State of Tel Aviv, Israel Podcast

Jonathan Conricus has returned from a short North American speaking tour and joined me on Sunday evening to take a close look at where things stand with America and Iran. It is challenging to keep up and even more difficult to decode the often-conflicting messages issued by the main protagonists: the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. We get into the possible responses that may come from the parties and the implications for the region and the world. Who is running Iran these days and making decisions? Unclear but we have a pretty good idea. Will Iran act on its threats to impose taxes on all maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz? How about their latest initiative - to tax all data passing through internet cables that are laid at the bottom of the Persian Gulf? Or - maybe they will sever the cables and disrupt global commerce? So many possibilities and we get into them all. Why is Iran attacking the UAE so consistently and hard? And why is the UAE not responding? Oh - and we also spend a bit of time marveling at the tendency of western media to accept the “spin” coming out of Iran, pretty. much unquestioningly.This pod was recorded on Sunday night, but it is current as of 10 am EST on Tuesday. At the end of the episode I include a short clip of Conricus speaking on Monday to media. He addresses America's rejection of the Iranian response to the most recent U.S. proposal to…..formalize the ceasefire? End the war? This became public after we recorded on Sunday night. It never stops……Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivJonathan 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.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

There was the “joke” a senior Toronto Police officer made one day to then One Homicide Chief, Hank Idsinga. You know, the one about a kosher bbq being a “Jew-Q.” As in, thinking that the idea of burning Jews during the Holocaust in Europe - was funny. The jokester told Idsinga it was really funny. And that was when Hank Idsinga began to see the deep antisemitism among police leadership, and others. And there was more. Much more.Idsinga's recently published book: “The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop”, was released in early May and is prompting discussion about the conduct of the Toronto Police Force, particularly since October 7. Toronto has become a dangerous city for Jews to live in. Hostility toward Jewish people is overt, everywhere and inescapable. It was clear from October 7 that something was very wrong with how Toronto police were dealing with the outburst of Jew-hatred. The antisemites were given free rein. Police spoke about constitutional rights and other high-minded issues, which actually had nothing to do with the illegal conduct proliferating on Toronto streets. In fact, the cops protected the “protesters”, insisting they were not breaking laws and that their conduct was “peaceful.” Well, they were breaking many laws, and their conduct was anything but peaceful. Almost three years later, Toronto is unrecognizable and considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world in which to live today, as a Jew. This podcast episode is a touch longer than our usual, because there is so much important information to be shared.We focus on Hank Idsinga, his personal story and how that influenced his career, particularly in the later years. And we get into the way in which Toronto Police have handled overt and often violent antisemitism since October 7. Their conduct is indefensible. Inexplicable. And I have been writing and podcasting about this tirelessly. Only now, as attacks on Jews have become more frequent and violent - attracting international attention - has the Toronto Police Service even acknowledged that there may be, you know, a problem.I have provided time stamps for three sections of the podcast, so you can jump around or skip. But I urge you to listen to them all. They build on and reinforce one another. And the story of what is going down in Toronto is just one extreme example of what we are seeing in many cities around the world. This will not just “go away”.Thanks to Andrea Marcus, a friend, proud lifelong Torontonian, brilliant artist, and sponsor of this episode of State of Tel Aviv and Beyond. Like so many Canadians, Andrea is devastated by what has happened to Canada and Toronto, particularly in recent years. They are unrecognizable. If you would like to be like Andrea and support our work by sponsoring an episode or two, please contact me directly. vivian@stateoftelaviv.comTime Stamps:Part I - Introduction to Hank Idsinga and the Toronto Police Force 00-34:54Part II - Toronto Police and Jews: Open Contempt at a Recent Press Conference 34:55-37:41Part III - Deep Dive into Post October 7 Toronto Police Conduct 37:42-endShow your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivHank Idsinga was a member of the Toronto Police Services for thirty years, leading the country's top homicide unit for five years. Having served as Detective Sergeant and, later, Inspector in charge of Toronto's Homicide Squad, he has policed just about every kind of case you can imagine, and has stared down some of the hardest criminals the city has ever seen. Idsinga has received numerous awards from the Ontario Homicide Investigator's Association, and has twice been recognized by Toronto Life magazine as one of Toronto's 50 Most Influential People. Additionally, he is a regular presenter at policing conferences, including the FBI National Academy Associates Conference and the Ontario Homicide Investigators Conference, among others. Recently retired and now a crime commentary fixture on the Corus radio network (nationally) and Global Television, as well as American crime series in production, Idsinga speaks widely about policing in the wake of a highly decorated career.From decorated homicide detective Hank Idsinga comes The High Road—a raw, riveting true crime memoir from the man who helped take down one of Canada's most notorious serial killers.Hank Idsinga knew from the age of ten that he wanted to solve murders—especially after learning his grandfather had been executed by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Over a thirty-year career with Toronto Police Services, Idsinga rose through the ranks to lead the country's top homicide unit. From street crime to serial killers, he saw it all—and now, for the first time, he tells the story in his own voice.Written in a hard-boiled but deeply human tone, The High Road chronicles the highs and horrors of life on the homicide beat. Idsinga recounts some of Toronto's most gripping cases that caught the attention of the nation, including the Boxing Day shooting of Jane Creba, the Yonge Street shootouts, and—most infamously—the Bruce McArthur serial killer investigation. With equal parts warmth, candor, and gravity, he offers rare insight into how detectives do their work, how justice is served, and how the toll of the job is carried quietly and constantly.Far from glorifying violence, Idsinga focuses on the people at the heart of each case: the victims, the families, and the fellow officers who became like family over decades of service. Many of those families remain in touch with him today, a testament to his character and compassion.With the rise of true crime podcasts and docuseries, audiences are hungry for authentic, unfiltered voices—and The High Road delivers. This isn't just a book about catching killers. It's about the moral weight of justice, the value of empathy, and the complicated humanity on both sides of the badge.Podcast NotesIn the podcast I refer often to how entrenched antisemitism is in Canada and how obvious that has become since October 7. Below are links to two articles published in Toronto media regarding Idsinga's allegations regarding antisemitism on the police force.Following are links to podcasts and written articles by me, on the State of Tel Aviv website and in other publications. This is just a sampling of the work I have done on antisemitism in Canada, focusing on Toronto, since October 7. And there's much more. 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

Yes. I am generating a lot of material about antisemitism in Canada - and not just because I am Canadian. You will probably have noticed that some popular American podcasters and media have been focusing on Canada recently. Canadian society and the rot pervading it is turning heads in the United States, UK and continental Europe. Not only because the situation is so bad. But perhaps moreso because political and law enforcement leadership in Canada seem unperturbed. They barely notice. In fact, they seem to react only when American media takes note. That - by the way - is a classic Canadian thing. We like to keep things “in the family.” But when American or UK media come out and criticize - well - that is noticed. If a Canadian dares to be critical of the government in foreign media - it is often cast as being disloyal. As we say in Hebrew - very small-minded.In March, shortly after three synagogues were shot up in Toronto in one week, the world took note. Within days of the shootings, I interviewed Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli. He said - and it is in this podcast - that Canada is at the top of a list that no one should want to be on: he regards Canada as being perhaps the most dangerous place in the world to be Jewish these days. His strong concerns are shared by Sharren Haskel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both Chikli and Haskel have been paying attention to the grim reality on the ground for Canadian Jews - especially since October 7. They do not hold back. And they also bring to the discussion a global perspective. Their job is to be on top of the status of Jewish communities all over the world - and they are watching like hawks. This is about Canada, yes, but it is about so much more.Their comments and observations are from March and I have provided updated context in the podcast narrative. Almost immediately after the drama in Toronto things got pretty crazy in the UK, especially London. And the war in Iran exploded. Sometimes, events overtake the material I have prepared……and I had to hold these interviews until those crises subsided, temporarily. So - here we are. And in the meantime……the mess, if I can call it that, remains a mess.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivAmichai Chikli is an Israeli politician who serves as the Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. In the past he worked as an educator and social entrepreneur.Chikli was born in 1981 in Jerusalem. He served as an officer in the Golani brigade, an elite IDF unit.Following his military service, Chikli earned a bachelor's degree in security and Middle Eastern studies from Haifa University and a master's degree in security studies and diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. Minister Chikli is married and has three children.Sharren Haskel is 41 years old, married and the mother of three young children. At 18, she served in the Israel Defense Force, as a combat soldier in the Border Guards during the Second Intifada. Following her military service, Deputy Minister Haskel pursued a career in veterinary medicine. Haskel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from The Open University in Israel, where she also was the Israeli national debating champion. She entered the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in 2015.In November 2024, she was sworn in as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.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

One day ago, at approximately 11:30, two Jewish men were stabbed by a stranger on a street in a Jewish neighborhood in London. Had private community guards not been on the scene then the outcome would certainly have been much worse. It took police four minutes to arrive on the scene. And when they did one of them realized that he had forgotten his taser gun in the car. UK police officers are not armed. Seriously.Just hours before dropping this podcast, the UK Daily Telegraph published an exclusive story that the suspect, Essa Suleiman, is a 45-year-old Somali immigrant to the UK with previous convictions for violent crime, including the stabbing of at least one police officer and his canine partner. Mr. Suleiman served prison time and was referred in 2020 to a government run “counter-extremism” prevention program but as the Telegraph reports, “his case was closed later that year.” Exactly what that means is unclear. What is clear is that Mr. Suleiman was known to law enforcement and they clearly had formed a view that he may be a political or other extremist. He is believed to be associated with a terror organization supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran.London. Melbourne. Sydney. Toronto. Manchester. Montreal. Something is very wrong in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Very wrong. In today's podcast we have a detailed discussion with Mark Sandler, a criminal lawyer based in Toronto who has acted as counsel in countless cases as well as more than 20 public inquiries. The depth and breadth of his experience is seriously impressive. These days, Sandler acts as chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, a group of more than 70 organizations that have come together to voice their profound concern with the state of civil society in the country. Sandler seems to be everywhere - especially since October 7. He is a force of nature. I learned so much from speaking with Sandler and he confirmed many of my deepest concerns regarding the reasons that Jew hatred is so prevalent in Canada. It didn't just “happen.” It's a direct result of weak leadership, at best. At worst, it is due to institutional antisemitism. In another episode some time I hope to sink my teeth into why these issues seem to be manifesting in such an extreme way in the UK, Canada, and Australia.Update: As we finalize this podcast news came in that the UK just raised the threat level to severe, one notch below critical - the highest. Government is saying that it is related in part to the Golders Green attack. But there is more in the mix.In the podcast notes I have included links to previous State of Tel Aviv and Beyond podcasts and episodes that are directly relevant and may be of interest to you.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivMark Sandler, LL.B., LL.D. (honoris causa), ALCCA's Chair, is widely recognized as one of Canada's leading criminal lawyers and pro bono advocates. He has been involved in combatting antisemitism for over 40 years. He has lectured extensively on legal remedies to combat hate and has promoted respectful Muslim-Jewish, Sikh-Jewish and Black-Jewish dialogues. He has appeared before Parliamentary committees and in the Supreme Court of Canada on multiple occasions on issues relating to antisemitism and hate activities. He is a former member of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, a three-time elected Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, and recipient of the criminal profession's highest honor, the G. Arthur Martin Medal, for his contributions to the administration of criminal justice.Podcast Notes:* Home page for Alliance of Canadians Combatting AntisemitismThis site is a trove of superb material documenting the ongoing efforts of this coalition to combat antisemitism in Canada: alcca.ca* Previous State of Tel Aviv and Beyond episodes directly relevant to the issues discussed in this podcastState 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

The war between America and Iran was intended to be swift and decisive, or so we were told. Almost two months since America and Israel first attacked the Islamic Republic of Iran, a peaceful resolution - either through negotiation or defeat - remains elusive. Compounding the tension is the weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks; a small channel of water connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and open seas. Unfettered access through the Strait of Hormuz for all merchant ships and vessels is and should be the norm, but Iran has decided that it alone can and must control this international waterway. By doing so, they choke the movement of oil and natural gas supplies, threatening and constraining economic activity everywhere.And America says: “No.” You cannot do this. Not on our watch.As with all things geopolitical - especially in the Middle East - it's complicated. To help us understand the issues I speak at length in this podcast with (Retired) U.S. Admiral Mark Montgomery, a man who has served extensively at the highest level in the Middle East and around the world. It's a fascinating discussion.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesRear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery serves as senior director of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) and as an FDD senior fellow. Mark served for more than three decades in the U.S. Navy, held senior leadership roles in Congress, and is a recognized expert on cyber and technology policy.At CCTI, Mark leads efforts to advance U.S. national and economic security through technology innovation, counter cyber threats against the United States and its allies, and combat adversary cyber-enabled economic warfare (CEEW) campaigns. He also directs CSC 2.0, an initiative focused on implementing the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where he previously served as executive director. Additionally, Mark co-leads FDD's Air and Missile Defense Program.Prior to joining FDD, Mark was policy director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under Sen. John S. McCain, where he coordinated efforts on national security strategy, force posture, capabilities, and cyber policy. 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

By midafternoon on Sunday in Israel we were hit with whiplash, again. Every day seems to bring a dramatic new scenario. Just a few days earlier a ceasefire went into effect between the United States and Iran, with hopes pinned on direct talks between the parties, hosted by the President of Pakistan in Islamabad. The opening negotiating session was a marathon 21 hours and ended with no agreement. United States Vice President J.D. Vance pinned responsibility for the failed initiative on Iran, which was intransigent on two key issues: abandoning its ambition to develop nuclear weapons; and their coyness about de-mining the Strait of Hormuz so that the flow of oil and gas to global markets could resume. In response, President Trump unleashed a torrent of social media messages, reinforced with a long phone-in appearance on Fox News explaining the U.S. position and response. “We're blockading the Strait of Hormuz,” the President said, and then some.I was fortunate to catch up with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular guest, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, former IDF spokesperson and senior fellow at FDD, to discuss these developments on Sunday night, Israel time. As you will hear, Conricus believes that the Iranian regime has egregiously miscalculated the resolve of President Trump to end their unilateral bullying and control of the vital shipping route. Iranian leadership has become too accustomed to western governments that are inclined to appease and pander rather than stick to principle. Conricus likens Iran's conduct to an organized crime syndicate - brazenly resorting to extortion and bullying.We also discuss the peculiar coverage of this ongoing war by much of the western media. And we touch on the situation in Lebanon, which is very much linked to Iran's power. So much is in flux and uncertain and the stakes are, as always, very high.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesJonathan 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.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

Early on Wednesday morning, as a ceasefire was announced between America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israelis were stuck in their safe rooms and bomb shelters for hours. Iran teed up missiles to target Israel through the night on a staggered schedule, to make a point, I guess. What that meant in reality is that no one in Israel slept and the government instructed that beginning on Thursday, today, life would go back to “normal.” Schools, universities and workplaces would be open. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to hammer northern Israel with rockets, while most Israelis are somewhat shell-shocked. What, exactly, just happened? What gains did America make? Israel? Based on our experience since October 7, and the constant claims of victory, people here are confused. Exhausted. And certainly not clicking their heels.On top of the constant war and dubious outcomes, on the eve of the recent Passover holiday, the Netanyahu government slipped an enormous sum of money to the ultra-orthodox for religious education - in addition to what they have already been allocated. Soldiers? Struggling families? Wounded IDF veterans? Zero for them.And the extreme violence that has continued, unabated, in the West Bank for years now? This government does not seem to be terribly concerned with what can only be described as Jewish terrorism. During the last week, the patience of Israelis was sorely tested. Our regular guest, Ya'akov Katz, is angry, and he does not mince words or thoughts. There is a palpable urgency in Israel to wake up and deal with reality, while it is still possible.Podcast Notes:Op-Ed by Ya'akov Katz, published in The Jerusalem Post, April 3, 2026.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivYaakov 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. 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 January 4, 2024, a horrific accident befell an IDF unit inside the Gaza Strip. The IDF elite search and rescue unit - 669 - was on the scene almost immediately. Dr. Tuvia Book was among the personnel on the ground and describes the impossible task they faced - to triage and treat dying and severely wounded men as quickly as possible. On the battlefield, lives are saved and lost within seconds. Among the gravely injured soldiers was a man with no identity, about 27 years of age. His dog tag had been blown off. His pulse was very weak. But this extraordinary unit of physicians, medics and other highly-trained medical professionals, equipped with super-sophisticated medical technology, set to work. The following day they learned that the young, nameless man was 37-year-old Israeli actor and rock star - Idan Amedi. He is among the main characters in the international TV hit “Fauda” and is also a super-accomplished singer/performer/songwriter. Most importantly, Idan Amedi is a husband and father of young children.Everything about this story is mind-blowing. That it happened. How it happened. And the beyond happy ending. Dr. Tuvia Book also wrote a book about this crazy turn of events. He spoke with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond recently about this experience and we thought it was time for an uplifting podcast. This episode contains some incredible video footage - of Amedi and Tuvia meeting last summer at a Jerusalem concert…….as well as live footage of unit 669 at work in the Gaza Strip. Extraordinary.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesTuvia Book has a doctorate in education and is the author and illustrator of the internationally acclaimed Israel education curriculum; “For the Sake of Zion; A Curriculum of Israel Studies,” “Jewish Journeys, The First Temple Period, 1000 -586 BCE,” and, “Jewish Journeys, The Second Temple Period to the Bar Kokhba Revolt, 536 BCE-136 CE,” all published by Koren. Most recently, his memoir detailing his first-hand experiences in Gaza, “Heroes of PALMAR: How one IDF unit in Gaza Revolutionised Combat Medicine,” Was published by Gefen.Dr. Book was born in London and raised in both the UK and South Africa. After making Aliya at the age of 17 he volunteered for the IDF, where he served in an elite combat unit. Upon his discharge he completed his undergraduate degree in Jewish history and literature, as well as a certification in graphic design. He then served as the Information Officer and deputy head of security at the Israeli Consulate of Philadelphia, while earning a graduate degree in Jewish Studies.Upon his return to Israel, Dr. Book graduated from a course of study with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and is a licensed tour guide. Tuvia has been working in the field of Jewish education, both formal and informal, for many years. He has guided and taught Jewish students and educators from around the English-speaking world for some of Israel's premier educational institutions and programs. Tuvia has lectured throughout North America, Australia, Europe, and South Africa. In addition, his artwork has been commissioned on every continent (except Antarctica).Tuvia served as a Shaliach (emissary) for the Jewish Agency for Israel as the Director of Israel and Zionist Education at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (Jewish Education Project). He was a lecturer/educational guide at the Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE) in Israel. Tuvia has lectured at both Bar Ilan University and Hebrew University. He is a Teaching Fellow at the Tikvah Fund. He is a research associate at the Hudson Institute.In addition, Dr Book has served in reserves (Milluim) in the IDF as a combat medic in the current “Swords of Iron” war since October 2023 in a medical combat search and rescue unit (Palmar) and is the recipient of a prestigious IDF battalion award for his outstanding contribution to the unit. He has been featured on “Call me Back” and Times of Israel's “What Matters Now” and many other prestigious podcasts.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 caught up with Ya'akov Katz on Thursday afternoon, and we got into some very sticky issues that are being talked about in Israel. We are one month into this war with Iran and it is not exactly going as we'd thought it might. Then again, political leadership has been anything but clear in communicating with the Israeli people about war goals, how things are going and where they are going. There's a lot of talk about numbers. Numbers of missile launchers hit, missiles intercepted, targets hit. But the weird part is - the numbers don't add up. And we had a very similar experience with the war on Hamas. Israelis are famously resilient, yes, but they are also worn out after almost three years of constant war. And there is no letup in sight. The population overwhelmingly supports war with Iran if it will degrade the country militarily and, ideally, lead to regime change. But people are beginning to wonder if we will be “back at it” in another six months or a year. Following the June attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, we were led to believe that we had diminished the nuclear and general military threat substantially. Now? There are many questions. This past week there has been a lot of buzz about the U.S. negotiating with Iran…..President Trump says the talks are going very well. Iran denies that there are any talks. The missiles keep coming at us from Iran. The sirens keep wailing. The intercept rate is high but there are always cluster bombs that break up and score direct hits. And we have a terrible shortage of troops in the IDF - but we don't get into that today. I do write about it in the Weekend Wrap - which we drop tomorrow.In this podcast, we just try to sort out what's real and what's, well, not.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivYaakov 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.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

For more than 40 years, Michael Rothman has made a career out of data-driven analysis of the global oil market. He has attended every meeting of OPEC since 1986. His clients are a roster of major industry players and governments. State of Tel Aviv and Beyond spoke with Rothman almost one week ago….just as the tensions over the Iranian chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz flared into a full-blown global crisis. Overnight, it seemed, everyone knew about the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island - the Iranian island about 400 miles (660 km) north of the shipping choke point controlled by Iran in the Persian Gulf. Virtually all critical infrastructure supporting the Iranian oil and gas industries are based on Kharg Island, making it a potential target for a U.S. military operation. Occupying Kharg - would be a highly complex adventure (which was discussed in our recent podcast with military analyst, Andrew Fox). Rothman, however, dismisses any talk of occupying Kharg as “fantasy.”Michael Rothman takes us through a series of slides and explains the fundamentals of the global oil market and why it is almost impossible to predict how high energy prices may go, when and for how long.This podcast is different from our usual work and will be of interest to those of you who have a business background, and a thing for numbers, graphs, economics, and uncertainty.Please note that all slides presented in this podcast are the proprietary work of Cornerstone Analytics and are reproduced in this podcast with permission from Cornerstone. These slides may not be reproduced and/or distributed without the permission of Cornerstone Analytics.Mike Rothman has researched the global energy markets for more than 40 years. He founded Cornerstone Analytics in 2009, serves as a consultant to government agencies, and has attended Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meetings since 1986.In 1984, Mike joined Merrill Lynch and became Chief Energy Strategist and Co-Head of the Global Energy Equity Team, which was ranked #1 in the Global Research Survey by Institutional Investor Magazine. Mike was responsible for formulating the company's outlooks for the petroleum and natural gas markets, which were integrated into the firm's commodity, equity, debt, strategy, economic and emerging markets research.In 2005, Mike joined ISI and built the firm's energy research platform. He was a Senior Managing Director, Head of Integrated Oil Research, and ranked #1 for Independent Energy Research by Institutional Investor Magazine.Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Business Economics, and a Master of Science in Applied Economics/Econometrics, both from Rutgers University.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

Andrew Fox, combat veteran and one of the most prolific writers these days on the war with Iran, returns to State of Tel Aviv and Beyond to share his assessment of what has gone well in this war so far…..and what has gone less well. Having been on the battlefield and someone who is very familiar with the Middle East, Fox offers sharp insights as to how the Iranian chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz - through which much of the global supply of oil and natural gas passes - can be alleviated. We discuss several scenarios as well as the risks associated with each. We then move geographically to the United Kingdom, Fox's home. Early Monday morning, there was a serious arson incident in a Jewish suburb of London. Four community ambulances were torched and in the middle of the night the neighborhood was rocked with explosions and massive fires. The IRGC took responsibility for the attack, but Fox doesn't buy that. As always, time spent with Andrew is enlightening and challenging.He also wrote a great piece on the London arson attack, which you can read hereAndrew Fox is a former British Army Major and frontline conflict researcher specialising in modern warfare. A former senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he is now a senior associate fellow at several international think tanks and a regular media commentator on global conflicts.He writes the Fox on War Substack and co-hosts The Brink podcast, bringing field reporting and strategic analysis from conflicts including Gaza and Ukraine.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

Melissa Lantsman is the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and a Member of Parliament for the riding of Thornhill, just north of the city of Toronto. She is a fierce and tireless activist for her constituents, many of whom are Jewish as well as Iranian Canadians. I spoke with her days after multiple Toronto area synagogues were attacked with gunfire. One of the synagogues was in her riding.She is outraged by the apparent disinterest of Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government regarding the extreme and worsening threats in Canada targeting Jews and Iranians in particular. As we discuss in this podcast, Canada has become a haven for IRGC operatives who are very active in their new country. And then there is the thriving and growing population of Islamists who target Jewish institutions, neighborhoods, schools and business with violence and harassment. This has been unceasing since October 7. Many police forces (like Toronto's) do nothing meaningful to deal with this threat. In fact - they tend to encourage the violence through inaction. Same for the federal government and most - but not all - municipal and provincial governments. Lantsman is always sharp and articulate. In this podcast - she let her fury out. And it's high time that PM Carney paid attention to this madness proliferating on his watch. Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesMelissa Lantsman is the Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Elected in 2021, she previously served as the Shadow Minister for Transport and as a Senior Advisor to leading Canadian political figures.Melissa believes in breaking the mold and in bringing new ideas and energy to Ottawa. She represents the next generation in Canadian politics.Born and raised in the community she now serves, Melissa was taught by her immigrant parents to work hard and to stand up for what's right. Those are values that have guided her in all points of her life and career. Melissa is an award-winning communicator and was amongst Canada's most sought-after public affairs executives. She has served on various boards of directors, was a regular TV commentator and hosted her own radio show. Her writing has been featured in Canada's largest circulation publications.Melissa is not afraid to speak out for the things that matter, and she doesn't back down from holding the government to account.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

The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Canadian Conservative Party and the Official Parliamentary Opposition, popped into Austin, Texas and had the Joe Rogan experience. I cannot wait to hear that episode and reliable sources say that it will be out before the weekend. In the meantime, I thought I'd whet your appetite with this classic Poilievre moment - when he spoke with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond on Thursday March 12, just days after three Toronto area synagogues had been shot up with gunfire in middle-of-the-night attacks. The day before Pierre and I spoke, the U.S. Consulate in Toronto was also shot up. Again, in the middle of the night. Canada has become a lawless country, generally.But for Jews? It's surreal. Antisemitism is violent and rampant and neither the federal, provincial, or municipal governments seem terribly concerned about it - with very few exceptions. Law enforcement? Nowhere to be seen. They do nothing. This has been going on since October 7. And it is getting worse by the day. Pierre Poilievre has always been clear, consistent and fearless in articulating his strong support for Israel and he has stood by the Jewish community in Canada unfailingly. In this conversation he does what he does best: speaks the truth and calls out those in power for forsaking the Canadian Jewish community. We discuss these issues and more - including the surreal fact that IRGC operatives live and conduct “business” in Canada openly. As I often post on my “X” account, Canada has become an Islamist's paradise. Meaning - it has also become somewhat hellish for Jews. Pierre and I had a really informative and meaningful discussion. And if you watch to the end I serve up a real treat……the famous “apple video” that went viral in October 2023. Remember? When Pierre was asked questions by a very befuddled reporter. And as he casually munched on his apple in the orchard, well, it's classic Pierre Poilievre.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes: Pierre Poilievre grew up in Alberta as the adopted son of two schoolteachers. He lives in Ottawa with his wife Anaida and their children, Valentina and Cruz.As a Member of Parliament and former Minister, he helped the previous Conservative government cut taxes, balance budgets, deliver affordable homes and crack down on crime and corruption.He shepherded the Accountability Act through the House of Commons to protect taxpayers from waste, fraud and corruption. When he was Housing Minister, the average home cost $450,000 and the average one-bedroom rent was just $970. People could afford homes in safe neighbourhoods and good food on their table.As Vice-Chair of the Commons Finance Committee, he was the first major voice in Parliament to warn that massive money-printing deficits would lead to inflation, while Mark Carney wrongly predicted prices would go down. Pierre also led the charge against the carbon tax, toughening laws to fight crime, banning drugs and unlocking resources. Liberals who demonized him for these principled stands have now all agreed he was right and claim to agree with him.In the most recent election, he got more votes than any Conservative leader in our history, the largest share of votes since 1988, adding 2.5 million more votes and 25 more seats than the prior election, all with major gains among youth and working people.But he has only begun. After Liberals doubled housing costs, inflated food prices and unleashed crime on our streets, Pierre is fighting back. His purpose is a Canada with strong take-home pay, safe streets and secure borders in a self-reliant country.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 Sunday March 8, State of Tel Aviv and Beyond interviewed “Major G”, a 25-year veteran of the Israeli Air Force who has been working around the clock since Operation Roaring Lion was launched on February 28. Major G commands drone crews operating over Iran. Their mission is to identify the location of missile launchers and neutralize or destroy them. Working in very tight co-ordination with the U.S. Air Force, Israel has severely hindered Iranian launch capabilities and missile supply. I was unable to photograph Major G for security reasons, but we do show some videos and photographs in this podcast - some with audio and some are silent and playing during relevant parts of our conversation. Just a “head's up” for those of you listening…..you may wish to have a peek at the video later.Please consider supporting our work. We are independent and rely on you, our viewers and listeners, to keep the lights on. In this very challenging period we have increased our content production in order to ensure that reliable and interesting information is being disseminated. If you can, please subscribe on our substack site or make a contribution - whatever you can or would like - at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivThanks to all of you for stopping by.how your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState 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

Perhaps the biggest surprise of this war with Iran is how viciously the country is attacking its Arab neighbors. The UAE has been hammered, actually targeted with more missiles than were directed at Israel. Senior FDD fellow and regular State of Tel Aviv and Beyond guest, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus gets into this bizarre development that no one anticipated. Initially, some pundits were assuming there was a brilliant Iranian plan behind these attacks. But as we discuss in this episode, it is now clear that Iran lashing out at its neighbors is the result of chaos in the government and military. We also zoom out to look at the broad waves of attacks on Iran by America and Israel and what they have accomplished; what remains to be done. If the murderous regime in Iran falls the geopolitical fallout will be huge; the most extensive and far reaching since WWII. We also take a hard look at the conduct of unprincipled western leadership - like that of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Great video clips in this episode and some awesome retro photos from the 70s. Who remembers the OPEC oil embargo after the 1973 Arab Israeli war, also known as the Yom Kippur War? And, of course - we discuss the very real possibility of boots on the ground in Iran. Whose boots?Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:* Link to FDD report on Iran's Ballistic Missile Program, referred to in the podcast by Jonathan Conricus.* IDF video released on International Women's Day highlighting the extraordinary contribution of women in the Israeli Air Force, referred to in the podcast by Jonathan Conricus.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.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 Thursday I spoke with Andrew Fox, military veteran, scholar, man of diverse and deep expertise. I wanted to zoom out a bit from the focus on the Israel-Iran aspect of the war and place it in a larger context, where it rightly belongs. America is leading this war effort for many reasons. One is to put an end to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Also - America is seizing an opportunity to quell China's long-term planning towards global economic dominance. Andrew and I get into it all and at the end, just for kicks, we discuss the astonishingly vapid leadership prevailing in this critical moment in certain western countries. Guess which ones? Yup! PM Sir Keir Starmer of the U.K. and Canada's feckless Prime Minister, Mark Carney. It has become impossible to keep up with their rudderless principles and statements. Shocking, really.We include great video clips and I'm so proud of my team. We're closing out the first week of the war and managed to put out a full AV podcast. This is it - until today it was just audio. So much quicker and easier.We have really gone flat out this week - in spite of sirens and missiles - to bring you current information about the real, in-the-moment experience in Israel. Please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription here or, perhaps, a contribution to Buy Me a Coffee.Podcast NotesAndrew Fox is a former British Army Major and frontline conflict researcher specialising in modern warfare. A former senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he is now a senior associate fellow at several international think tanks and a regular media commentator on global conflicts. He writes the Fox on War Substack and co-hosts The Brink podcast, bringing field reporting and strategic analysis from conflicts including Gaza and Ukraine.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 had hoped to drop this yesterday but wartime exigencies got in the way. The message is just as relevant today - the holiday of Purim was on Tuesday, March 3. It commemorates a miracle - when the Jews in ancient Persia were ordered by a King's decree to be murdered. Every last one. And yet, by a series of coincidences, they were spared. That was thousands of years ago. Since that time Jews have faced many tyrants who were determined to end their existence. The most recent and current one was Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He led a regime obsessed with destroying Israel and Jews. The historical arc is fascinating. And real. The decree in ancient Persia was real. Hitler was real. And Khamenei - until a few days ago - was real.I thought we'd take a breather from missiles and bomb shelters and reflect on the historical arc into which this wild war fits. Neatly.I spoke with two fabulous rabbis: my old friend from London, Ontario, Ephraim Shore.....and a new friend from Boston, Mass., Rabbi Bill Hamilton. An interesting and very pertinent podcast.Tomorrow we will be back with more hardcore straight up war-talk.We are going flat out. If you have not done so already please consider supporting us with a paid subscription - either on our website or at Buy me a Coffee. It makes a huge difference….allowing us to continue our work and, even more so, knowing that you appreciate what we do. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our guests today:Rabbi Ephraim Shore/Tour Guide Extraordinaire:Insta: @ephraimshore Rabbi William G. Hamilton has led Kehillath Israel since 1995. He strives to activate Torah in the service of meaningful living – nourishing growth, solacing grief, and deepening joy.Empowering learners is at the heart of his leadership approach. Lay-leaders, Jews-by-choice, and rabbinic interns, all take responsibility for creating community and celebrating Judaism. A commitment to inclusion is also central to Rabbi Hamilton. His deep involvement with the Ruderman Foundation's work for disability inclusion alongside his Board leadership with New England Yachad, complements a principled commitment to gender, ideological, and diversified practice inclusion at KI.Rabbi Hamilton's vision for partnership practice now shapes a new century at Kehillath Israel. Establishing a campus that hosts five prayer-communities and several other agencies under his leadership has made KI the subject of a Harvard Business School Case-Study. His impact and influence are strengthened by exceptionally strong engagement with Israel. As a founder of The David Project (Campus advocacy) and the New England Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, Rabbi Hamilton regularly brings groups on specialized tours of Israel. He sees resourcing Israel as essential to deepening Jewish commitments and furnishing richer inner-lives.His leadership in civic settings also distinguishes his voice throughout our region. For twenty years he has served as Chaplain of the Massachusetts State Police, on the Board of ADL, and on Harvard University's Board of Ministry.He enjoys playing sports and rooting for local teams. His wife, Debbie Block, an accomplished historian and educator, gathered, produced and edited Kehillath Israel: The First 100 Years. 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

Map showing one of many waves of missile attacks overnight in Israel:I'm back today with the amazing Ya'akov Katz, a regular commentator on State of Tel Aviv and Beyond. We get into life in wartime, and then cover the key events of the last 24 hours: Hezballah attacks Israel and opens the northern front; Iran continues to slam Israel hard with waves of ballistic missiles; Iran also attacks most countries in the region - which has many scratching their heads. Iranian missile slams into a shelter in Israel; the first mass casualty event. Are our shelters adequate? How long will this go on? Give it a listen.We are making every effort to put out an audio only pod every day during this period. The focus is on getting the information out. Not quality of production. Adn for that reason we are also not doing AV. For one thing, we're all looking a little haggard. But it just takes more time to edit AV and time, in my view, is of the essence. Please consider supporting our work. State of Tel Aviv and Beyond is independent and we rely on you, our subscribers, to put gas in our tank.Especially at a time like this. We are going flat out. We will be publishing longer dispatches which will be available in full to premium subscribers only. You can either subscribe on our site - www.stateoftelaviv.com……just follow the prompts from the SUBSCRIBE tab.Or - make a contribution to Buy Me a Coffee……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. 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

Lightly edited video recording from an hour ago with Jonathan Conricus on developments in Israel and the Middle East. Have a listen. 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's episode begins with an extraordinary interview that was aired recently on Iran International television. Vancouver-based journalist, Negar Mojtahedi, speaks with the father of a 17-year-old youth who was badly injured by the regime and then taken from his hospital bed to be executed. The story is surreal but is one of tens of thousands. Many Ira…

I'd like to begin by thanking Andrea Marcus, a dear friend and long-time supporter of State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, for sponsoring this episode. Andrea is a Toronto resident, proud Jewish woman and spectacularly talented artist. She is deeply troubled by what has been happening in Toronto and Canada since October 7, 2023.This episode was to have been published on Sunday December 14, 2025. And then the Bondi Beach Chanukah massacre happened. Hours later, a Chanukah candle lighting began in Toronto, Canada. What ensued was appalling. As Toronto police watched.....Part I of this mini-series dropped in early December and focused on the violent attack on an IDF reserve soldier on November 5 in downtown Toronto. Jonathan Karten. Nothing about that attack was surprising. Since October 7, Toronto has become one of the most hostile cities in the western world for Jewish life. All things Jewish are targeted regularly. And the response of the police? Well, that's what we take a hard look at in today's podcast. Why is Toronto such a cesspit of antisemitic violence? Incitement. Hatred. Why is it tolerated? I have lived and studied this disturbing situation since October 7, carefully, and the reality of Toronto - Canada - and beyond - must be seen. And seen clearly. I have sifted through many hours of video, photographs and media coverage in order to document the broad and specific observations made. Toronto Chief of Police Myron Demkiw declined an opportunity to be interviewed to discuss these rather pressing issues.And the political leadership in Canada? With very few exceptions, they are complicit. Municipally. Provincially. Federally.This episode has shifted shape since December 14. We do address aspects of the Karten assault on November 5, in particular the arrest of six individuals connected with that incident. But we spend more time zooming out to look at the bigger picture, to try to understand why Toronto has become such fertile ground for Jew hatred. Many of the incidents we discuss took place after the assault on Jonathan Karten on November 5. And after Bondi. In the podcast notes we include links to Episode I of this series, as well as two-part series on antisemitism in Toronto that I put out a year ago. Extreme antisemitism in Toronto? It's neither new nor going to miraculously resolve. In th podcast notes, we set out other podcasts we have produced that are directly relevant to the issues raised in this episode, including Part 1 of this 2-part series.Certain archive material may be available to premium subcribers only. No time like the present to join the State of Tel Aviv and Beyond club!If you would like to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact me directly. vivian@stateoftelaviv.comShow your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscrib 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.comFollowing President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's four-hour meeting yesterday, the situation in the Middle East remains unclear. The US continues to concentrate military assets in the region. Iran continues to execute protesters arrested in recent weeks. The Islamist terror state has unleashed its full power on the Iranian people. And President T…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comUpdate: In the hours since we began final production of this podcast, Iran has initiated at least two military provocations targeting American forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The regime has also backpedaled on its commitment to negotiate with America and other nations in Ankara on Friday. Now Iran says that it will meet only with America and that it mus…

In this special podcast we go deep into the darkness that has descended upon the Kurdish ethnic minority in northern Syria. The massacre of civilians and brutality is reminiscent of ISIS. In fact, the Syrian state army is comprised of many former jihadists - some still openly wearing ISIS patches on their uniforms. The Kurds, of course, led the military force that led the assault on ISIS and its eventual retreat and defeat. But with the anointment of former al Qaeda man, Ahmed al Sharaa, as President of Syria…..violent Islamism has enjoyed something of a resurgence.Absolute hell has been visited upon the Syrian Kurds while the west and the world are distracted by chaos in the Islamic Republic of Iran. But the massacre of Syrian Kurds has barely been noticed. We feature interviews with four experts on the Syrian Kurds. (Their photos and bios are set out below in the Podcast Notes.) Each one brings a very deep understanding of the complexity of this situation. In order to assist as you work your way through this we have provided time stamps so that you may skip to particular bits that interest you more.In addition to the experts featured here we spoke to many others. I am grateful to all for their time and generosity in sharing their expertise and insight. I would like to draw particular attention to Noor Dahri, a devout Muslim living in the UK and originally from Pakistan. I learned so much from Noor and hope to share part of our interview in the near future. Editing such rich material is not easy. So thanks, Noor, for helping me to better understand the forces that are driving fanatical Islamism in the Middle East and the west.And to our loyal listeners, this episode is being made available to all subscribers in full. Consider it our contribution to doing whatever is possible to amplify awareness of the Kurdish plight.There are some graphic videos included in this podcast. If you prefer not to view them we provide advance notice so that you may skip over them.Timestamps:Introduction with video clips: 00:00Interview with Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed: 05:53Al Jazeera report on the release of ISIS prisoners in Al Hol Detention Camp in northern Syria: 36:41Interview with Ateret Shmuel: 39:22Interview with Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan: 51:54Interview with Ahmad Sharawi: 01:02:15Conclusion: 1:19:08Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:* Maps referred to and shown in the podcast introduction:* X post of U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, on January 20, 2026:Full text of this post: The greatest opportunity for the Kurds in Syria right now lies in the post-Assad transition under the new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This moment offers a pathway to full integration into a unified Syrian state with citizenship rights, cultural protections, and political participation— long denied under Bashar al-Assad's regime, where many Kurds faced statelessness, language restrictions, and systemic discrimination.Historically, the US military presence in northeastern Syria was justified primarily as a counter-ISIS partnership. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Kurds, proved the most effective ground partner in defeating ISIS's territorial caliphate by 2019, detaining thousands of ISIS fighters and family members in prisons and camps like al-Hol and al-Shaddadi. At that time, there was no functioning central Syrian state to partner with—the Assad regime was weakened, contested, and not a viable partner against ISIS due to its alliances with Iran and Russia.Today, the situation has fundamentally changed. Syria now has an acknowledged central government that has joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (as its 90th member in late 2025), signaling a westward pivot and cooperation with the US on counterterrorism. This shifts the rationale for the US-SDF partnership: the original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely expired, as Damascus is now both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities, including control of ISIS detention facilities and camps.Recent developments show the US actively facilitating this transition, rather than prolonging a separate SDF role:• We have engaged extensively with the Syrian Government and SDF leadership to secure an integration agreement, signed on January 18, and to set a clear pathway for timely and peaceful implementation.• The deal integrates SDF fighters into the national military (as individuals, which remains among the most contentious issues), hand over key infrastructure (oil fields, dams, border crossings), and cede control of ISIS prisons and camps to Damascus.• The US has no interest in long-term military presence; it prioritizes defeating ISIS remnants, supporting reconciliation, and advancing national unity without endorsing separatism or federalism.This creates a unique window for the Kurds: integration into the new Syrian state offers full citizenship rights (including for those previously stateless), recognition as an integral part of Syria, constitutional protections for Kurdish language and culture (e.g., teaching in Kurdish, celebrating Nawruz as a national holiday), and participation in governance—far beyond the semi-autonomy the SDF held amid civil war chaos.While risks remain (e.g., fragile ceasefires, occasional clashes, concerns over hardliners, or the desire of some actors to relitigate past grievances), the United States is pushing for safeguards on Kurdish rights and counter-ISIS cooperation. The alternative—prolonged separation—could invite instability or ISIS resurgence. This integration, backed by US diplomacy, represents the strongest chance yet for Kurds to secure enduring rights and security within a recognized Syrian nation-state.In Syria, the United States is focused on: 1) ensuring the security of prison facilities holding ISIS prisoners, currently guarded by the SDF; and 2) facilitating talks between the SDF and the Syrian Government to allow for the peaceful integration of the SDF and the political inclusion of Syria's Kurdish population into a historic full Syrian citizenship.* Dr. Qanta A. AhmedDr. Ahmed is a physician, non-fiction author and broadcast media commentator. Her first book, In the Land of Invisible Women (Sourcebooks 2008) details her experience of living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has been published internationally in 14 countries. She is also a prolific opinion journalist and contributor to the American, British, Australian, Pakistani and Israeli media. Dr.Ahmad has been recognized for her work as a physician, researcher, journalist and advocate. She lives and works in New York City.* Ateret Shmuel Ateret Shmuel lives with her two children in Jerusalem and is the founder of the not-for profit organization Indigenous Bridges and has worked with Kurdish communities and organizations in the Middle East for more than 20 years. https://www.indigenousbridges.com/* Jan Ilhan KizilhanDr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan is a psychologist, psychotherapist, trauma expert, orientalist, author and publisher. He is also the Director of the Institute for Health Science the State University in Baden-Württemberg, Germany and the chief psychologist of the Special-Quota Project, a programme funded by the State Government of Baden Württemberg. The project brought 1,100 women and children who were in IS captivity to Germany for medical treatment. He is the Founding Dean of the Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok/Northern Iraq.* Ahmad SharawiAhmad Sharawi is a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, focusing on Middle East affairs, specifically the Levant, Iraq, and Iranian intervention in Arab affairs, as well as U.S. foreign policy toward the region. Previously, Sharawi worked at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he focused mainly on Hezbollah. He created a map visualizing the border clashes on the Israeli-Lebanese frontier and authored articles on Jordan and Morocco. Ahmad previously worked at the International Finance Corporation and S&P Global. He holds a B.A. in international relations from King's College London and an M.A. from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.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.comWe were fortunate to speak yesterday with Lt. Col. (Res.), senior fellow at FDD and regular on State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, Jonathan Conricus- who is catching his breath between speaking tours and consulting abroad. On Monday afternoon, moments after the news came that the remains of Ran Gvili had been identified in the Gaza Strip and were being return…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stateoftelaviv.comAmbassador Michael Oren brings decades of deep experience as an historian, diplomat, and politician to bear on this critical moment in Mid-East volatility. Asked at the outset of our discussion what's at stake, he did not hesitate for a second. “Everything.” We discuss the always wobbly status quo in the region and the sweeping change that has gone down…

Last Thursday Negar Mojtahedi of Iran International spoke with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond about the horrific testimonies seeping through the digital and telephone blackout in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, we bring you a special report on Mojtahedi's interview with one man who had been visiting family in Iran when the uprising began. He managed to leave last week. Mojtahedi's interview with him - which we show here - is a rare first-hand account of the horror unfolding in Iran. We thought it more important to share this footage as quickly as possible, which is why there are no English subtitles. (AI cannot handle heavily accented English - yet.) The gentleman interviewed speaks English well….you will just have to focus and listen, carefully. This interview is the most detailed, lengthy and compelling testimony that I have come across since this crisis began. Extraordinary work by Negar Mojtahedi and Iran International. After the interview, we provide some brief commentary and context for the current state of affairs: Will the U.S. intervene? Please check the time stamps below if you wish to skip ahead. This episode is available to all subscribers. Tomorrow we bring you a special in-depth interview with Ambassador Michael Oren, where we dive into the history and present positions of key middle eastern countries and how they are posturing as this crisis intensifies. That podcast will be available for premium, subscribers only. (A short preview will be available to all.)Introduction: 00:00-2:49Interview with man in Tehran: 2:50-24:12Context and conclusion: 24:13-29:15Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState 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

As I write this short note, we are waiting for President Trump to begin a live press conference any minute. It is 10:20 pm in Israel and you can feel it in the air. Bristling tension. Airlines have cancelled flights to and from Israel and there is a pace of information flowing that is beyond frenetic. Whatever happens - or doesn't - the conversation I had earlier today with Negar Mojtahedi- will be as relevant tomorrow as it is at the moment, no matter what transpires.Mojtahedi is a Canadian journalist of Iranian descent who is fluent in Farsi. Based in Vancouver, Canada, she is a journalist with Iran International, the premiere media voice for the Iranian diaspora and opposition to the Islamic Republic regime.In this podcast we discuss the brutal slaughter that has been unleashed on the Iranian people since December 28 by Iranian police and others. This podcast is direct and nothing is sugar coated. Mojtahedi is in constant contact with experts globally as well as sources within Iran. Her plea - which you will hear - reflects desperate concern.The U.S. must do something. Now. Before it's too late.We discuss the brutality of the Basij and other police - opening fire with military grade weapons on masses of unarmed civilians. This is a quick update and includes very informative clips that you may have missed. The Basij police - a force of at least 2 million of a population of 90-million - are singled out for particular attention, as they have been in Israel as well. This low-level militia force is likely doing much of the killing - and Iranians have begun to dox them with red paint and threats on their homes. Tune in for this and more.Follow Negar on X @NegarMojtahedi / Instagram @negarmojtahedi 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.comOur first episode of Season 4 (FOUR!!!) kicks off with a tour de force featuring State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular contributor , Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus. We spoke longer than usual because there is so much going on, and we just went with a relaxed New Year's Day vibe. This episode is divided into three sections: Part 1 deals with the entren…

From all of us at State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, to you and your loved ones, best wishes for a Happy New Year! This short video message is my first foray into actually using AI……give it a look. Short. Kinda cute. And meaningful. All packed into two-ish minutes. For those of you who haven't yet signed up as premium subscribers….we have extended the special subscription deal one day. Ends January 1, 2026.

It's that time of year, when we reflect on what has gone down for the last 12 months and dare to look at ahead at what may be in store. State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular commentator, Ya'akov Katz, joins me to attempt the impossible; try to understand what had happened in Israel and what may be coming at us. We focus on the big picture; in particular, why Israelis are so divided and what may address these rifts going forward. A crisis of trust and values afflicts this country. But the difference with Israel from most other countries is that we exist on a knife edge. In a flash, on October 7, 2023, we went from being a strong, regional power to a nation attacked by a terrorist group that had become a well-oiled, armed, and disciplined military force. Since then Israel has regained its military footing, somewhat, but is a country more deeply divided than ever. And the vested political interests seem to be determined to keep it that way. We discuss some of the more spectacular political scandals and the increasingly illiberal conduct by members of the coalition government. This is an election year in Israel. Ya'akov and I agree that the future of Israel will turn on the outcome of this election….that is….if it even happens.Reminder: Until midnight on December 31 (EST), our subscription special offer of $45 for one year is in place. On January 1, subscription rates go up and most of our content will be available to premium subscribers only. Please consider supporting our work. State of Tel Aviv is an independent enterprise. We depend on subscriber support to operate.Happy new year to all.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes* Podcast on State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, discussing issues raised in this discussion with Ya'akov Katz.* Column by Ya'akov Katz published in Jerusalem Post, Friday, December 26, 2025.Blurred loyalties in PMO are a danger Israel cannot ignoreAfter watching the three-part interview with Eli Feldstein, one of the central figures in the leak of classified intelligence documents to BILD and the broader Qatargate affair, a few things become clear.First, Feldstein is a deeply problematic character. Second, these interviews were clearly intended to rehabilitate his image ahead of a looming court case. And third, his central argument is simple: he portrays himself as a pawn, knowingly or unknowingly manipulated by more powerful figures operating in the prime minister's inner circle - including Prime Minister's Office adviser Jonathan Urich, former Likud campaign strategist Srulik Einhorn, and ultimately allegedly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself.Some of what Feldstein says is hard to swallow. His attempt to cast himself as a passive bystander in one of the most serious national security scandals in years is not easy to believe. And yet, it is equally impossible to simply dismiss everything he says out of hand. That tension alone should set off alarm bells.Because when allegations are this severe, and when they touch the very nerve center of Israeli decision-making, silence is not an option. Shrugging it off as spin by a defendant trying to save himself is simply reckless.This leads to one unavoidable conclusion: Israel must conduct a serious, deep, and independent investigation into what happened here. Not only into the leaks themselves, but into how three people operating at the heart of the Prime Minister's Office ended up working - whether knowingly or not - in the service of Qatar.This is not a marginal scandal. It hits at the core of our national security and the public's trust in its government. If foreign interests penetrated the PMO, even indirectly, the implications are staggering. And if they did not, then the public deserves to know that as well. Either way, the truth must be reached.There is also a broader lesson that cannot be ignored. Israel urgently needs clear rules and hard red lines. An adviser to the prime minister cannot be allowed to simultaneously serve other clients. The notion that someone can advise Israel's most powerful decision-maker while also consulting for foreign governments, multinational corporations, or even tech companies is dangerous.This principle must apply to the current prime minister and to anyone else who aspires to the job. Public service at this level cannot coexist with private interests. National security does not allow for blurred lines.Without accountability, there can be no leadershipAccountability is famously a word in English that does not have a direct translation into Hebrew. There are phrases that attempt to approximate it, but none that fully capture its meaning – an obligation to accept responsibility, to answer for decisions that are made, and to face their consequences.That absence of the word is not merely linguistic. It reflects something deeper about Israeli political culture and what has become a constant in the country: Try to avoid responsibility, deflect blame, and do everything to remain in power.That deficiency helps explain more than the current debate over a commission of inquiry. It also explains something no less disturbing: how, despite the scale of the failures of October 7 and the war that followed, Israeli politics are almost exactly the same as they were before.The same figures are once again vying for power ahead of the elections that will be held in the second half of 2026. The same names are in the polls, from the politicians currently in the Knesset to those who were there just a couple of years ago.It would have been natural to think that, in the aftermath of the greatest disaster in our national history, new leadership would have already emerged. Someone – or even multiple people – would be electrifying the country, showing that things can be done differently and that there are alternatives to the current cadre leading us now or vying to lead us in the future.But there aren't, and this is striking. Israel is a country known for its innovation, creativity, and courage. It produces world-class entrepreneurs, military commanders, scientists, and civil-society leaders. Yet when it comes to politics, the system seems stuck.Even the party that claims to represent the reservists who fought in Gaza and Lebanon over the last two years – a movement that should carry one of the most morally compelling voices today – is being led by a former failed politician. Not a new figure, but by someone from the same old political class.The reason this is the case, I believe, is because systems that avoid accountability also suppress renewal. When failure carries no real consequences and leaders do not step aside, those watching from the outside are taught a clear lesson: Politics is not a path to service, but rather a place where staying on the wheel and in the game come first. It is less about what you do and more about how long you can be there.It is through this lens that the Knesset vote on Wednesday must be understood. The legislation advanced this week, aimed at giving the government the ability to establish a commission of inquiry and appoint its members, stands in stark contrast to a state commission of inquiry – Israel's highest investigative authority – whose composition is determined independently by the judiciary.Both options are flawed and will be rejected by about half of the people. If the state commission is appointed, the half that does not trust the Supreme Court will not believe a word that the commission writes. If the government-appointed committee moves ahead, the same will happen, just from the other side. Either way, to some extent, Israel is stuck – there is no perfect option.But beyond the numbers of who supports what, something even more basic is at stake and should be the determining factor.Anyone detained by the police does not get to choose the detectives handling the case. When citizens appear before a zoning or planning commission, they do not get to select the panel that will hear their appeal. When people go to court, they do not get to decide who the judges will be.In every functioning system, this principle is non-negotiable. The moment a suspect chooses the investigator, the investigation ceases to be credible.Yet in this case, we are being told that the same ministers who failed in the years leading up to October 7 – and on October 7 itself – should determine who will investigate those failures. In what world does this make sense? And in what reality does this lead to accountability? It doesn't. With such a commission, there is only one result – evading responsibility.Israelis deserve to know what went wrong before and on October 7. Not for political gain, and not for revenge, but to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again. Accountability is not about settling scores. It is about learning, correcting, and preventing.And we already have a clear indication of how a politically appointed commission would function.All one had to do was listen to the first meeting of the committee tasked with appointing it. Instead of focusing on decisions taken in the years leading up to the war, the discussion immediately drifted backwards – to the Oslo Accords, to the disengagement from Gaza. Other MKs spoke of the need to investigate the judiciary and the attorney general.Was there any serious discussion of the policy of containment crafted by the prime minister and adopted by successive governments? Any real reckoning with the Qatari cash transferred to Gaza with the approval of all prime ministers over the last seven years? Any willingness to examine decisions made at the highest political level within this government?Of course not.And that brings us back to the absence of renewal. When accountability is avoided, truth is delayed. When truth is delayed, leaders cling to power. And when leaders never step aside, new leadership cannot emerge.The choice facing Israel, therefore, is not just technical and about what model of inquiry we should adopt. It is between two different approaches to power.One seeks to uncover the truth, however uncomfortable it may be, with the purpose of rebuilding. The other is designed to protect those in power from the consequences of their own decisions.After October 7, Israel does not need another round of blame or the re-litigation of historical events with, at best, tangential relevance to October 7. The country needs a reckoning rooted in independence and integrity. It needs accountability – precisely the one thing that cannot be obtained by those who fear it most.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.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

Another day, another attack. This urgent podcast was pulled together today, to draw attention to the parallels between the extreme antisemitism that flourishes in Australia and Canada - with a focus, of course, on the recent Bondi Beach massacre in Sydney. The similarities between the tolerance for Islamist and left-wing Jew hatred in Australia and Canada - by law enforcement and political leadership - are longstanding, horrifying and very, very real. In both countries, if Jews voice about the surge in open antisemitism, they are treated with contempt. Told that they are being “Islamophobic.” Well. After two years of official indulgence of extreme Islamism in both countries it seems that the threats to Globalize the Intifada are being realized.Diversity is actually not our strength, as it turns out.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState 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

Joining State of Tel Aviv and Beyond today is Professor Suzie Navot, one of Israel's foremost constitutional law experts currently serving as Vice President of the Israel Democracy Institute.For six years now Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been on trial for multiple corruption charges. He does not hide his contempt for the judicial system which he considers to be rotten to the core. A consistent theme of his leadership for the last decade has been to relentlessly attack the judiciary and law enforcement institutions for being an elitist, self-serving clique that is also left leaning and determined to sabotage the policies of his successive government coalitions. Most recently, Netanyahu has enlisted the support of U.S. President Trump to publicly pressure President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon; to make the charges and the trial just go away. Two months ago, in signature Trump larger-than-life theatrics, the American president implored his Israeli counterpart to just give Bibi a pardon already. Raucous applause filled the Knesset hall - where Trump was speaking - but the din has since died down. Pardoning Netanyahu is no simple matter - legally, politically or in terms of social mores. But Netanyahu is not relenting. In the last two weeks, Bibi and his lawyer sent written documents to President Herzog setting out what they state is the legal rationale for granting a pardon. Interestingly, they present Netanyahu as the man who is needed to heal the country and manage the security and diplomatic challenges free from distractions - like the trial. But, as Prof. Navot notes - Benjamin Netanyahu is charged personally with corruption-related offenses. He is not the state. And he is not above the law. With clarity and precision, Prof. Navot explains why the Netanyahu pardon request does not meet Israeli legal requirements and this request places President Herzog in a very difficult spot.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesProfessor Suzie Navot is a Professor of Constitutional Law. She holds an LL. B degree from Tel-Aviv University, an MA in Public Policy from Tel-Aviv University and a LL.D from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her doctoral thesis studied the parliamentary immunity of the Knesset members.Prof. Navot's areas of research include constitutional law, law of institutions, parliamentary law and comparative constitutional law.Prior to her appointment to IDI. she served on the faculty of the Striks Faculty of Law, College of Management. For over ten years, she served as a visiting Professor at the National Security College, and from 2009 until 2015, as a visiting Professor at the University of Paris (Sorbonne).Navot has served as the Chairperson of the Israeli Association of Public Law (2014-2017), currently serves on the executive council of the Israeli Association of Legislation and is a member of the Executive Council of the International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL).She is active in a wide range of public activities. A small selection of these activities includes her service on public commissions dealing with such issues as an Ethics Code for the Israeli Parliament, the Presidential volunteers' award; the preparation of a new law on election propaganda (appointed by the Israeli President and the Chair of the Central Elections Committee), and was appointed by the Prime Minster to the board of directors for the Civil Service education program. Since 2021, Prof. Navot serves as a member of the commission tasked with preparing a draft of the Basic Law: The Legislature, presided by the Minister of Justice.Navot has published widely in several languages. She has prepared written opinions for Knesset committees and for the President of Israel on constitutional questions. She received a special award from the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, the prestigious Zeltner prize for a special contribution to Israeli society in the field of law, and the “Ometz” award for a special contribution to the battle against corruption.In recognition of her extraordinary teaching skills, Navot was the recipient of the teaching excellence nomination, for almost 30 consecutive years, and the Inspiring Lecturer award, by the National Students Union.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 Wednesday, November 5, IDF reservist Jonathan Karten planned to speak with a small group of Jewish students from Toronto Metropolitan University about the reality of the war in Gaza. Within moments of his arrival at the secret location for this meeting, he was attacked violently and injured. The students were terrified, taking cover under tables. What began as a small group of masked “protesters” yelling anti-Israel and antisemitic threats grew to dozens. In the first episode of this two-part series, we dive into the detail of what happened and how Toronto police handled the crisis. One week after the confrontation, STLV sat down with Jonathan Karten in Tel Aviv to discuss what went down that day. But we also place the antisemitic violence - that has become normalized in Toronto in the last two years - into a broader context. Home to the fourth largest Jewish community in the world - after Israel, the U.S. and France - Canada's 360,000 Jews are often overlooked. No longer. Toronto has established itself as an Islamist's paradise. Police have taken to telling Jews that their mere presence is a “provocation,” The Police Chief, Myron Demkiw, says he is just trying to “keep the peace.” His tactics are highly questionable. In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Karten and his friend who attended the November 5 event with him. We rely extensively in this documentary report upon video footage taken that day, much of which went viral globally.In Part II, coming later this week, we get into arrests made in this case, and the very laissez fair approach of law enforcement in Toronto to what has become chronic incitement of hatred and violence targeting Jews in the city.This episode has been generously sponsored by Andrea Marcus, a Toronto resident and artist who shares our profound concern over what has become of the once vibrant city, known for tolerance and family-friendly living.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivWatch on YoutubeState 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

PM Benjamin Netanyahu is keeping up the pressure, sending a letter a few days ago to President Herzog, requesting a pardon for the crimes he's been charged with and facing a trial. At this critical time, he wrote to Herzog, it is essential that he be free to focus all his time on managing the country in a state of never-ending crisis. Surprisingly (to me), STLV regular guest sees merit in granting Netanyahu a pardon and he explains why. This issue is so complex, and we will be speaking with people in the coming weeks about how this should be handled.But first, we dig into the announcement this morning from the Prime Minister's Office of his new pick for the head of Mossad, Israel's storied spy agency. Current chief, David Barnea, ends his term in June, 2026 and Netanyahu has decided to replace him with a career army man who had has very little exposure to the business of Mossad. Since the announcement this morning, the pundit class has been less than enthusiastic about Bibi's pick, if only because he lacks experience in spycraft and so much is at stake. Mossad is a much larger and more complex organization than it was even five years ago. Following a string of successes under Barnea's leadership, the decision to snub internal promotions (favored by Barnea) will likely not be well-received in the ranks. Ya'akov is of the view that there is a less than noble reason for Netanyahu to bring someone in from outside the agency. The machinations never stop…Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel's military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel's weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world's most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel's military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.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. 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, our regular podcast guest and military/political expert - to help us untangle the the latest knots. Almost two months after the ceasefire brokered by America between Israel and Hamas was finalized, some key issues are “stuck”, as Ya'akov puts it. The terror organization continues to hold power in about 50% of the Strip and has stated repeatedly that it will neither lay down arms nor relinquish control. These are two primary terms of the 20-point Trump Peace Plan. They still hold the bodies of two hostages murdered on October 7, in spite of another threshold term: that all hostages - living and dead - be returned. These conditions must be satisfied before the more ambitious aspects of the plan are undertaken in any serious way; like rebuilding the enclave and restoring a semblance of normal life to the 2.1-million Palestinians living there. Ya'akov and I get into why things are bogged down and if and how new momentum will set in.And, we discuss the open tension between Israel's Minister of Defense, Yisrael Katz, and the IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir. Katz is interfering with all manner of decisions that Zamir believes are within his purview, solely, as Chief of Staff. At a certain point, a meddlesome minister risks politicizing the IDF and alienating its leadership. Israel is in a never-ending crisis and a significant part of that stems from the lack of readiness on the part of both the government and the IDF on October 7. Restoring confidence in the ranks requires a Chief of Staff who is respected by the political echelon. We discuss how, where and why Minister Katz is overstepping - in the view of the IDF Chief - and how critical it is that this tension be resolved. ASAP.Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends. Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel's military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel's weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world's most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel's military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.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.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.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. 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

Just when it seemed that we might enjoy a lull with the ceasefire, a fresh scandal overtakes the public sphere in Israel. This one is a homegrown domestic mess but it could lead to far reaching, international consequences. In July, 2024, allegations of prisoner abuse at Sde Teiman prison in southern Israel began to surface. This is the prison where detainees captured in the Gaza Strip were held. Then a video - purporting to show physical abuse by IDF soldiers in the prison - was released. The video, in fact, is very grainy and does not show what has been suggested. Nevertheless, when it was leaked an international uproar ensued. Several IDF soldiers were indicted on serious criminal charges but it is unclear exactly what they pertain to.The indictments of IDF reservists sparked serious riots in Israel, when civilians broke into two IDF bases. A series of probes within the legal system were conducted, and we didn't hear much more - until Wednesday, October 29. On that day, the top lawyer in the IDF - Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi - was put on leave. Two days later she resigned and admitted, in writing, that she had leaked the video. So now we have a leak and cover up at the highest levels. During the last week there has been high drama in this case. Yerushalmi disappeared for a few hours - causing major alarm. Her phone disappeared and was found five days later in the sea. Incredibly, it still worked. She was held in custody for five days and then released to house arrest. Tonight she is in hospital following an overdose and what appears to be a suicide attempt. Everything about this case is sensational and horrible; the personal suffering and indignity and the profound implications for the justice system in Israel. We discuss it all with former IDF MAG lawyer, Ben Wahlhous, who now works as an attorney in private practice in Israel. Wahlhous explains the role of the unit and what is concerning about this case. He also puts it into perspective - making clear that this case demonstrates how strong and ethical the Israeli justice system remains.Because the facts of this case are so - complicated - and important to understand….and there is so much going on, I have divided this podcast into four parts:Part 1 - Introduction and The Facts 00:00 - 14:25Part 2 - Interview with Ben Wahlhous, attorney and former lawyer in IDF legal unit - MAG 14:26 - 41:39Part 3 - Update on the Facts Current to the evening of Sunday, November 9 41:40-44:28Part 4 - A Little Levity - An iPhone Experiment Conducted on a Top Political Analysis Show 44:29 - endShow your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesBen Wahlhaus served for many years as an officer in the IDF's International Law Department. He has been a member of Israel's defense team at The Hague against South Africa's allegations of genocide, advised on Israel's peace treaties and agreements, and appeared in international media explaining the IDF's commitment to international law. Today Ben serves in the International Law Department as a reserve duty officer, and works in private practice.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 in Israel following a two-week book promotion tour in the U.S. See the information below. It is a beautifully written, incisive analysis of what went wrong on October 6 and 7. A page turner.It was great to have him on the podcast to take a close look at what is going on in the Gaza Strip - and what is not happening. It is almost one month since the Trump Peace Plan was signed and hope was high. Less so in Israel, perhaps, where so many weak spots were apparent. But it was something. And the first phase ensured that all living hostages would be released within days of signing. That alone was so important to the majority of Israelis. Incredibly, they did come out on Monday, October 13, after two years in captivity. A miracle that many thought would never come to pass. But then the chicanery began. Hamas has been dragging out the return of bodies of the hostages murdered in captivity. Why? Each day buys them time; to re-arm and regroup. And that is exactly what they are doing. Hamas controls approximately 50% of the Gaza Strip now and has no intention of relinquishing power or surrendering arms. They never did. They are brutalizing the people under their control and also conducting ambushes of IDF soldiers in the area that is controlled by Israel. The situation is volatile and operations are somewhat stalled. Just who will disarm Hamas remains unclear. And this is what Ya'akov Katz and I discuss today. Whereto from here?Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel's military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel's weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world's most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel's military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.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.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

After two years of shock and awe in Israel the pace really isn't letting up. If anything, it is intensifying. The last few days are typical. Over the weekend, most of the 20 hostages who returned alive, miraculously, from Hamas captivity on October 13, were released from hospital. The remains of those who were murdered in captivity are being returned by Hamas, in “dribs and drabs”, as President Trump would say. Just as Israelis begin to mentally adjust to the possibility of peace with Hamas…..things began to fall apart. Enter Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Vice President J.D. Vance, who popped into Israel this week for whirlwind visits. As VP Vance departed today, Secretary Rubio arrived. Yesterday, Jonathan Conricus and I discussed the constantly shifting parameters for what passes as reality in this part of the world. And we get into whether the heavy American presence is intended to keep PM Netanyahu and his extreme right coalition government “in line”, or just a friendly series of drop-ins. And I couldn't resist slipping in a brief look at Canadian PM Mark Carney - who continues to make it his business to remind Israel at every opportunity that Canada is many things under his leadership but is no friend of Israel.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesJonathan 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.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 October 7, 2023, exactly two years ago, an unimaginable horror overtook southern Israel. We all recall when we found out. The shock. Disbelief. Which only intensified with time.And the unanswered questions. So. Many questions.It seemed appropriate to publish this podcast today. In this episode, Ya'akov Katz, a regular guest on State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, discusses a book he has co-authored with Amir Bohbot; an expose that looks at the damning evidence and records of what happened. And what, tragically, did not. Where was the army? Air Force? What took so long for help to arrive as Hamas was slaughtering its way through southern Israel, unimpeded? Why? How?Amir and Ya'akov had been working on a different book when October 7 happened, and they quickly pivoted. Both have extensive backgrounds in military affairs and related fields which they bring to bear in this daunting project. The book is superb. Truly - a page turner. Published on September 2, it has already made one or two bestseller lists in the U.S. Most importantly, it begins a long-awaited examination of facts. Some of which are discussed publicly here for the first time. In this episode, Ya'akov discusses the failure of every critical security, intelligence, and political institution to interpret the information available to prevent one of the greatest disasters in Jewish history.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel's military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel's weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world's most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel's military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.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.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

Since President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the groundbreaking Peace Proposal for the Israel-Hamas war and, more broadly, the Middle East, speculation as to what it all means is rampant.I caught up with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular guest, Lt. Col. (Res.) and Senior FDD Fellow, Jonathan Conricus, to take a hard look at what the 21 (now 20) point plan sets out. Bibi was beaming at the White House when it was announced but it's not all roses for Israel. Even before the announcement, Netanyahu was basically forced to swallow a clump of thorns. His phone call to the Emir of Qatar - during which he read from a prepared script and apologized for having approved an air attack on senior Hamas operatives meeting in Doha on September 9 to discuss a hostage deal - was just the first of many challenges to be faced. We wrote about that moment last week - which caused many politicians to rip into Bibi.But he did it. And Trump seems to have managed the inconceivable, getting Qatar and all significant middle eastern Arab nations to step up and publicly support the plan. It's an extraordinary accomplishment, made possible only because middle eastern nations respect Trump. And that is because they fear him. For more on that read this piece that we dropped last week.Conricus and I go straight to it, getting into what it means for the hostages, Hamas and Israel. Who will secure the Strip and who will govern? Is de-militarization of Gaza realistic? Will Hamas accept the terms of expulsion from the Gaza Strip? How will Israel handle the first big challenge, which is expected to arise when negotiations begin in earnest on Monday in Sharm el Sheikh? It will almost certainly be about the hostages and their immediate release, a condition precedent on which neither Trump nor Bibi are likely to budge.I wanted to get this out today so that you have the benefit of digesting this discussion before negotiations gather momentum tomorrow.Oh. And the other major challenge? Qatar. As a state sponsor of terror and Hamas' main benefactor, Qatar holds a lot of sway in these negotiations; and that may not bode well. We break it all down in under an hour.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:Map published on social media by President Trump and referred to in the podcast by Jonathan Conricus: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.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'm editing and finalizing this podcast in an airport. So please excuse any small glitches or errors today. I thought it important to get this podcast out asap.)Most people may have heard of Charlie Kirk in passing before he was assassinated on September 10, but if you are not “Gen Z” you likely didn't know much about him. I certainly didn't - until a few months ago when he hosted a debate at one of his Turning Point conferences. The discussion focused on whether America should support Israel and featured Josh Hammer - our STLV guest today - and Dave Smith, a “comedian” turned geopolitical expert. You can find the link to that podcast below, in the notes. It's worhh to watching.Josh had a long conversation with Charlie and a few others on the night before his murder. They discussed a range of issues relating to Israel, antisemitism and Jews. Charlie was preparing. He told Josh that 50% - FIFTY PERCENT - of the questions he dealt with these days were about - Jews. That is astonishing.Turning Point is an advocacy organization founded by Kirk which over the years has become one of the most influential political groups in America and, possibly, beyond. Not until his death did the extraordinary reach of this young man become apparent to - the masses. He had certainly made a name for himself among young Americans, touring relentlessly to speak and engage on critical issues: social, foreign, and economic policy. He angered many and affirmed others. He opened and probably closed minds. Charlie was tenacious, hardworking, sincere, and head strong. He was unwavering in his beliefs. All of them. Recently, he had also come under attack by more than the usual detractors. Very big names in the podcast world - with millions of followers - turned on Kirk. They accused him of being a stooge for Israel. Some said he was rethinking his support for Israel and Jewish people and more than suggest that this angered the “wrong people.” Blame the Jews. Since his brutal death they've doubled down. It's beyond ghoulish.I was shaken and shocked when I heard about Kirk's murder. A young man. Earnest. Engaged. A husband and father. Gunned down while speaking to a group of students, as his wife and children watched. That our society has become so hateful, so dumb, so violent, should make us all stop. Think. And then think again. No bad pun intended but Kirk's assassination may well mark a turning point for America and western civilization. This epic war being waged on the foundational values of western liberal democracy is real. Dangerous. And could well destroy our way of life if we do not wake up. That was Charlie's message as well. I share some - but not all - of his views. But that's irrelevant. This isn't about me. What kind of world do we want to live in?Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivJosh Hammer is the author of the new book, Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. He is the senior editor-at-large of Newsweek, a syndicated columnist, and a fellow with the Edmund Burke Foundation and the Palm Beach Freedom Institute. He also hosts The Josh Hammer Show, a Newsweek podcast and syndicated radio show. A frequent pundit and essayist on political, legal, and cultural issues, Josh is a constitutional attorney by training and additionally serves as senior counsel for the Article III Project.Josh has been published by the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, The Telegraph, the Daily Mail, U.S. News & World Report, National Review, First Things, National Affairs, American Affairs, the Claremont Review of Books, The New Criterion, City Journal, Public Discourse, Tablet Magazine, Deseret Magazine, The Spectator, Fortune, Fox Business, The Times of Israel, The Forward, and the Jewish Journal. His legal scholarship has been published by the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy and the University of St. Thomas Law Journal. Josh is a college campus speaker through Young America's Foundation and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and a law school campus speaker through the Federalist Society.Josh graduated from Duke University, where he majored in economics, and from the University of Chicago Law School. He lives in Florida with his wife and daughter, and he also remains an active member of the State Bar of Texas.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 special podcast that I've been working on since June. I first heard about Matan Yaffe from a friend in April. He was founding a new political party and the platform was generating real excitement. The founders - including Matan - were all over Israel constantly hosting evening information sessions. Very grassroots and spreading like wildfire. So I reached out to Matan and we had several long chats, some recorded, some not. He is at the forefront of what could be a seismic political change in Israel in the near future.The result of our discussions is this longer podcast; a two part interview with Matan who - along with several colleagues - has founded El HaDegel. It translates in English as “To the Flag.” They are a movement and political party that will run in the next elections.El HaDegel's core principle is a concept that was central to the vision of David Ben Gurion and the founding mothers and fathers: mamlachti'ut. And that roughly translates to putting the state first. Service. Leave no one behind. No “special deals.” Israeli society is being torn apart from the inside, never mind our external enemies. Three years of domestic conflict, including two years of war, have drained the count of resources - physical and psychological. And Matan Yaffe and his colleagues believe they understand why and propose a solution. They advocate a reformed Israel in which all citizens work and serve the state - whether through the military or in a civilian context. No exceptions. And that is the platform on which they are running - and polling strongly. There are now two parties - El HaDegel and Miluimnikim (which translates as “reservists”) which have been founded recently by IDF reserve soldiers who believe that the state is long overdue for a constitutional rebuild. If not, many worry, it will face a multi-faceted existential crisis. Matan and his colleagues are energetic, smart, accomplished and determined. We get into all the tough issues in this two part podcast, and I know you will learn much from our discussion. I certainly did.My brief introduction to this podcast is audio only but for those who prefer to watch on YouTube the main podcast is full audio visual. It's been little challenging lately - I've been traveling a lot - and finding a place with the right light, etc, is not as easy as you would think. Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Podcast NotesMatan Yaffe's social media links (predominantly in Hebrew):Matan Yafe on IG (post in English)Matan Yafe on XMatan Yafe on InstagramMatan Yafe on FacebookEl HaDegel social media links (in Hebrew):El Hadegel on XEl Hadegel on InstagramEl Hadegel on FacebookMatan Yaffe is an Israeli civic leader, reservist, and social entrepreneur dedicated to renewing Zionism for our time. A Major (Res.) in the IDF Commando Brigade with more than 370 reserve days since October 7, he has combined frontline service with groundbreaking civic initiatives from founding Desert Stars, which cultivates Bedouin leadership in the Negev, to co-founding the Shoresh Fund, which invests in ventures strengthening Israel's resilience. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, he also secured a landmark settlement that forced Harvard to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Today, as a founding leader of El HaDegel, Yaffe is helping shape a new Zionist movement born from the fire of October 7th: one country, one people, united by collective responsibility and equal service, determined to break the cycle of left-versus-right tribalism and rebuild Israel on the foundations of security, shared sacrifice, and moral clarity of our moral right to live as free people in the land of Israel. 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

Wild news from the Middle East today as Israel hit a building in Doha where senior Hamas leadership were gathered to reportedly discuss the latest American and Israeli proposal to end the war and bring the hostages home. We caught up with FDD Senior Fellow and State of Tel Aviv friend and regular, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus to discuss what we know, what we don't and what this might portend. Both Jonathan and I are on the road, so this episode has no visuals - other than at the very outset. It's an old-fashioned audio only podcast - we thought it important to skip the bells and whistles and get the information out to our listeners ASAP.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivJonathan 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.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

When I saw the viral clips from Piers Morgan's show - featuring State of Tel Aviv and Beyond friend and regular guest, FDD Senior Fellow, Jonathan Conricus debating Mehdi Hasan - I could not resist. Jonathan and I spoke Sunday morning about what went down during that raucous exchange, which is more than television theatrics. Conricus has emerged as one of the most powerful and articulate spokespeople globally addressing issues arising regarding the Israel-Hamas war as well as regional issues. He has deep experience in the military and a gift for explaining complex issues in a way that makes them accessible. And, unlike Mehdi, he never loses his cool. We spend most of our time today speaking about the IDF operation in Gaza City and Conricus explains why he believes that it is the correct course of action for Israel at this time, in spite of the fact that the operation imperils the lives of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. It's hard to keep up, I know. But it struck me that we are at a critical nodal point regarding Hamas, Gaza and the hostages and merited a quick rundown. Given what's going on - this discussion is a quickie.The issue of media handling of issues relating to Israel is a longstanding interest of mine, as you are likely aware. And the tenor of Piers Morgan's show is also important, in my view. Like him or hate him he has millions of viewers globally and has maintained a strong focus on the Israel-Hamas war. Which means we have no choice but to pay attention to what goes down on his show. You can watch the full episode of the Conricus-Hasan debate at the link provided in the notes. Also there is a link to a previous podcast episode with Conricus in which we speak about the pros and cons of participating on Piers Morgan Uncensored.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes* Podcast episode of STLV discussing how Piers Morgan treats the Israel-Hamas war and related issue* Episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored featuring Mehdi Hasan and Jonathan Conricus, below. The Conricus-Hasan debate begins at 14:37.* Jonathan Conricus - Brief bioJonathan 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.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

Tuesday, July 26 I embedded with the IDF to see the newly built humanitarian aid distribution center being built on the outskirts of Rafah, abutting the border with Egypt. As the Netanyahu government prepares for a major IDF operation on Gaza City in the coming weeks it also anticipates that humanitarian distress will soar. Civilians will be displaced from the Gaza City area to the humanitarian zone in Al Muwasi, near Rafah. IDF International Spokesman, Nadav Shoshani, travelled with a small group of western journalists to see the facility and explain how it will implement the lessons learned from the war to date. The center will be close to civilians, operate 24/7 and it will only take ten minutes to walk there and retrieve food aid quickly. That's the plan. We show you footage of the total devastation of the Rafah area - taken from the armed convoy in which we travelled. A short interview with Lt Col Shoshani is followed by a discussion with State of Tel Aviv regular and friend, Ya'akov Katz, about the political and military issues complicating the Gaza op.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivYaakov 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 @yaakovkatzState 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

Six Al Jazeera journalists have been killed in targeted strikes by Israel recently and much of the world is up in arms. On Thursday, television host Piers Morgan invited two journalists to discuss the issues and their very different takes. Jotam Confino is based in Israel and writes extensively for international media, primarily in Europe and the U.K. His commentary on this issue on social media and elsewhere has attracted significant attention and among those who took note is Piers Morgan. He invited Confino onto Uncensored last Thursday. Morgan hosts what is probably the most watched English language program dealing with current events. Confino is furious that these six journalists who worked for Al-Jazeera are being lionized as truth warriors, when they are nothing more than craven propaganda shills, in his view. Presenting a very different perspective is Jamal Elshayyal, a long-time Al-Jazeera newsman. Based on his defense of Al Jazeera editorial conduct as well as the work of his colleagues, Confino questions why he even considers himself a journalist. And Confino came to this standoff prepared. He studied the social media posts of many Al-Jazeera journalists. Elshayyal relies more upon eyerolls and dismissive expressions.Did Israel kill journalists? Or terrorist supporters paid to shill for Hamas?Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes:* Link to full episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, aired Wednesday, August 14.* Social media post with footage of Al-Jazeera journalist, Anas Al Sharif - given exclusive access to film hostage Agam Berger as she was being released into Red Cross custody. No one but Al-Jazeera and Hamas operatives have such close access to these sensitive Hamas-controlled operations. Does Anas Al Sharif work here as a journalist or as a propagandist? * Two choice social media posts of Jamal Elshayyal made on October 7.About our guestJotam Confino is a Middle East correspondent and author based in Israel. He has covered the region for a variety of international outlets, such as The Daily Telegraph, CBS News, BBC, USA Today, Daily Mail, and The Times Radio. He also works for Danish newspaper B.T., the biggest online paper in Denmark. He holds a BA in international studies and an MA in Security and Diplomacy.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

Andrew and I recorded the second part this morning and I was keen to get it out ASAP. We speak at length about his experience on the ground in Rafah last week at the food distribution site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. His professional eye and observations make clear that there is much to be commended and improved.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivAndrew Fox served in the British Army from 2005 to 2021, completing three tours in Afghanistan, including one attached to the US Army Special Forces. He served in the Parachute Regiment and the Special Forces Support Group, with additional tours in Bosnia, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland.After his active service, he spent three years as a senior lecturer in the War Studies and Behavioural Science departments at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Andrew specialises in Defence, the Middle East, and disinformation. He holds degrees in Law & Politics, Modern War Studies, and Psychology.His extensive experience has established him as a recognised authority in his field and he provides regular commentary on defence and foreign policy across the media including articles in the New York Post, the Telegraph and Spiked. He has amassed a large following across his digital platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Substack, where he writes on disinformation, defence and security as stories develop.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 the first of this two-part podcast focuses on the many twists and turns that have landed Israel in its current very difficult spot in the Gaza Strip. A veteran of multiple deployments with the U.K. military in wars and humanitarian crisis zones throughout the world, Fox brings depth, experience, knowledge and compassion to his analysis of the challenges faced by Israel in the Gaza Strip. He has seen a lot. And he says that he has never witnessed a more complex environment that what presents in the Gaza Strip.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes Andrew Fox served in the British Army from 2005 to 2021, completing three tours in Afghanistan, including one attached to the US Army Special Forces. He served in the Parachute Regiment and the Special Forces Support Group, with additional tours in Bosnia, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland.After his active service, he spent three years as a senior lecturer in the War Studies and Behavioural Science departments at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Andrew specialises in Defence, the Middle East, and disinformation. He holds degrees in Law & Politics, Modern War Studies, and Psychology.His extensive experience has established him as a recognised authority in his field and he provides regular commentary on defence and foreign policy across the media including articles in the New York Post, the Telegraph and Spiked. He has amassed a large following across his digital platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Substack, where he writes on disinformation, defence and security as stories develop.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 Saturday evening a five minute video of Hamas hostage Evyatar David, a 24-year-old music lover kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival, was released for publication by his family. A second video of hostage Rom Braslavski was released soon after. These young men have been starved for 22 months. Held in dark, filthy, airless tunnels. Tortured. Humiliated. We know much from hostages who had been held with them and were released in the last hostage deal in the winter. In the ensuing months their condition has deteriorated alarmingly and medical assessments give them a few weeks, days, perhaps hours, to live. State of Tel Aviv regular guest, Ya'akov Katz, joined me today on short notice to try to understand the impact of this harrowing footage on the Israeli population and the urgency - on so many levels - for the war to end and the hostages brought home. Since we recorded this afternoon, we have learned that the Cabinet is, incomprehensibly, nearing a decision to ramp up the war on Gaza and occupy much of the Strip. At this point nothing is confirmed, the hostages are dying and the moral fiber and cohesiveness of Israel is being put to an extreme test. Our conversation today is tough but important. And I wanted those not living here to understand how tormented most Israelis are. Not just by the hostages plight but also by the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState 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 Yaakov Katz 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 the third podcast this week focusing on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We will be dropping a fourth tomorrow - and interview with the amazing Andrew Fox. And then might catch our breath for a day or two. But as a senior Israeli foreign affairs official commented tonight during a television interview, Israel is dealing with a “diplomatic tsunami.” He has never seen anything like it. In decades. And the reason for this surge in international pressure? The humanitarian crisis in Gaza.There's no question that Israel has managed this crisis disastrously. But what Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib‒a native son of Gaza‒understands is that Hamas bears primary responsibility for this disaster. The terror group ruling the Strip has long used food as a control method over the population. And Hamas does not care. At all. About the welfare of its people. If it did they would have negotiated a ceasefire by now. Hamas cares about one thing. Staying in power. And to do that, they must keep the hostages captive… and control their own people mercilessly.Ahmed and I get into the complex reality on the ground that led to and perpetuates this crisis. There are no angels. But there are devils.Food, in the Gaza Strip, is power. And Hamas will fight to the bitter end to control access to food. No matter the toll it takes on Palestinian civilians.Another fascinating conversation with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib. It's complicated.Show your support for STL at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivState 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 I have included links and texts here to three of Alkhatib's recent posts on X that are brilliant. Read them. They are enlightening and he is a very clear-eyed analyst. If an Israeli wrote these they'd be dismissed. But from Alkhatib, they carry weight and credibility. I think they are remarkable.Guest bioAhmed 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.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