Inside Israel

Inside Israel episode –  On Saturday breaking news reported that prime minister Bennett was in Moscow. World side media outlets aired Bennet and Putin meeting. They met for no less than 3 hours and you would be correct to assume it wasn't just negotiating a potential ceasefire. Why did Putin, who alone will decide when to fire and when to cease, agree, or even invite Bennet to the Kremlin? And why would Bennett agree to meet with and shake hands with a ruthless dictator? Listen to this episode to gain insight.

Hundreds of Haredi Jews gathered at the Western Wall. They didn't come for prayer or study but rather to block an attempt of women, known as the women of the Wall, to hold their monthly prayers. For their part, the women carried empty mantles used to cover Torah scrolls to protest the prohibition on bringing the scrolls themselves into the women's section.Will the The Western Wall, as in ancient times, again be a source of conflict?Can we not learn from the tormented history of the Jewish people? Yochi Raapot, executive director of the Women of the Wall, is guest interviewed in this episode

The Lone Wolf Terrorist A young man walked down the main road of the Muslim Quarter in the old city of Jerusalem. He passed the security stand near the Austrian Hospice. The young man drew a knife from inside his shirt and quickly ran to the security point. He managed to stab and injure two border police security personnel before being shot dead. In the next three weeks five more attacks were carried out. In this episode we will learn about the lone wolf terrorist. Listen to this episode; www.insideisrael.fm     Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7ebGFMIbdsnerGDBwOiizI?si=D4yRRcL1S8WjmKprdE2XdQ&dl_branch=1 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2luc2lkZWlzcmFlbC9mZWVkLnhtbA   Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1437c8d-ec86-4c9f-8bef-b48ba9213a10/INSIDE-ISRAEL?ref=dm_sh_R2wRkELmEoPNoiD2JaGBr4pY7   Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-israel/id1579237482

Roughly 10 days ago an Israeli tourist couple, Natalie and Mordy Okneen, visited Istanbul and took many photos. One or several of the photos they took was of the house of the president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.A suspicious waiter reported it to the police and they were arrested under the suspension that they were spying on the house. A few weeks earlier 15 men were also arrested in Turkey suspected of being Mossad agents.  In this episode we will learn of these stories and discuss Jerusalem - Ankara relations.

Supreme Court Part II I am not being overdramatic when I say “the struggle between the legislator (Knesset) and judicial (Supreme Court) could lead to a very different rule in Israel.. “Some say the struggle threatens Israeli democracy.”    

WMD “We will not be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East, but we will also not be the second.” Just a week ago PM Naftali Bennet declared an extension to the nuclear secrets. This decision means that materials (documents) that should have been released for public review or historical research after 50 years will only be exposed after 90 years.  In this episode we will discuss Israeli WMD  

Recently Israel's state comptroller issued a scathing report on the lack of seriousness of the government dealings with Environmental Challenges. He said “We have no national plan,” and “Basically, Israel has not declared the environmental crisis as a strategic threat.” In this episode we will learn from David Dunetz, head of Heschel Center for Sustainability Climate division. 

Friday morning , August 22, 2019 seventeen year old Rina Shnerb went hiking with her father and brother. As they walked on a trail leading to a spring near the town of Dolev, a group of terrorists watching from afar activated a bomb causing the death of young Rina and seriously injuring her father and brother. Two employees of a Palestinian civil rights organization, named Samer Arbid and Abd a-Razak who were also members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine initiated the terror act. This week Benny Gantz, Israel's Minister of Defense, declared six Palestinian organizations acting under the guise of "civil society organizations", are deeply involved with terrorist organizations.  Should we rethink our definitions of NGOs and civil society organizations?

This week a controversial law passed in a pre- vote in the Knesset. The law is nicknamed the Netanyahu Law (or if you want the Bibi Law) Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar issued the law that will prevent a political leader under indictment from forming a government. Is this a democratic liberal law or the opposite? 

Today is the 12th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. On this day, twenty six years ago, a devastating societal, ideological and political earthquake shook Israel to the core. A young observant Jew, an ideological opponent of the democratically elected prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated him with three bullets shot at his back.   Has Israeli society learned its lesson or are we doomed to more division and perhaps to further political assassinations?    

Drama and power struggle will take place in Israel in mid November when a 9 people committee will decide on the appointments of 4 new Supreme Court Justices. Israel's supreme court is unique. The reason is because It wears two hats, it is the highest Court of Appeals and the “Bagatz” hearing Petitions against various governmental authorities. In this episode we will deal with the court's ruling on religious issues like who is considered a Jew for the migration process to Israel as well as redefining conversion laws.

A 38 year old man from Azerbaijan was arrested in Cypress. When the police checked his car they discovered a gun with a silencer as well as a load of bullets. More than likely he was sent by Iran. The Iranians of course deny having anything to do with the man. They further claim that it is Israel that uses targeted killings. They are not completely wrong. Is Israel acting in accordance with the law? International law? In this episode we will discuss targeted eliminations.

The Shin Bet has conducted tens of thousands of operations that saved Israel and Israelis, this happens literally on a daily basis. But the Shin Bet, in the past, also abused the power given to it to a degree that threatened Israeli democracy. In this episode we will speak of the success and failures of Israel's world renowned security service.   

Arab on Arab We still have about 3 months to the end of 2021 and 82% of all murders in israel  are Arab on Arab. Mr. Darawshe calls it “A total melt down.” But he also has tough words for the deficient actions of the government and police force. Israel's prime minister Bennet says; “The state of violence in Arab society has reached a red line.” Has a crackdown began?  Listen to this episode; Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7ebGFMIbdsnerGDBwOiizI?si=D4yRRcL1S8WjmKprdE2XdQ&dl_branch=1 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2luc2lkZWlzcmFlbC9mZWVkLnhtbA Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1437c8d-ec86-4c9f-8bef-b48ba9213a10/INSIDE-ISRAEL?ref=dm_sh_R2wRkELmEoPNoiD2JaGBr4pY7 Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-israel/id1579237482

In this episode I decided to mostly just listen. One of the issues we face in Israel and in the Middle East is that we don't really listen to each other and/or to the other side.  It's understandable to not to want to listen, mainly because we disagree, even passionately with what sometimes seem to be outrageous and even conspiratroial accusations. We get angry. But you know something, none of these feelings change a thing on the ground. None of it will bring us closer to understanding each other. So I decided to listen, just listen, and I propose you to do the same..  Guest speaker Muhammad Derwasha is the director of stargtigic planning at Givat Haviva, center for shared society in Israel. He is a leading political analyst and expert on Arab Jewish relations in Israel.  

In 1975 the U.N. passed resolution # 3379 stating that “Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination" The United States ambassador Daniel Moynihan was clearly upset when he said in his UN address; "The United Nations is about to make anti-Semitism international law." Now Post Zionists say Israel should be universal. No longer the Jewish homeland. To understand this and more Professor Gil Troy, an award winning American presidential historian and Zionist thinker, will address the issues. Listen to this episode; Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7ebGFMIbdsnerGDBwOiizI?si=D4yRRcL1S8WjmKprdE2XdQ&dl_branch=1   Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2luc2lkZWlzcmFlbC9mZWVkLnhtbA   Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1437c8d-ec86-4c9f-8bef-b48ba9213a10/INSIDE-ISRAEL?ref=dm_sh_R2wRkELmEoPNoiD2JaGBr4pY7   Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-israel/id1579237482

Sept. 6, Around 1:20 a.m. Six Palestinian security prisoners lift the floor in the corner of their cell adjacent to the toilet.. They descend one after the other sliding into an open space. Within minutes they were out in agricultural fields. Within two weeks all 6 were caught but reignited the discussion around redemption of Israeli captives.  

On Yom Kippur, Israel completely shuts down -- airports, highways, retail, everything is closed for the holiest day of the Jewish year. When Israel was attacked on Yom Kippur 1973, the country was woefully unprepared and ultimately survived due to the heroism and faith of the Israeli people. Today, we tell this remarkable story.

High Tech is the main leading engine of the Israeli economy. 43% of all Israeli exports are attributed to high tech, 25% of all taxes in Israel are paid by high tech workers. Why the success? Many reasons… Among them high school education and IDF tech units. In this episode we will interview two brothers serving as “cyber soldiers.” But there are also issues; lately Israeli technological abilities raised serious issues and dilemmas. There is also a passionate discussion going on in Israel asking - Has Israel reached its peak as an innovative start up nation?

חג שמח ושנה טובה- In this episode we will veer a little from the usual format of Israeli current events enriched with context. Instead we will interview 2 Israeli Rabbis for the high holidays; Rosh Hashanah and Yom kippur. then we will welcome in the year 5782 and speak of the challenges that await Israel and Israeli society. Listen to this episode; Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7ebGFMIbdsnerGDBwOiizI?si=D4yRRcL1S8WjmKprdE2XdQ&dl_branch=1   Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2luc2lkZWlzcmFlbC9mZWVkLnhtbA   Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1437c8d-ec86-4c9f-8bef-b48ba9213a10/INSIDE-ISRAEL?ref=dm_sh_R2wRkELmEoPNoiD2JaGBr4pY7   Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-israel/id1579237482

A few days ago the Israeli government approved a controversial proposed law dealing with the draft into the IDF of Haredi Yeshiva students. Instead of mandating larger numbers they actually reduced it. It's not just Haredim not serving. According to the IDF spokesman office, in 2019 only 69% of all eligible men were drafted and only only 56% of all eligible  women. Is the IDF as a people's army? Why did I choose to serve in a combat unit? Why did my daughters and their friends? Listen to this episode and find out.  

Chilling horrifying TV footage was aired showing a Hamas terror operative sticking his pistol into a slot of the separation wall between Israel Gaza and firing. On the other side, standing only a couple feet away, an Israeli soldier was hit in the head. What will be with Gaza? In this episode I will give context to comprehend what are the options for Israel with Hamas in Gaza.   

This episode airs at the same time Naftali Bennet, the Israeli Prime Minister, meets with President Joe Biden in D.C.  What does Bennet expect to achieve? What does Biden want from Bennet? We will dig deeper and ask; How did Bennet become P.M. with only 5% of the vote? How does Israel function without a written constitution? Why did the former speaker of the Knesset say the Supreme Court is attempting a coup? Professor Reuven Hazan a Political scientists at the Hebrew university in Jerusalem will answer these questions and much more.. Listen to this episode; Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7ebGFMIbdsnerGDBwOiizI?si=D4yRRcL1S8WjmKprdE2XdQ&dl_branch=1 Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-israel/id1579237482 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2luc2lkZWlzcmFlbC9mZWVkLnhtbA Amazon Podcasts:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1437c8d-ec86-4c9f-8bef-b48ba9213a10/INSIDE-ISRAEL?ref=dm_sh_R2wRkELmEoPNoiD2JaGBr4pY7  

“Poland enacted an Anti-semitic and immoral law”…“They have no respect for the biggest human tragedy in history!” So said the Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in regard to a new Polish law restricting restitution to Holocaust survivors. To gain a better understanding Professor Paul Liptz, A social historian at Tel Aviv University, will examine the new Polish anti-Semitism.  

“Must the sword devour forever” Is a famous quote yelled out in the heat of battle during a biblical war between “brothers.” Since then this saying is often used attempting to forge peace between enemies. In this Episode Colonel (res) Dr. Dany Tirza, a senior security adviser and negotiator in diplomatic talks with the Palestinian leadership, as well as an adviser to five prime ministers will analyze the prospects for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.  

An interaction at a red light in Jerusalem leads to an intense discussion of the uniqueness of Jerusalem vs. Tel Aviv as well as the commonality and divisiveness of Israelis.  

Supreme leader of Iran posted a " final solution" poster on his website and then explained "I want Israel destroyed, not all Jews" President of Iran; "Israel is a cancerous tumor that should be wiped off the map"  Iran is speeding towards a nuclear weapon and Israel is rightfully concerned In this episode we will discover what Israel is doing to eliminate this existential threat  

An ongoing covert war is happening between Israel and Iran. While Iranian strategy is to encircle Israel with their proxy miltias and terrror groups, Israel is responding with the MABAM strategy... known as the campign between wars.  Ships on the high seas are temapred with and disabled. Surgical air attacks are hitting mystrious targets. Israeli and Iranian agents are running around the Middle East..  In this episode we will make sense and give you context to understand the shadow war between Israel and Iran  

Fauda in Lebanon. Lenabon is in a state of collapse and anarchy. No gasoline, scarcity of food, 2 hours of electricity a day for most residents. Yet, in the last couple weeks, 5 rockets were fired at Israel on two different occosions.  In this episode Avi Melamed, author, lecturer, former senior intelligence official, will enlighten us on to the current Lebanon situation and how it will effect Israel.

Naftali Bennet is of the political philosphy of one state solution  - Israel. Mansur Abbas is of the political philosphy of Islam as the rule of law. How do these two opposites function in one coalition government? 

How was Israel able to vaccinate the majority of its population at lighting speed? The Israeli medical system has been training to vaccinate for years... but for a copmpletely different reason than Covid 

According to the Haredi (ultra ortodox) politicial leadership the Jewish State is about to be demolished, from the inside. Really?? In this episode you'll learn about the Haredi "panic" of their loss of power. 

Ben & Jerry's decision to boycott people living in the West Bank stirred a passionate discussion in Israel.. Is it really about ice cream or are we Israelis facing a new kind of PR warefare? In this espisode Itai Tennenabum will take you deep beyond the superficial headlines to understand the real issue and struggle Israel faces.