State of Tel Aviv, Israel Podcast

Part II: Government subverts democracy with its illegal firing of Shin Bet Chief.In this podcast episode, I speak with Amir Tibon, diplomatic correspondent with Ha'aretz newspaper, author, and member of kibbutz Nahal Oz. A survivor of October 7, Amir and his family were rescued that day by his father, retired IDF General Noam Tibon. In his superb book, Gates of Gaza, Amir tells the story of that surreal day, weaving in historical context so that readers develop a much deeper understanding of the colossal failure of October 7. In this podcast he is the yin to Simcha Rothman's yang, explaining how the opposition to the government sees the firing of Ronen Bar and the extreme consequences for Israeli democracy should any ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court not be followed, as threatened by some government members. Both Rothman and Tibon very powerfully articulate their perspective and lay out for you, the listener, this epic conflict roiling Israeli society today.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Part I: Can the government fire the head of Shin Bet? You bet! Says Simcha RothmanApologies for the gap in podcast posts, but this coming week your cup will runneth over. Lots of great stuff coming your way. And we begin with this fiery discussion with Religious Zionist MK Simcha Rothman. I spoke to him on Sunday, April 6, just after the government had fired Shin Bet Head Ronen Bar and two days before the appeal of his firing was being heard in the Israeli Supreme Court. Rothman sees this latest clash as yet another manifestation of the leftist deep state undermining the will of the people, as expressed by the democratically elected government. Any criticism of the termination of Ronen Bar is manufactured and disingenuous rage, in his view. Listen and decide. We get into the weeds on the recent revival of judicial reform efforts and the dramatic fallout from the firing of Ronen Bar and also discuss his position regarding the renewed fighting in Gaza and the issue of negotiating for the return of the hostages languishing in Hamas hell. Simcha is fascinating and a very influential political player in Israel. It is important to listen carefully. In a few hours we will post the second part of this podcast—in which I discuss the same issues with Amir Tibon, a writer and journalist who sees things very differently from Simcha Rothman. I thought it important to present both sides. I'd love to hear your feedback.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Each week, it seems, the stakes get higher. Last week, PM Netanyahu strode into very dangerous territory. In addition to resuming the war with Hamas, his government took the rather bold steps of firing the Internal Security Service Head, Ronen Bar, as well as Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara. Never before has a government fired a Shin Bet boss. And this, in the midst of unprecedented security threats—externally. And then there's the fact that these acts were brought to the Israeli Supreme Court for an emergency hearing. And the Court held that the government was acting outside the law in firing Ronen Bar in such haste and that it must adhere to threshold legal standards and procedures. That, of course, was met with derision by the PM and several of his senior cabinet colleagues. For them, this was yet another example of the constant subversion engaged in by the entrenched Leftist deep state; a label they slap on anyone or interest that takes issue with their policies and execution of same. Yes. They really said that. Many times. On Sunday. This is standard for the government coalition. So. Here we are. With the government leadership vowing to give the Supreme Court the middle finger. And just do what they deem appropriate. And that has set off alarm in Israel. It's all too much and too close to the bone. As always. Conricus and I get into the detail, and yes, we are both deeply concerned. As are 63% of Israelis. A recent poll indicated they worried about the future of the country as a democracy.Below is a link to our YouTube version of the podcast. If you appreciate our work, please take a moment to like us on your podcast platform, YouTube, or wherever. And if you would subscribe to YouTube, that would be very helpful.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.Jonathan Conricus on X: @jconricus This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

A video from an ultra-orthodox wedding last week went viral and stoked fresh rage targeting the ultra-orthodox population.In his column in the Jerusalem Post last Friday (see the Podcast Notes for the link), State of Tel Aviv regular, Ya'akov Katz, gave voice to the growing anger that many Israelis feel towards the ultra-orthodox population in Israel. This time, it was triggered by the wedding video, showing a prominent Rabbi leading what looked to be many hundreds, maybe more than a thousand, men in a frenzied song and dance. As they rocked to the beat, they referred to the nation of Israel as a country of heretics and celebrated their continued refusal to serve in the IDF. Well… hell hath no fury like a population that has given its all to the war effort for 17 months now, being scorned and mocked so openly. This same ultra-orthodox population also receives tens of millions of shekels in funding for their educational institutions annually from this nation of heretics. And they use this funding to provide an education that further demonizes the Israelis who serve and work, entrenching this insane cycle of entitlement, dependence, and exploitation. Ya'akov Katz is hopping mad, and rightly so. We discuss the policies, the gutter political reality, and how this very broken paradigm cannot continue. The IDF has a severe shortage of soldiers—in the draft and reserve armies. This Haredi holiday is over. Ya'akov and I get into it. And pull no punches. You can listen to the podcast on the State of Tel Aviv site or, if you prefer, click on YouTube and have the full AV experience. Please like and subscribe. Ring the bell on YouTube. We're working hard to build our YouTube presence and really appreciate your support.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes:1) Column by Ya'akov Katz published in The Jerusalem Post, Friday March 14: “The IDF needs soldiers but Israel is paying yeshivas to dodge the draft—opinion”This might have been possible to tolerate before October 7, but definitely not now, at a time when the IDF is missing over 10,000 soldiers to fulfill the missions it already has.2) Column By Ya'akov Katz published in the Jewish Chronicle, Tuesday March 11, 2025: “Dismissing Israel's Attorney-General is a distraction from government's failures.”Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X @yaakovkatz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

On Wednesday, March 5, President Trump welcomed eight men and women who had been held hostage by Hamas into the Oval Office. Most were released since January, having spent 16 months, more or less, in brutal conditions. To a person, they expressed their profound gratitude to President Trump, saying that they believe that it was his election as president that led to their freedom. Among those presentwas 20-year-old Naama Levy, an IDF soldier who had just arrived at the Nahal Oz base from her training course two days before Hamas attacked. She told the President that when she heard on the radio (in captivity) that he had been elected, this lifted the spirits of all the female hostages with whom she was held. They believed that President Trump had the power and determination to fight for their freedom. And he did. (At the beginning of this podcast, you will hear the audio from this meeting with President Trump. To watch the video as well, please go to our YouTube channel. The link is below.)This is the story of the tireless efforts of so many to ensure that the desperate plight of the hostages remains at the forefront of Israeli and international public attention, especially in America. There are legions who work quietly and anonymously on this life-saving mission of keeping the hostage story “fresh”. Among them is Moshe Lavi, brother of Lishay Miran Lavi, whose husband, Omri, remains in Hamas Hell. Moshe works closely with the Hostage Family Forum in Tel Aviv, an NGO that formed almost immediately following the October 7 massacre. His tenacity and dedication reflect the best of humanity. We speak with Moshe about how the Oval Office meeting came together, working with hostages, and his interactions with so many newsmakers behind the scenes, among them President Trump's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff. It's a fascinating discussion.Listen here to the podcast version or tune into our YouTube channel below for the full audio-visual experience. And please, “like” our work on your platform of choice. Share. Comment. Thanks for listening.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes* Video of Moshe Lavi speaking at CPAC Conference, NYC, Feb. 20, 2025.* S3 E9 of State of Tel Aviv Podcast, featuring Lishay Miran Lavi:* Full episode of Uvda (with English subtitles), featuring an hour-long interview with Eli Sharabi, which aired on February 27, 2025.* “Sign of life” video video of IDF soldier and Hamas hostage, Matan Angrest, released by Hamas late last weekRepresenting the Lavi and Miran families is Moshe Emilio Lavi. .Moshe, IDF Captain (reserves), was born and raised in Sderot on the Israel-Gaza border and moved to NYC in September 2023, where he works as a management consultant. Since October 7, he has been advocating alongside his sister, Lishay, and Omri's father, Dani, in Israel, the US, and Europe to bring his brother-in-law Omri and all the hostages home with elected officials, diplomats, the traditional and social media, and the wider public.Omri Miran, 47 years old, kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Omri, a husband and father of two young daughters, was taken captive by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023. His wife, Lishay Lavi Miran, 39, and their two daughters—Roni (3 years old) and Alma (1.5 year old)— survived the attack. The harrowing events unfolded when sirens sounded in Nahal Oz, waking the family. As hundreds of Hamas terrorists and their accomplices invaded Nahal Oz, they eventually barged into their house and held them captive for hours in their home and later on in the home of the Idan family. Omri was separated from Lishay, Roni, and Alma and was taken hostage with Tsachi Idan, Judith, and Natalie Raanan. Lishay and the girls were rescued by the IDF that evening after enduring unimaginable trauma. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

The pace of events here is impossible. I'm keen to keep you updated and for now that means more podcasts than usual. Today I was lucky to catch a regular State of Tel Aviv guest and a man with deep knowledge of security and military issues… politics too…Ya'akov Katz. My head has been spinning from the pace of reports being made public by the IDF into the total failure of October 7 and I turned to Ya'akov to make it make sense. He did his best. We discuss the reports, which confirm what we already knew – but in writing. And then there was the unseemly brawl that broke out in the Knesset halls yesterday when bereaved family members were banned from entering the Visitor's Gallery for a plenary session of Parliament. This was done at the direction of the Knesset Speaker, Likud MK Amir Ohana. Finally, we touch on the breakdown of the ceasefire with Hamas and the uncertain fate of the remaining hostages. Thanks for being here. As always, we'd love your feedback. Have a listen.You can listen to the podcast on the State of Tel Aviv site or, if you prefer, click on YouTube and have the full AV experience. Please like and subscribe. Ring the bell on YouTube. We're working hard to build our YouTube presence and really appreciate your support.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X @yaakovkatz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Every Saturday for the last 7 weeks Israelis have been riveted to their television screens, watching the release of hostages, alive and dead. I expect that many reading this introduction have followed the coverage and been horrified by the macabre propaganda theatre productions of Hamas. Today, after so much gut wrenching testimony, funerals, and cruel videos released by Hamas, State of Tel Aviv gets into this terrible time with a good friend of the podcast, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, senior fellow with FDD and so much more. We begin and end with a clip from a TV interview with recently released hostage, Eli Sharabi, that aired in Israel last Thursday. His appearance and what he revealed in his testimony shocked the world. Jonathan Conricus and I discuss the imperative of bringing every hostage home and how that squares with the competing necessity of destroying Hamas, once and for all. How did we get here, what is actually going on and where might we be headed?Below is a link to our YouTube version of the podcast including the full five plus minute clip from the Eli Sharabi interview that went viral (an excerpt from the full, one-hour interview). You can watch this episode on YouTube if you prefer the audio-visual thing. Or keep it simple and listen to the audio-only podcast. If you appreciate our work, please take a moment to like us on your podcast platform, YouTube, or wherever. And if you would subscribe to YouTube, that would be very helpful. We are working hard to grow. We - and the algorithm - need you! Thanks for your support. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.Jonathan Conricus on X: @jconricus This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Ya'akov Katz and I pick up where President Trump left off. The horrific images of skeletal hostages released from Hamas captivity last Thursday were reminiscent of survivors of concentration camps during the Holocaust. President Trump and so many people reacted. Strongly. This insanity must stop. Release them all by noon on Saturday, he said... or else...And that's where PM Netanyahu and the Israeli government come in. Or else…what?We get into the possibilities... and try to unravel what seems to be a tangled mess at the moment... if only Hamas would release the hostages remaining. If only…You can listen to the podcast on the State of Tel Aviv site or, if you prefer, click on YouTube and have the full AV experience. The Viv and Ya'akov Show. Please like and subscribe. We're working hard to build our YouTube presence and really appreciate your support.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X @yaakovkatz This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

In late December, I met in Tel Aviv with Lishay Miran-Lavi's brother, Moshe, who was visiting for a few weeks from his home in New York. He has been a prizefighter on behalf of his brother-in-law, Omri Miran, husband of his sister, Lishay, and father to two little girls, Roni and Alma. A few days after seeing Moshe, I drove to meet with Lishay at her home in southern Israel. Omri is not on “the list” of hostages to be released in the first phase of the so-called “deal” with Hamas. This rightly enraged Lishay. She works tirelessly to maintain attention, in Israel and internationally, on the plight of her husband and all the hostages. And she has a lot to say about the erosion of values that have always sustained this beleaguered nation: solidarity and the valuing of human life above all else. In her torment, Lishay questions whether Israel still embodies the ideals on which she was raised.Now, after the last few weeks of hostage releases —culminating in the macabre theatrics when masked and heavily-armed Hamas thugs tormented three cadaverous male captives last Saturday—there is widespread rage among so many in the civilized world. The hostages are out of time. They are wasting away and being tortured. Starved. President Trump on Tuesday made very sharp comments about Hamas savagery that have ricocheted around the world. If you missed his remarks, we include the most searing in this podcast episode.Lishay speaks about the agony of uncertainty but also her ferocious love and devotion, as a mother. There I was, a stranger, in her home, asking her all manner of questions that would—in a normal life—be intrusive. But her life is anything but normal, and she will do anything to bring her beloved husband, Omri, home from Hamas hell. Lishay and her family experienced unimaginable trauma on October 7, which she discusses, as well as the enormous effort it takes to push through each and every day. Her determination and composure are heroic. We see these traits in many hostages and family members, but it is no less extraordinary each time. Every day is fraught in a way and to a degree that is incomprehensible. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes:Below, we set out a few of Lishay Miran-Lavi's more powerful “X” posts (although it's not easy to choose). I suggest you check out her feed and follow her if you do not already. It's an easy way to support her fight.October 5: Lishay's One-Year Twitter PostFebruary 8: Lishay posts about how her daughters need their father, just as Almog Levy - a three-year-old-boy whose father, Or, was released last Saturday, needed his dadFebruary 9: Lishay's speech at the weekly rally in support of hostages and families at Shaar HaNegev junction in southern IsraelFebruary 9: “X” post about the testimonies of Ohad Ben Ami and Or Levy, who were released last Saturday This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

At the urging of his Mid-East Envoy and longtime golf buddy, Steve Witkoff, President Trump will watch a 47-minute movie today before he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is the story of how that movie came to be made and the extraordinary effort of one Israeli man, Mattan Harelfisch, who came up with the idea and plan to do so. Within hours of the shock Hamas attack of October 7, video clips and news reports documenting the unspeakable savagery being committed went viral globally. Equally shocking was that spontaneous street parties broke out all over Europe, the U.K., America, Canada, and Australia. People were jubilant, celebrating the massacre even while it was ongoing. They called for the destruction of Israel. And, bizarrely, as they celebrated the carnage, they also denied that Muslims would commit such barbaric crimes. Speaking out of the other side of their mouths, Hamas supporters said, well, even if they did do these things, it was legitimate resistance. Still in the fog and chaos of this massive terror attack, Israel found itself butting up against a wall of denial. Governments, NGOs like the United Nations, and civilians are saying that it never happened. This is where Mattan Harelfisch comes in. An Israeli man reeling in the immediate aftermath, Mattan could not believe that international media referred to crimes—that were documented by Hamas terrorists themselves—as things that “supposedly” occurred. Supposedly. The world was denying the horror. And so, Mattan spoke to IDF Chief Spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, and by mid-October, the 47-minute film of the atrocities was produced and screened for 20 international journalists in Tel Aviv. This is part I of the fascinating backstory of how and why the 47-minute film was made—the objectives, the process, the ethics. Part II of this fascinating discussion will drop in the coming days.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast NotesAdditional STLV podcasts that may be of interest that relate to this topic: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

We were fortunate to catch up with State of Tel Aviv regular and now a globally recognized A+ commentator and analyst on the Israel-Hamas conflict and more—Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus (Res.). He spoke to us on Saturday evening—after a very busy day doing media in Israel and abroad. The hostage release has been a spectacle unlike any other—when an Islamist terror group commands center stage on media worldwide—showcasing their grotesque propaganda machine and what appears to be surprising military prowess after 16 months of war. Hamas, which produced and choreographed three of the four release “ceremonies” to date, has shown the world that it remains a strong fighting force with discipline, might, and well-fed and outfitted terrorists—sartorially and in terms of weapons. Its smaller ally—Palestinian Islamic Jihad—demonstrated that they are far less “together.” During the release they organized last Thursday, two Israeli hostages, who had been held in isolation throughout their captivity, were nearly lynched by a braying mob that surged towards them. Conricus and I get into it all: who won, who lost, and what this all might mean for the rest of the hostages and the horrible war that never seems to end. And we also discuss the unfortunate reality that for months the Government of Israel rebuked its citizens for gathering at weekly rallies in support of the hostages and their families. It showed weakness, we were told, and the rallies played into the hands of Hamas. I never understood that analysis, but here's what we know today: that those rallies were covered on Arabic radio and TV—and many hostages knew about them. And that advocacy was an invaluable morale booster for those in Hamas dungeons. It's always fascinating speaking with Mr. Conricus. I expect you will find it so as well.Below is a link to our YouTube version of the podcast; you can watch it there if you prefer the audio-visual thing. The introductions to the podcast and YouTube versions are different but otherwise the same content. We aim to please. If you appreciate our work, please take a moment to like us on your podcast platform, YouTube, or wherever. And if you would subscribe to YouTube, that would be very helpful. Numbers and algorithms—that's what they tell me. Thanks for being here. Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.Jonathan Conricus on X: @jconricusState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Israelis watched the video on October 7, 2023 in shock. A teenage girl, bloodied and terrified, was being pulled by her long hair from the trunk of a jeep by a heavily armed Hamas terrorist. Naama Levy, a newly conscripted IDF soldier, had been brutalized, and the short clip of her went viral globally. When they first saw it even her parents did not recognize their daughter. In a dramatic few weeks leading up to last Saturday, the fate of Na'ama—as well as four other female IDF soldiers also kidnapped on that dark day by Hamas—hung by a thread. Negotiations were so tense. So much was and is at stake. And Israel is forced to negotiate with one of the most barbaric terror groups in the world. Hamas is ISIS is al-Qaeda. Qatar, a backward country that supports Islamist terror financially and diplomatically, is the “neutral” mediator. It's all like a bad hallucination, but true. Until the last moment on Saturday morning, there were so many snags that arose. Miraculously, they were overcome, and four of the five girls are home. Still to be saved are 90 hostages remaining in Hamas hell. Some are alive; many are not. We will get into the minefield that lies ahead in due course, but today we focus on the joy of the return of Naama, Daniela, Karina, and Liri. And what the return of all the hostages means for the people and state of Israel. It's always enriching and interesting speaking with Yossi Klein Halevi, our fabulous guest today.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This interview with Karnit Flug was on January 2, shortly after the Government of Israel released all manner of economic statistics and announced some rather significant tax tweaks. Based on my anecdotal conversations with people in the professional, VC and tech sectors, there is growing concern that the new tax measures will have the most deleterious—and disproportionate—impact on small independent businesses in Israel. Karnit Flug, as you will hear, thinks otherwise. So, I will keep an eye on how this develops. And in the coming months I intend to publish more podcasts and YouTube videos focusing on the economy. It's amazing how overlooked this critical topic has been throughout the war. Then again, our Minister of Finance is Bezalel Smotrich. He has a lot to say about annexing various territories, but he seems far less engaged when it comes to financial and economic matters. We have included in the podcast notes links to two previous podcasts with Karnit Flug, from back in the days when judicial reform was seen to be the key economic threat. Then—and perhaps more so now—Flug is very concerned with the emigration of Israel's most talented citizens to Europe, North America, anywhere but here. The pressure of serving most of the year in reserve duty, the huge stress this puts on families—and all that compounded by deep concerns with the political direction of the country and how that is impacting our economic power—well, many are voting with their feet. That trend is among the top economic issues and threats facing Israel today, in her view. Always enlightening to speak with Karnit Flug. I had intended to publish this interview in the second week of January, but then all hell broke loose, as President Trump would say. His repeated warnings that the hostage issue had better be resolved by Inauguration Day made everything else seem less urgent. This entire country was on 24/7 hostage alert. The good news is that my discussion with Karnit was very macro, so the podcast remains as relevant today as it was a few weeks ago. Tune in.Podcast Notes:Two previous State of Tel Aviv podcasts with Karnit Flug:Prof. Karnit Flug completed her five-year term as Governor of the Bank of Israel in November 2018. In March 2019 she joined the Department of Economics at the Hebrew University.As Governor, Prof. Flug oversaw the design and implementation of Israel's monetary policy and served as the Economic Advisor to the government. She was widely credited for maintaining stability and supporting growth in the Israeli economy.Prior to her appointment as Governor, Prof. Flug was the Bank of Israel's Deputy Governor from July 2011. Between July 2013 and November 2013, she served as Acting Governor.Previously, Prof. Flug became Director of the Research Department and Chief Economist of the Bank of Israel in June 2001 – a position she held for 10 years. She published numerous papers on macroeconomic policies, the labor market, balance of payments and social policies. In 1984, Prof. Flug started as an economist at the International Monetary Fund, before returning to Israel to join the Research Department of the Bank of Israel in 1988. In 1994–96, while on leave from the Bank of Israel, she worked at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington D.C. as a Senior Research Economist.Prof. Flug‘s contribution to social and economic policies in Israel has been significant. She served on a number of public and government committees, including the Committee on Increasing Competitiveness in the Economy, the Committee for Social and Economic Change ("the Trajtenberg Committee"), the Defense Budget Prof. Flug received her M.A. (cum laude) in Economics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1980, and her Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in 1985.In 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University in recognition of her “exceptional stewardship of Israel's monetary policy and economy.” In March 2019, Prof. Flug received the “Governor of the Year" Award for 2018 by the Central Banking Publication.In each of her five years as Governor of the Bank of Israel, Prof. Flug was ranked among the top 10 central bankers in the world by Global Finance magazine.Prof. Flug is married with two children.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Ya'akov Katz is back to discuss the wild week we've had here. I caught up with him on Wednesday evening, Israel time, and had intended to focus on the resignation the day before of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. But, of course, we spent more than half our time discussing the terrible hostage deal that we agree was absolutely necessary. And we get into how the deal might unfold in the coming weeks. Then, we got into the Halevi thing. Herzi Halevi was in office on October 7, and shortly after the disaster, he said he was responsible and would resign. Soon. More recently he had indicated he'd step down in June, but that was suddenly moved up. It's no secret that PM Netanyahu wants Halevi gone—and he has made it very clear that he assigns blame for October 7 to the IDF and Shin Bet. When it comes to his own government and the fact that he is the man at the top of the pyramid, Netanyahu balks. So. Halevi is going—but not until the first stage of this hostage deal is done. Minister of Defense, Yisrael Katz, is regarded as Bibi's guy. He is also not taken terribly seriously by the defense establishment. That may or may not be fair, but it is a fact. The replacement for Halevi will be chosen by Netanyahu. Not Katz. And that person faces an unenviable challenge: restore public trust in the IDF and take a hard look at the army's entrenched bureaucracy and how that needs to be revamped. As always, Yaakov and I spare no one and seem to agree on pretty much everything this week! Listen to the podcast here or watch on YouTube….link below.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

We begin with a clip of the Hamas chief in Gaza—Khalil al-Hayya, speaking Wednesday night in Doha after Hamas signed off on the proposed hostage deal. We have included a link to the video with English subtitles in the Podcast Notes, below. What he is saying, in short, is that October 7 was a glorious beginning and that Hamas will continue the struggle until all occupied lands and Jerusalem are liberated. Meaning, of course, that Hamas will continue to fight until it destroys Israel. Meanwhile, the Israeli cabinet has not yet convened to vote on the proposed agreement and may never do so. Things are looking precarious as I write this at 3:20 pm on the afternoon of Thursday, January 16. This podcast interview was recorded late this morning with State of Tel Aviv regular Jonathan Conricus, senior FDD fellow, former IDF spokesperson, and sought-after speaker and media commentator. We get into the nuts and bolts of this proposed deal as we wait to see what transpires. Listen in.We also have a full audiovisual version of this podcast available on our YouTube channel. Here's the link if you would prefer to watch and listen there.Wherever you choose to watch or listen, please like our work, ring the bell on YouTube, comment, and do the works. We're a feisty little independent outlet, and your support helps us with the algorithms. This is the way of the world now.Thanks for tuning in.Podcast NotesVideo clip of Hamas Chief in Gaza recorded on Wednesday night, January 15, shortly after Hamas signed off on the hostage agreement.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

President-elect Donald Trump threatens that if the 100 hostages held by Hamas since October 7 aren't freed by January 20, there will be “all hell to pay!” What does that actually mean? Jonathan Conricus and I get into the political and military complexities embedded in the issue, which also enrage us. Because we both feel that the hostages should never have been seized in the first place. Of course. But they were. Fifteen months later we reflect on the very widespread rage, despair, and frustration among Israelis. How can it be that they remain in Hamas hell 15 months on? Children, the elderly, women, soldiers, and men. We know that many have been murdered. We know that they have been tortured, sexually abused, humiliated, starved, denied medical attention, and treated with a level of cruelty and sadism that is simply incomprehensible. Within Israel, discussion of the fate of the hostages has intensified in recent weeks for several reasons: Hamas has been releasing more videos of hostages—a form of mass psychological torture that generates global attention; they have been disseminating information on Telegram channels; and there has been a growing willingness by all parties to return to the negotiating table in Doha. What has changed? The explicit threats uttered repeatedly by Donald Trump and repeated yesterday. We have just under two weeks until he is sworn into office. If the hostages are not released by then, what exactly is Trump contemplating doing? You can either listen to the podcast version here or click on the link to our YouTube post, which is below. Our YouTube channel is new, and we'd really appreciate it if you'd check it out. Please subscribe. Like. Algorithms. It matters. You'll decide which you prefer, from post to post—the full AV experience or audio only. Love to have your feedback on both. This week is full-on hostage coverage. With freedom comes responsibility. We have a voice. As we have done since October 7, we are highlighting the desperate plight of the hostages. Please. Share this widely. If not us, then who?State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comToday we continue to deconstruct the rise and spread of antisemitism in Canada during the tenure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We concentrate on the environment from October 7, 2023, when things really spiraled out of control. And there is good reason for that. Institutional foundations that supported antisemitic bias—particularly in the highest lev…

This two-part podcast is long and intense. It has been in-the-making now since early November. Initially, I wasn't sure about how to approach it. Because the reality is overwhelming. But the “how” happened organically, as events unfolded. When Ezra Levant—a well-known Canadian journalist/lawyer/provocateur—was arrested by Toronto police on Sunday, November 24, 2024, for allegedly “breaching the peace,” I understood that this was a nodal point. That the police would even consider doing what they did that day—and for the “reasons” they provided—was a ginormous red flag. There had been more than a year of constant antisemitic agitation (how's that for a catch-all euphemism?) on the streets of Toronto, and the violence and frequency were only intensifying. The conduct of the police has been deeply concerning throughout, as is the rather nonchalant attitude of all levels of leadership: federal, provincial, and municipal. And, in Canada, of all places. How did this happen? Well, in plain sight. To suggest that this underbelly of Canadian society was not present before October 7 ignores reality. It has always been there. But much has changed in the last decade, during which time Justin Trudeau has been Prime Minister. He sets the tone, and this deliberate deconstruction of Canadian society and norms is his legacy. In Part I of this podcast, we explore the breakdown of the social and public norms that prevailed in Canada until recent years and how and why this has transpired. In Part II, we get into the institutional issues and “culture” that are encouraging the surge of open, public, and violent antisemitism. We look at the approach of Toronto Police, in particular, the sensibility in key institutions—like the senior federal bureaucracy in Ottawa and more. There are reasons for this toxic surge in Canada. It did not just “happen.” Canada is home to the fourth largest Jewish community in the world, after Israel, the U.S., and France. The majority of its 375,000-member community are concentrated in the Toronto and Montreal areas. And according to recent news reports, a significant number of Canadian Jews have been thinking seriously about leaving the country of their birth. A recent survey of Ontario-based Jewish physicians revealed that 30% were thinking of jumping ship. You can read about that here in The National Post (where I write a regular column). The Jews. Are alway the canaries in the mineshaft. All of Canada should be on heightened alert.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes1. Post on State of Tel Aviv website, November 24, 2024, “Canada is Done,” with two articles about escalating antisemitic violence as well as video clips from the night of violence in Montreal on Friday, November 22.2. Video of the Montreal riot, Friday, November 22, 2024—showing snippets of street violence, the burning of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in effigy, and Justin Trudeau getting down at the Taylor Swift concert in Toronto that night. Video from Dahlia Kurtz on X.3. PM Justin Trudeau on “X” commenting on the Montreal riots:4. Leader of the Opposition in Canada and likely the next PM (but don't want to jinx it), Pierre Poilievre's reply to Justin Trudeau on “X”:5. Photo showing Toronto Police Sergeant (Canadian/British spelling—indulge me this once) Jeffrey MacDuff joking around with one of the main organizers of regular pro-Hamas, antisemitic events in Toronto. This photograph was taken at Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave. on the morning of Sunday, November 24, shortly before Ezra Levant was arrested. * A pro-Hamas man dressed and acting as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in his final moments before he was killed in a gunfight with the IDF in the Gaza Strip. Masked and wounded, the Sinwar wannabe threw wooden sticks at a drone sent into a building. He was seated in a chair stained with blood before dying. Not until the body was retrieved and the mask covering his face removed did the IDF soldiers realize who the stick-throwing man was. In real life - the identity of the actor is well-known. He owns a shwarma join in a strip plaza in Mississauga, a Toronto suburb with a very large Muslim population * An “X” post showing Ezra Levant being handcuffed by Toronto Police on Sunday, November 24, at Bathurst and Sheppard. * Ezra Levant doing the “perp walk” at Bathurst and Sheppard Sunday November 24, 2024. He is escorted by Toronto Police officers on either side, wearing black toques.* Pro-Hamas and “progressive” allies “occupy” Union Station in downtown Toronto, a large transportation hub for the city and surrounding area. This has been a regular occurrence in Toronto during the past 15 months. Video: Melissa Rogers on X* November 6, 2024. Business district in downtown Toronto. Pro-Hamas Islamists block major downtown streets and pray. This “pop up” mosque phenomenon has become a regular occurrence in Toronto, Montreal and elsewhere in Canada. In Toronto, police have routinely protected those blocking public transit and roads and sidewalks. There has been no attempt to enforce bylaws or any other relevant laws and standards that exist to maintain public order. * Article by Vivian Bercovici published in Sapir Journal in the Winter 2024 edition, entitled: “Foreign Ministries: what to do when diplomats subvert elected officials.”* Article by Vivian Bercovici published in State of Tel Aviv on May 20, 2022, entitled: “On Being a Jewish Diplomat in Israel.”State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comMichael Starr has served more than 200 days of reserve duty with the IDF since October 7, 2023. Within hours of the Hamas attack, he was summoned to join his colleagues and begin preparations for war. Michael recently wrote about his experiences in The Jerusalem Post, where he is the Diaspora Affairs reporter. It is a remarkable piece. Starr writes it a…

Theodor Herzl is the father of the modern political Zionist movement, but the centrality of his vision to the founding of the state of Israel is less understood than it might be. Herzl was living an assimilated life in late 19th-century Vienna but continually came up against brick walls blocking his professional advancement. Because he was Jewish. He quickly formed the view that the Jewish people must transform from victims to masters of their fate. Putting pen to paper, he wrote essays, plays, and even one or two novels. His writing is turgid but important as it articulates a bold and modern political ideology that, in turn, became the spark for the organized Zionist movement. Herzl's spirit animal is David Matlow, who I am proud to call a friend. A Toronto lawyer, Matlow has amassed the largest collection of Herzl-related “stuff” in the world over decades. His fascination with Herzl began when he was a young boy visiting his grandparents every summer in Israel. The objects he has found over decades bring to life the man and his extraordinary legacy. Oy. And the stories. Matlow's collection fetish really took off with the advent of the internet—which also coincided with a remarkable find in a garbage bin in Jerusalem. Matlow has a gift for telling a good tale, and he has done wonders portraying the work, life, and legacy of Theodor Herzl. Until January 23, a small selection of his collection is featured in an exhibition at the Temple Emanu-El in New York. If you can get there, it is well worth attending. Our discussion is not only informative but, like David Matlow, engaging and fun. It is the perfect indulgence for this time of year. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes* The cardboard portrait of Herzl that was framed in the living room of David Matlow's grandparents' home in Ramat Gan.* Cards from the first seven Zionist Congress meetings held annually, beginning with the Basel meeting in 1897, when the iconic photo of Herzl on the balcony was taken. * We're Canadian. Herzl. Hockey. Because - why not? David was even kind enough to give me two pairs of socks with a hockey playing Herzl print. This figurine did not make it into the Exhibit.* The Norwegian sardines branded “Dr. Herzl.”* The locket notebook signed by “Benjamin”, as Herzl was known to his close friends. * The poster for the “All About Herzl” Exhibit at the Bernard Museum, Temple Emanu-El, New York City.* A few photographs from the exhibition. * David Matlow on one of many visits - I assume - to Herzl's grave in Jerusalem. If you look closely you will see that he is wearing the Herzl hockey socks.His brief bio is below.David Matlow practices law at Goodmans LLP in Toronto. He owns the world's largest collection of Theodor Herzl memorabilia (over 6,000 items), and his Herzl Project is designed to inform people about Herzl's work to inspire them to work to complete Herzl's dream. He is the chairman of the Ontario Jewish Archives and a director of the Center for Israel Education. In David's weekly Treasure Trove column in the Canadian Jewish News he showcases one historical item from his collection, which all together tell the story of Israel through “stuff". More information about the Herzl Project is available at www.herzlcollection.com State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

I met Igal Hecht, an independent Canadian-Israeli documentary filmmaker, in late September in Toronto. We sat on the patio of one of the many locations of Israeli-owned Landwer Cafe, and spoke about his very intense film, The Killing Roads. It was a glorious early fall day, strong sun, perfect temperature, too many bees. But we were elsewhere in our conversation, talking about the roads of southern Israel on October 7, 2023. You will find the link to Igal Hecht's film – which is just under two hours – in the podcast notes. We have also included some photographs provided by Hecht. Shortly after returning to my new home in southern Israel - and after October 7, 2024 had passed - Igal and I connected online to record this interview. I encourage you to listen to our exchange before watching the film. It provides important background and context. This. Is the story of the roads on October 7, 2023..State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes* Link to the movie: www.thekillingroads.com* “Israel Says Documents Found in Gaza Show Hamas's Attack Planning, Iran Ties.”, Wall Street Journal, October 12, 2024. * STLV podcast published on October 11, 2024A story of a young couple escaping Nova and ambushed on 232 is told, in words, visuals and song. In the podcast notes to that episode we have included various video clips from the grassroots commemoration ceremony organized in Tel Aviv's HaYarkon Park on the evening of October 7, 2024. One clip is of Israeli music star, Ivri Lider, singing an absolutely beautiful song that he wrote that just breaks the heart. He memorializes the tragic story of Yuval Tabelsi, who was trapped in a car on 232, with her husband and friends. All but Yuval were massacred. She “played” dead in the car and miraculously escaped murder. Hers is one of so many stories that we will never know, because of what happened that day on the killing roads.* Clip of Israeli music legend, Ivri Lider, singing "I Had a Chance to Love", inspired by Yuval's love story, so tragically cut short. Ivri is joined on stage towards the end of the performance by Yuval. The Hebrew lyrics are subtitled in English; andThe Killing Roads PosterIn 1999, Igal Hecht founded Chutzpa Productions Inc., establishing himself as a filmmaker known for bold, thought-provoking content. His award-winning films explore a wide spectrum of subjects, from urgent human rights issues to pop culture phenomena, consistently sparking important discussions and debate. With a career spanning more than two decades, Igal has produced over 70 documentary films and 20 television series, many of which have reached global audiences. His work has been featured on prominent platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC, Documentary Channel, CBC, YES-TV in both Israel and Canada, HBO Europe, Vice TV, and more, earning him national and international recognition. Igal's most recent film, The Killing Roads, has received widespread critical acclaim and garnered over 3 million viewers on social media, further solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle difficult and uncomfortable realities head-on. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

It's wonderful to have Ya'akov Katz back to discuss domestic Israeli politics and leadership. We jump into the discussion using his superb piece published last Friday in The Jewish Chronicle. (The link is set out in podcast notes, below.) On the one hand, Ya'akov writes, we have a very Machiavellian leader who is constantly calculating where and how to achieve an advantage, which, I suppose, is the mark of any successful politician. With Bibi, though, it's about degree. And then there is the Bibi who has led Israel through these dreadful 15 months since October 7 and is taking credit for having redrawn the map of the Middle East. That's where it gets complicated. How much is because of Bibi, how much is because of a strong collective effort, and how much is, well, just serendipitous? You can listen to the podcast version—link at the top of this note—or check out our YouTube channel, where you get to watch us too!As you may be aware, we launched our YouTube channel last week with a long interview with Professor Gad Sa'ad, author international bestseller, The Parasitic Mind, and among the most influential public intellectuals. I'm working hard to put the finishing touches on a long, in-depth podcast about the virulent antisemitism that has gripped Canada and is now the focus of a lot of negative international attention. And we've got some more excellent holiday content coming. Thanks, as always, for being here.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes:Link to article published in Jewish Chronicle on Friday, December 20, by Ya'akov Katz.Link to Weekend Interview article by Elliot Kaufman in Wall Street Journal, published Saturday, December 21.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

I am thrilled to bring you this fascinating chat with Professor Gad Sa'ad, an iconic intellectual figure who helps us to make sense of this seemingly mad moment in history. Sharp, brilliant, fearless—and also very funny—Prof. Sa'ad likens the thought and mind controls pervading western societies to bacteria—or pathogens—that cause disease. It's also the focus of his international best-seller—The Parasitic Mind. We get into antisemitism, why Israel is somewhat inoculated against woke-ness, the moral corruption of western societies, and his week at Mar-a-Lago in the red velvet jacket. (It's a State of Tel Aviv scoop…and a great story.) And much more. Sa'ad first came onto my radar in 2016 with his bullseye critiques of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While the world swooned, believing him to be impossibly handsome and progressive, Sa'ad saw through the phony platitudes and intellectual deficit. It took Canadians and the world a little longer to see not only the void that was and is Trudeau but how dangerous he is. Canada, sadly, has become the focus of so much negative global attention. The economy is in ruins. Society is cleaved by violence and identity-based divisions. And antisemitism on the streets of Montreal and Toronto is perhaps the most extreme of any city in the world. We dig into it all—and have a few good laughs. Podcast NotesVideo VersionProfessor Sa'ad is on leave from Concordia University this year and is Visiting Professor and Global Ambassador for the 2024-25 academic year at Northwood University in Michigan. Born in Beirut, he has lived most of his life since fleeing Lebanon in 1975 in Montreal, Canada. A link to Professor Sa'ad's longer bio is available here.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

On Monday afternoon I had the privilege to speak with the German Ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert. Since taking up his post in July, 2022, Seibert has distinguished himself as a different kind of diplomat. He interacts extensively with “regular” Israelis and has a sharp sense as to what matters. And among the key issues that has dominated the national zeitgeist in Israel since October 7 is the ongoing and brutal captivity of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Seibert recalls how he was contacted on October 8 by the family member of a German citizen taken hostage. Since then he has been engaged in doing all he can to highlight their plight. Continued attention from prominent diplomats ensures that the media—and the world—do not forget. In a wide-ranging conversation, Ambassador Seibert shares with us his hopes for dignity, security, and peace for Israelis and Palestinians. It may seem and feel impossible at this point in time, he suggests, but from this tragedy may come opportunity. Seibert has an easy manner about him, and his efforts to learn Hebrew—which he speaks very well—have made him something of a standout. As does his professional background. Seibert is not a professional diplomat; however he has been tutored by one of the best in the business—perhaps ever. For almost 12 years he served as the spokesman for the German government, working very closely with Chancellor Angela Merkel—a political and diplomatic titan, in my view. Few are more experienced, expert, and accomplished as is Ms. Merkel. And Steffen Seibert was at her side, as he tells it, and has seen it all. A fascinating chat—and even with some unplanned drama—the major missile attack on central Israel by the Houthis happened just as we were getting going. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast NotesMap of missile targets of Houthi attack that occurred in the midst of the State of Tel Aviv interview with Ambassador Seibert.Steffen Seibert (@GerAmbTLV) / X This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

It all went down with lightning speed and took the world by surprise: the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime by a group of rebels united in their hatred of the brutal dictator. Abu Mohammed al Jolani, who has led this so-far successful rebellion, has been working to present to the world a pragmatic image. He has been associated since his youth with various jihadist groups but is suggesting that the new Syria will be a proper country where civilians may go about their lives peacefully. Olive branches have been sort of extended to the Kurds as well as Israel, but in very guarded language. After all, Turkish President Erdogan has been Jolani's main benefactor and supplier of weapons, and he is not known to be a silent, benign actor. No. If Erdogan is in the mix, it is because he wants something. And we already know that he wants to bomb the Kurds into submission. Because that is what he has been doing for the past week or so. So—something's gotta give. Syria is a complex pastiche of minorities—religious and ethnic—and many scores to settle. ISIS-aligned jihadists remain strong in sections of northern Syria, where thousands of former ISIS fighters and their families are imprisoned in primitive camps controlled by the Kurds. Russia has been driven from its Syrian bases. Iran has suddenly lost its land bridge through Syria to Lebanon, cutting off Hezballah supply routes. And the Biden administration just isn't getting too fussed about Turkey these days. It will leave that mess for President-elect Trump. The Biden White House is doing its darnedest to negotiate a deal for the release of the remaining 100 hostages in Hamas captivity. The stuff of an emotional and enduring legacy. To untangle it all we speak with Turkish expert (and expatriate) Sinan Ciddi, whose biography is featured below.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Sinan Ciddi is an expert on Turkish politics and an associate professor of National Security Studies at Marine Corps University (MCU). Prior to joining MCU, Sinan was the Executive Director of the Institute of Turkish Studies, based at Georgetown University (2011-2020). He continues to serve as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.Sinan is the author of Kemalism in Turkish Politics: The Republican People's Party: Secularism and Nationalism (Routledge, January 2009) a book which explains the electoral weakness of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party.He obtained his Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in 2007 in the field of Political Science. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

A favorite State of Tel Aviv guest, Ya'akov Katz, returns today to dig deeply into the dramatic collapse of the al-Assad regime in Syria and what it all may mean going forward for Syria, Israel, the Middle East, and the world. Following more than 50 years of brutal rule, the despotic rulers were deposed with lightning speed and skill by a group of rebels led by Ha'yat Tahrir al Sham—or HTS for short—an Islamist army led by a former al Qaeda loyalist who is now poised to become the putative leader of Syria. Whereas the joy over the fall of Bashar al-Assad is clear, it may be premature. HTS is really a conglomeration of numerous jihadist groups in Syria that have united over their common goal to depose the Assad regime. In areas in the north of Syria that have been controlled by rebels for more than a week, there are reports that Sharia law has been imposed. Jubilation, in this situation, is better contained for a while until we see how things settle out. Ya'akov and I do what we do—and get into the various regional and global superpowers with strong stakes in this conflict—and, of course, what it may mean for Israel. It has been a very busy few days on the northern border with Syria, where Islamist rebels came disturbingly close to the border with Israel. For now, that risk factor seems to be under control. Finally, we get into quite dramatic developments regarding the possibility of a hostage deal being negotiated. It's way too early to allow our hopes to be raised… but we can't help ourselves. Always looking for that silver lining. Thanks for being here and listening.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes* First broadcast by the Syrian rebels from the broadcasting center in Damascus.* Video footage of Syrian Prime Minister being taken to the Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus, by rebel forces* Article published in the Daily Telegraph about the personal background of HTS leader., Abu Mohammed Julani. (spelling varies)* Hamas video of hostage Matan Zangauker, released on Saturday, December 7, 2024.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike - Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power,” “Weapon Wizards - How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower,” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Shadow Strike was recently adapted into a docudrama by Reshet Media and his books have been published in a number of languages including English, Hebrew, Czech, Polish, Japanese and Mandarin.His next book – tentatively titled “Precision Strike” – is scheduled for publication by St. Martin's Press in the Spring of 2025.Yaakov served for close to a decade as the paper's military reporter and defense analyst and was a lecturer at Harvard University where he taught an advanced course in journalism. He also served as Israel correspondent for Jane's Defence Weekly. Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs. In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

A favorite State of Tel Aviv podcast guest, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus joins us today. A former IDF spokesman with a knack for distilling the complexity of the Middle East, our discussion with Conricus today is longer than usual. That is because - even for this impossibly volatile region - these last few days have been exceptional. A massive insurgency against the rule of Syrian President Bashir Assad was launched in recent days, seemingly out of nowhere. Clearly backed by Turkey, the rebel forces are using American military equipment and advancing quickly on their final target—Damascus. Should the regime falter or fall, then the implications for Israel and the region are significant. We go deep into the weeds on this development before shifting to the West Bank. Always a center of unrest, Judea and Samara have been building to a furious boil, and Conricus worries that Israeli leadership is not paying adequate attention to this area. Jewish extremists have been engaged in unprovoked violence against Arabs, and the Shin Bet security service has been finding significant stashes of advanced weapons to be used by terrorist organizations. None of this bodes well for domestic stability and security. And, finally, of course, there is the Gaza Strip. Whereas hostilities on the northern front seem to be abating with the newly negotiated ceasefire with Lebanon, there is no sign of the conflict slowing in the Gaza Strip, in spite of the very significant degradation of Hamas' fighting capabilities and weapons arsenal. Israelis are beginning to ask what, exactly, is going on there. Former IDF Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense, Moshe (Bogey) Ya'alon, made some very sharp comments on Sunday about the IDF's conduct in the Gaza Strip, causing a kerfuffle in Israel and the international media. After more than a year of exceptionally long and grueling service, 25% of the reservists being called up for duty, often for the third time in a year, are refusing to show up. They are losing confidence in IDF leadership, and their lives are in turmoil. And all Israelis—including a majority of Likud supporters—are astonished and furious that 101 hostages remain in Hamas captivity. PM Netanyahu has run out of excuses to delay making their freedom a priority. The question is – will he? A deep and no-holds-barred dive. Have a listen…State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes* This article gets into the controversial comments made on Sunday by Moshe Ya'alon, which are discussed in the podcast.Jonathan Conricus served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer, he focuses on American media. He was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

First it was the International Court of Justice. South Africa brought a charge of genocide against Israel to be heard and decided in that august forum. That case has been in abeyance since the initial hearing on preliminary issues held in January, 2024. Soon after we began hearing about the International Criminal Court – which has the jurisdiction to hold individuals to account for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. In May, ICC Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, K.C., appeared before a panel of ICC judges to ask that they issue arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and then Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, for having engaged in crimes against humanity by promoting conditions conducive to mass starvation - targeting the people living in the Gaza Strip. These alleged crimes were purported to have dated back to October 8, 2023, a day on which Hamas terrorists continued their mass slaughter of Israeli civilians in the southern part of the country where they had invaded. Israel was in the second day of an existential war. The suggestion that its leaders were plotting mass starvation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is beyond absurd. But apparently the ICC judges agreed with Mr. Khan and arrest warrants were issued on November 21. In this episode we speak with Israeli professor and international law expert, Yuval Shany. We get into all the issues and questions I expect many listeners have: Can the ICC do this? Why did it issue the warrants? And – what happens next? Within hours of the arrest warrants being issued there was a furious reaction from Israel as well as the United States – both on the part of President Biden and President-elect Trump. Whatever one's criticism of Israel may be, this step by the ICC calls into question whether the institution is operating in the interest of the highest ideals of justice or at the behest of nefarious political interests. Professor Shany and I unpack it all.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Professor Yuval Shany is the Hersch Lauterpacht Chair in International Law and former Dean of the Law Faculty of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was a member of the UN Human Rights Committee from 2013 to 2020 (and served between 2018-2019 as Chair of the Committee). He currently teaches at the Center for Transnational Legal Studies at King's College in London and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute and as an academic visitor in the Oxford Ethics in AI Institute.Podcast Notes:Link to NGO Monitor website, as mentioned in the closing remarks of the podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

It's wonderful to have my podcast pal, Ya'akov Katz, back from all his busy travels and work and speaking to us about one of the hot issues today: Lebanon. In this “lame duck” period, President Biden's special envoy for all matters Lebanon and Israel, Amos Hochstein, has been working hard to close a ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel. But he's closer than ever now, and that is likely due to the Trump Effect (which I have elevated to being a proper noun) and how he is regarded in the Middle East. Trump is highly respected—by the good guys and the bad guys. And in this region, that means he is feared. He does what he says he will do. And he has been unequivocal in his hardline position on Iran: sanctions, sanctions, and more sanctions. No more carrots. All sticks. And his appointees named to date reinforce that approach. President-elect Trump has even put Israeli PM Netanyahu on notice and said that he expects all the wars involving Israel to be finished by the time he takes office. And Bibi is not taking that warning lightly. Nor is Iran. Or Lebanon. Word has been swirling for two weeks now that a deal is imminent. But as always, the devil is in the details. Ya'akov and I get deep into Lebanon to understand how Israel can get out of there. We finish up with a brief discussion of Israel's new Minister of Defense, Yisrael Katz and, as always, the desperate plight of the 101 hostages—eight Thai nationals and 93 Israelis (with many holding dual citizenships) still in Hamas captivity.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Gadi Taub is a prominent Israeli public intellectual; a true Renaissance man who has distinguished himself in recent years as one of the strongest voices in support of the leadership of PM Benjamin Netanyahu. He has moved, politically, over two decades, from the center/center-left to the hard right of the spectrum. Taub was also hawkish on the judicial reform program that led to so much civic turmoil in Israel in the year leading up to October 7, and remains so. And hardline on the recent firing of Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, that went down on American E-Day. In fact, Gadi Taub thinks that the firings of military and security officials should have been done long ago. Why? Because as a group they are subverting the will of the democratically elected prime minister and coalition government. Taub calls it as he sees it. It's a lively discussion and definitely to be continued.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Gadi Taub is a Senior Lecturer at the Federmann School of Public Policy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He holds a Ph.D. in American history from Rutgers University. His books include bestselling works of fiction and non-fiction the most recent of which is Global Elites and National Citizens in Israel, the US and the West (Bestseller, Hebrew). He hosts Israel's leading conservative Hebrew podcast Gatekeeper, as well as co-hosting (with Michael Doran) Tablet Magazine's Israel Update podcast. His column in Haaretz was canceled for his support of judicial reform. He now writes for Tablet and JNS.Follow us: @stateofTLV on “X” / @stateoftelaviv on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Today we take a deep dive into the Amsterdam Jew Hunt that went down last Thursday night and into the early morning hours of Friday. That it happened in Amsterdam should surprise no one. That there will almost certainly be copycat Jew hunts in Europe and elsewhere should also surprise no one. That young Muslim men and perhaps slightly older taxi drivers planned and coordinated this pogrom on various chat platforms should also not surprise anyone. Although it did seem to catch the Amsterdam police off guard—in spite of several advance warnings from Israeli securityservices. In this special podcast State of Tel Aviv speaks in depth with three very different people, each bringing profound insight and knowledge to this critical historical moment. Pieter Dorsman is a Dutch-Canadian businessman and blogger who has lived in Vancouver for decades now but grew up in the Netherlands. He happened to be visiting family near Rotterdam when this attack occurred. We start with him and then speak with David De Bruijn, Professor of Philosophy at Auburn University in Alabama. A native son of The Hague, De Bruijn pulls no punches when discussing the “polite” antisemitism among the more traditional Dutch—and the very explicit, vulgar form of Jew hatred that prevails among Muslims in the country, many of whom are second, third, or fourth generation. These violent antisemites are not “new immigrants” as much of the media has erroneously portrayed them. Lastly, we speak with Eitam Zach, a young Israeli man who has lived in the Netherlands for almost six years now and is very spooked by how life has changed since October 7. And by this latest madness. Throughout this podcast we get into European sport culture, how the Holocaust is ever-present in the minds of Dutch Jews, and how the restrained, “tolerant” Dutch people have managed and mismanaged the integration of so many Muslim immigrants over the decades. Amsterdam today. And tomorrow?State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Timestamps:Intro: 00:00 to 13:21 Interview with Pieter Dorsman: 13:21 to 1:01:00 Interview with Prof. David De Bruijn: 1:01:00 to 1:37:00Interview with Eitam Zach: 1:37:00 to 1:55:32Podcast Notes:* Pieter Dorsman is a Vancouver-based venture capital advisor and investor. Prior to relocating to Vancouver, he held a number of senior positions in the project and corporate finance divisions of UBS in Hong Kong. Pieter started his career at Barclays Bank in London. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Pieter graduated from the Erasmus Universiteit. Pieter writes about international politics and markets on his Substack.* In March, 2024, Pieter wrote about how pro-Hamas/Islamist culture was taking root in the Netherlands.* Last January he published a piece with the prescient title: “Antisemitism, Football and History.”* His most recent – “Amsterdam Cries” – is from Nov. 10.X: @PieterDorsmanLinkedIn: pdorsmanBlog: pieterdorsman.substack.com* Dr. David De Bruijn is a professor teaching philosophy at the University of Auburn, Alabama, in the United States of America. He tweets at @dmdebruijn.De Bruijn's article about the Amsterdam pogrom, published on Sunday, November 13, 2024 in The Free PressX: @dmdebruijn* Eitam Zach is a Tel Avivian living in Amsterdam. He has a BA in International Studies and an MSc in Political Communication. Passionate about people, politics, and whatever comes in between.X: @eitamzach Insta: @eitamzach* An interview with a Dutch Palestinian community leader, Wathek Alsadeh and an Egyptian television station is published here, with English subtitles. In this interview, Mr. Alsadeh alleges that the Jew Hunt was orchestrated by the Mossad in order to generate sympathy for Israel among Europeans.* Holocaust survivor gets Dutch train company to pay damages. This article reports on the lawsuit brought by Ajax Amsterdam's physiotherapist,. Salo Muller, against the Dutch rail company. Muller's parents were transported to concentration camps during WWII by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen train company, which both charged Dutch Jews for the journey and got paid by the Nazis; Muller decided to take on the company and force it to pay compensation to family of the victims it sent to their deaths. The case setttled in 2018. Muller passed away in 2023.* Just over a year ago I found myself writing a post reflecting on the explosion of antisemitic violence in the immediate aftermath of October 7. You can read it here.Remember the plane that landed in Dagestan (having arrived from Israel) and was met on the tarmac by local Muslim fanatics? They searched every crevice of the aircraft and inside the airport terminal. They were hunting Jews. That was several weeks after October 7, 2023.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

At 8pm on Wednesday night in Israel, PM Netanyahu stunned the country by announcing the immediate firing of Yoav Gallant, the Minister of Defense who has steered Israel through a very difficult period, which is far from resolved. That Bibi and Gallant shared a mutual loathing was no secret. What was surprising was that Netanyahu did this now, in the. midst of a protracted period of conflict as Israel awaits another attack from Iran. This country is stretched to its limits. And we now are dealing with another layer of intense uncertainty. Ya'akov Katz and I discuss the ins, outs and whys. And why now? (I open this podcast with a greeting of “good morning”… reflecting my hopeless optimism to get this out just a little earlier than ended up happening. Next time… I'll keep it simple. “Good day.” And on that note, I do hope you have a good one.)Follow us @stateofTLV on “X”.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes:Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Tuesday, 5 November 2024) [translated from Hebrew] “As the Prime Minister of Israel, my chief obligation is to preserve the security of Israel and to achieve our total victory. In the midst of war, more than ever, complete trust is required between the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister.Unfortunately, even though such trust was present during the first months of the military campaign, and we had a very productive cooperation, during the past several months this trust between myself and the Defense Minister has begun to crack.Defense Minister Gallant and I had substantial disagreements on the management of the military campaign, disagreements which were accompanied by public statements and actions that contravened the decisions of the Government and the Security Cabinet. I have made multiple attempts to resolve these disagreements, but they became increasingly wider. They were also brought to the knowledge of the public in an inappropriate manner, and what is even worse, they have reached the knowledge of the enemy; our enemies have taken great delight in these disagreements and have derived much benefit from them.Different opinions in open debates, as anyone who knows me can attest to, are my way of holding discussions and consultations, and making decisions. Everyone knows that. However, the increasingly wide crisis of confidence between myself and the Defense Minister had become public knowledge, and that crisis is hindering the continued proper administration of the military campaign.I am not the only one with this opinion; in both the Government and the Security Cabinet, the majority of the members of which, virtually all members, share the feeling that this state of affairs cannot continue.In view of the above, I have decided today to remove the Defense Minister from his post. In his stead, I have decided to appoint Minister Israel Katz to this position. Israel Katz has proven his abilities and has made a contribution to national security as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister of Intelligence for five years, and equally important, as a long-standing member of the State Security Cabinet.Israel Katz brings to the table an impressive combination of rich experience and executive capabilities. He is known as a man of action who combines responsibility with reserved decisiveness, all important qualities for driving a military campaign.Also, I have spoken today with Minister Gideon Saar and proposed that he join the coalition along with his faction and serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a member of the Government and Security Cabinet for many years, Gideon Sa'ar will bring to the table much experience and consideration in the areas of policy and security, and will be a significant addition to our leadership team.Different opinions in open debates, as anyone who knows me can attest to, are my way of holding discussions and consultations, and making decisions. Everyone knows that. However, the increasingly wide crisis of confidence between myself and the Defense Minister had become public knowledge, and that crisis is hindering the continued proper administration of the military campaign.I am not the only one with this opinion; in both the Government and the Security Cabinet, the majority of the members of which, virtually all members, share the feeling that this state of affairs cannot continue.In view of the above, I have decided today to remove the Defense Minister from his post. In his stead, I have decided to appoint Minister Israel Katz to this position. Israel Katz has proven his abilities and has made a contribution to national security as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister of Intelligence for five years, and equally important, as a long-standing member of the State Security Cabinet.Israel Katz brings to the table an impressive combination of rich experience and executive capabilities. He is known as a man of action who combines responsibility with reserved decisiveness, all important qualities for driving a military campaign.Also, I have spoken today with Minister Gideon Saar and proposed that he join the coalition along with his faction and serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a member of the Government and Security Cabinet for many years, Gideon Sa'ar will bring to the table much experience and consideration in the areas of policy and security, and will be a significant addition to our leadership team.Gideon Saar's addition and the addition of his faction will increase the stability of the coalition and the government, important factors at any time, and especially important in time of war. I am convinced that these steps will reinforce the Government and the Security Cabinet, transforming them into bodies that work cooperatively and harmoniously for the security of the State of Israel, for the citizens of Israel, and for our victory". This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

We were lucky to catch Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus in the same time zone and standing still. Today he is an A-list speaker and commentator on the security situation in Israel and the middle east - as well as senior fellow with the FDD - Conricus pulled no punches when speaking with State of Tel Aviv. We discuss Iran's threats to hit Israel and hard – possibly in the next two days. The likelihood – as we discuss – is that there will be a coordinated attack on multiple fronts by Iran and its proxies in the axis of terror it controls: Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in the Gaza Strip – to the degree they are still able to do much militarily. As this war grinds on, and on, Conricus expresses quite intense anger at the ultra-orthodox population and the “shameful” political maneuvering that has been the priority among our government leaders. As the death and injury tolls climb, the haredi exemption from military service is quickly becoming a major flashpoint. And the only solution, he says, is to uphold Israeli law and draft these tens of thousands of haredi men who refuse to serve. There is no way to sugar coat this. Israelis must find a way to work together. The threat environment is too intense, unrelenting, and existential. Conricus is on fire today.Follow us @stateofTLV on “X”.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

We were so fortunate to speak with former MK and UNRWA expert, Einat Wilf, who has been calling out the farce of UNRWA being financed and treated by the world as a humanitarian organization for decades. UNRWA promotes a narrative and policy advocating the destruction of Israel and glorifying terrorism. The mask came off irreversibly on October 7, 2023. New legislation passed overwhelmingly in the Knesset yesterday. And there is no one better to explain what happened and why, than Einat Wilf. This pod is short, sharp and shines light where it needs to be shone. On UNRWA corruption and global apathy regarding the same.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast Notes:1. Einat WilfDr. Einat Wilf is the co-author with Adi Schwartz of “The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Obstructed the Path to Peace” and a former Member of the Israeli Knesset on behalf of the Labor Party. 2. Recent podcast with UN Watch Director, Hillel Neuer, for more background:Follow us on: X (Twitter) / Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

We woke up in Israel on Saturday morning to the long awaited news of an IDF retaliation against Iran for sending 150+ ballistic missiles our way on October 1. The attack, as we know, was a success. Targets hit. Multiple waves of air attacks. And all pilots and planes returned safely. Extraordinary mission. But the real test is whether it will suffice to deter Iran from responding to Israel's response. Because the next wave will be much more aggressive. We move onto the fierce fighting in the north and the heavy toll it is taking on Israeli reservists, many of them in their 40s and 50s. Ya'akov gets fiery on this issue... being that we are in the midst of Knesset drama, which has the ultra-orthodox parties demanding that legislation enshrining exemption of haredi men from service be passed imminently. It seems especially ill-timed in light of the very dire shortage of IDF troops. The northern front shows no signs of easing up, and Haifa and northern towns and cities are being pounded every day by hundreds of rockets. And as always, we end with the hostages. And try to find a reason to hope.This episode was recorded earlier today, and I mention a terror truck ramming which injured many civilians just north of Tel Aviv this morning. Initially, it was treated as a terror attack, but authorities are now saying that it may have resulted from the driver having suffered a heart attack. I haven't had time to check the news now for a few hours. So. Who knows what has transpired since. Thanks for listening.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Nadav Eyal is one of Israel's top political analysts and journalists and we are delighted to have him join the State of Tel Aviv for today's deep dive into the life and death of Yahya Sinwar. We focus on the impact that his death may have on the possibility of an agreement being negotiated for the release of the 101 hostages still being held by Hamas, many of whom we know are dead. The rescue of the hostages is of critical importance to Israel for so many reasons, among them that “to leave no one behind” is central to the ethos and cohesion of the state. Should this fundamental value not be seen to be honored by Israeli citizens, the impact would be extreme. Nadav expertly peels the layers of this complex situation that touches on Israeli domestic politics, regional geopolitics and, of course, the western alliance and America. I was keen to speak with Nadav after reading his column in the Israeli newspaper, Yediot Achronot (largest circulation print newspaper in Israel), on the weekend, in which he touched on many of the issues we discuss here. Have a listen.Podcast NotesNadav Eyal is among Israel's top journalists and is a past recipient of the Sokolov Prize, the equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize for journalists in Israel. He is the author of several books as well.This year, he is living in New York City with his family and has been appointed Senior Research Scholar in the Faculty of International and Public Affairs; Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia School of International and Public Affairs.Further detail about Nadav Eyal may be found here.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

We depart from our usual Sunday review with Ya'akov Katz and bring you this short and intense immersion in the weekly rallies in support of hostages and their families. These events take place all over Israel every Saturday night. I used to attend them in Tel Aviv. But I have relocated to a kibbutz in the south and instead went to the local gathering. It is worlds away from Tel Aviv. The rally takes place at a key intersection in southern Israel, which was swarmed by Hamas locusts, buzzing around on their motorcycles and in pickup trucks. They slaughtered babies, children, the elderly, families. They dragged terrified people from their beds. They stalked those who attended the Nova Music Festival. Route 232 – which winds its way through the area of Israel closest to the Gaza border – was lined with burned cars and bodies. The weekly rallies occur at the intersection of Routes 232 and 34. Many of those attending these rallies are locals who lived through the carnage, lost loved ones, await the release of family and friends still being held hostage.We have also posted, below, some photographs from the rally.Tomorrow – we drop a bonus podcast with Israeli journalist and scholar, Nadav Eyal, doing the usual focus on what's going on in the bigger picture – although we focus heavily on the hostages. This is widely perceived to be a moment of opportunity to re-align power in the middle east. And that must include the hostages.Thanks for being here.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Lt Col Jonathan Conricus and I dig into the overwhelmingness of life in Israel these days. We're both pretty seasoned and hardened, but things here just seem to continue to ramp up, not down. As Conricus says in our discussion, he emerged from 25 days of no news or connection to the outside world following his observance of Yom Kippur and was amazed by the enormity and pace of activity. There is a lot going on. We spend the first bit of the podcast today discussing the sharp rise in domestic terror attacks by Israeli Arabs, something that tends not to receive much attention internationally. This disturbing trend is also complemented by terrorism within Israel committed by residents of the West Bank who enter Israel illegally. And then there's the regular stuff. We discuss Iran in detail. As we wait for the Israeli retaliation. Conricus has done significant work analyzing potential targets in Iran, political considerations, and more. See the link in the podcast notes below for the work he has done on identifying potential targets in Iran. This work is done in his capacity as a senior fellow at FDD, a Washington-based think tank. We are now hunkering down for yet another holiday on the Jewish calendar—this is a very busy time of year. Let's hope it's peaceful.Podcast Notes: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comAs 9.5-million Israelis wait… and wait… the assumption is that Israeli and American government and military officials are working ‘round the clock to assess and decide which targets to hit. In the Islamic Republic of Iran. In retaliation for the launching of close to 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1. When will Israel strike? How hard? Each …

Editor's Fix: In the podcast I refer to 97 hostages. Some media refer to 97. That number includes those captured on October 7. When 101 is used… it includes four hostages held by Hamas since 2014.It is significant that the one year mark of what was perhaps modern Israel's darkest day falls between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. This ten-day period, known as the Days of Awe, is a time when Jewish people are meant to reflect on the past year. To take stock of their inner life, unsparingly. And if they have wronged someone they are expected to seek forgiveness, but only if they do so with humility. Unreservedly. Whether one “believes” or not, this coincidental timing is profound.On Monday, October 7, I woke up very early. at 6:30 am, just one minute later than the beginning of the horrific attack of that Black Sabbath, one year ago. We had dreaded this day for so long. And here it was. I set out in late morning for the site of the Nova Music Festival. To get there I drive along Road 232, which was an alley of death one year ago. At the site, I spoke with bereaved family members, among them Shlomo and Rita Krief. They lost their 17-year-old son, Shahaf, at nearby Zikim Beach, one year ago. As often happens in Israel, so many strangers came together to comfort Shlomo and Rita, who were inconsolable.It was a spontaneous gathering and I learned so much and felt so deeply. This vignette is a sampling of how immeasurably October 7 impacted this country and, I expect, will remain with us for decades. Perhaps centuries. The way in which families have been treated by the current government has stoked anger and bitterness, regrettably. In so saying I am acting as the conduit for the bereaved. It is something that I heard and was repeated all over Israel last Monday. This is not an issue of partisan politics. Not right or left. This is about abandonment. Not fulfilling one's duty. That is how so many feel today.And that was very evident in the backstory - which we tell - and the main event commemorating October 7. The Bereaved Families Memorial Ceremony. It was held on Monday night at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv. Survivors, bereaved, artists, singers. Two thousand people convened for this ceremony that was organized by the brother of a hostage who had been killed in error by the IDF. It was an extraordinary event, televised live in Israel. Not a single government representative or official was included or invited. We tell you why.In this podcast, I take you on the journey I went on last Monday. It has overpowered me all week. And it is so appropriate to share on this day, just before Kol Nidre, Erev Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement. You will hear direct, raw testimony. Mournful but hopeful song. Real. Raw. In the moment.If you want to understand the mood in Israel today, I urge you to watch the ceremony in full. Or dip into the clips we have provided, below. Podcast Notes:* Bereaved Families Memorial Ceremony at Hayarkon Park, Tel Aviv, Monday, October 7, 2024:* Clip from full ceremony of an interview with Yuval Tabelsi giving testimony about her experience at the Nova Festival one year earlier and how she is coping with the loss of her husband. As there are no English subtitles I have provided a quick translation, following: The clip opens with Yuval at the dumpsite near the Nova Festival where all the incinerated cars have been taken. She says it is her first time there and she is looking for their car. She very much wants to find the car - something that was theirs at their last moments together. She speaks about how well-suited and happy they were together and moves into a recounting of their final moments. They were trapped at an intersection. He told her to fold in on herself and hide as much as possible. He shouted “Shema Yisrael,” and said he hoped they come through this. She says she believes that Mor understood he would die there. She heard only gunshots, saw her husband dead. And she and her friends smeared Mor's blood on themselves so that if the terrorists come by the car they will think that they are dead. They heard horrible sounds; including a woman being raped. In her life, she says, she has never heard such screams for help. She said - “Mor - I don't know where you are now. But if I am going to die - at least not like this.” Every time she visits Mor's grave, she says……she sings to him Ivri Lider's song, “I Had a Chance to Love.” :* Clip of Israeli music legend, Ivri Lider, singing "I Had a Chance to Love", inspired by Yuval's love story, so tragically cut short. Ivri is joined on stage towards the end of the performance by Yuval. The Hebrew lyrics are subtitled in English; and* Clip of remarks at the October 7 ceremony of Rafi Ben Chitrit, father of a fallen soldier. Remarks are subtitled in English.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Exactly one year ago, journalist Amir Tibon waited in his safe room with his wife and two young daughters. For help. For the army. Someone. Hamas terrorists rampaged through his kibbutz, yelling “Allahu Akhbar” ceaselessly. They fired their machine guns constantly. They burned homes and threw grenades into rooms where they knew civilians took shelter. They murdered wantonly. And they took hostages. They tried, several times, to shoot open the door to the Tibon house. For some reason they were unable to open it. Amir and I discuss that black sabbath, his family's life today, returning to live on the kibbutz and the continued captivity of his neighbor and friend, Tzachi Idan.We then speak with Adam Ma'anit and Heidi Bachram, a couple living in Brighton, U.K. They are both prominent activists for the hostages and combatting antisemitism. Adam is also Tzachi Idan's cousin. They share with State of Tel Aviv their battle to bring Tzachi home and the indescribable Jew hatred that they have encountered, unabated, in the U.K. and online. You can hear the anguish in Adam's voice, as he speaks of his cousin, who watched his eldest daughter murdered before his eyes, helpless to do anything to save her. Tzachi was then force marched, barefoot, covered in his firstborn's blood, to the Hell of Hamas tunnels.Following the introduction, I speak with Amir Tibon and at approximately 23:00 the interview with Adam and Heidi begins.Am Yisrael Chai.Podcast NoteState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comAfter almost two months in Canada and the U.S. it's great to be back in Israel. I awoke Sunday morning to news of a new operation in the Gaza Strip and hoped that it meant we were rescuing hostages. Alas, it's more about preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping. More like whack-a-mole. You battle in one area, move onto the next, and they return to the …

Everything in Israel seems like a Hollywood action movie that never ends. It has been a wild two weeks. Exploding pagers. Walkie talkies. Daily assassinations of high level Hezballah commanders and leaders. And it all culminated in the assassination of Hezballah leader, Hassan Nasrallah on September 27. Israel continues with targeted operations in Beirut and south Lebanon. Iranian Supreme leader Khamenei fulminates. On “X”, anyways. Seems that's all he's been doing, posting rants and threats about the Zionist menace. Vows of revenge. The Houthis are popping off missiles at Israel. And the world waits. Will Iran attack? Will Israel attack Iran directly? Where is western leadership? We get into those questions and more. And we even muse about a curious tweet by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law….that lays out a thoughtful analysis of the situation…..albeit heavy on the political spin. And Kushner is not known for sharing his geopolitical thoughts publicly. And post editing, just read of a strike on a villa near Damascus that may have killed Syrian President Bashar al Assad's brother, who was meeting with senior IRGC officials. This is unconfirmed by an authoritative source. But the X account that posted their information is reliable. Just another Sunday with Viv and Ya'akov.See links for additional information on the podcast, below.Podcast NotesSee links below the photograph of Prime Minister Netanyahu delivering his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 27 to the transcript of his remarks as well as the video of his speech.Below is the full text of a post made on "X" on Saturday, September 29. Jared Kushner / @jaredkushnerSeptember 27th is the most important day in the Middle East since the Abraham Accords breakthrough. I have spent countless hours studying Hezbollah and there is not an expert on earth who thought that what Israel has done to decapitate and degrade them was possible. This is significant because Iran is now fully exposed. The reason why their nuclear facilities have not been destroyed, despite weak air defense systems, is because Hezbollah has been a loaded gun pointed at Israel. Iran spent the last forty years building this capability as its deterrent. President Trump would often say, “Iran has never won a war but never lost a negotiation.” The Islamic Republic's regime is much tougher when risking Hamas, Hezbollah, Syrian and Houthi lives than when risking their own. Their foolish efforts to assassinate President Trump and hack his campaign reek of desperation and are hardening a large coalition against them. Iranian leadership is stuck in the old Middle East, while their neighbors in the GCC are sprinting toward the future by investing in their populations and infrastructure. They are becoming dynamic magnets for talent and investment while Iran falls further behind. As the Iranian proxies and threats dissipate, regional security and prosperity will rise for Christians, Muslims and Jews alike. Israel now finds itself with the threat from Gaza mostly neutralized and the opportunity to neutralize Hezbollah in the north. It's unfortunate how we got here but maybe there can be a silver lining in the end. Anyone who has been calling for a ceasefire in the North is wrong. There is no going back for Israel. They cannot afford now to not finish the job and completely dismantle the arsenal that has been aimed at them. They will never get another chance. After the brilliant, rapid-fire tactical successes of the pagers, radios, and targeting of leadership, Hezbollah's massive weapon cache is unguarded and unmanned. Most of Hezbollah fighters are hiding in their tunnels. Anyone still around was not important enough to carry a pager or be invited to a leadership meeting. Iran is reeling, as well, insecure and unsure how deeply its own intelligence has been penetrated. Failing to take full advantage of this opportunity to neutralize the threat is irresponsible. I have been hearing some amazing stories about how Israel has been collecting intelligence over the past 10 months with some brilliant technology and crowdsourcing initiatives. But today, with the confirmed killing of Nasrallah and at least 16 top commanders eliminated in just nine days, was the first day I started thinking about a Middle East without Iran's fully loaded arsenal aimed at Israel. So many more positive outcomes are possible. This is a moment to stand behind the peace-seeking nation of Israel and the large portion of the Lebanese who have been plagued by Hezbollah and who want to return to the times when their country was thriving, and Beirut a cosmopolitan city. The main issue between Lebanon and Israel is Iran; otherwise there is a lot of benefit for the people of both countries from working together. The right move now for America would be to tell Israel to finish the job. It's long overdue. And it's not only Israel's fight. More than 40 years ago, Hezbollah killed 241 US military personnel, including 220 Marines. That remains the single deadliest day for the U.S. Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima. Later that same day, Hezbollah killed 58 French paratroopers. And now, over the past six weeks or so, Israel has eliminated as many terrorists on the US list of wanted terrorists as the US has done in the last 20 years. Including Ibrahim Aqil, the leader of Hezbollah's Islamic Jihad Organization who masterminded the 1983 killing of those MarinesState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

In the podcast introduction, I mistakenly refer to Mr. Neuer's testimony before a Congressional Committee as having taken place on January 24, 2024. The correct date is January 30, 2024Hillel Neuer may well be a familiar name to State of Tel Aviv listeners. As Executive Director of UN Watch for twenty plus years, Neuer has been an unwavering force holding the United Nations human rights organizations accountable. Accountable for their constant haranguing of Israel – which the UN holds to a different and impossible standard – and the pandering of UN bodies to countries and terror organizations which egregiously violate human rights. I had an in depth conversation with Hillel earlier this summer about how UN Watch exposed the head of the UNRWA teacher's union for openly supporting Hamas. And how the head of UNRWA – Philippe Lazzarini – just bowed to the will and ways of these bad actors. It is a fascinating look into the important work undertaken by Neuer which, for the most part, is a lot of old school research, slogging and thinking. A masterful – and theatrical orator – Neuer is at his best when lashing UNRWA and others before various officials around the world. We start off today's podcast with some of the comments he made today to the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, before looking back at some of his extraordinary accomplishments since October 7. And he is just revving up.Podcast notes:* Transcript of written remarks delivered by UN Watch Executive Director, Hillel Neuer, before the UN Human Rights Council's 57th session on September 26, 2024 may be read here.* Video of Hillel Neuer addressing the United States Congress House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Joint Hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability and the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, January 30, 2024. The video can be viewed here. In the accompanying transcript of Mr. Neuer's remarks there are multiple hyperlinks to the detailed material UN Watch has gathered to support these claims of URWA collusion with Hamas on October 7, before and since.* News clip from ILTV reporting on the “kidnap” of the body of Yonatan Samerano by UNRWA workers and throwing his body  onto an UNRWA truck on October 7, 2023. ILTV news story is from February 22, 2024 and can be viewed here.* The link to the UN Watch website can be accessed here. We encourage you to peruse the site, which is a trove of information regarding all manner of human rights issues.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

What else? The pager caper. We talked walkie talkies. And what it all means in the longer run. Is it a serious blow to Hezballah or a warning shot? In the meantime, in spite of massive Israeli air force attacks on rocket and missile launch sites in Lebanon, Hezballah is managing to shoot off hundreds of rockets. They are pounding northern Israel, particularly in the area between Haifa and Nazareth, hoping to hit a large air force base in the vicinity. Instead, they have had numerous direct hits on civilian homes and other buildings. As does everyone, we wonder if there is a strategic plan for war on the northern front, which is not yet apparent. We marvel at the brass-knuckled maneuverings of PM Netanyahu – keeping his political “colleagues” and foes on guard. And, as always, we close with the hostages, who are coming up to a year in captivity. One year.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Kidnapped brutally from her parent's home on Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, 39-year-old Carmel Gat survived 11 months in a Hamas tunnel dungeon. Starving. Filthy. Abused. Humiliated. Living in barbaric conditions. Somehow, she survived, along with five other young Israeli hostages. They were murdered at the end of August with a bullet to the back of the head. Just like that.Carmel's cousins, Shay and Gil Dickmann, have advocated ceaselessly for the negotiation of a deal for the release of all hostages. This family has been devastated. Carmel's mother, Kinneret, was murdered on that dark day. Her sister-in-law, Yarden, was kidnapped. She was released in November, when Carmel was on the list to walk to freedom. But Hamas reneged and the deal collapsed.Many in the west are critical of people like Shay and Gil Dickmann for “strengthening the enemy” and “playing into the hands of Hamas.” By protesting, goes the argument, they weaken the state of Israel and make us all more vulnerable. Clearly, they see things differently. And I thought it would be very helpful for their voices and passion and compelling logic to be heard by as many as possible.Ask yourself as you listen to them… what you would do in their situation.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comAs always it has been a crazy week in Israel. As we approach the one year mark since the October 7 attack the country remains numb. But the fury with the Netanyahu government continues to build. No one accepts his explanations for why we have not brought home the surviving hostages. One year on. And his attempts to explain and justify this national disg…

I spoke last night with our frequent guest, former IDF spokesperson, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, to focus on what many outside Israel find to be a very confusing state of chaos. There is a government that has made clear that a red line – an inviolable boundary in its negotiations for a hostage deal with Hamas – is that it will not abandon the Philadelphi Corridor. Shortly after this position was made public in a leaked recording from an Israeli security cabinet meeting, the bodies of six hostages were found in the Gaza tunnels. They had been murdered by Hamas a short time before. And their deaths enraged the nation. Were their murders avoidable? Was PM Benjamin Netanyahu being callous to their plight in sticking to this position? Or was he steeling and doing what is necessary for the future of Israel? Listen to our discussion in which we explore this horrible dilemma.Below, just received before publishing this podcast episode, is the transcript of PM Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks to the international press at 8pm (Israel time) today, Wednesday, Sept. 4. His very full statement stands as a robust response to many parts of our podcast. I suggest reading the statement in full.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at his Press Conference for the Foreign MediaFollowing are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks, this evening (Wednesday, 4 September 2024), at the GPO in Jerusalem:"Israel is experiencing days of horror, sorrow and rage. A week ago, we experienced such horror.Yesterday, I visited in Ashkelon the family of one of the hostages murdered in cold blood. A day earlier, I spoke to several of the families of these murdered hostages. It tears your heart out. I said to them that I'm sorry. I apologized that we, we didn't get them out. We worked so hard to get them. We were close. But we didn't. And they changed the torment of families worried about their loved ones to families grieving for their fallen beloved. That sentiment I know because I belong to that family. But it's a horror.We also lost brave policemen and brave soldiers who were fighting in the Gaza front and I embraced their families as well. All our people do.On October 7th, we experienced the worst savagery in this century. On October 7th, we experienced the worst savagery meted on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. These savages massacred our people. 1,200 civilians. They beheaded our men. They raped our women and then murdered them. They burnt babies alive. They took 255 of our people hostages to their underground dungeons. That's a horror that the world saw and responded to initially.It's important that we remember it. But we were given a reminder. A terrible reminder. Last week, when these savages murdered six of our hostages in cold blood. They riddled them with bullets. Then they shot each of them in the head. Some of them several times.And these are the savages, these are the terrorists that Iran implanted next to our border as elsewhere. And we're committed to defeating them, to extirpating this evil from our midst. I want to talk to you today about some of the things that we must do to achieve that goal, including the questions of the Philadelphi Corridor.But before I do that, I want to give your readers and viewers some context because often you see maps of Israel. You think it's a Goliath.Well, I'd like to give you first an overview of where Israel is. (Click here for a PDF file.)This is the Middle East, and this is the entire Arab world, and this is Israel. It's one of the world's tiniest countries. I give it the, you know, the thumb test. This is a big one, so you need a bigger thumb. But it's a tiny country. It's one of the tiniest countries on the planet. It's, I think one tenth of one percent of the territory of the Arab world, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it's two tenths of one percent.It goes from the river. The river is right here. That's the Jordan River. To the sea, the Mediterranean Sea. So, when Hamas is talking about liberating Palestine from the river to the sea, basically, what they're saying is destroying Israel.And the entire width of this, it's probably around the width of the Washington Beltway, it's all together in its widest point is about 50 miles. Right here. Tiny.And here's Gaza there. This is the red thing that you see here. That's Gaza. Now I want to zoom in. When I zoom in, remember how tiny this is. Remember the distances here.Now, take a look. Here it is enlarged. This is Israel. This is the Mediterranean Sea. The Jordan River is right here.This is Egypt and the Sinai desert. Now, look at Gaza. Where is Gaza? Gaza is implanted in this tiny country 30 miles from Tel Aviv, 40 miles from our capital Jerusalem, 30 miles from Beer-Sheva. These are three of Israel's largest cities. Gaza is within spitting distance to them.Israel, up to the disengagement agreement of 2005, Israel controlled this border under an agreement with Egypt after the Camp David Peace Accords. We controlled this part, which is called the Philadelphi Corridor, I'll talk about that in a minute, right down to Eilat in the Red Sea. This was our border. And while there was, I would say a minimal amount of terrorism, that wasn't, we didn't really face a big problem.Let's zoom in on that a bit more. Here's Gaza Strip enlarged. Again, this is the situation in Gaza before the disengagement of 2005. And the Gaza Strip is firmly under Israeli control. We control the maritime border. You can't smuggle in weapons. They tried but we stopped it. You control the land border. And you control this border between the Sinai desert, Egypt and Gaza. The Gaza Strip, it's controlled. This is the Philadelphi Corridor. This is the Rafah Crossing. Controlled by the IDF.Now look at the distances from Gaza. It's four miles to another city in Israel called Ashkelon, where I visited that bereaved family yesterday. It's a population of 170,000 people. They are four miles away. But some of our communities like kibbutz Be'eri, which was one of the hardest hit, is one mile away from Gaza. Kfar Aza is less than one mile away. It's literally walking distance. Okay.And so, as long as we controlled this, these communities, sometimes they were harassed by this rocket or that rocket but it was marginal. We controlled the security situation. But something happened in 2005. Israel unilaterally disengaged from Gaza. It just went out. It took out everything. It took out the army. It stripped, uprooted communities, took out 10,000 people.The army left the Philadelphi Corridor. Here's what happened.This is Gaza after the disengagement. And Hamas now has a weapon smuggling operation nurtured by Iran, financed by Iran, supplied by Iran, delivered by Iran.And here's what happened. That Philadelphi Corridor became completely porous. The other borders controlled by us. But once this was perforated, even though the policy of Egypt was to prevent it, you know, it didn't necessarily work, it didn't, it didn't succeed. And this border once we left our side of the Philadelphi Corridor, rockets went in, missiles went in, drones went in, ammo went in, weapons manufacturing equipment came in, tunnel drilling equipment came in.Once we got out, once we left the Philadelphi Corridor, Iran could carry out its plan to turn Gaza into a base, a terrorist enclave that would endanger not only the communities around it but would endanger Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer-Sheva, the entire country of Israel. It became a huge terrorist base because we left that Corridor.So, we vowed, or I would say, all this, you have to understand that the centrality, the centrality of the Philadelphi Corridor to the arming of Gaza, to the arming of Hamas and this all led to the October 7th massacre, which Hamas has vowed, proudly vowed to do again and again and again.We vowed that they won't be able to do it. So we said, as far as Gaza is concerned, three war goals: The first war goal was to destroy Hamas's military and governing capabilities. The second was to free our hostages. And the third was to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.And all three of those goals, all three of them go through Israel's control of the Philadelphi Corridor. And it's obvious why. You want to destroy Hamas's military and governing capabilities – You can't let Hamas rearm. It's obvious. So you have to control the corridor. You can't let them have…by the way, it's not only to prevent them from terrorizing us, attacking us, it's also to prevent Hamas or any other terrorist organization from terrorizing the people of Gaza.Gaza cannot have a future if Gaza remains porous and you can enable rearmament of terrorists through the Philadelphi Corridor.The second thing is to release the hostages. First of all, you can't prevent, if you leave this Corridor, you can't prevent Hamas from, not only, not smuggling weapons in, you can't prevent them from not smuggling terrorists, hostages out. It's walking distance, nothing. They can easily smuggle hostages out here to the Sinai desert in Egypt, they disappear. It's crossing distance. The distance is nothing, it's meters, meters away.They cross the, the barrier above ground. They don't even have to go underground. They disappear in the Sinai and then they end up in Iran or in Yemen. They're gone forever.And you need something to squeeze them, to prevent them, to put pressure on them to release the remaining hostages. So if you want to release the hostages, you've got to control the Philadelphi Corridor. And the third reason, the third goal of ensuring that we prevent Gaza from being again a threat to Israel. It's clear. Gaza must be demilitarized. And it can only be demilitarized if the Philadelphi Corridor remains under firm control and is not a supply line for armaments and for terror equipment.I think that's clear to most Israelis, to all Israelis. But a question has arisen: that may be the case, but why don't you leave Gaza for 42 days, you could come back. Well, aside from what I said that they could smuggle the terrorists out. I want to show you what they've got under Gaza. I didn't show you that. So I want to show you that.This is what they have under the Philadelphi Corridor. Just so you understand the supply lines we're talking about. This is one of the tunnels there. Look at the engineering, look at the investment here, look at what they've got. We've got dozens of such tunnels, dozens of such tunnels, underneath the Philadelphi Corridor. To give you an impression of the size of these things: This is a soldier. This is a tunnel. You could drive a truck through this. Indeed, you could. Here's a truck, or it's a Humvee. This is a huge, huge problem.Now, you're just going to walk away? It's obvious we have to control it, right? I think, once you see this, you understand that? But then the next question is, okay, you leave and you come back. That's what they tell us. Okay. We'll have complete international legitimacy to come back. Sorry, we've gone down that route. We were down that route when we left Lebanon, and people said you can leave Lebanon and you can come back. The first time they fire a rocket you can come back, the world will support you. It didn't. And we've been out of Lebanon for 24 years.They said the same thing when we left Gaza in the disengagement. They said, you can leave, and the first rocket. I remember, Prime Minister Sharon said this to me. The first rocket above ground or below ground, we'll be able to go back in. It's been 20 years and we haven't gone back in. Because you all know and understand that the international community, including friendly countries, under enormous domestic pressure because of the propaganda that's leveled against Israel and against them, there'll be enormous, international pressure not to come back. What is their message? End the war. End the war. And so, when we want to come back and resume, we'll pay an exorbitant price in many fields, including in the lives of our men.To come back? It's not a just a military question. It's a military, political, strategic question. And we make that decision. We're not going to leave. 42 days? We're there. I don't want to leave in order to come back in, when I know that we didn't come back in. And it's not going to take another 24 years to come back in. And God knows what price we'll have? How many more massacres? How many more kidnappings? How many more hostages? How many more rapes? It's not going to happen.So, people said, yeah, but if you stay, this will kill the deal. And I say, such a deal will kill us. And there won't be a deal that way. This is a false narrative. I'm willing to make a deal. I made one already, one that brought back 150 hostages, 117 alive. And I'm committed to return the remaining 101. I'll do everything I can to get them in.But leaving Philadelphi does not advance the release of the hostages, because the deal cannot be advanced. They'll give you a minor part if they give anything, and keep the rest. Go and argue. You know when they started giving us hostages? When we went into Philadelphi. When we went into Rafah. When we controlled the Rafah Crossing. That's when they felt the pressure. As long as they didn't feel the pressure, they wouldn't do it. The first batch, the first deal that we got, was a result of our invasion, the military pressure we put in. They gave us the hostages. After that, they thought, well, you know, we'll have the international pressure turn on Israel so we won't have to do, we won't have to make any concessions. But after Rafah, their tune changed, and they began to change. If we leave Rafah, if we leave the Philadelphi Corridor, there won't be any pressure. We won't get the hostages.I said I'm willing to make a deal. The real obstacle to making a deal is not Israel and it's not me. It Hamas. It's Sinwar. On April 27th, I put forward a proposal by Israel, which Secretary Blinken called extremely generous. On May 31st, having met Blinken again, I said, we agreed to the US-backed proposal, and Hamas refused. On August 16th, the US brought forth what they called the final bridging proposal. Again, we accepted, Hamas refused. On August 19th, Secretary Blinken said, Israel accepted the US proposal, now Hamas has to do the same. On August 28th—that's a week ago—the deputy CIA director said Israel showed seriousness in the negotiations, now Hamas must make the deal. This was last week. So, I ask you, what has changed. What has changed in this week? What's changed is that they murdered six of our hostages in cold blood.Now, the world will seriously demand that Israel make concessions after this massacre? What message does this send to Hamas? I'll tell you what the message is. Murder more hostages, you'll get more concessions. That's not only illogical, it's not only immoral, it's downright insane. So, it's not going to happen. We have red lines before the murder. They haven't changed. We'll hold to them. But we also had flexibility. And I'll tell you one thing, Hamas will pay for this. That you can be assured. We'll make sure that we extract that price from them. But we are firm on our red lines, including the Philadelphi Corridor, for the reasons I described here. I'm flexible where I can be. I'm firm when I have to be.I think there is a possibility of getting this deal if we stick to this strategy. I said before, we got 150 hostages out because we combined a firm stance with military pressure. And I said that Hamas after that relied on international pressure, but it had weakened. And then we went into Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, so it got strengthened, and they were beginning to balk. A condition that they said they'd never accept, a red line, is that we must commit to getting out of Gaza and enabling Hamas basically to take over Gaza again. End the war, get out, let them retake Gaza. That's obviously something we couldn't do.They said there'll never be a deal. Well, they started caving in there after we took the Philadelphi Corridor. And then they started backing off. You know why they waited? Why they started backing off? Because they waited for Iran to start a general war with Israel. That didn't happen. So then they waited for Hezbollah to start a general war with Israel. That didn't happen either. So now they resort to the final tactic. They're going to sow discord and create international pressure, again using the hostages, even after the murder. And this is something that's not new because they started this a year ago.You should see this. I mean, this is their tactic. This is Hamas orders for psychological warfare, found in Hamas underground command post on January 29th, that's right after the beginning of the war, 2024. And this is the original document in Arabic. Our soldiers found it.And here's what it says: Push photos and videos of hostages. Put it out in the media, because that creates enormous psychological pressure. Who's not affected by it? Any human being seeing these souls, these girls, these people, young people from those dungeons, you're affected by. Second: Increase psychological pressure on defense minister. Third: Continue blaming Netanyahu. And fourth: Claim ground operation will not release hostages.That's Hamas', it's not only their talking points, it's their strategy. And their idea is this will sow internal discord and increase international pressure on Israel. That's what they hope to achieve. And they hope, they think this will happen. Well, it won't happen. I can tell you why it won't happen. I'll tell you why they'll fail. Because overwhelmingly the people of Israel are united. They understand everything that I said here. Overwhelmingly. You should know that. It's important. And the second thing is, we're committed to achieving our goals—all three goals: Destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities, releasing all our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza does not become a threat to Israel anymore. And all these require standing firm on the things that will ensure the achievement of these goals. And with G-d's help, and with our people's will, and with the courage of our soldiers, we will achieve all goals."State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

Within hours of the shock Hamas attack of October 7, video clips and news reports documenting the unspeakable savagery being committed went viral, globally. Equally shocking was that spontaneous street parties broke out all over Europe, the U.K., America, Canada and Australia. People were jubilant, celebrating the massacre even while it was ongoing. They called for the destruction of Israel. And, bizarrely, as they celebrated the carnage they also denied that Muslims would commit such barbaric crimes. But if they did, well, then it was legitimate resistance. Still in the fog and chaos of this massive terror attack, Israel found itself butting up against a wall of denial. Governments, NGOs like the United Nations, and civilians – saying that it never happened. This is where Mattan Harelfisch comes in. An Israeli man reeling in the immediate aftermath, Mattan could not believe that international media referred to crimes – that were documented by Hamas terrorists themselves – as things that “supposedly” occurred. Supposedly. The world was denying the horror. And so, Mattan spoke to IDF Chief Spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, and by mid-October the 47-minute film of the atrocities was produced and screened for 20 international journalists in Tel Aviv. This is part I of the fascinating back-story of how and why the 47-minute film was made; the objectives, the process, the ethics. Part II of this fascinating discussion will drop next week.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comIn short, no one is winning. After almost a year of carnage the stakes seem to only get higher, death tolls climb and rhetoric intensifies. But today was, in this miserable context, a relatively good day, when Israel pre-empted a massive rocket and drone assault by Hezballah which likely targeted civilian infrastructure and military sites. Of 3,000 projectiles that were set up to be launched from underground facilities in Lebanon, only 300 were airborne and they did limited damage. But so much damage has already been done and the beleaguered population of Israel is taut. Former IDF Spokesperson and Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus and I expose the very raw condition of Israelis, many of whom feel utterly abandoned by the government and the army. We seem to be like spinning tops… spin, fall, re-spin, fall again. But there is no discernible plan or strategy as to if there is a plan and what that might entail. Even PM Netanyahu's nerves are frayed. Meeting several days ago with hostage family members, the Prime Minister was sharp with them when they persisted in asking him whether he gave a toss about the hostages. Yes, it was that tense. And Netanyahu chided them, saying that he was fighting to save the state of Israel. As in: I am focused on much bigger issues than your son, or daughter, or husband. Widely reported in the Israeli media, the comment has confirmed the perception many Israelis have of Netanyahu; that he is cold, detached and megalomaniacally focused on his political survival. Power. The moral compass that Israelis felt they had is not being reflected back to them in top leadership. As Conricus so brilliantly distills the crisis: “It's as if the entire Zionist endeavor relies on 42 days of Israeli control over the Philadelphi corridor.” We unpack it all. Have a listen.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comYa'akov and I get right into the only issue. The hostage deal. Now that Yahya Sinwar is the leader of Hamas (since the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh almost three weeks ago) he holds the cards. And whether he wants a deal remains somewhat unclear. There are so many contradictory signals. But the deal links everything, it seems. And the U.S. is pushing …