch of a ground offensive and surrounding storylines such as calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu’s failed Gaza strategy leading up to October 7, civilian casualties in Gaza, escalating settler violence in the West Bank, and the ongoing hostage crisis.
For all of our resources on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, including a timeline of events from 1949 until now, explore our new Israel at War resource hub.
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On this week’s episode, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber for a wide-ranging conversation on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. They discuss various issues impacting the multiple fronts of this conflict, including the Israeli hostages in Gaza, humanitarian aid for Gaza, Hamas’ history as a spoiler for efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace, violence in the West Bank, and Israelis’ resilience as the country responds to its greatest tragedy since the Holocaust.
For all of our resources on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, including a timeline of events from 1949 until now, explore our new Israel at War resource hub.
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On this week’s episode, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman returns to the podcast to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war with Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber. They reflect on Israelis’ trauma almost two weeks after the devastating October 7 attacks, discuss the explosion at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza and the role of misinformation, unpack President Biden’s visit to Israel and the state of U.S.-Israel ties, and provide an overview of how the conflict has impacted other states in the region.
- In this week’s Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow outlined three key issues that Israeli leaders should grapple with as they prepare to destroy Hamas in Gaza.
- Writing in The Messenger, Michael outlined the implications of self-identified progressives abandoning American Jews in the wake of October 7th.
- In The Christian Science Monitor, Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber unpacked the uncertainty surrounding how Israel plans on achieving its aims in Gaza.
- On this week’s Israel Policy Pause, Senior Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman recapped President Biden’s emergency visit to Israel this week.
- Watch this week’s Israel Policy Briefing with Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel on the latest development on the ground and Israel’s strategic challenges.
- For all of our resources on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, including a timeline of events from 1949 until now, explore our new Israel at War webpage.
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On October 7, 2023, Israelis faced the unthinkable when Hamas militants breached the Gaza border, carried out a violent rampage, took hundreds of Israelis hostage, and indiscriminately slaughtered at least 1,300 people—mostly civilians, many of them women, children, and elderly. These attacks resulted in the most Jews killed in a single day since the Holocaust. On this week’s episode, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman joins Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber to reflect on the darkest day in Israeli history. They reflect on the atrocities committed by Hamas, Israelis’ collective trauma and shattered sense of security, and how the country could have been so ill-prepared for Saturday’s onslaught. Shanie and Neri touch on the history of Hamas and its ideology, analyze how this moment has reshaped Israeli politics and social dynamics, discuss the ongoing military operation and mobilization, and strive to find hope for peace during these days of despair.
- In this week’s Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow explained how this tragedy shattered Israelis’ sense of security, their leaders’ legacies, and American Jewish politics.
- In The Forward, Michael Koplow wrote on why Palestinian society and leadership must speak out to condemn the Hamas attack.
- In The Hill, Michael Koplow detailed how the U.S. should support Israel as the war unfolds.
- In The Christian Science Monitor, Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber unpacked how the shared trauma of this conflict is reshaping Israeli society and driving Israelis to put aside recent differences.
- In the Financial Times, Neri Zilber discussed the implications of Israel’s new wartime unity government.
- In Defense Opinion, IPF Atid Coordinator of Chapter Engagement and Strategy Rebecca Mandelbaum and Senior Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman co-authored an article on the strategic challenges Israel must consider as it prepares to invade Gaza.
Our recent statements:
- October 7: Israel Policy Forum Outraged by Hamas Attacks, Stands in Support of Israel. Read here.
- October 10: Israel Policy Forum Commends President Biden for Support of Israel. Read here.
- October 11: Israel Policy Forum Welcomes Formation of Emergency War Government in Israel. Read here.
- October 12: In solidarity with Israel, CEO David Halperin offers words of strength, support, and hope for the future. Watch here.
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In this emergency video briefing, we convened with our team of experts, Neri Zilber, Shira Efron, Nimrod Novik, and Michael Koplow to assess the unfolding situation in Israel.
Our Statement from October 7, 2023:
Israel Policy Forum is outraged by the despicable attacks by Hamas terrorists. We stand in firm support of Israel as it defends itself against this terrorist assault and provides security for its citizens, and we call on the international community to do the same.
There is absolutely no justification whatsoever for the horrendous acts of terrorism the world witnessed today. Our thoughts are with the people of Israel at this trying time.
We pray for the recovery of those injured, the return of those taken hostage, and the comfort of the families who have been upended, as we mourn the lives that have been lost.
The Great Shattering | Koplow Column | October 9, 2023
The tragedy that began Saturday represents a shattering—of Israelis’ sense of security, of their leaders’ legacies, and of American Jewish politics. An immediate course correction is needed. Read this week's Koplow Column here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2023/10/09/the-great-shattering/
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israel Piekrash, the co-founder and director of the Anahnu Movement, to discuss Israel's crumbling social cohesion and whether a new national consensus and a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are possible. They dive into Israel Piekrash's unique upbringing in the religious Zionist community, his shift in thinking about the Palestinians, and the vision of the Anahnu Movement before moving to current events, including the present state of the settler movement, protests against the judicial overhaul, and the likely reaction by far-right politicians to an Israel-Saudi normalization deal.
- Last Thursday, Senators Ossoff, Young, Booker, and Lankford introduced the Middle East Security Coordination Act, which seeks to strengthen the critical work of the United States Security Coordinator in Jerusalem to help stabilize the security situation in the West Bank in the service of a future two-state outcome. As a longtime champion of this issue, Israel Policy Forum has persistently maintained that the USSC is vital to security, stability, and a better future for Israelis and Palestinians, and we are pleased to partner with this bipartisan group of senators on this important bill. Listeners can expect to hear more about it soon. Read our statement here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2023/09/28/statement-welcoming-the-introduction-of-the-middle-east-security-coordination-act/
- Last week, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in its hearing on the implementation of the Taylor Force Act. Read or watch here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2023/09/27/michael-koplows-testimony-before-house-committee-on-foreign-affairs/
- Michael also recently penned an op-ed in The Liberal Patriot explaining why U.S. policy must take into account Israel’s democracy, not just its security, as a core value of the relationship. Read here: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/israeli-democracy-and-the-future
- This week, Israel Policy Forum released the latest installment of Critical Neighbors, featuring four perspectives—Israeli, Palestinian, Saudi, and American— on the potential for an Israel-Saudi deal to include a meaningful Palestinian component. Read here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/critical-neighbors/#navigating-normalization
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On this week’s episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron for a wide-ranging conversation about the Oslo Accords’ 30th anniversary last week, the historic Supreme Court hearing over the law that ended the reasonableness standard, the long-delayed upcoming meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the prospects for a U.S.-brokered Israel-Saudi normalization deal.
- We spearheaded a letter to President Biden, signed by key American Jewish leaders, in support of an Israel-Saudi normalization deal that tangibly advances prospects for a two-state outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Read our letter here.
- Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow penned an op-ed in The Forward unpacking what Netanyahu hopes to achieve during his U.S. trip given his domestic and international political challenges. Read here.
- Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow wrote an article in The Messenger explaining why President Biden should insist that Netanyahu heed his wishes on Saudi normalization and other issues before granting him an Oval Office meeting. Read here.
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As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Oslo Accords next week on September 13, Ambassador Martin Indyk (Israel Policy Forum board member and former U.S. ambassador to Israel) joins host Neri Zilber (journalist and Israel Policy Forum policy advisor) to reflect on the signing of that historic agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. They discuss the mood in Washington leading up to the White House ceremony, the birth of the Middle East peace process, where Oslo went wrong, subsequent peacemaking efforts, the current Israeli government's policy vis-à-vis a two-state outcome, and the prospects for an Israel-Saudi-U.S. deal that takes the Palestinians into account.
Join us for a special video briefing on September 13 at 3pm ET withNew York Times opinion columnist Thomas Friedman on The Past, Present, and Future of Israel in the Middle East. Register here.Join us for The Oslo Legacy: Thirty Years On, a free, live event in D.C. marking 30 years since the signing of the first Oslo agreement and the start of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. September 19 at 6:30-8:45pm ET. Register here.
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Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts journalist Adam Rasgon for a deep dive into Palestinian politics. They discuss the article he recently co-authored with Aaron Boxerman in Foreign Policy Magazine, titled "The Palestinian Leader Who Survived the Death of Palestine," the life and role of senior official Hussein al-Sheikh, the current state of the Palestinian Authority, and the looming battle to succeed President Mahmoud Abbas.
Join us for The Oslo Legacy: Thirty Years On—A free, live event in D.C. marking 30 years since the signing of the first Oslo agreement and the start of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. September 19, 2023 | 6:30-8:45pm ET. Register here.
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Saudi foreign policy analyst Aziz Alghashian joins journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to analyze the prospects for a U.S.-brokered normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. They discuss the complexities involved in the three-way agreement, the reported security demands of the United States by Saudi, the need for real tangible concessions by Israel towards the Palestinians, and the shadow cast by the Abraham Accords over any new normalization push. Finally, they conclude with a perspective from Riyadh regarding how the domestic unrest in Israel is viewed regionally and how life has changed dramatically in recent years inside the kingdom.
For more on this subject, explore our recent policy report: Leveraging the Prospect of Israel-Saudi Normalization to Advance Israel-Palestinian Progress.
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Israel Policy Forum has released its latest policy report, An Unsettled Question: Recalibrating U.S. Policy on Israeli Settlements, which outlines detailed policy prescriptions for how Washington can more effectively combat Israeli settlement construction. On this episode, co-authors Dan Rothem, Jess Manville, and Michael Koplow join Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber for a discussion on the new study. They provide an overview of the current state of play in the West Bank under Israel’s far-right government, explain why settlements and creeping annexation should be countered, and delve into the study’s policy recommendations, which include developing a differentiated approach to settlement construction that focuses on areas where construction would pose the most harm to a two-state outcome.
Read and download the report and one-pager here.
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Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to analyze how the passage of the Netanyahu government’s first judicial overhaul bill is impacting—and likely damaging—Israeli national security. They discuss the growing wave of Israeli military reservists threatening to stop reporting for duty, the scale of the unrest inside the Israel Defense Forces, the recent conduct of key security officials like Defense Minister Galant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and the prospects for a military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah amid the domestic political crisis.
- Register for our video briefing today (July 26) at 2pm ET with Neri Zilber and Masua Sagiv
- Listen to Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow speak about Israel’s political crisis on the War on the Rocks podcast
- Register for IPF Atid’s virtual community check-in for young professionals this Friday (July 28) at 2pm ET
- Watch this week’s Israel Policy Pause with Alex Lederman on the wider implications of ending the reasonableness standard
- Register for Central Synagogue’s video briefing with Michael Koplow at 8:30pm ET on Thursday, July 27
- Register for Park Avenue Synagogue’s video briefing with David Halperin at 12:30pm ET on Thursday, July 27
- Explore Israel Policy Forum’s Judicial Legislation Tracker
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Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Prof. Suzie Navot, the vice president for research at the Israel Democracy Institute, to analyze the renewed push by the Netanyahu government to overhaul Israel's judicial system. They discuss how the reasonableness test is used and why it’s important, the impact on government decisions and appointments if it's eliminated, what the government's future plans likely are, and her experience participating in the judicial compromise talks at the President's Residence.
Explore more of our work:
- How the Judicial Overhaul Threatens Israel’s Status as a Secure, Jewish, and Democratic State (Video Series)
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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In the wake of this week's Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp, Nimrod Novik (Israel Fellow, Israel Policy Forum) and Ibrahim Dalalsha (Director, Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach) join host Neri Zilber (Policy Advisor, Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist) to analyze what just happened and why it happened. They spoke about the objectives of the Israeli government and military, the history and politics of the Jenin refugee camp, the current state of the Palestinian Authority, what the operation achieved (and what it didn't achieve), the performance of the local militant groups, and the growing prospects for further violence and instability.
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Kicking off our summer book club series, Tel-Aviv based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts journalist and analyst Oren Kessler to discuss his new book, "Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict." They discuss the reasons why this historical period is so critical to understanding our current moment, the similarities of the Great Arab Revolt to later mass popular uprisings, British attempts to launch the first Middle East Peace Process, and the legacies and lessons for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Explore more of our work:
- How the Judicial Overhaul Threatens Israel’s Status as a Secure, Jewish, and Democratic State (Video Series)
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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Mohammad Darawshe, an expert on Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, joins host Neri Zilber for a deep dive into the escalating violent crime and murder wave in Arab Israeli communities. They discuss the root causes of what is already a tragically record-breaking year, the absence of the Israeli state in Arab towns and villages, the proliferation of organized crime families, the impact of the violence on regular Arab citizens, the complete failure of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the Netanyahu government to address the issue, and the current state of play in Arab-Israeli politics.
Register for our video briefing tomorrow (6/15): Leveraging the Prospect of Israel-Saudi Normalization to Advance Israeli-Palestinian Progress
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research Shira Efron to analyze recent events across the Middle East. They discuss this past weekend's terror attack on the Israel-Egypt border, the Israeli government's intentions for the West Bank, the chances of a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, the U.S. role in any such deal, and the re-election of President Erdoğan in Turkey.
Explore more of our work:
- How the Judicial Overhaul Threatens Israel’s Status as a Secure, Jewish, and Democratic State (Video Series)
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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Walla News Chief Political Correspondent Tal Shalev joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to assess the current state of play in Israeli politics after the passage of the state budget last week. They discuss what upcoming pitfalls await the Netanyahu government this summer, the fate of the judicial overhaul, the pressures on Bibi from both the protest movement in the streets and the hardliners in his own coalition, and the political fortunes of opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid.
Explore more of our work:
- Judicial Legislation Tracker
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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Col. (res.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, the former head of the Palestinian arena in Israeli Military Intelligence, joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber for an in-depth conversation on the recent Israel-Palestinian Islamic Jihad conflict, Operation Shield and Arrow. They assess what this latest round of fighting means for Israel's overall Gaza strategy, the relationship between PIJ and Hamas, and Iran's role, and if (but most likely when) violence will erupt again.
Watch our educational series on why the judicial overhaul threatens Israel's security here.
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israeli journalist and Fauda co-creator Avi Issacharoff to discuss his new upcoming show, "Ghosts of Beirut," about Hezbollah arch-terrorist Imad Mugniyeh and the decades-long hunt by the CIA and Mossad to kill him. They also discuss current events, including this week's one-day escalation between Israel and Gaza and the ongoing protest movement in Israel against the Netanyahu government.
Learn about our Charles Bronfman IPF Atid Conveners Program and apply here.
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research Shira Efron to reflect on Israel's 75th Independence Day. They discuss the recent anti-government protests at Diaspora Jewish conferences being held in Israel, the possible fate of the judicial overhaul, and recent changes in Middle East geopolitics, and take stock as the Jewish state celebrates its diamond jubilee.
Watch and share: Secure, Jewish, and Democratic. Today and tomorrow. (VIDEO)
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Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to break down all the major security events of this tumultuous holiday period, including the recent multi-front escalation in Jerusalem, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank; the chances for a real war breaking out soon; the IDF's relationship to the ongoing protest movement; the un-firing of Defense Minister Yoav Galant; and a looming crisis over the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox into the army.
Explore more of our work:
- Judicial Legislation Tracker
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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After three months of mass demonstrations against his plan to undermine Israel's judicial system—and after an outpouring of anger in the wake of the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Galant—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally relented and said he was suspending the legislative blitz until after Passover. To discuss the significance of this dramatic development, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman turns the tables on regular host Neri Zilber (Israel Policy Forum policy advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist) to glean insight into the success of the protest movement, what really changed Netanyahu's calculus, and what may come next.
Explore more of our work:
- Video Briefing: No Security Without Democracy
- Judicial Legislation Tracker
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israeli Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research Shira Efron for a wide-ranging conversation about the escalating crisis in Israel over the government's judicial overhaul plans, growing concerns in Washington and the American Jewish community, Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy (and violence) on the eve of the sensitive holiday period, and Middle East security affairs including a surprise deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Explore more of our work:
- Judicial Legislation Tracker
- West Bank Settlements Explained
- Video Briefing: No Security Without Democracy
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
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Amir Mizroch, tech journalist and consultant, joins Neri Zilber, policy advisor at Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist, to discuss the Israeli tech sector's role in the protest movement against the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul. Amir also provides an overview of the origins of Israel as the "start-up nation," the tech sector’s concerns if the judicial plans go through, and the impact on the industry so far after two months of upheaval.
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Amid escalating violence in the West Bank between Israelis and Palestinians, Nimrod Novik (Israel Fellow, Israel Policy Forum) and Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha (Director, Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach) join host Neri Zilber (Policy Advisor, Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist) to assess the deadly events of the past week and the chances for de-escalation on both sides. They spoke about the recent violence in the town of Huwara, the security policies of the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority, the Aqaba diplomatic summit, and how we'll know if a new intifada is upon us.
Explore more of our work:
- Judicial Legislation Tracker
- More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform
- 50 Steps Before the Deal
- Understanding Critical Issues (short explainers)
- Israel Policy Video Briefings
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As the judicial and constitutional crisis in Israel deepens, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Tal Schneider, chief political correspondent for the Times of Israel, to analyze the politics of the current moment. They discuss the first judicial overhaul bills passed in preliminary and first readings in the Knesset this week, the prospects for a negotiated compromise, what Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately wants, whether he even still has control over his coalition, and the current state of both the opposition and the widespread anti-government protest movement.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israeli Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research Shira Efron for a wide-ranging conversation about this week's tragic earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the recent escalation in Jerusalem and the West Bank, the Netanyahu government’s security policy thus far, U.S. efforts to de-escalate tensions, and of course the ongoing efforts by the Israeli government to reform/overhaul/destroy the country's judicial system.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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**Note: This episode was recorded before the events of January 26 in the Jenin refugee camp.
Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber for a wide-ranging conversation on Israeli security policy under the new Netanyahu government. They assess the blurred lines of control between several ministers in the West Bank, the IDF under new Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, prospects for escalation in the Palestinian arena, U.S.-Israel defense ties, Israel's Ukraine policy, and more.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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With the new Israeli government barely two weeks old, a major crisis is looming over its intention to completely overhaul the country's judicial and legal system. Dan Meridor, a former Likud justice minister and deputy prime minister, joins Neri Zilber (Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum policy advisor) to discuss the fateful consequences of these plans for Israeli democracy, what happened to the old Likud party, recollections of his time working closely with Benjamin Netanyahu, and the evolution of his thinking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and two-state outcome.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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Most years in Israel are described as "historic," but for 2022 it happens to be very true. The year began with Benjamin Netanyahu in the opposition and considering a plea deal in his corruption trial, and is now ending with Netanyahu marking a dramatic return to power at the head of a far-right government. Between these two events, we witnessed the demise of the Bennett-Lapid government, renewed violence and instability in (and from) the West Bank, a U.S. presidential visit, yet another election, and much more. To recap this eventful year and present the second annual Israel Policy Pod End-of-Year Awards, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research Shira Efron to make their prestigious selections and offer predictions for the year ahead.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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It’s a challenging moment for the Palestinian Authority. INSS researcher and Israeli-Palestinian Research Program Coordinator Noa Shusterman joins IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman to assess several worrying trends in the West Bank that have weakened the PA, including the rise of new Palestinian militant groups and IDF incursions into Area A. Looking forward, they also discuss the Israeli security establishment’s assessment of these trends and consider scenarios for the day after Abu Mazen.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Prof. Suzie Navot, the vice president for research at the Israel Democracy Institute, for a deep dive into the incoming Israeli government's intentions to "reform" the country's judicial and legal system. They discuss the plan to pass an override clause for Supreme Court decisions, the role of the attorney general, efforts to stop Netanyahu's corruption trial, and what it all could mean for the future of Israeli democracy itself.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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In the wake of the recent Israeli election, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Amir Tibon, a senior editor and writer at Haaretz, to assess the fallout and analyze the implications of Benjamin Netanyahu's dramatic comeback, likely at the head of a far-right governing coalition. They discuss the future of the Israeli left, the reasons for the far-right's ascendance, the ongoing coalition talks between Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, and what such a government would mean for U.S.-Israel relations.
Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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As Israelis go to the polls once again on November 1, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Tal Schneider, chief political correspondent for The Times of Israel, to preview what might happen. They discuss the campaign run by Prime Minister Yair Lapid, the difficulties for the rest of the anti-Netanyahu camp, the prospects for Benjamin Netanyahu to get out the Likud vote, and the rise of Itamar Ben Gvir and the far right—and what it could mean for Israeli democracy.
Register to attend our post-Israeli election day video briefing with Michael Koplow, Shira Efron, and Neri Zilber on November 7 via Zoom here: ipf.li/electionbriefingPlease help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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Mohammad Darawshe, an expert on Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, joins host Neri Zilber for a deep dive into the current state of Arab-Israeli politics ahead of the November 1 Israeli election. They discuss reasons behind the expected low turnout in Arab society, the divisions amongst Arab political parties, how Mansour Abbas is viewed after his historic move to join a governing coalition, and why Arab-Israelis likely hold the key to whether Benjamin Netanyahu returns to power or Yair Lapid continues as prime minister.
Register to attend our post-Israeli election day video briefing with Michael Koplow, Shira Efron, and Neri Zilber on November 7 via Zoom here: ipf.li/electionbriefingPlease help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/survey
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The West Bank is facing an uptick in violence, with clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants becoming increasingly commonplace in major Palestinian cities. To assess this period of unrest, Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Shira Efron (Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research, Israel Policy Forum) and Dan Rothem (Senior Policy Advisor at the Herbert Kelman Institute for Conflict Transformation) for a discussion on Israel’s current policy toward the Palestinian Authority, the potential for further instability during the upcoming Jewish holidays, and what the U.S. and the international community can do to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.
To further unpack the state of the security situation in the West Bank, join us on Thursday, September 22 at 1pm ET for a video briefing with Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha (Director, Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach) and Amos Harel (Military Correspondent, Haaretz), moderated by Shira Efron (Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Director of Policy Research, Israel Policy Forum). Register here.
If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible, information and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today to ensure that Israel Policy Forum’s work continues to have an impact. Donate now at israelpolicyforum.org/support.
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Dr. Gilad Malach of the Israel Democracy Institute joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to analyze the important but poorly understood world of Israel's ultra-Orthodox ("Haredi") community. They discuss the rapidly growing ultra-Orthodox population, their complex relationship with education, employment, and military service, the reasons behind their long-standing political covenant with Bibi Netanyahu, and the chances of this alliance enduring past the upcoming election.
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Dr. Naysan Rafati, Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber for a deep dive into the negotiations over a renewed Iran nuclear agreement. They discuss the history of the original deal signed under President Barack Obama, the U.S. withdrawal under President Donald Trump, and the prospects and challenges of President Joe Biden's efforts to negotiate a new deal given the sharp criticism from the Israeli government and Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program.
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Walla News Chief Political Correspondent Tal Shalev joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to assess the state of play of the current Israeli election, the polarizing issues determining voting patterns, and the political performances of Israel’s most recent prime ministers: Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Benjamin Netanyahu, and one almost (and possibly future) prime minister, Benny Gantz.
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Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel joins Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber for an in-depth conversation on the recent Israel-Palestinian Islamic Jihad conflict, Operation Breaking Dawn. They assess the impact of the operation on Israel’s relations with Gaza and Hamas, PIJ’s military capabilities compared to other terrorist organizations, PM Lapid’s handling of the escalation, and more.
Read our overview of Operation Breaking Dawn here.
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Israel and Lebanon could be on the verge of a breakthrough in indirect negotiations over their maritime border—but Hezbollah could spoil it. Policy Associate Alex Lederman assesses the state of the U.S.-mediated talks in this week’s #IsraelPolicyPause.
Watch the video version of this podcast here.
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Introducing Israel Policy Pause, our quick midweek news update. This week, Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman unpacks Russia’s crackdown on the Jewish Agency and the plan for a controversial new Jewish neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
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In this episode, Ksenia Svetlova, Director of the Israel-Middle East Program at Mitvim and an expert on Russia and Ukraine, joins Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber for a deep dive into the current state of the Ukraine conflict, growing tensions between Moscow and Jerusalem, what Russia and Iran may want from each other, how the war looks from Israel, and more.
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In this episode, Ehud Yaari, longtime Middle East commentator for Israel’s Channel 12 and international fellow of The Washington Institute, joins Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber for a wide-ranging conversation assessing President Biden's visit to the Middle East: the prospects for Saudi normalization with Israel, the budding regional defense architecture, growing Iran-Russia military ties, the Palestinians’ diplomatic standing, West Bank stability after Mahmoud Abbas, and more.
Click here to receive updates featuring our content and analysis on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, U.S.-Israel relations, Israeli politics, Israeli-Arab regional integration, and the future of the two-state solution.
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With President Biden set to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Saudi Arabia next week, Ambassador Martin Indyk (Israel Policy Forum Board Member and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel) joins Neri Zilber on Israel Policy Pod. Recalling previous presidential visits to Israel, they discuss Biden’s upcoming trip and its implications for U.S.-Israel relations, the two-state solution, and regional developments. They also discuss Amb. Indyk’s recent book, Master of the Game: Henry Kissinger and the Art of Middle East Diplomacy.
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Note: This episode is the audio recording from a special Israel Policy Forum video briefing held on Wednesday, June 22.
With the passage of a preliminary vote in the Knesset today, the Bennett-Lapid coalition has begun the process of dissolving the Knesset and sending Israel back to elections. This marks the end of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid's yearlong historic political experiment that united eight parties from across the political spectrum. As soon as next week, Lapid will rotate in as acting prime minister, a position he will hold until a new government is formed.
In this Israel Policy Briefing, Amir Tibon (Journalist, Haaretz) and Michael Koplow (Chief Policy Officer, Israel Policy Forum) discuss the impending end of the Bennett-Lapid government and what to expect in the coming months as Israel prepares for its fifth elections in four years.
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Amid strained U.S.-Palestinian relations and political uncertainty in Israel, President Biden is set to visit Israel and the West Bank next month. Nimrod Novik (Israel Fellow, Israel Policy Forum and former Israeli diplomat) and Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha (Director, Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach) join host Neri Zilber (Policy Advisor, Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist) for a discussion on expectations for Biden’s visit, why the PA’s relations with the U.S. and Israel have reached a low point, what happened to Prime Minister Bennett’s mantra of “shrinking the conflict,” and what is in store for the PA after Mahmoud Abbas exits the stage.
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Shira Efron and Michael Koplow join host Neri Zilber for a conversation on the state of U.S.-Israel relations amid the reported downgrading of the U.S. Security Coordinator in Jerusalem and the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. They also unpack the significant challenges facing the Bennett-Lapid coalition after it failed to pass the law extending Israeli civil and criminal law to West Bank settlers.
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This week's episode takes a deep dive into the last two tumultuous months in Israel and Palestine, which included a deadly wave of terror attacks, a major Israeli military operation in the West Bank, the tragic death of Shireen Abu Akleh, and tensions and violence in Jerusalem. Are we now past the worst of it? Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts journalist Adam Rasgon, most recently of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, to get an on-the-ground perspective regarding the state of play in the Palestinian arena.
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What happens in the Holy Land doesn’t just impact Israelis and Palestinians; it reverberates across the Middle East. Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Hesham Youssef, a retired Egyptian diplomat and U.S. Institute of Peace senior fellow, and Farah Bdour, the programs director at the Amman Center for Peace and Development in Jordan, for a wide-ranging conversation about the key roles Egypt and Jordan play in the Israeli-Palestinian arena. Both Hesham and Farah are contributors to a new collection of analysis by an Israel Policy Forum task force entitled "Critical Neighbors: Egypt, Jordan, and the Israeli-Palestinian Arena," which offers Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian, and Jordanian perspectives on recent developments in Jerusalem.
Explore the full collection of analysis online here.
Or download a PDF version here.
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After the shock of losing its parliamentary majority, and with the Knesset coming back from a holiday break next week, what does the future hold for the Bennett-Lapid government? Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Walla News Chief Political Correspondent Tal Shalev for a deep dive into the chances of the government surviving, the prospects of yet another election, Bibi Netanyahu eyeing a comeback, and who really is the most powerful person in Israeli politics today.
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In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber, Director of Policy Research Shira Efron, and Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow catch up on the major events of the past month, including clashes at Jerusalem's holiest site, the surprising diplomatic response, renewed rocket fire from Gaza, and the staying power (or lack thereof) of the Bennett-Lapid government.
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Violence continues to plague Israel, with another terror attack in Tel Aviv last week killing three Israelis. In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber is joined again by Amos Harel, Haaretz's military analyst, to assess the ongoing escalation and how the Israeli security forces and public have responded. They also discuss how Israel views both the looming Iran nuclear deal and the Russian army’s military failures in Ukraine.
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Violence has escalated in Israel, with three terror attacks in the span of a week leaving 11 Israelis dead. In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber speaks with Col. (res.) Dr. Michael Milshtein, the former head of the Palestinian arena at Israeli Military Intelligence, to analyze why such attacks are occurring now, what the Israeli government is doing to prevent them while heading into a highly sensitive holiday period, and why the future of the conflict will be determined by the Palestinian young generation.
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In this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber speaks with Knesset Member Prof. Yossi Shain of the Yisrael Beitenu party about many of today’s pressing issues, including Israel's Ukraine policy, refugees and the Law of Return, and Israel-Diaspora relations, as well as his new book, The Israeli Century: How the Zionist Revolution Changed History and Reinvented Judaism, and what it was like leaving academia for the bruising world of Israeli politics.
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In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber, Research Director Shira Efron, and Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow discuss Israel's delicate balancing act in the Ukraine war, as well as Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's surprise mediation efforts. They also delve into the state of Israel-Turkey ties in the wake of President Isaac Herzog's state visit and provide a status update on Israeli-Palestinian relations.
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The Israeli intelligence services like to operate in secret, but one journalist has made a career by bringing them out of the shadows: Ronen Bergman of The New York Times and Yediot Ahronot. In this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber talks with Ronen about why he chose to focus on this specific beat, how he goes about his work, the stories behind his bestselling book, Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations, and his recent reporting on the Israeli cyberweapon firm NSO Group.
Ronen Bergman's recent New York Times article on NSO Group: The Battle for the World's Most Powerful Cyberweapon
Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations by Ronen Bergman
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The crisis in Ukraine is drawing the entire world's attention, and Israel is no exception. In this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Washington Institute Senior Fellow Anna Borshchevskaya, author of Putin's War in Syria: Russian Foreign Policy and the Price of America's Absence. Anna and Neri contextualize the escalating standoff between Russia and the West and assess how it impacts Israel, which must walk a tightrope in order to maintain good relations with both its U.S. ally and an increasingly Middle East-focused Russia—all while hoping that world attention remains on the Iranian threat.
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Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum policy advisor Neri Zilber hosts Jerusalem Post military correspondent Anna Ahronheim and Times of Israel military correspondent Judah Ari Gross to discuss their recent trip to Bahrain with Defense Minister Benny Gantz, the historic defense agreement signed, Israel-Gulf security ties more generally, lasers (yes, lasers), and the fallout from the death of 78-year-old Palestinian-American Omar Assad in the West Bank. Anna and Judah also describe what it's like to cover the unforgiving military beat in Israel.
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Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949, shortly following Israel’s independence, and the countries shared close ties for decades. Yet recent years have seen a deterioration in the Israel-Turkey relationship, and President Isaac Herzog is set to visit Turkey soon in a bid to repair it. Tel Aviv-based journalist and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Policy Director Michael Koplow and INSS Senior Research Fellow Gallia Lindenstrauss to explain how the friendship between Jerusalem and Ankara soured, the prospects for real reconciliation, and the role of the Palestinian issue in both strengthening and straining this important relationship.
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Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Policy Director Michael Koplow and Policy Advisor Shira Efron to discuss the past week's biggest stories in Israel, including settler violence, a potential solution for Gaza’s energy crisis, Lapid's meetings with Palestinian officials, Gadi Eisenkot's first post-IDF interview, and of course Netanyahu’s plea deal.
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Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu has entered talks with the attorney general over a plea deal to end his ongoing corruption trial, a move that could have major legal and political ramifications. Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz and Economist correspondent Anshel Pfeffer, author of Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu, to unpack the possible terms of the deal, explain why it's on the table now, and assess what it all could mean for not just Bibi's future, but the stability of the Bennett-Lapid coalition.
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In the third episode of IPF Atid’s mini-series on climate security, IPF Atid National Director Shanie Reichman hosts David Harary, a member of the IPF Atid DC Steering Committee and the Executive Director of the Center for Development and Strategy, a DC-based think tank exploring the nexus of global development, sustainability, and security in an era of unprecedented change. They discuss the impacts of climate change on violent conflicts across the Middle East and the role of emerging technologies in mitigating the risks.
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With a new year upon us, it's time to catch up on the latest developments in Israel and look ahead at what 2022 may bring to the Israeli political arena. Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Walla News Chief Political Correspondent Tal Shalev to discuss the state of the Bennett-Lapid coalition, the recent meeting between Benny Gantz and Mahmoud Abbas, the government's handling of the Omicron wave, Bibi Netanyahu's future, and more.
Curation Corner Recommendations:
Neri's selection
The Looming Threat of a Nuclear Crisis with Iran by Robin Wright in The New Yorker
Tal's selection
Trump’s Peace: The Abraham Accords and the Reshaping of the Middle East by Barak Ravid in Axios (excerpts in English)
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2021 was indeed a historic year in Israel. It included yet another election, this time ending the Netanyahu-era and bringing to power a diverse coalition that replaced him, a war in Gaza, inter-communal riots, a reset in U.S.-Palestinian relations, and much more. To recap this eventful year and present the first-ever Israel Policy Pod End-of-Year Awards, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Policy Advisor Shira Efron to make their selections for the biggest winner, biggest loser, and everything in between in Israeli politics over the past twelve months.
Curation Corner Recommendations:
A Malign Embrace: Ebrahim Raisi and Iran by David Patrikarakos for New Lines Magazine
Doing it his way: How Naftali Bennett could beat the odds and wind up transforming Israel by Shalom Lipner for Atlantic Council
A Day in the Life of Abed Salama by Nathan Thrall
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In the second installment of IPF Atid’s mini-series on climate security, Shanie Reichman and Max Webb of IPF Atid host MK Alon Tal, a member of Knesset in the Blue and White party and a leading Israeli environmental activist and academic. They discuss the role of Israel’s new government in promoting pro-climate policy, the impact of the Abraham Accords on climate cooperation, and the problems and prospects climate change poses on a potential two-state solution.
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After a deadly terror attack in Jerusalem’s Old City, a looming Palestinian security operation in Jenin, and a financial crisis in the Palestinian Authority, where are things headed in the Palestinian arena? In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts reporter Adam Rasgon, formerly of The New York Times, for a deep dive into the current state of Palestinian society, from Jerusalem and the Jenin refugee camp to the corridors of power in Ramallah and Gaza City.
Curation Corner recommendations:
Neri's selection
An Archaeological Dig Reignites the Debate Over the Old Testament’s Historical Accuracy by Matti Friedman in Smithsonian Magazine
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With the Bennett-Lapid government nearly half a year old, it is time to assess how, if at all, Israel’s security policies have changed since the departure of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister. In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent and Defense Analyst Amos Harel for a wide-ranging conversation on how Israeli decision-makers view the Iranian threat, U.S. efforts to restore the nuclear agreement, advanced weapons entering Lebanon, and the state of affairs in both Gaza and the West Bank.
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Shalom, I’m Neri Zilber, a Tel-Aviv-based journalist and the host of Israel Policy Pod, Israel Policy Forum’s ongoing podcast that goes beyond the headlines to bring you analysis from our experts and distinguished guests, including policymakers, journalists, activists, and academics.
Israel Policy Forum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the goal of a two-state solution in order to preserve Israel’s future as Jewish, democratic, and secure. Find Israel Policy Pod wherever you get your podcasts and support our work at israelpolicyforum.org/support
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The new Israeli government passed a state budget last week for the first time in over three years—a crucial milestone for the Bennett-Lapid coalition. In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israeli political reporter Tal Schneider (Times of Israel) to discuss the significance of the budget approval, the coalition’s challenges ahead, post-budget U.S.-Israel relations, and what to expect from Benjamin Netanyahu.
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In a region already marred by conflict, the threats posed by climate change are particularly immense. In this episode, Shanie Reichman and Max Webb of IPF Atid host EcoPeace Founder and Israel Director Gidon Bromberg, who recently attended the COP26 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Glasgow as part of Israel’s delegation. They discuss the roles that climate security and environmental concerns, from water insecurity to wildfires, play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how they will shape prospects for a future two-state solution.
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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has recently returned to the headlines, but it has been prominently on-screen for several years thanks to the hit Israeli television show, Fauda. In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israeli journalist and Fauda co-creator Avi Issacharoff for a wide-ranging conversation on the show's origins, his career path, what he thinks about the new Israeli government's strategy of "shrinking the conflict," Palestinian politics after Mahmoud Abbas, and the state of play in Gaza.
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Negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal are sputtering, and Israel is pushing the Biden administration for a credible plan B. What are the prospects for a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis? And can renewed economic pressure bring Iran back to the negotiating table? Finally, what is China's role in all of this? In this episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Iran and China expert Kevjn Lim to discuss the state of play for this significant geopolitical challenge.
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With the release of Israel Policy Forum's report on Arab-Israeli Normalization and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict earlier this week, The New Normal co-authors Michael Koplow, Shira Efron, and Evan Gottesman examine six recommendations to leverage the Abraham Accords to advance a future two-state outcome, as well as the obstacles those proposals face.
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The Bennett-Lapid government is just over 100 days old. How have things gone so far? Where are things headed? What could unravel a governing coalition that even Prime Minister Bennett called a "political accident"? In today's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Walla News Political Correspondent Tal Shalev to discuss the state of play in Israeli politics after the long holiday break.
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Rounding out the Israel Policy Forum-Terrestrial Jerusalem partnership series, Evan Gottesman and Danny Seidemann discuss the status quo governing access to the holy sites on Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
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What happened in the U.S. Congress this week? In today’s episode, Israel Policy Forum’s Policy Director Michael Koplow gets the inside scoop from Government Relations Director Aaron Weinberg.
This Thursday, the House overwhelmingly passed a standalone bill to provide $1 billion in new funding to replenish Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. The final vote was 420-9-2, showing that support for Israel's security is still a firmly bipartisan position in Congress. This came after several progressive Democrats refused to vote in favor of the continuing resolution (emergency spending) bill on Tuesday if it included Iron Dome funding. Party leadership yielded to this demand, as there was no Republican support for the CR and the progressives’ votes were necessary for it to pass. Now that the additional Iron Dome funding has been approved, what does this story say about how fault lines within the Democratic party around Israel are shaping politics in Washington and public discourse?
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As the United States completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan, some Israelis hear echoes of their own experiences in Southern Lebanon and Gaza. What lessons can be learned from these parallels? And does the collapse of the Afghan government and military portend a similar fate for the Palestinian Authority and its security forces, as politicians and pundits on the Israeli right have suggested? Israel Policy Forum's Evan Gottesman and Neri Zilber discuss.
Israelis Watch Afghanistan and Remember Lebanon - Neri Zilber (Newlines Magazine)
State with No Army, Army with No State - Neri Zilber and Ghaith al-Omari (The Washington Institute)
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In the latest installment of the Israel Policy Forum-Terrestrial Jerusalem podcast series, Evan Gottesman and Danny Seidemann discuss this month's court proceedings over Sheikh Jarrah evictions, the compromise put forth by the Israeli justices, and why neither the Palestinian residents nor the settler-linked company Nahalat Shimon are rushing to accept the proposed arrangement.
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Israel Policy Forum Executive Director David A. Halperin joins hosts Evan Gottesman and Shanie Reichman to reflect on the past five years of the organization's work and exciting changes and growth coming down the pipeline.
We're hiring for Deputy Policy Director, Director of Public Engagement, Development Manager, IPF Atid Leadership Engagement Associate, and Staff Associate. Come join our growing team!
Apply for the IPF Atid Charles Bronfman Conveners Summit
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With the Palestinian Authority in crisis and Hamas's popularity on the rise, is it too late to improve Israel-PA relations? Ksenia Svetlova (IDC Herzliya, Mitvim) joins host Evan Gottesman to break down the relationship and steps the new Israeli government is taking to change the state of affairs across the Green Line.
Read Ksenia in The Jerusalem Post/The Media Line: "Israeli reconsideration of PA ties may be too little, too late."
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Host Evan Gottesman checks in with Israel Policy Forum Fellow Nimrod Novik for an evaluation of the new Israeli government's performance since its inauguration in June.
Read Nimrod Novik in Just Security: "As Israeli Leader Bennett Prepares to Visit the White House, Biden’s Message Might Prove Formative"
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The new Israeli government seems intent on turning the page in its relations with the country with which it shares its longest border: Jordan. Will the effort be successful? How will Israel-Jordan ties affect (and be affected by) developments in Jerusalem and with the Palestinians? Haaretz journalist Noa Landau and Middle East analyst Aaron Magid discuss.
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Host Evan Gottesman joins Terrestrial Jerusalem's Danny Seidemann to discuss issues that could impact Jerusalem in the coming weeks and months, from potential court decisions on evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan to a public hearing on settlement building in the contentious E1 area east of the city.
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Palestinians are protesting across the West Bank. In major cities like Ramallah and Hebron, people have been turning out to demonstrate against the Palestinian Authority after anti-corruption activist Nizar Banat died in PA custody; Banat was reportedly brutally beaten by security forces during his arrest last week. Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha, director of the Horizon Center, a Ramallah-based think tank, about the situation.
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Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Correspondent Lahav Harkov joins Israel Policy Forum's latest briefing from the UAE to provide a breakdown on Yair Lapid's inaugural overseas trip as foreign minister and how the new Bennett-Lapid government's foreign policy compares with the approach taken by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Shira Efron and Alon Pinkas, a senior writer for Haaretz and former consul general of Israel in New York, discuss the implications of the new Bennett-Lapid government in Israel, U.S.-Israel relations, events in Jerusalem, and how Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu figures into things.
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In the latest installment of the Israel Policy Pod-Terrestrial Jerusalem partnership series, host Evan Gottesman and TJ's Daniel Seidemann look at the major developments shaping events in Jerusalem over the past month, including pending eviction cases against Palestinian residents of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken, plus, how Israel's prospective new government could affect the all-important city.
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Tal Schneider (Times of Israel) and Barak Ravid (Axios/Walla! News) discuss the latest political developments in Israel, including what's next for Benjamin Netanyahu and a prospective coalition poised to unseat him.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's impending exit after twelve consecutive years as Israel's prime minister, a potential new unity government helmed by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, how Israel got here, and what it all means.
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Israel Policy Forum Executive Director David A. Halperin speaks with Haaretz's Amir Tibon about emerging prospects for the "change coalition" in Israel.
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Hosts Shanie Reichman and Alex Lederman delve into the details of Israel's upcoming presidential elections and what they mean for the current moment in Israeli politics on Alex's podcast debut!
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Ilan Goldenberg (CNAS, Israel Policy Forum) joins the latest Israel Policy Briefing to examine policy options for the United States in the wake of the May 2021 Gaza conflict.
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Amidst violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, host Shanie Reichman is joined by Ilan Goldenberg to discuss a U.S. approach to the conflict and how it can prevent future escalations.
Read the report here: A New U.S Strategy for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
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A special briefing featuring Israel Policy Forum Policy Director Michael Koplow, Policy Advisor Shira Efron, and Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik addressing the ongoing Israel-Gaza crisis.
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Neri Zilber and Michael Koplow discuss the crises surrounding Jerusalem and Gaza and the ongoing political deadlock in Israel.
Click here for more resources on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
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In the latest installment of the Israel Policy Pod-Terrestrial Jerusalem partnership series, Evan Gottesman and Daniel Seidemann discuss the origins of the dispute in Sheikh Jarrah and how the pending evictions of Palestinian residents of the East Jerusalem neighborhood brought Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad into a military conflict over Gaza.
Click here for more resources on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
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Hussein Ibish (Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington) and Shira Efron (Israel Policy Forum) discuss Israel's deepening integration with the wider Middle East region, one of the pillars of Israel Policy Forum's Realistic Reset policy framework.
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Israel Policy Pod host Evan Gottesman is joined by Daniel Seidemann for the first in a monthly joint Israel Policy Forum-Terrestrial Jerusalem podcast series focusing on all-things Jerusalem. In this installment, we examine the core issues shaping the conflict over Jerusalem and how some of these problems came to the fore last week in riots there last week.
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Lior Schillat, Director General of the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, joins Israel Policy Forum' latest briefing to discuss the far-right riot in Jerusalem and the events preceding it.
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After losing a key Knesset Arrangement Committee vote on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking for a way to salvage his premiership and put together a coalition. This time, he is advocating for yet another election, but in a different format: a direct vote for prime minister. All this while his on-again-off-again partner, Naftali Bennett of Yamina, has opened the door of the possibility of forming a “unity government” with the Israeli center-left. Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz break down these issues and more in the latest episode of Israeli Policy Pod.
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Wilson Center Scholar Dalia Dassa Kaye discusses the current status of the Israel-Iran conflict and how that dynamic is impacting the policies of the Biden administration and the Gulf Arab states.
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Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Shira Efron speaks with hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz about the aftermath of a recent Israeli attack on the Natanz nuclear site in Iran and what it says about Israel's posture vis-a-vis Tehran.
Click here to registerfor Israel Policy Forum's upcoming video briefing on the Israel-Iran conflict (Tuesday, April 20).
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Washington Institute Adjunct Fellow Neri Zilber provides an overview of the state of affairs with the Palestinians, including the resumption of U.S. aid to the West Bank and Gaza, as well as the question of elections.
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Some of the biggest stories out of the March 2021 Knesset election have included the breakup of the Joint List, low voter turnout among Arab citizens of Israel, and the emergence of the United Arab List as a potential kingmaker in Israeli politics. In this program, activist Maisam Jaljuli, co-chair of the board of directors of Sikkuy and a member of the secretariat of Standing Together, examines the future of Arab participation in Israeli politics.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with former American diplomat Ari Gore, who served in the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, about the Trump administration's closure of the mission, ramifications for the U.S.-Palestinian relationship, and the potential for President Joe Biden to adopt a different course with the Palestinians.
- Explore Israel Policy Forum's Realistic Reset initiative
- Read The Times of Israel's recent feature on the Consulate
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Israel Policy Forum's Nimrod Novik about the crisis in Jordan, including allegations of a coup attempt, the strained relationship between King Abdullah and Prince Hamzah, and the backdrop of deteriorating Israel-Jordan relations.
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In a special episode of Israel Policy Pod, Shanie is joined by IPF Atid's National Director Adam Basciano, National Chair Jonathan Kamel, and Los Angeles Chair Alex Stabler for a discussion on how the IPF Atid program came to be, what is missing in conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and what you can look forward to seeing from our community in the coming months.
Learn more about IPF Atid here.
Join the IPF Atid Facebook Group here.
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A day after Israel's fourth election since April 2019, hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz parse the early returns of the vote, examine what we know so far, and discuss what could change in the future.
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On the eve of the fourth Israeli election since April 2019, hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the issues shaping the campaign.
Click here to register for Israel Policy Forum's live Knesset elections watch event.
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With the March 23 Knesset election fast approaching, Times of Israel Political Correspondent Tal Schneider takes a look at where the different parties stand and whether this fourth election in the span of two years can deliver a more conclusive result for Israelis.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with director Maya Zinshtein and producer Abie Troen about their new documentary film, 'Til Kingdom Come, which covers Evangelical Christian support for Israel in the United States.
Click here to watch 'Til Kingdom Come.
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Ambassador Daniel Shapiro shares his insights on the current issues shaping the Biden administration's reorientation of U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Washington Institute Senior Fellow Ghaith al Omari examines the Palestinian political landscape in the lead up to elections planned for later this year, as well as the Palestinians' relationship with the Biden administration.
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Host Shanie Reichman is joined by Dr. Eran Halperin to discuss his work on the psychological and emotional barriers to resolving conflicts and how his experiments try to help Israeli and Palestinian societies overcome them.
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Learn more about Eran Halperin's work (https://www.eranhalperin.com)
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Ilan Goldenberg discusses Israel, Iran, the JCPOA, and the future of Israel-Arab state normalization under the Biden administration.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Shira Efron and Daniel Egel of the RAND Corporation about their new study, "Alternatives in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict," examining Israeli and Palestinian responses to five proposed outcomes to the conflict.
Read: "Alternatives in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" from the RAND Corporation
Read: "In Search of a Viable Option: Evaluating Outcomes to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" from Israel Policy Forum
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What does a realistic reset of U.S. foreign policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict look like? Michael Koplow (Israel Policy Forum), Shira Efron (Israel Policy Forum), and Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha (Horizon Center) outline a vision for a new approach under the Biden administration.
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Eli, Evan, and Shanie talk with Noa Shusterman of INSS (previously an Israel Policy Pod host!) to discuss her recent article on the vaccine controversy entitled "The Palestinians and COVID-19 Vaccines: An Israeli Responsibility?"
You can read the full article here: https://www.inss.org.il/publication/palestinians-and-the-vaccine/
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With the deadline for registering party lists in the rearview, the final stages of Israel's election campaign are now underway. Listen to our Tuesday briefing with an update on the state of the race with Amir Tibon of Haaretz.
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With another Israeli election just six weeks away Shanie Reichman, Evan Gottesman, and Eli Kowaz break down the state of play after the February 4 party registration deadline.
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Center for a New American Security Senior Adjunct Fellow Elisa Catalano Ewers and Associate Fellow Kaleigh Thomas discuss the Biden administration's priorities in the Middle East and its approach to policy issues including arms sales initiated under the Trump administration, future Arab-Israeli normalization agreements, U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, and engagement with Iran.
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Israeli attorney Daniel Seidemann joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss how the development of a new Jewish settlement in Givat Hamatos could imperil a viable resolution to the status of Jerusalem.
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The past four years have seen momentous developments in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and American foreign policy. As New York Times Jerusalem Bureau Chief, David Halbfinger was witness to many of these important stories, which continue to shape events on the ground in the Middle East and the Biden administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On this episode, David shares a look back on his tenure in Israel.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with IPF Atid San Francisco Steering Committee member Nathan Kurz about his new book, Jewish Internationalism and Human Rights After the Holocaust, which examines the tension between Jewish human rights advocacy and support for the Israeli government during the Cold War. If you would like to purchase Nathan's book, you can save 20% by using code "Kurz2020" when ordering from Cambridge University Press.
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Carnegie Endowment Senior Fellow Aaron David Miller examines the Trump administration's policy legacy in the Middle East and President-elect Joe Biden's priorities in the region.
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Ilan Goldenberg, Michael Koplow, and Tamara Cofman Wittes present findings and recommendations from their recently published policy report, "A New U.S. Strategy for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." Hosted by Israel Policy Forum Board Chair Susie Gelman. Download the report here.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz speak with Times of Israel Diplomatic Correspondent Tal Schneider about Israeli perceptions of the far-right attack on the United States Capitol Building. Then, the Israel Policy Pod team checks in with Israel Policy Forum Director of Government Relations Aaron Weinberg, who lives and works in Washington, DC.
Read Aaron Weinberg's reflection the Capitol Hill attack in JTA: https://www.jta.org/2021/01/06/opinion/ive-been-through-evacuations-and-lockdowns-on-capitol-hill-before-its-never-been-this-bad
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With Knesset elections on the horizon yet again and new political parties replacing old ones, journalist Barak Ravid provides insights into the new political landscape taking shape in Israel.
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In our final episode of the year, Eli Kowaz talks to Neri Zilber about Israel's upcoming March elections as the list of parties begins to take shape. Topics include the creation of a new party on the Israeli left led by Tel Aviv-Jaffa Mayor Ron Huldai and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi's decision to step away from national politics, for the time being, dealing yet another blow to Benny Gantz's Blue and White.
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This episode features a recording of our latest Israel Policy Briefing, a discussion between Board Chair Susie Gelman and Hussein Ibish of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington on the political interplay between the Palestinian leadership and the Gulf countries in the age of normalization.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Einat Levi, a researcher at the Israeli think tank Mitvim who specializes in Israel-Morocco relations, about the history of Israel's ties with Rabat, the new normalization agreement between Israel and Morocco, and the impact of U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara.
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This week's episode includes recordings of two panels from Israel Policy Forum's virtual annual event, with Abner Goldstine, Yossi Klein Halevi, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Tamara Cofman Wittes, Susie Gelman, and Rep. Ted Deutch, including never-before-released material not featured during the event premiere.
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Host Shanie Reichman chats with Gadi Baltiansky of the Geneva Initiative about his decades-long commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and unlikely partners in pursuit of a two-state solution. Learn more about his work at https://geneva-accord.org
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Israeli political journalist Tal Schneider examines the possibility of another Israeli election and the implications it would carry for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett, Benny Gantz, Gideon Saar, and the Joint List.
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Just when you thought Israelis were done going to the polls, elections strike again. Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Shanie Reichman discuss the prospects of another Knesset election and how different political parties may fare.
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Over the weekend, Iran’s chief nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated. Iranian officials have blamed Israel, which appears to be behind the operation. Who was Fakhrizadeh, and what impact will his death have on Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, U.S. foreign policy in the presidential transition period, and the incoming Biden administration’s approach to Tehran? Dr. Raz Zimmt addresses these and other pressing questions.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz speak with journalist Neri Zilber about the resumption of security, civil, and economic ties between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
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What will happen to the Israel-Arab state normalization process after President-elect Joe Biden takes office? The Mitvim Institute's Dr. Moran Zaga explains.
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Host Eli Kowaz talks with Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik about the life and legacy of chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.
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This episode features a recording of Israel Policy Forum's latest briefing, featuring a conversation with Policy Director Michael Koplow and Government Relations Director Aaron Weinberg on the future of U.S.-Israel and U.S.-Palestinian relations under the incoming Biden administration.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Shanie Reichman speak with three of Israel Policy Forum's leading experts—Shira Efron, Michael Koplow, and David Halperin—about how the outcome of next Tuesday's American presidential election could play out in real time for Israelis and Palestinians, shape the debate in Washington around the U.S.-Israel and U.S.-Palestinian relationships, and impact the American Jewish communal discourse on these issues.
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Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich, who served as Israel's envoy in the United States during Yitzhak Rabin's second premiership, joins a special Israel Policy Forum briefing reflecting on the late prime minister's legacy 25 years after his assassination.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Hugh Lovatt, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Middle East and North Africa program, about the main issues shaping EU policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including assistance to the Palestinians and Israeli demolitions of EU-funded structures, as well as how the outcome of the American presidential election could impact the European position toward Israel and the Palestinians.
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Washington Institute Adjunct Fellow and Israeli journalist Neri Zilber breaks down the latest political developments in Israel, from coronavirus lockdowns, to anti-Netanyahu protests, and the rise of Naftali Bennett.
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Evan Gottesman and Shanie Reichman discuss the lessons for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that can be gleaned from the Nagorno Karabakh dispute, as well as Israel's relationship with Azerbaijan and Armenia.
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Allison Kaplan Sommer (Haaretz), Jacob Kornbluh (Jewish Insider), and Tabby Refael (30 Years After) discuss the impact of the 2020 U.S. presidential election on the Israel-Diaspora relationship.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss how Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the coronavirus crisis has created new political problems for the prime minister, including the resurgence of Naftali Bennett.
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Host Shanie Reichman speaks with former diplomat Nadav Tamir of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation about the future of U.S.-Israel relations and how a future Biden administration could impact them.
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Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, a public opinion expert who has worked on political campaigns in Israel and the Balkans, joins host Evan Gottesman to parse spin from substance on the implications of mutual recognition between Israel and Kosovo and the Israel-related elements of the recent Serbia-Kosovo economic normalization deal.
Click here to read Dahlia's article in Foreign Policy comparing the leadership styles of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Serbian President Aleksandr Vucic.
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Kan News Palestinian Affairs Correspondent Gal Berger shares a retrospective on the significance of the Second Intifada on the twentieth anniversary of its start.
Watch translated clips from Gal Berger's documentary on the Second Intifada here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CperavZ-a_Y&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZyH4VfyI_o
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Steven A. Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations joins Israel Policy Forum's weekly briefing to explain how the recent normalization agreements between Israel and Bahrain and Israel and the United Arab Emirates are being received throughout the Middle East.
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With the text of the Abraham Accords publicly released, hosts Evan Gottesman and Shanie Reichman trade skeptical and optimistic takes on the long-term ramifications of Israel's normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain.
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This episode features a recording of our briefing providing three different perspectives on Israel-Bahrain and Israel-UAE normalization with Yoel Guzansky (INSS), Daoud Kuttab (Al-Monitor Palestine Pulse, Arab News), and Dana Stroul (Washington Institute).
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Trouble is brewing in the Eastern Mediterranean as Turkey and Greece clash over natural gas, and other regional actors, from Israel, to Egypt, and even the United Arab Emirates, could get drawn in. Mitvim Institute Director of External Relations Gabi Mitchell joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss the current crisis, how it intersects with other conflicts in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, what the risks are, and how tensions can be brought down.
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This episode of Israel Policy Pod features a recording of our latest briefing with Dr. Shira Efron, providing an overview of the coronavirus situation in the Gaza Strip, recent hostilities between Palestinian militant groups and Israel, and Qatar's involvement in the area.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss a potential internal challenge to the centrist Yesh Atid party's founder and longtime leader Yair Lapid.
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The latest episode of Israel Policy Pod features a recording of our latest briefing on challenges to Israel-UAE relations, featuring Israel Fellow Dr. Nimrod Novik.
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Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn, author of City on a Hilltop: American Jews and the Israeli Settler Movement, joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss the response of pro-annexation Israeli politicians and settlement officials to Israel-UAE normalization, the split between the organized West Bank settlement leadership and their constituents, and how recent developments play into the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
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Journalist and policy researcher Ksenia Svetlova speaks with hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz about Israel-UAE normalization and its impacts for annexation, the Palestinian national cause, Israeli politics, and US-Israel relations.
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Israel Policy Forum's Shira Efron and Michael Koplow speak with host Evan Gottesman about recent historic developments in Israel-UAE relations.
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Former Shin Bet Director Ami Ayalon joins host Evan Gottesman for a discussion on Israel's past and future and Ayalon's forthcoming book, Friendly Fire, touching on the turning points in his outlook on the Palestinians, security coordination with the PA, a new national narrative for Israel, and why he supports Breaking the Silence and empathizes with the settlement movement.
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This episode of Israel Policy Pod features a recording of Israel Policy Forum's recent briefing with policy researcher, journalist, and former Member of Knesset Ksenia Svetlova on the Beirut disaster's implications for Israel and the wider Middle East.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the recent tragedy in Beirut, Lebanon and the controversy spurred by the display of a Lebanese flag on Tel Aviv City Hall in the aftermath of the explosion.
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Listen to Israel Policy Forum's exclusive briefing with journalist Barak Ravid (Axios) covering the anti-Netanyahu demonstrations taking place throughout Israel and their implications.
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New York Times Jerusalem Bureau reporter Adam Rasgon joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss a recent story he co-authored with David Halbinger and Mohammed Najib on the social, political, and operational strain Palestinian security officers are facing as Israel and the United States mull annexing parts of the West Bank and President Mahmoud Abbas continues to halt security coordination with Israel.
Read the original story in the New York Times: "For Palestinian Police, Much to Lose if Israel Annexes West Bank Land," by David Halbfinger, Adam Rasgon, and Mohammed Najib
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss an eventful week in Israel: a clash between the IDF and Hizballah on Israel's northern border, anti-Bibi protests, and the possibility of another round of Knesset elections later this year.
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Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri's recent meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the basis for Cairo's seemingly tepid stance on West Bank annexation.
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Evan Gottesman speaks with Israel Policy Forum's Policy Director Michael Koplow about the resurgent conversation around the one state model.
Articles mentioned in the podcast:https://jewishcurrents.org/yavne-a-jewish-case-for-equality-in-israel-palestine/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/08/opinion/israel-annexation-two-state-solution.html
https://israelpolicyforum.org/2020/07/07/the-two-state-solution-is-dead-long-live-the-two-state-solution-3/
https://israelpolicyforum.org/2020/07/16/states-versus-societies-and-realities-versus-solutions/
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/belief/articles/memory-malpractice-beinart
https://israelpolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/StudyFinal022520.pdf
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Host Eli Kowaz speaks with Commanders for Israel’s Security CEO Dan Rothem about a new CIS messaging campaign against annexation in Israel and Peter Beinart’s controversial op-ed on a one-state model. For more on the CIS messaging campaign, visit eyes.cis.org.il/en.
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RAND Corporation Center for Middle East Policy Director Dr. Dalia Dassa Kaye joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss recent incidents in Iran and their potential implications in the broader context of Israel-Iran tensions.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz are joined by Yaya Fink, CEO of the NGO Darkenu, founder of the Lobby 99 organization, and former Labor Party Knesset candidate, for a conversation on fighting for a more democratic Israel and the civil society campaign against annexation.
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This episode of Israel Policy Pod features a recording of Israel Policy Forum's latest Annexation Watch briefing, featuring Yossi Klein Halevi of Shalom Hartman Institute and moderated by Israel Policy Forum Board Chair Susie Gelman.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz join a panel discussion on podcasting about Israel with Mishy Harman (Israel Story) and Dina Kraft (the Branch), moderated by Brina Chu (Israel Action Network).
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with IPF Atid young professional leaders Brianna Goodlin and Jonathan Kamel about IPF Atid's new #OurFutureIsrael campaign responding to the prospect of West Bank annexation.
Get involved with #OurFutureIsrael here.
Click here to register for Israel Policy Forum's special virtual event (June 23), The Road Ahead: Leading Responsible for Israel's Future.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the security establishment's take on looming West Bank annexation with Brig. Gen. (Res.) Ilan Paz.
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Government Relations Manager Aaron Weinberg joins hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz to discuss how Israel Policy Forum's work on Capitol Hill is continuing in the age of social distancing and to provide commentary on Israel Policy Forum's recent video briefing with Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL-22).
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz talk with MK Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh about her political ambitions, looming West Bank annexation, and her decision to break ranks with Benny Gantz's Blue and White party for Yesh Atid.
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On this episode, Israel Policy Pod presents a recording of Israel Policy Forum's recent briefing call with PLO Ambassador to the United Kingdom Husam Zomlot. We also encourage you to read Michal Koplow's latest column on the necessity of a Palestinian counter-offer to the Trump plan.
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Find out how Israeli opposition parties are responding to West Bank annexation, featuring MK and former Deputy Mossad Head Ram Ben Barak (Yesh Atid), MK and former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan (Israel Democratic Party), and Aida Touma-Sliman (Joint List).
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Policy Director Michael Koplow joins hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz to help break down a recent dramatic announcement from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that has the Israel Policy Pod team feeling a sense of deja vu.
Register for our upcoming video briefing (Tuesday, May 26) with Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot: ipf.li/may26
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz break down why the swearing in of Israel's new government has been postponed, explain the expansion of the cabinet to include superfluous ministerial portfolios, and check in on the status of West Bank annexation plans.
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Professor Tamar Hermann of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) joins host Evan Gottesman to break down the findings in the lDI's latest Israeli Voice Index: what it shows about Israeli public opinion on annexation, and why so many Israelis responded by saying they "don't know" about a question of existential national significance.
Click here to read the findings of the May 2020 Israeli Voice Index.
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Policy Director Michael Koplow and host Evan Gottesman break down a set of talking points on the Trump administration's Israeli-Palestinian proposal laid out in a recent op-ed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.
Read Michael Koplow's latest article: "Creating New Realities"
Read Evan Gottesman's latest article: "Debunking David Friedman's Talking Points on the Trump Plan"
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Dr. Shira Efron, Israel Policy Forum's policy advisor and an expert on Israel-China ties, joins host Evan Gottesman to discuss recent developments in the Jerusalem-Beijing relationship and their impact on the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Read Dr. Efron's work on Israel and China:
- The U.S.-Israel Relationship's China Problem(Israel Policy Forum)
- Chinese Investment in Israeli Technology and Infrastructure: Security Implications for Israel and the United States(RAND)
- The Evolving Israel-China Relationship(RAND)
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Policy Director Michael Koplow joins hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz to discuss the recent warning from European ambassadors against West Bank annexation, while in Israel, a supreme court ruling could send the country to fourth elections.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz speak with Dan Rothem, CEO of Commander's for Israel's Security, about how the movement of high-ranking ex-generals is confronting the imminent threat of West Bank annexation.
For a follow-up to the discussion, join Israel Policy Forum for a video briefing with Israeli pollster Gilad Hirschberger on the Israeli public's reaction to annexation. The program will take place on Tuesday, May 5 at 2pm ET/11am PT. Click here to register.
To read Commanders for Israel's Security's West Bank annexation study, click here.
To read the recent op-ed by Commanders for Israel's Security members in Foreign Policy, click here.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Association for Civil Rights in Israel Executive Director Sharon Abraham-Weiss and Abir Joubran-Dakwar, Director for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at ACRI about access to healthcare services in East Jerusalem, an area whose residents have long been locked in political and legal limbo.
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Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the Netanyahu-Gantz coalition agreement, which calls for annexation deliberations to begin July 1.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the unthinkable: a fourth Israeli Knesset election in the span of just over a year (and in the middle of a pandemic, no less).
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz speak with former Member of Knesset and Green Movement leader Stav Shaffir about the collapse of the Labor Party and how the Israeli left can rebuild.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Ilan Goldenberg, Israel Policy Forum policy advisor and senior fellow and director at the Center for a New American Security Middle East Security Program, about the new world being shaped by coronavirus, and where Israelis and Palestinians fit into a conversation dominated by fear of pandemics and a global public health crisis.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss shake-ups and breakups on the Israeli center-left, as Kachol Lavan and Labor-Gesher-Meretz fragment over the question of an emergency unity government.
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Dr. Shira Efron joins hosts Evan Gottesman and Margaux Nijkerk to discuss the spread of the novel coronavirus to the Gaza Strip and why the Palestinian coastal enclave could be especially hard hit by the public health crisis. Dr. Efron co-authored the RAND Corporation study "The Public Health Impacts of Gaza's Water Crisis." To read the study, click here.
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Israel Policy Forum's new study, "In Search of a Viable Option," evaluates seven potential outcomes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this episode, hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz explore two of those approaches, one Jewish state, and the Trump plan, with Dr. Shaul Arieli, a retired colonel in the IDF and an expert on the geography of the West Bank and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Map link: ipf.li/wbmap
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From tracking cell phones to curbing the activities of the Knesset, recent actions undertaken by Israel's caretaker government have critics alleging that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and allies like Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein are using the coronavirus as a pretext to consolidate authoritarian rule. Israeli officials counter that extreme circumstances are a legitimate basis for extreme measures. To better understand the legitimacy (or lack thereof) of these policies, host Evan Gottesman and former Israeli Deputy Attorney General Joshua Schoffman break down the question: is that legal?
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After three Knesset elections, Israel's politicians are still locked in a stalemate. Add in coronavirus, and you have a recipe for real uncertainty. Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the different directions Israel could take after President Reuven Rivlin gave Benny Gantz the mandate to form a government over the weekend, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calculates his next move.
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With the Coronavirus crisis dominating the headlines, Netanyahu calls for an emergency unity government under his leadership while his court date looms and Labor-Meretz-Gesher's Orly Levy emerges as a potential ally.
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Israel Policy Forum's new study, "In Search of a Viable Option," evaluates seven potential outcomes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this episode, hosts Evan Gottesman (who co-authored the study) and Margaux Nijkerk zoom in on one of those approaches, the Jordanian option, with Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik, who participated in secret talks between Israel and Jordan in the 1980s. What does the Jordanian option entail? How did a mainstream Israeli policy come to be seen as an existential threat to Jordan and its relationship with Israel? Who supports the Jordanian option today? Tune in to find out.
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If not two states, then what? Host Margaux Nijkerk breaks down this question with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel B. Shapiro, Dr. Shira Efron, and Evan Gottesman as they discuss a new report authored by Evan and Dr. Efron evaluating seven possible outcomes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
We appreciate your listenership and support of Israel Policy Pod, and value your thoughts and feedback on our programs. Please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey so that we can continue to improve the quality of the commentary and analysis we produce.
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Is a Netanyahu right-wing majority within reach? Does Benny Gantz have a realistic path to form a coalition? Less than a week before Israelis head to the polls for a third consecutive time, host Eli Kowaz is joined by Independent Journalist Neri Zilber to break down the state-of-play in Israeli politics. Neri is an adjunct fellow of The Washington Institute and policy director at BICOM.
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Host Eli Kowaz speaks with Tel Aviv-based analyst Dan Rothem about the new borders set out in the Trump administration's Peace to Prosperity proposal and their ramifications for Israel's secure, Jewish, and democratic future.
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Amid Israel’s continuing political deadlock, the Trump administration has now unveiled its long-delayed Israeli-Palestinian plan. Upending decades of bipartisan policy, the proposal gives American endorsement to Israeli annexation of broad swaths of the West Bank and limits Palestinian territorial contiguity. What does the plan mean for Israel’s security and Jewish and democratic character? And how will this new American policy impact the future viability of a two-state solution? Listen in to Israel Policy Forum's video briefing unpacking these and other pressing questions, featuring Policy Advisor Shira Efron, Policy Director Michael Koplow, and Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik, in conversation with Executive Director David A. Halperin.
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Over the past week, the Trump administration's perennially delayed Israeli-Palestinian peace plan has gone from the realm of fantasy to being just around the corner. Is this a serious proposal or a transparent political ploy to trap Benjamin Netanyahu's rival, Benny Gantz? What do the rumored elements of the plan mean for the future of the two-state solution? Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk discuss.
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In this week's episode Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk discuss the deadline drama as Wednesday marked the final day for parties to register for March’s election.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Margaux Nijkerk talk to Aida Touma-Sliman, a member of Knesset for the Joint List. Tune in for a discussion on MK Touma-Sliman's advocacy for women's rights and Arab citizens of Israel, West Bank annexation and threats to a two-state solution, Israel's unprecedented third election, and how a leftist member of Knesset can find common ground with right-wing politicians.
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Israel Policy Forum hosted a briefing on the death of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and its impact on American and Israeli security, with Ilan Goldenberg in conversation with Michael Koplow.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss five issues that will shape Israeli politics, U.S.-Israel relations, and the future viability of a two-state solution in 2020.
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Eli Kowaz and Margaux Nijkerk discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's convincing primary win over challenger Gideon Sa'ar.
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On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk talk about the Likud primary and how it could shape projections for the March Knesset election results.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the official launch of an unprecedented third Knesset election season in the span of twelve months. Will this election be different from the past two? And what factors are shaping the early stages of the campaign? Then, the program turns to events in Washington for a discussion with Israel Policy Forum Government Relations Manager Aaron Weinberg on the recently passed H.Res. 326 — covering American support for a two-state solution and opposition to West Bank annexation.
As we approach the end of the year, we also ask you tosupport Israel Policy Forum to help us continue to offer valuable content like Israel Policy Pod in 2020.
To read the text of H.Res. 326, click here.
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For the second time in Israel's seemingly interminable election cycle, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deployed the possibility of Jordan Valley annexation as way to rally support — even if Israel's security and relationship with the neighboring Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan suffer because of it. All the while, the United States appears more deferential on annexation than ever before. Will Bibi really exploit this so-called "historic opportunity?" How will the Jordanians and Palestinians react? And will the Trump administration give the Israelis the coveted green light on formally absorbing the Jordan Valley? Hosts Evan Gottesman and Margaux Nijkerk explore these questions with Ofer Zalzberg, senior analyst in the International Crisis Group's Arab-Israel Project.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the biggest Israeli political news story of the past decade: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted in three corruption cases, with charges including fraud, breach of trust, and bribery.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Margaux Nijkerk are joined by Hagai Levy, co-creator of the the HBO hit series "Our Boys," to discuss the impact of the show.
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Less than two weeks before his keynote address at Israel Policy Forum’s Annual Event in New York City, MK and former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. (res.) Yair Golan sits down with Eli Kowaz to talk about Israeli politics, Israel’s future with the Palestinians, and the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk speak with Israel Policy Forum's Policy Director Michael Koplow about how the topic of conditioning American aid to Israel has entered the Democratic Party primary race and what it means for the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss what happens when Benjamin Netanyahu hands over the mandate to form a government next week, and how Israel's political uncertainty squares with America's withdrawal from the Middle East and the ascent of Turkey and Russia in the region.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk are joined by IPF Atid's Shanie Reichman as they parse the meaning of Israel's present political paralysis and what Prime Minister Netanyahu's future portends for the U.S.-Israel partnership.
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Benjamin Netanyahu may have been given the first opportunity to form a government, but he isn't having a good day or week for that matter. Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk discuss the embattled prime minister's legal troubles, pre-indictment hearings, and recent political setbacks.
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A week after Israeli elections, hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk discuss the Joint List's historic recommendation of Benny Gantz as prime minister, Avigdor Liberman's ever-enigmatic behavior, and why Gantz prefers to let Benjamin Netanyahu have the first shot at forming a government.
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The day after Israel's second election of 2019, hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk parse the results of the do-over Knesset contest.
Exact election results are subject to change as additional ballots are counted
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Before Israelis head to the polls, tune in to our briefing with journalist and former Member of Knesset Ksenia Svetlova, covering developments from the last stage of the campaign: the cameras bill, Prime Minister Netanyahu's Jordan Valley promise and trip to Russia, the Liberman-Bibi rivalry, and the state of the smaller parties.
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Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to annex the Jordan Valley region of the West Bank (and the rest of the settlements, for good measure) if he comes out on top in next week's election, and he hopes President Trump will help. Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk break down what that means in the context of Israeli domestic politics and relations with the rest of the world.
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There are less than two weeks left before Israelis head to the polls, and a quiet campaign season is finally picking up. Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz are joined by a new co-host, Margaux Nijkerk, to discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pro-annexation push, the Trump administration's maneuvering on Bibi's behalf, and Benny Gantz's stance on territorial compromise; plus, a look at the polls.
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It's been a slow campaign season in Israel, but things are picking up as September 17 draws ever closer. Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's deal-of-questionable-legality with the far-right Zehut party, Labor leader Amir Peretz's disappearing mustache, a new arrangement between Kachol Lavan and Avigdor Liberman, plus, a look at the polls.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Sima Shine of the Institute for National Security Studies about recent developments in Israel's campaign against Iranian proxies in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, as well as the Trump administration's potential outreach to Iran and ramifications for American interests in the Middle East.
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Israel Policy Pod's Evan Gottesman hosts a briefing with Arik Rudnitzky, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, on the latest developments in Israeli Arab politics — including Joint List leader Ayman Odeh's announcement that he would conditionally sit in a government led by Benny Gantz.
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Eli and Evan are joined by Government Relations Manager Aaron Weinberg to discuss the Israeli government decision to deny Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib entry into Israel.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz review three potential election outcomes — a unity government, a center-left coalition, and a right-wing coalition — and explain why one possibility looks more likely than the others.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz run down the list of major political parties running in the September Knesset elections.
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Host Eli Kowaz and Policy Director Michael Koplow discuss the Meretz-Barak-Shaffir merger on the Israeli left and its implications. Recorded on a bus so please excuse audio difficulties but admire our dedication.
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Host Eli Kowaz and Policy Director Michael Koplow discuss the return of Ayelet Shaked to lead the New Right party, as well as other developments in the Israeli elections.
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With the deadline for final party registration fast approaching in Israel, hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz check in with developments from Labor, Meretz, and the Arab parties.
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From tunnels under Silwan to arguments on Twitter, ancient history is in the news in Israel. Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Yonathan Mizrahi, founder and executive director of Emek Shaveh, an Israeli NGO working to stop the politicization of archaeology in Israel and the West Bank.
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In this week’s episode host Eli Kowaz talks to ALLMEP Executive Director Joel Braunold about the Trump administration’s workshop in Bahrain, and discusses Israeli elections with Policy Director Michael Koplow.
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What's new in Israeli politics this week?Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz debate changes on the left, including upcoming Meretz and Labor primaries, as well as the restoration of the Joint List; plus, a discussion of Avigdor Liberman's growing momentum.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss Labor and Meretz primaries, Arab party politicking, and an apparent endorsement of partial unilateral West Bank annexation from American Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.
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Host Eli Kowaz discusses about synagogue and state will play into the Knesset race with guest Uri Keidar, the executive director of Israel Hofsheet, an organization dedicated to advancing cultural and religious pluralism in Israel.
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Today's episode of Israel Policy Pod features highlights from our latest Israeli elections briefing, featuring Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, a policy analyst and public opinion expert who has advised five Knesset campaigns, as well as electoral and civil society campaigns in fifteen countries.
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Policy Director Michael Koplow speaks with host Evan Gottesman about Israel's second election of 2019. Plus, a dispatch from Communications Director Eli Kowaz in Tel Aviv.
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Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Tamara Cofman Wittes of the Brookings Institution about how Israeli annexation of West Bank territory would play out with other Middle East governments.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz get to the heart of the incoming Trump administration "ultimate deal" plan; plus, an original Eurovision song mashup from Eli.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's troubled pursuit of immunity from prosecution and backlash from Gidon Saar and other Likudniks, plus a five minute aside on the geography of Eurovision's Eastern European and non-European contestants. Later in the episode, Samantha Pohl makes her podcast debut.
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Evan Gottesman speaks to Israel Policy Forum's Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik, a former senior foreign policy adviser to Shimon Peres, about Israel's strategy in Gaza and why Palestinians and Israelis keep returning to brief (but costly) exchanges over the Strip.
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The Palestinian Authority is rejecting tax transfers from Israel. Why? And what does it mean for the future of the pro-annexation movement and the viability of the Palestinian Authority itself? Israel Policy Pod host Evan Gottesman and Policy Director Michael Koplow discuss.
Read: Michael Koplow on the tax transfer issues and the risks of partial annexation
Read: Evan Gottesman on the Paris Protocol and Palestinian tax transfers
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Israel Policy Pod host Evan Gottesman speaks with Israeli pollster Camil Fuchs (Channel 13) to get a clearer sense of where the Israeli public truly stands regarding Benjamin Netanyahu and West Bank annexation.
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One week after Israelis voted for their next government, hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz break down election results and discuss the road ahead, with special focus on issues like West Bank annexation and tensions between the ultra-Orthodox parties and Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beiteinu.
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Eli Kowaz hosts Walla News Political Correspondant Tal Shalev to preview Israeli election day.
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Is Israel becoming increasingly illiberal? On the eve of Israeli elections, host Evan Gottesman puts the question to Tamara Cofman Wittes and Yael Mizrahi-Arnaud, authors of the new Brookings Institution study "Is Israel in Democratic Decline?" (read the study here).
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Host Eli Kowaz is joined by Policy Director Michael Koplow to discuss different scenarios for Israeli election outcomes as the Knesset campaign enters its final week.
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Executive Director David A. Halperin and Policy Director Michael Koplow talk conflict in Gaza and American recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the Golan — and how these issues square with Israeli voters in the lead-up to April 9's Knesset election.
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After a rough political week for Benny Gantz, Walla's Tal Shalev joins host Eli Kowaz to talk about where things stand three weeks before Israelis head to the polls.
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Hosts Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman discuss the American angle to Netanyahu's pursuit of reelection.
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Hosts Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman assess whether the Israeli attorney general's announcement of his intention to indict Benjamin Netanyahu in three corruption cases can swing the April Knesset election.
Unfamiliar with the politicians and parties mentioned in this episode? Read more on:
Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud
Benny Gantz and Kachol Lavan
Avigdor Liberman and Yisrael Beiteinu
Moshe Kahlon and Kulanu
Rafi Peretz and Bayit Yehudi/Union of Right Parties
Ayman Odeh, Ahmad Tibi, and Hadash-Ta'al
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Executive Director David A. Halperin and Policy Director Michael Koplow discuss the impact of the Trump administration's long-rumored "Ultimate Deal" on Israeli elections. The big question in the room is: deal or no deal?
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Host Evan Gottesman and Policy Director Michael Koplow give an overview of the various Israeli political parties running in the 2019 Knesset elections.
Fast-forward to check out any of these political parties:
01:50 Kachol Lavan
08:04 Likud
15:30 Bayit Yehudi
22:19 Labor Party
26:13 Yisrael Beiteinu
30:43 Hayamin Hehadash
38:00 Kulanu
41:00 Meretz
43:40 United Torah Judaism
46:57 Shas
51:44 Arab party overview
54:04 Hadash-Ta'al
55:25 United Arab List-Balad
01:00:07 Gesher
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Israel Policy Forum Executive Director David A. Halperin and Policy Director Michael Koplow join the podcast to talk about another podcast's take on Israel and what they think it missed.
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Eli Kowaz hosts Tal Shalev of Walla News to discuss Israeli elections and the crucial week ahead approaching the party list registration deadline on Thursday.
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Hosts Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman take a look at Benny Gantz’s debut speech and what it says about the state of Israeli politics.
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Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman discuss the recent breakups in Israeli politics as we approach April elections.
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On the last podcast of the year (for real this time) Eli hosts Walla News Political Correspondent Tal Shalev to talk about the recently-announced April 9th elections.
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Will Trump reveal his "ultimate deal?" Will Netanyahu break Ben-Gurion's record as Israel's longest serving Prime Minister? In our last episode of the year, Eli hosts Policy Director Michael Koplow to discuss predictions for 2019.
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Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz talk about the rise of West Bank terror in recent weeks and months and what it tells us about a one-state reality.
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How long can the coalition last with a single seat majority? What can Benjamin Netanyahu accomplish in terms of regional diplomacy without progress on the two-state solution? And was Airbnb's decision to de-list properties in West Bank Jewish settlements fair? Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman address all of these questions and more as they take on the last week in Israeli political developments.
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As the dust settles from the 2018 U.S. congressional midterm elections, Israel Policy Forum Policy Director Michael Koplow joins host Evan Gottesman to break down the future of American policy on Israel and the changing approaches the Democratic and Republican parties are taking to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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In the aftermath of the Pittsburgh synagogue tragedy, Israel Policy Pod takes a break from our normal content to highlight the important work of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), whose support for refugees and immigrants has come under attack by far-right extremists including the murderer in Pittsburgh. Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Naomi Steinberg, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at HIAS, about the history of the organization and the current challenges it faces in the United States and abroad.
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Ilan Goldenberg, Israel Policy Forum's Policy Adviser and a Senior Fellow and Director at the Center for a New American Security's Middle East Security Program joins Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the merger of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy to Israel.
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The Camp David Accords, Israel-Egypt Treaty, and Oslo Accords produced some of the most widely celebrated moments in Arab-Israeli diplomacy. But what if these arrangements complicated things for future generations of Palestinians, Israelis, and Americans? To address this question, Israel Policy Pod host Evan Gottesman sits down with Dr. Seth Anziska, author of the new book "Preventing Palestine: A Political History From Camp David to Oslo."Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Is American aid to the Palestinians over? Israel Policy Pod host Evan Gottesman asks Dave Harden, former assistant administrator for USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance. Harden has managed USAID's work in the Palestinian territories, where he led the the agency's mission for over a decade, as well as in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Haiti.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Hosts Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman discuss the nation-state law with IDF Brig. Gen. (res.) Amal Asad. Special thanks to Shanie Reichman for English-language voice-over. Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Israel Policy Pod host Evan Gottesman speaks with Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli NGO working to improve Palestinian freedom of movement in and out of Gaza. Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Eli and Evan discuss the nation-state law passed by the Knesset and Birthright walkouts by American Jews with Israeli journalist Allison Kaplan Sommer.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Hosts Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman are joined by Israel Policy Forum's Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik to discuss the Trump administration peace plan and debate whether the administration has a Plan B. Israel Policy Forum Executive Director David A. Halperin joins at the end to discuss the new 50 Steps Before the Deal Initiative.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Israel Policy Forum Executive Director David A. Halperin returns from the organization's leadership delegation to Israel and the West Bank and shares his impressions abut conditions on the ground and the launch of the 50 Steps Before The Deal initiative.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Oxford University's Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn, author of "City on a Hilltop: American Jews and the Israeli Settler Movement," joins the podcast to share her expertise on the state of the settlement enterprise in the occupied territories, the American role there, and changing Diaspora Jewish demographics that promise to reshape Israel's external relations.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Eli and Evan are joined by Elizabeth Tsurkov, a research fellow at Israel's Forum for Regional Thinking, to talk about developments with Israel, Russia, Iran, and the Assad regime in southern Syria.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Lior Schillat of the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research joins Eli and Evan to talk about the new development plan for East Jerusalem, recently approved by the Israeli cabinet.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Pnina Sharvit Baruch joins Eli and Evan to talk about the IDF's conduct responding to the Gaza demonstrations.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Executive Director David A. Halperin and Evan Gottesman are joined by former Israeli deputy defense minister and retired IDF Brigadier General Ephraim Sneh to discuss how the United States exit from the Iran nuclear deal will play out in the global arena, and on Israel's doorstep.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Dr. Shira Efron, special adviser on Israel at the RAND Corporation's Center for Middle East Public Policy, joins hosts Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman to discuss the festering humanitarian crisis in Gaza, touching on major issues in the Strip's public health, governance, and relations with Israel.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Neri Zilber joins Eli and Evan to break down misconceptions about the Palestinian Authority Security Force (PASF).
Read Neri Zilber and Ghaith Al-Omari's full report "State with No Army, Army with No State:" LINK: ipf.li/pasfreportSupport the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
This week's episode features Israel Policy Forum’s 2018 Joseph Forum - a distinguished panel on Israel leadership held this past week at the Harmonie Club in New York City featuring Dr. Anita Shapira, Ambassador Itamar Rabinovich, and Rabbi Daniel Gordis. Each has written a biography of a different Israeli prime minister - David Ben-Gurion, Yitzhak Rabin, and Menachem Begin, respectively. They are joined by moderator Natan Sachs, an Israel expert from the Brookings Institution.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Former Israeli National Security Adviser Chuck Freilich joins Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman Israel's security strategy or lack thereof.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Israel Policy Forum's Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman talk about Benjamin Netanyahu's future after the Israel Police's indictment recommendation with Ben Caspit, a senior journalist for Ma'ariv and Al-Monitor and author of the new book The Netanyahu Years.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Eli Kowaz and Noa Shusterman talk with Hussein Ibish, Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, about Israel's emerging relationships with the Arab world and the impact of Trump's Jerusalem announcement.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Dr. Isabella Ginor and Gideon Remez of the Hebrew University's Truman Institute join Israel Policy Forum's Eli Kowaz and Evan Gottesman to discuss their new book, "The Soviet-Israeli War, 1967-1973: The U.S.S.R.'s Military Intervention In The Egyptian-Israeli Conflict" (Oxford University Press), examining what lessons from the Israeli experience in the Cold War can be applied to present-day Russian military intervention on the Jewish state's borders in Syria and Egypt.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
IPF's Noa Shusterman and Adam Basciano speak with Michael Davies, a British high-school history teacher, about the Balfour Declaration's role in modern British society and the challenge of tackling this controversial issue in the classroom.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
IPF's Noa Shusterman and Adam Basciano talk with Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute and the former executive director of the American Task Force on Palestine, about the nature of the Palestinian reconciliation process and how it affects the regional politics.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Eli and Noa host Polly Bronstein, CEO and founder of Darkenu, a grassroots movement aiming to mobilize Israel's "moderate majority." Darkenu and Commanders for Israel's Security will be hosting the 2017 Rabin Memorial Rally.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Matzav Podcast hosts Shadi Martini, Director of Humanitarian Relief and Regional Relations to the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees, to discuss the crisis in Syria and how it effects local views on Israel.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
Matzav Podcast hosts Grant Rumley to discuss the contenders in the race to become the next PA President and what it means for Israel.Support the show (https://ipf.li/3jzyDg5)
How can Israel best limit Iran's influence in Syria? How would Trump backing out of the JCPOA effect Israel? Eli and Noa host Professor Chuck Freilich, the former deputy national security advisor of Israel to discuss Israel's regional security.
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Eli and Noa host Grant Rumley and Amir Tibon to discuss their book The Last Palestinian: The Rise and Reign of Mahmoud Abbas.
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Former Consul General of Israel in New York, Alon Pinkas, joins Eli Kowaz and Noa Shusterman to talk about Netanyahu's inaction in the face of blatant anti-Semitism, and its influence on Israel-diaspora relations.
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Jason Greenblatt, Jared Kushner, Dina Powell head to Israel later this month as part of Trump's search of reaching the 'ultimate deal'. Former US diplomat Scott Lasensky joins IPF's Eli Kowaz and Noa Shusterman to discuss the upcoming visit and US efforts in the region.
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IPF Israel Fellow and former advisor to Shimon Peres Nimrod Novik joins Eli Kowaz and Noa Shusterman to talk about the diplomatic crisis between Israel and Jordan.
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As Palestinians riot amidst the Temple Mount crisis, Israeli government ministers point the blame at Palestinian incitement. Samer Makhlouf, CEO of Zimam (a progressive Palestinian grassroots movement), joined us in our New York studio to discuss the issue and ways to empower nonviolent voices in the Palestinian territories.
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Lior Schillat, Director General of The Jerusalem Institute of Policy Research, joins IPF's Eli Kowaz and Noa Shusterman in New York to discuss the proposed amendment to the Jerusalem bill and the latest unrest on the Temple Mount.
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