State of Tel Aviv, Israel Podcast

OK. Tonight I really. Must sleep.I spoke last night with Beni Sabti, an Iranian-born expert on security, culture and politics of his native country. BenI has been going night and day since Friday morning, being one of the most highly regarded Iran experts in the world. So I was thrilled to finally have some time to speak with him Wednesday night. We both signed off, exhausted, around midnight. Five minutes later the first alarms went off in central Israel, where he lives. This morning, multiple targets were hit by Iranian missiles, including Be'er Sheba's Soroka Hospital. We begin with a brief report on that, but this podcast is really devoted to Beni's insights about the psychology of Iranian leadership. Western analysts tend to extol the savvy Iranian negotiation strategy, but Beni is far less reverential. He thinks that the leaders of Iran have made a hash of nuclear negotiations. As well, the overwhelming majority of the population loathes this regime and is desperate for change. It's a fascinating exploration of a country and culture under siege and how they might react in the coming days.You may want to watch this one on YouTube - there are some interesting visuals throughout but especially for the first five minutes or so. 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 NotesBeni Sabti is an Iran expert at the INSS. Sabti was born in Iran in 1972 and raised primarily under the Islamic Revolution regime. After escaping Iran to Israel in 1987, he served in the IDF, primarily as a researcher, mostly in projects relating to Iranian culture and influence on cognition, decision-making, and media. One of the flagship projects he led was the establishment of the IDF Spokesperson's platforms in Persian, designed to address the Iranian people directly.Sabti holds an M.A in political science and public communications from Bar Ilan University, and was a research fellow at JISS in Jerusalem. Sabti gives lectures about many issues related to Iran and is a commentator on Iran for media outlets in Israel and abroad. He was also one of the cultural advisors to the series “Tehran,” broadcast on Apple TV and Israel's Channel 11. 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 has been a five-day blitz of attacks by the Israeli Air Force over Iran. The IDF has taken out many key Iranian military and other strategic sites and capabilities. Civilians are very deliberately not targeted. In recent days Tehran has been evacuated—responding to IDF warnings. Based on photos we have seen, it is a ghost town. And now we are waiting to see what happens next. The nuclear centrifuges—located deep underground in a mountain bunker at Fordow, Iran—must be destroyed to truly end the country's nuclear ambitions. State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular (and military expert) Ya'akov Katz gets into the details of what may be the next move in this critical military operation. Will the U.S. step in and finish off Fordow? Or will Israel continue to bear the burden, largely alone?For those of you continuing to enjoy our podcasts and articles—if you have not yet done so—please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription. We're going 24/7 here, getting very little sleep and continuing to bring you reports. Because we believe it is important to get quality information out there. And if you're here, then you agree. We are independent and supported by our listeners and readers. Please show your appreciation today. Many thanks.Also, there are some good visuals in the YouTube version of this podcast that you shouldn't miss. So consider watching/listening there—in particular, today. Podcast NotesState 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

For four days, Israel and Iran have engaged in direct, intense conflict. For Israel, destroying Iran's nuclear weapons and capability is a matter of survival. For the ruling Islamist regime in Iran, resisting Israeli power is also a matter of survival. The deeply unpopular theo-fascist rulers are clinging to power by fear and oppression. Israeli attacks are pulverizing the nation's ability to fight back. This could be a very quick and decisive conflict that resets the geopolitical global reality with lightning speed. Within days. We were are still are braced for weeks of war. But it's beginning to look like it may be much shorter. Listen to this fascinating discussion from earlier today with Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, a good friend of State of Tel Aviv and brilliant analyst of the 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.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

In recent days Hamas has shifted all of its attention to controlling the food supply for civilians in the Gaza Strip. They continue to hoard aid meant for the needy and then resell it at extortionate prices. The last two weeks have been especially chaotic as the food supply diminishes, and people are living meal to meal. Concerns regarding famine are real and the involvement of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is intended to address the food scarcity. But the rollout of this new initiative has been a mess. Shootings. Chaos. People walking 20k to arrive at one of the few distribution centers to find that there is no food left. State of Tel Aviv regular guest, Ya'akov Katz, joins us to get into the detail of what is going on in the Gaza Strip and why everything seems to be going so wrong. We discuss Hamas, criminal clans, hostages and more. Before wrapping we touch on the surge of Jewish vigilantism in the West Bank and why this seems to continue, uninterrupted.And you will probably be relieved to know we don't even mention Greta. I'll leave that to Piers Morgan.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 NotesYaakov 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

So many times since October 7, the UN and many governments have raised alarms regarding imminent and mass starvation in the Gaza Strip. It never materialized. But recently a serious crisis with respect to food availability has developed there. The causes of this food scarcity are not as simple as the media and many national leaders would have us believe. There have been rash and constant allegations smearing Israel, alleging that food deliveries were withheld in order to starve the civilian population. Not only is that a very distorted—and untrue—version of reality, but it has become gospel to so many. Based on facts? No. The BBC—once the gold standard of journalism—is leading the pack of purveyors of misinformation but has plenty of company among big mainstream media and all manner of smaller publications. But it is the BBC that has had to crawl back and retract several reports recently on the basis that they were unfounded. Same with UN Head of Aid and former UK diplomat Tom Fletcher. So—what the heck is going on in the Gaza Strip? I discuss this issue in depth with frequent State of Tel Aviv guest, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, Senior Fellow at FDD, high-profile TV commentator, and public speaker. It's been a while since he has joined us, but it's wonderful to have him back.Below, we offer a small sample of the gusher of information that is available. Sifting through what's real and what is not is super challenging. In this context it is compounded by the manner in which the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has approached this communications and humanitarian crisis. We discuss it all. Podcast Notes:* Jerusalem Post article regarding UN Head of Aid, Tom Fletcher's, Unfounded Claim that 14,000 babies would die within 48 hours.* Example of BBC “verification” of already published information which they cannot, well, verify.* Report on UN Head of Aid Tom Fletcher's comment regarding 10,000 trucks of food being denied entry to Gaza by Israel* BBC article. This article is a strange one. BBC presents it as if it refutes the accusations made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt regarding BBC reports having been retracted/corrected. However, if you read the BBC response to Leavitt, they just muddy the waters. Bottom line? They pounced to report without clear evidence to support their claims that were originating and in a highly volatile environment. Judge for yourself.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

On October 7, 2023, 19-year-old Itay Chen was serving in the IDF on the border with Gaza. His father, Ruby, recalls the agonizing wait until the IDF concluded that he had been taken hostage by Hamas. Not until March 2024 did they return to tell the Chen family that, based on intelligence they had gathered, the military declared that Itay had been killed. To this day the family has no concrete evidence that Itay is alive. Or not. And so they live with a sliver of hope and face each day with courage and tenacity, fighting for the release of every single hostage. Ruby speaks about the attention and compassion shown to the hostage families by Presidents Biden and Trump and the staff in their administrations. In contrast, he has had virtually no contact with Israeli government officials. Watching Ruby (and so many traumatized families) continue to mobilize to ensure that awareness of their loved ones languishing in captivity remains in the forefront of public awareness is inspiring and heartbreaking. In addition to my interview with Ruby, I also include some “in the moment” reporting from today at the Sha'ar HaNegev junction in southern Israel, where people demonstrated, quietly, lining the highway with yellow flags. It was at this intersection that Hamas massacred so many on that horrible morning before continuing to the nearby town of Sderot, which they occupied for two days. It is 600 days later, and in many ways we are standing still.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

In this second episode of my recent interview with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, we begin by discussing his reaction to the horror of October 7. Within minutes of hearing and reading reports of the Hamas atrocities, he said he knew that this would result in total disaster for Hamas as well as the people of the Gaza Strip. He decided to pivot in his very comfortable life and job to immerse himself in explaining and advocating the conundrum of Gazans. Alkhatib is adamant that the majority of the people living in the Strip hate Hamas. And now they are suffering immeasurably because of Hamas. He refuses to despair, and he refuses to accept that Palestinians cannot and will not be self-governing. He also refuses to blame Israel for the disaster that has befallen the people of the Gaza Strip - including many members of his family and personal friends. This is what we talk about. That horrible day. What has ensued... and what may transpire. Ahmed is determined and hopeful.As a postscript to our discussion, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragedy that occurred yesterday. Nine children of a female pediatrician who was working in a hospital were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Understandably, the international community is outraged. So are many Israelis. These tragedies... at this point there has just been too much pain and death and destruction for all. I am also confident that Ahmed would allow himself to feel immense sorrow but would temper it with his signature rationalism. We must, he would maintain, find a way to end this endless conflict and suffering.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib leads Realign For Palestine, a groundbreaking new project at the Atlantic Council. This project challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel-Palestine discourse and develops a new policy framework for rejuvenated pro-Palestine advocacy. Realign For Palestine aims to cultivate a new generation of Palestinian voices committed to a two-nation solution, nonviolence, and radical pragmatism.Alkhatib serves as a resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs, where he writes extensively on Gaza's political and humanitarian affairs, is an outspoken critic of Hamas, and a promoter of a radically pragmatic approach to peace and Palestinian statehood as the only path forward between Palestinians and Israelis. His writing and opinions have been published and featured across the US, Israeli, and international press, and his views are prominently featured across social media platforms, with his accounts that have tens of thousands of engaged followers.Alkhatib holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in intelligence and national security studies. He grew up in Gaza City and left Gaza in 2005 to attend college in the United States as an exchange student. Much of Ahmed's experience is influenced by having grown up in Gaza during the Oslo peace process, and the difficulties resulting from Oslo's failure, and the rise of Hamas and Islamism in Gaza.Following the deadly October 7 massacre, Alkhatib's life was deeply impacted when three different airstrikes killed 33 of his immediate and extended family members. Still, he has made a deliberate choice to be part of breaking the cycle of dehumanization and defying the cycle of hatred, incitement, violence, and revenge. In his presentations to students, policymakers, and thought leaders, Alkhatib exemplifies how others can exercise individual responsibility, spread empathy, and engage peacefully in the often-divisive Israel and Palestine discourse. 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

Like so many of us, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib's life took a hairpin turn on October 7, 2023. Until age 15, he lived in the Gaza Strip. He then attended high school in the U.S. on an exchange program and has never left. Ahmed has returned to Gaza often over the decades and still has many family members living there. After October 7, he left his old life in California and relocated in Washington D.C. Since that time he has emerged as a leading intellectual activist articulating an alternate Palestinian view, which he says is far truer to reality. Ahmed openly loathes and criticizes Hamas, believing their destructive ideology to have brought ruin and misery on his people. That was true before October 7, he says, but has been more egregious since. He writes, speaks, engages; all in the hope of forging and finding a better way forward for Palestinians and Israelis. In Part I of our conversation, Ahmed discusses how he moved from aligning with a more simplistic and hateful view of Israel and Jews to what he calls radical pragmatism. I call it moderate. See what you think. We are all so divided. And it is important, in my view, to engage outside of our opinion silos, whatever our comfort zone might be. Ahmed does that. And he has a lot of very interesting things to say. Part II drops tomorrow. We get into October 7. And all that has followed. 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.Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib leads Realign For Palestine, a groundbreaking new project at the Atlantic Council. This project challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel-Palestine discourse and develops a new policy framework for rejuvenated pro-Palestine advocacy. Realign For Palestine aims to cultivate a new generation of Palestinian voices committed to a two-nation solution, nonviolence, and radical pragmatism.Alkhatib serves as a resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs, where he writes extensively on Gaza's political and humanitarian affairs, is an outspoken critic of Hamas, and a promoter of a radically pragmatic approach to peace and Palestinian statehood as the only path forward between Palestinians and Israelis. His writing and opinions have been published and featured across the US, Israeli, and international press, and his views are prominently featured across social media platforms, with his accounts that have tens of thousands of engaged followers.Alkhatib holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in intelligence and national security studies. He grew up in Gaza City and left Gaza in 2005 to attend college in the United States as an exchange student. Much of Ahmed's experience is influenced by having grown up in Gaza during the Oslo peace process, and the difficulties resulting from Oslo's failure, and the rise of Hamas and Islamism in Gaza.Following the deadly October 7 massacre, Alkhatib's life was deeply impacted when three different airstrikes killed 33 of his immediate and extended family members. Still, he has made a deliberate choice to be part of breaking the cycle of dehumanization and defying the cycle of hatred, incitement, violence, and revenge. In his presentations to students, policymakers, and thought leaders, Alkhatib exemplifies how others can exercise individual responsibility, spread empathy, and engage peacefully in the often-divisive Israel and Palestine discourse. 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'm delighted to be back in action with my regular guest on the podcast, Ya'akov Katz. He is a State of Tel Aviv favorite because he brings such deep knowledge and passion to his analysis. There is no sugar coating or equivocating with Ya'akov – but he is always grounded and well-reasoned. And today that is a tall order. We discuss Israel's threats to renew the war on Gaza with a major ground offensive, likely after President Trump's visit to the region in mid-May. In the meantime, tens of thousands of Israelis are receiving call-up notices for reserve duty. But 18 months after October 7, this nation is weary and many are no longer accepting the government's direction without serious challenge. The domestic discontent is deeply concerning. Of course, any discussion of war in Gaza invokes and involves the fate of the hostages; of 59 still in that hellhole, it is believed that 24 are alive. Barely. (As I write this note I just learned that President Trump commented earlier today that three of the 24 hostages have been executed. Israel has been silent on this point.) They cling to life in the most barbaric conditions. And the government is very unclear - almost ambivalent - about where it stands on the matter of hostages. Unbelievable, I know. We finish up with the Houthis and America's very sudden announcement last night that they would cease attacking the terrorists who have made a mess of commercial shipping lanes in the mid-east. The fact that the Houthis have sworn to continue attacking Israel seems not to have been a huge issue for the U.S. All of which shocked Israeli leadership and broke just after Ya'akov and I finished recording last night. It's wonderful to have him back and I expect you will find his thoughts as insightful as I did.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

Immediately following the horrors of October 7, John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who fronts the band “Five for Fighting”, stepped up for Hamas hostages and, as he says, for moral clarity. His band is best known for his post-9/11 super-hit “Superman”, a beautiful tribute to those who perished on that terrible day in America. When Ondrasik heard that the mother of 24-year-old musician Alon Ohel (held hostage to this day by Hamas) was looking for someone with whom to collaborate musically, he answered the call. He always does. Ondrasik recently worked with Idit Ohel and her son, Ronen—also a musician—to produce a special version of Superman in honor of Alon. had to The trio produced a beautiful rendering of the song—with clips of John playing in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, as well as his studio in LA. Idit and Ronen play on a yellow piano they installed in Hostage Square for anyone who wishes to make music. Do something. Remember that Alon Ohel is shackled and starved and seriously injured and tortured in a dark, filthy tunnel deep underground. Ondrasik discusses his first trip to Israel one year ago—when he performed at Hostage Square on the night of the Iranian missile attack. Saturday April 13, 2024. We talk about his commitment to the hostages and so many other righteous causes. And, of course, we get into his deep disappointment with the silence, at best, of much of his industry. Yes - Coachella and “Kneecap” do come up. It's a fascinating discussion, and the episode ends with the full version of the new and revised “Superman.” Alon Ohel. He really is a Superman who must be freed. If you can watch on YouTube, you'll see some great clips that are relevant to various big moments since October 7, but the sound will do for those of you who prefer the straight audio version. Oh, and do check out the podcast episode we published yesterday of my interview with Alon's mom, Idit Ohel. 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

WARNING: Graphic and violent visual content.Israel is in a state of collective shock regarding many things in this post-October 7 apocalyptic reality. But perhaps the most incomprehensible is that 19 months after that attack, 59 hostages—alive and dead—remain captive in the most barbaric conditions. Then 22 years old, Alon Ohel had recently returned from his post-army trip to the Far East when he decided to head to the Nova Music Festival on Friday, October 6, 2023. Since then he has languished in a dark, airless tunnel. He is shackled. Cannot move or stand. Suffers from extensive shrapnel injuries and a severe head injury suffered when he was beaten immediately after capture by a Hamas madman. He repeatedly slammed the butt of a machine gun into Alon's head. In real life, Alon is a gifted musician. He passes time in Hell by playing piano with his fingers on his chest. This, we know from his very close friend, Eli Sharabi, who was released in February. Sharabi tells the heartbreaking story of their final separation in a clip we include in the introduction to this interview with Alon's mother, Idit Ohel. She is a mother doing everything conceivable to ensure that we do not forget her son and that he is released. Yesterday. Because Alon and all the captives are existing on borrowed time.Idit had no sign of life from Alon from October 7—when she knew he had been captured alive—until the release of Eli Sharabi and other Israeli men who had been held with her son. She somehow pushes through her anguish each day to fight for his life and release. Parents and loved ones of hostages, like Idit, face this unimaginable situation in which their own government seems ambivalent, at best, about making the sacrifices necessary to bring their people home. Some Israelis say the price to be paid to free them is too high. Others believe that the price to be paid by forsaking them is even higher.Idit is so thoughtful, and no holds barred. Tomorrow we bring you the other half of this story—an in-depth interview with “Five for Fighting's” John Ondrasik, who has been a stalwart supporter of Israel and the hostage families from day 1. An extraordinary beacon of light.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 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