Podcast appearances and mentions of israel policy forum

CBS is canceling "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Parent company Paramount is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar merger with the studio Skydance. The deal needs approval from the Trump administration, and Colbert has been a harsh critic of the president. CNN's Brian Stelter joins us why CBS canceled the show. Then, historian Julian Zelizer says there was a time when voter unrest could move Congress. He recalls the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of the 1980s, which passed with bipartisan support. But when voters revolted, Congress repealed the law. And, President Trump has signaled frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he pushes for a regional cease-fire. Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum, tells us more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

300 Dead As War In MiddleEast Shifts To Syria, Israel Bombs Military Hqhttps://osazuwaakonedo.news/300-dead-as-war-in-middleeast-shifts-to-syria-israel-bombs-military-hq/17/07/2025/#Issues #AsSuwayda #Israel #Sweida #Syria ©July 17th, 2025 ®July 17, 2025 11:08 am Shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from the United States, US on Sunday where he had paid an official visit to the US President, Donald Trump, Lawmakers and other US Government officials, the misunderstanding between Bedouin and Druze tribes in the Sweida region of Syria that started last Friday took a new twist, evolving into a deadly conflicts after a Druze man was robbed at gunpoint on Friday by gunmen suspected to be natives of Bedouin tribe, this, Druze residents in Sweida shortly on Friday mobilized, went after the people of Bedouin, arrested and detained alot of natives from the Bedouin tribe, forcing the people of Bedouin to retaliate and the conflicts led to mass killings; unabated and on Tuesday, the Syria interim government soldiers entered Sweida reportedly to restore law and order, but, Israel based media reported that the Syria interim government soldiers mostly members of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, HTS assisted and joined the Bedouin militias to kill the people of Druze, and in a swift response, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel in a press statement on Tuesday, said, the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Minister of Defense, Israel Katz have authorized the Israel Defense Forces, IDF to attack Syria interim regime forces led by Syria interim President, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa who Israel Policy Forum in a publication published in December 2024, stated that the new Syria presents fresh challenges for Israel, stating that the Turkey backed Sunni jihadist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, HTS, was an al-Qaida's former Syrian branch, and its leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (Golani) (also known as Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa), who is the current interim President of Syria was a member of an early version of the Islamic State, saying, Jolani's chosen last name also foreshadows conflict over territory; that, his family hails from the Golan Heights, which Israel partly occupied after the 1973 War and annexed in 1981, although President al-Sharaa in nationwide broadcast on Thursday after ceasefire began around 9pm on Wednesday night said that the protection of Druze people is a top priority in his interim government but he's not afraid of Israel that bombed the Syria Military Headquarters and the military base near Syria Presidential Palace in Damascus on Wednesday that led to the death of five persons in addition to more than 300 people killed less than a week the new conflict ensued. #OsazuwaAkonedo

In the wake of the 12-day war against Iran and with the campaign in Gaza still ongoing, Israel's regional outlook is characterized by both deepening challenges and emerging opportunities. Israel Policy Forum and ROPES—The Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security—present a webinar on the state of Israel's regional integration featuring Ksenia Svetlova (Executive director, ROPES), Farah Bdour (Jordanian policy analyst), and Aziz Alghashian (Saudi policy analyst) in conversation with Rachel Brandenburg (Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow, Israel Policy Forum). Ksenia, Farah, Aziz, and Rachel unpack the wider regional environment and its implications for Israel, including the aftermath of the Israel-Iran war, the new government in Syria, the new status quo in Lebanon, the state of the Israeli-Palestinian arena, and more.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

This episode of Global Insights is part one of our special two-part series on the Israel-Iran conflict. What began as a diplomatic attempt to manage Iran's nuclear ambitions escalated sharply on June 12, when Israel launched targeted airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and military leaders—triggering open war between the two countries and drawing in the United States. Though a ceasefire is now in place, its stability remains uncertain. To unpack the strategic calculations behind Israel's actions and the evolving role of the United States, we speak with Dr. Michael Koplow, Chief Policy Officer at the Israel Policy Forum. What were Israel's goals? Has it accomplished them? And how might this conflict—and its potential resolution—reshape the security landscape in the Middle East? Listen to part two of this series later today, featuring Iranian journalist Tara Kangarlou on the civilian impact and public sentiment inside Iran.  Visit us at Network2020.org.  Music by Alex_Kizenkov from Pixabay. 

Israel’s military achievements in its war with Iran will mean little if they are not “anchored to a diplomatic agreement that will ensure that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons,” Shira Efron, research director of the Israel Policy Forum, said on the Haaretz Podcast. Without such a guarantee, she fears, the “fragile cease-fire” in place will not hold and there will be a regression into the “tit-for-tat war of attrition” that the Trump-imposed cease-fire managed to halt. Bringing the Iranians back to the negotiating table in good faith, however, she said, will be challenging. From their perspective, after they showed willingness to negotiate, Israel and the United States struck militarily. “What incentivizes them to trust the negotiation process again? How do you bring them to the negotiation table and make it clear to them that their situation without a nuclear weapon would be better than having a nuclear weapon? Because they can choose, theoretically, the path of North Korea and say ‘If we had a nuclear weapon, no one would have struck us, so getting one is what we should be doing.’ Our challenge is to make sure that this doesn't happen. And I think it's not going to come only from kinetic strikes. It also has to come from diplomacy.” The quick resolution to the Iran conflict highlighted the depth of the quagmire of the Gaza war, she noted. “The juxtaposition of Gaza and Iran couldn't be more pronounced. You see an adversary that Israel actually feared and prepared for. There were actual goals of war that were defined and articulated, and we knew when to leave on time. In Gaza, we have very unclear objectives of the war like ‘total victory’ and ‘complete elimination’ of Hamas.” Efron admitted that she had held out a “fantasy” scenario in which there had been a backroom deal that when Donald Trump committed to attacking Iran, he had conditioned it on Israel agreeing to end the Gaza conflict. However, she said, based on conversations with Israeli officials, “There are no indications that this condition was there. But there's no question that the president does want to end the war in Gaza. He wants to bring back the hostages.” Subscribe to Haaretz.com for up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Israel and the Middle East in English. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman is joined by Rebecca Guzman and Shanie Reichman, contributing authors to the book Young Zionist Voices, for a candid conversation about how the younger generations experiences Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity. What does it take to build understanding between generations, and how can we stay in relationship even when we don't see eye to eye? Don't miss this thoughtful episode that speaks directly to the challenges and possibilities of being young, Jewish, and politically engaged today.Want to hear more from Gen Z voices like Rebecca and Shanie? Get your copy of Young Zionist Voices now at z3project.org/books.About Our GuestsRebecca Guzman is a Straus Scholar and Tablet Fellow at Stern College for Women, where she is currently studying creative writing. Her work has appeared in Jewish Journal and The Jewish Press, and she has received recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English and The New York Times. She lives in New York City.Shanie Reichman is the director of strategic initiatives and director of IPF Atid at Israel Policy Forum, based in New York City, where she works to elevate the discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She serves as the founding chair for the Forum Dvorah U.S. committee, an NGO that champions women's participation in national security and foreign policy decision-making spheres in Israel. She is a Wexner Field Fellow, a Schusterman ROIer, and serves on the boards of Queens College Hillel and the Center for Ethnic, Racial and Religious Understanding. Her work has been published in the Forward, the Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Hey Alma, Jewish Unpacked, and International Policy Digest. She is a participating author in the book “Young Zionist Voices” and is pursuing her MA in Middle Eastern Studies at CUNY Graduate Center.Chapters(00:00)Introduction(04:15) Defining Zionism: Personal Perspectives(08:47) Zionism and Judaism: Intersections and Distinctions(13:50) Generational Perspectives on Zionism(22:55) The Future of Israel Education(30:35) Understanding Emotional Connections to Israel(32:51) The Complexity of Zionism and Education(35:13) Navigating Criticism and Support for Israel(37:00) The Disconnect Between Heritage and Current Events(38:31) The Reality of Israel vs. Idealism(40:52) Shared Values and Diverging Perspectives(43:21) Empathy and Understanding in the Jewish Community(45:26) Defining Boundaries in Conversations about Zionism(48:41) Strategic Engagement with Young American Jews(52:14) The Impact of Perceptions on Zionism(55:45) The Need for Open Conversations(01:00:26) Hope for the Future of Jewish Identity

Hamas' October 7, 2023, paradigm-shifting attack has prompted Israel to change its defense doctrine with devastating consequences for the Middle East. No longer satisfied with operating on the principle of deterrence, involving regular strikes against Hamas in Gaza and Lebanon, militant Palestinian groups in the West Bank, Yemen's Houthi rebels, Iranian targets in Syria and the Islamic Republic, and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, Israel's new defense doctrine focuses on militarily emasculating its opponents. The new doctrine, focused on kinetic rather than negotiated solutions, has driven Israeli military operations since the Hamas attack broke a psychological barrier by successfully breaching Israeli defences and invading Israeli territory. Hamas and other Palestinians killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the attack. Israel's subsequent decimation of Hamas and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite militia and political movement, with little regard for the cost to innocent human lives, offered proof of concept for a strategy that involves killing top leaders and destroying military infrastructure based on the Jewish state's military and intelligence superiority. In addition to the devastation of Gaza in a bid to destroy Hamas militarily and politically and the weakening of Hezbollah, Israel has destroyed much of the Syrian military arsenal and infrastructure since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Now, it is targeting Iran's military command, missile and launcher arsenal, and nuclear facilities. “The unexpected degree of success…reduced Israeli wariness about launching a similar campaign against Iran, despite expectations that a severe Iranian response might still be forthcoming,” said Michael Koplow, chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum. Alarmingly, Israel's newly conceived dominance-driven military assertiveness has fueled public anger and widespread anticipation of war across the Middle East.

This is a recording of an Israel Policy Forum webinar held on Wednesday, June 18, at 1pm ET.Days into its military campaign against Iran, Israel has racked up an impressive series of achievements: decimating Iran's top military echelon, setting back its nuclear program, taking out drones and rocket-launchers, and achieving freedom of operation in the skies above Tehran. Yet the war's impact on the Israeli homefront has been costly, with at least two dozen casualties and unprecedented levels of destruction in central Israel. Israel's endgame and Washington's appetite to assist in eliminating Iran's nuclear program remain unclear.Israel Policy Forum Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow Rachel Brandenburg hosts Raz Zimmt, director of the Iran program at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, and Kenneth Pollack, vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, to unpack the state of the war.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

Israel's strikes against Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, as well as its key military and security leadership, shocked the world. How did we arrive here? What did the Israeli strikes accomplish? What options does Iran have? How did the Iranian-U.S. nuclear talks fail to forestall this? Will the United States become a party to the conflict? What about the Russian and Iraqi dimensions? Nicole Grajewski of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Rachel Brandenburg of the Israel Policy Forum joined Ryan to answer these questions and more.  This episode was recorded the morning of June 17, and events are fast-moving, but this is still worth listening to in order to understand how we arrived here. 

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Fellow and Research Director Shira Efron. The trio discuss the launch of Israel's new offensive in Gaza, growing international pressure on Israel to end the war, concerns over the grim humanitarian situation inside the strip, what President Trump actually wants, and more.  This podcast was recorded before the terrorist attack at the Capital Jewish Museum. Read Israel Policy Forum's statement below: Israel Policy Forum mourns the senseless killing of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in the terrorist attack at the American Jewish Committee Young Diplomats reception in Washington, D.C. Our hearts go out to their families and to their Israeli Embassy colleagues, and their killer must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.This was an antisemitic terrorist attack targeting a Jewish event ostensibly carried out in the name of Palestinian solidarity, and there can be no space for this in the United States. Support for Palestinians confers no legitimacy to attack Jews, Israeli or otherwise, and the terrorist who gunned down two innocents last night has only damaged whatever cause he was allegedly trying to advance. Neither the October 7 attacks nor the war in Gaza provide any justification for political violence, and language used in anti-Israel protests that often glorifies such violence must stop. Jews in this country should not have to live in fear because of fighting taking place six thousand miles away, and we reject any attempted connection between these two arenas.We also reject the immediate rush to map terrorism on American shores to domestic Israeli partisan politics. The political point scoring already taking place, as if the terrorist was motivated by statements from politicians on either side of the spectrum rather than by events on the ground and his own twisted antisemitic hatred, is unseemly and must stop.Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims' families.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

Middle East Focus Presents: 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East,' a series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEI's Senior Fellow Brian Katulis. Ibrahim Dalalsha, founder and director of Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach, and Shira Efron, research director at the Israel Policy Forum, join host Brian Katulis to discuss policy developments in the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, and how Israelis and Palestinians can work together toward a peaceful resolution of conflict.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated in recent months and are at a low point after a series of assassinations and rocket strikes. Is it time for a larger military response? Those who urge Israel to strike argue Iran is an existential threat to their survival. Those who are against striking Iran in an unprecedented way say that there are high risks and better options. Now we debate: Should Israel Strike Iran?    Arguing Yes: Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East at the Hudson Institute    Arguing No: Shira Efron, Senior Director of Policy Research at the Israel Policy Forum    Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Nimrod Novik, Senior Policy Advisor to the late Prime Minister Shimon Peres, a Special Ambassador of the State of Israel and an Advisor to the Israeli National Security Council. Fellow, Israel Policy Forum

In this episode, Ehud Yaari, a longtime Middle East commentator for Israel's Channel 12 and an international fellow at the Washington Institute, joins Neri Zilber for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of play in the Gaza war, the prospects for a hostage deal, myths surrounding the day after, the chances for de-escalation with Hizballah in Lebanon, fears for stability on the West Bank, and much more.Join Israel Policy Forum for our virtual Summer Learning Series on key issues and concepts related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, led by Israel Policy Forum experts and guest educators. Every session will be preceded by the distribution of recommended readings and resources to enhance the experience.Held on four Mondays over the course of the summer, beginning July 1, these one-hour sessions are offered at no cost. Recordings of past sessions are available for viewing. Learn more and register here.Support the Show.

Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Foundation of Policy Research Shira Efron to discuss developments in Israel's political arena and across the various fronts of the ongoing war. They unpack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first Hebrew-language interview in over a year, his upcoming visit to Washington, and the Haredi military conscription saga threatening his coalition. With the chances of a hostage-for-ceasefire deal appearing increasingly slim, Neri, Shira, and Michael assess the future of the Gaza campaign and the possibility of a major escalation in Lebanon.--Join Israel Policy Forum for our virtual Summer Learning Series on key issues and concepts related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, led by Israel Policy Forum experts and guest educators. Every session will be preceded by the distribution of recommended readings and resources to enhance the experience.Held on four Mondays over the course of the summer, beginning July 1, these one-hour sessions are offered at no cost. Learn more and register here.Support the Show.

Content advisory: This episode discusses sexual violence in the context of the October 7th Massacre and the captured hostages. Join Z3 Podcast host Rabbi Amitai Fraiman and Laura E. Adkins, award-winning writer and former opinion editor at The Forward, as they dive deep into a discussion about the state of the world for American and Israeli Jews, with a special emphasis on the experiences of women. Amitai and Laura talk through Laura's experience working with survivors of the Nova music festival attack. During this conversation, Amitai and Laura discuss the struggle for Israeli women to be believed about having experienced and witnessed sexual violence by Hamas on October 7th and thereafter. Though the nature of this conversation is filled with intense themes, Laura leaves us with these underlying ideas to give Jews strength going forward: Jewish resilience as a constant thread throughout history and the importance of the Diaspora building intentional connections with Israelis Learn more about the work Laura is doing and about supporting survivors of sexual violence at jwi.org or ibelieveisraeliwomen.org. About our guest: Laura E. Adkins Progressive Thinker, Writer and Activist Laura E. Adkins is an award-winning writer based in New York. Her work on Israel, global Jewish life, and gender issues has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Glamour, Fox News and other outlets. Laura is a senior director at Jewish Women International, working to combat gender-based violence and advance economic justice and women's leadership. She is also a volunteer mentor-editor for the OpEd project and serves on the New York Atid board of the Israel Policy Forum. Previously, Laura was the Opinion Editor of the Forward, an adjunct instructor of journalism at Yeshiva University's Stern College, an inaugural member of the Shalom Hartman journalism cohort, the Opinion Editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the editor of Jewish Insider and an assistant blogs editor at The Times of Israel. Approaching the world with curiosity and humility, her work aims to advance our collective understanding of the realities and beliefs that shape individuals and societies, particularly in Israel and Jewish diaspora communities. Follow Z3 here: Instagram - instagram.com/z3project/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@z3project LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/z3-project Facebook - facebook.com/Z3Project/ Twitter - twitter.com/Z3_Project Website - z3project.org/

On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Neri Zilber hosts Yair Zivan, chief foreign policy advisor to former Israeli prime minister and current opposition leader Yair Lapid, and the author of the forthcoming anthology The Center Must Hold: Why Centrism Is the Answer to Extremism and Polarization. They discuss the meaning of centrism as a distinct political movement, its increasing importance worldwide, the experience of working in the Bennett-Lapid government, and the current moment in Israeli politics and the Gaza war. Finally, they delve into the question on everyone's mind: when will there be elections in Israel? --Join Israel Policy Forum for our virtual Summer Learning Series on key issues and concepts related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, led by Israel Policy Forum experts and guest educators. Every session will be preceded by the distribution of recommended readings and resources to enhance the experience.Held on four Mondays over the course of the summer, beginning July 1, these one-hour sessions are offered at no cost. Learn more and register here.Support the Show.

Born into a Muslim-Jewish family in Morocco, Chama Metchaly has dedicated her career to creating safe spaces for dialogue and bridging the gaps between Muslim and Jewish narratives, as well as Eastern and Western values. Since the advent of the Abraham Accords, Mechtaly has advised numerous governmental and nongovernmental organizations on regional integration and Israeli-Arab relations. Based in New York and Dubai, her work has been featured in international media, including a feature documentary film by Asharq News. As a visual artist, she has exhibited her work in four continents, including twice at the Jerusalem Biennale. Mechtaly is currently a WIn fellow and an Executive Leadership Program participant at Atlantic Council as well as a convener at the Israel Policy Forum. In 2023, she was recognized in the Middle East Policy Council's 40 under 40 list. She is the co-founder of the Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance, where she bridges the gaps between the Democratic West and the Moderate East. She is a policy advisor, entrepreneur, activist, artist and speaker, known for her intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to peacebuilding, Jewish inclusion, and Arab-Israeli integration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

Laura E. Adkins is an award-winning writer based in New York. Her work on Israel, global Jewish life, and gender issues has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Glamour, Fox News and other outlets. Laura is a senior director at Jewish Women International, working to combat gender-based violence and advance economic justice and women's leadership. She is also a volunteer mentor-editor for the OpEd project and serves on the New York Atid board of the Israel Policy Forum.   This conversation covers topics such as academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the challenges faced by universities in dealing with protests. We discuss the response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, including the importance of getting the hostages home and the need for a humanitarian response. The conversation touches on the denial of Hamas's sexual violence and the intersectionality of antisemitism and misogyny. Laura emphasizes the importance of dialogue, engagement, and building relationships to bring about change and a peaceful solution. The conversation concludes with a discussion on personal actions and the importance of community. - Sponsors:  AMARE GLOBAL: The Mental Wellness Company - get $10 off your next order - https://www.amare.com/155249/en-us/ (use code: EVERYBODY) Get 10% discount on all For Everybody products at https://shopforeverybody.com/ (use code: SFE10)  Get 10% off Jocko Fuel at https://store.jockofuel.com/ (use code EVERYBODY)  - Extra Stuff: Laura's website - https://lauraeadkins.com/ Follow Laura on X - https://twitter.com/Laura_E_Adkins - Subscribe to my newsletter: https://aaronmachbitz.com/ Something For Everybody Merchandise → https://shopforeverybody.com/collections/somethingforeverybody - To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/AaronMachbitz (Recorded on May 7th, 2024) Edited by Ben Rogerson (@BenRogerson_) Intro music by Residual Audio (Residualaudio.com) Episodes You Might Enjoy:  #253 - SELF-IMAGE 101 https://everybodyspod.com/self-image101/ #257 - How To Get Shit Done  https://everybodyspod.com/procrastination/ - Get in touch:  iG: https://www.instagram.com/AaronMachbitz Twitter: https://twitter.com/AaronMachbitz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMachbitz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronMachbitz Email:  https://www.aaronmachbitz.com/contact/

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman discuss Saturday's heroic hostage rescue operation, the landmark speech by President Biden laying out a Gaza hostage-and-ceasefire deal, the implications of Benny Gantz's resignation from the emergency wartime government, the prospects of war breaking out with Hizballah in Lebanon, and more. At this critical juncture in the war in Gaza, Israel Policy Forum experts are providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on Israeli politics and Israeli-Palestinian affairs.In this Tuesday's Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow unpacks the potential implications of Benny Gantz's decision to quit the emergency wartime government with Netanyahu. Read here.Our Israel fellow and former advisor to Shimon Peres, Nimrod Novik, was interviewed on CBC News to discuss how Israel's daring rescue of four hostages on June 8 could impact the Israeli political arena and the possibility of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Watch here.Shira Efron, Jess Manville, and Alex Lederman recently published a policy report on how to advance a viable path forward for UNRWA given its essential role and deep, systemic flaws. Explore the report here.If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact. Donate now.Support the Show.

October 7 and the war in Gaza have cast a spotlight on UNRWA's deep-seated and longstanding flaws. On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, Israel Policy Forum's Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Dr. Shira Efron, Senior Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman, and Policy Advisor Jess Manville discuss their new policy report charting a path toward incremental and meaningful UNRWA reform to align the agency with realistic future outcomes to the conflict, guarantee dignified service provision for Palestinian refugees, and account for Israel's legitimate security needs.Support the Show.

Gaza faces what the World Food Program is calling “catastrophic levels of hunger.” And the United Nations recently issued a report that said a famine is “imminent.” Ravi Agrawal is joined by two experts on the humanitarian situation in Gaza to discuss what the international community can do to prevent the worst outcomes. Sari Bashi is a program director for Human Rights Watch. Shira Efron is the director of research at the Israel Policy Forum. Suggested reading: Mohannad Sabry: How to Get More Aid Into Gaza Shira Efron: The Best Way to Deal With Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis Howard W. French: Why Aren't We Talking More About the Famine in Gaza? Human Rights Watch: Israel: Starvation Used as Weapon of War in Gaza

On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum's Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. Together they assess the ongoing turmoil on U.S. college campuses surrounding the Gaza war, the prospects for a ceasefire-for-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, the state of play in the war nearly seven months in, and more.Support the Show.

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman discuss Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, the Israeli mood before and after, the timing and scope of the impending Israeli retaliation, the state of play in the Gaza war, the fate of a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, rising tensions in the West Bank, and more. In the wake of Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Israel, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on regional dynamics and the state of the Israeli-Palestinian arena.In this week's Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow unpacks misconceptions surrounding Iran's attack and the opportunity Israel now has to undo some of the mistakes it made after October 7. Read here.Writing in Foreign Affairs, our Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research, Dr. Shira Efron, offers tangible recommendations for addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis while underscoring the importance of involving the Palestinian Authority. Read here.Following Iran's attack, we have updated our concise explainer on the role of Iran and its proxies in driving conflict across various theaters. Read here.Over the past few days, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber has written a handful of timely dispatches in the Financial Times on the fallout from Iran's attack. Explore Neri's analysis here.If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact.Support the show

Host Roifield Brown is joined by Michael Kaplow from the Israel Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., to dissect recent developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics. They focus on the intense dynamics following Israel's recent military actions against an Iranian consulate in Syria and the consequential Iranian missile barrage. The episode delves into the international outcry, the debate over the legality of the actions under international law, and the potential repercussions on global diplomacy.The conversation extends to Israel's internal political tension regarding its military service policy, especially concerning the ultra-Orthodox community's long-standing draft exemptions. This internal policy debate is juxtaposed with the external military engagements, providing a comprehensive view of the multifaceted challenges Israel faces both domestically and internationally.As the episode unfolds, Kaplow provides an expert analysis of the strategic missteps and potential paths forward, examining how these might influence wider regional stability and the geopolitical landscape.Talking Points from the Podcast Recent Middle Eastern Turmoil: Discussion of the recent events involving Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, followed by Iran's missile response.International Law and Responses: Analysis of the legality of Israel's actions under international law and the global reaction to both Israel's strike and Iran's missile response.Impact of Iranian Strikes: A closer look at the specifics of the Iranian strike, including the types and number of missiles used, and the strategic intent behind the response.Calls for Israeli Restraint: Discussion on the international calls for restraint from Israel, and the potential ramifications of these calls on Israel's foreign policy and military strategy.Israeli Military Service Plan: Israel's contentious new military service plan, focusing on the debate around ending draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community and how this issue is influencing Israeli politics and society.Shadow War Dynamics: Insights into the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran, especially in the context of the Syrian civil war and the presence of Iranian forces in Syria.Israeli Public Reaction: Reflections on how these developments are perceived and reacted to by the Israeli public, including their concerns and expectations for future security and political stability.Future Implications for Regional Stability: Speculation on how these events might influence future Israeli actions, Iranian strategies, and overall stability in the Middle East.Key Quotes from the Episode:Michael Kaplow: "The response with over 300 missiles was nominally proportional, but the real question remains whether Iran intended a serious escalation or a show of force meant to deter without causing substantial damage."Roifield Brown: "The strike on the Iranian consulate has undeniably escalated tensions, but it also seems to be a calculated risk to pull the U.S. into a broader conflict—a move fraught with immense geopolitical risk."Michael Kaplow: "Israel's internal debate over military service is reaching a boiling point, reflecting broader societal divisions that could impact its domestic and international policies."Roifield Brown: "As we navigate through these turbulent times, the interplay between military actions and political strategies is becoming more complex, illustrating the challenges of managing internal dissent while facing external threats." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading American Jewish thinkers on Israel—Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Peter Beinart, journalist and political commentator, and Michael Koplow, Chief Policy Officer at the Israel Policy Forum—offer differing perspectives on how some American Jews have been reevaluating their identities as liberals and their relationships to Israel in a conversation moderated by Senior Rabbi Aaron Potek, Executive Director of Jewish Life at Sixth & I. This program was held on April 7, 2024. 

Host Roifield Brown looks into the escalating crisis in Gaza, its severe humanitarian implications, and the resulting shifts in Israel's global standing. Joined by Michael Kaplow of the Israel Policy Forum, the discussion centres on the unfolding human tragedy in Gaza, where an imminent famine threatens millions, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contemplate a new offensive amidst widespread food insecurity.The conversation navigates the intricate web of political manoeuvres by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in light of the United Nations Security Council's recent resolution, which the U.S., Israel's closest ally, notably chose not to veto. This resolution, demanding a ceasefire for the remainder of Ramadan, symbolises a significant pivot in international relations and showcases the nuanced dynamics at play within Israeli politics, especially considering Netanyahu's controversial leadership and the roles of right-extremist figures in his coalition.As the dialogue unfolds, Kaplow provides insightful analysis on the broader geopolitical context, the internal and external pressures facing Netanyahu, and the profound implications of the U.S.'s stance for Israeli domestic politics and its global image. The episode not only sheds light on the complex layers of the crisis but also delves into the potential paths forward amidst this geopolitical quagmire.Quotes:"This resolution, while short, is not merely symbolic; it's a seismic shift in the dynamics of U.S. and Israeli politics, challenging the very foundation of their longstanding alliance." - Michael Kaplow"Netanyahu's political gambits are not just about navigating the current crisis; they're about clinging to power by positing himself as Israel's sole defender against a world he portrays as antagonistic." - Michael Kaplow"The crux of the debate is not about whether an operation in Rafah should happen, but about when and at what cost, highlighting a rare consensus across the Israeli political spectrum amidst international contention." - Michael Kaplow"Criticism of Israel is not inherently anti-Semitic. The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate policy critiques and those that question Israel's very right to exist." - Michael Kaplow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum's Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Senior Director of Policy Research Shira Efron. Together they unpack Israel's anger at the U.S. abstention at the U.N. Security Council, why Netanyahu seems intent on creating a crisis with the Biden administration, domestic politics in Israel dictating diplomacy, how U.S.-Israel ties reached this low point in the wake of October 7, and more. As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict. In this week's Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow unpacks Prime Minister Netanyahu's response to the U.S. declining to veto U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Read the column here.In the coming days, we will be publishing recommendations to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, based on an Economic Cooperation Foundation report by Shira Efron, Jess Manville, and Celine Touboul. A link will be available here once the document has been published.If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact. Donate now at the support link below.Support the show

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts military and strategic affairs analyst Yaakov Lappin to discuss the current state of play between Israel and Hizballah. They cover what Hizballah is actually thinking, the connection to the Gaza war, the merits of diplomacy versus a military operation to resolve this conflict, and more. As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict. In the Financial Times, Policy Advisor and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber wrote on the impact of Smotrich and Ben Gvir on Netanyahu's approach to the war. Read here.Applications are open for IPF Atid's leadership summit in Chicago from May 19 to May 21, open to young professionals in IPF Atid's leadership network. Apply here.IPF Atid is also accepting applications for its policy fellowship for undergrads. This exclusive cohort opportunity is offered to 10 college students across North America who are passionate about promoting informed, policy-based discourse about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus. Fellows receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the fellowship. Apply here.Explore our 2023 Impact Report, which provides a brief snapshot of our work amid last year's unprecedented challenges and tragedies. View here.Support the show

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum's Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik and Director of the Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha. They discuss the current mood in the West Bank amidst the Gaza war, growing concerns ahead of Ramadan, diplomacy surrounding Gaza and whether the U.S.-led ‘grand bargain' can actually succeed, Palestinian Authority reform, the day after in Gaza, and more. As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict. In the Financial Times, Policy Advisor and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber wrote on the impact of Smotrich and Ben Gvir on Netanyahu's approach to the war. Read here.Applications are open for IPF Atid's leadership summit in Chicago from May 19 to May 21, open to young professionals in IPF Atid's leadership network. Apply here.IPF Atid is also accepting applications for its policy fellowship for undergrads. This exclusive cohort opportunity is offered to 10 college students across North America who are passionate about promoting informed, policy-based discourse about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus. Fellows receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the fellowship. Apply here.Explore our 2023 Impact Report, which provides a brief snapshot of our work amid last year's unprecedented challenges and tragedies. View here.Support the show

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber and IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman unpack the latest updates from Israel's military campaign in Gaza, possibilities for an upcoming hostage-release deal, tensions on the northern border with Hizballah, debates in the government about resettling Gaza, emerging details about UNRWA's involvement in the October 7 attacks, and more.This week, our board chair, David Sherman, and CEO, David Halperin, wrote a letter explaining why the U.S. must promote a viable pathway to two states that acknowledges the obstacles on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Read here.In this Thursday's Koplow Column, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow wrote on Israel's relationship to the international community following the last week's International Court of Justice decision and recent revelations about UNRWAWe also published two articles in The Forward this week : one by me, Senior Policy and Communications Associate Alex Lederman, where I reflect on my recent Israel Policy Forum delegation to Israel and why embracing subjectivity is key to understanding the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza (read here)and another by Evan Gottesman on last week's ruling at the International Court of Justice on Israel's genocide case. Read here.Finally, this week our policy advisor Neri Zilber wrote in the Financial Times on the current state of play of Israel's campaign in Gaza (read here)and in the Christian Science Monitor on reconciling the two aims of Israel's war against Hamas. Read here.Support the show

With the war in Gaza apparently entering its third phase, IPF Atid Director Shanie Reichman hosts Tel Aviv-based journalist and Policy Advisor Neri Zilber to discuss the current state of play in the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli politics, and the region. They discuss the reported assassination of senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut, the social implications of Israel's military reservists beginning to return home, the latest on the Israeli hostages who remain in captivity, the High Court's decision to strike down the reasonableness law, and more. —As Israel pushes forward with its war in Gaza and grapples with political turmoil at home, Israel Policy Forum experts have been providing timely, clear-headed, and sober analysis on the ongoing conflict. In TIME Magazine, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow and Israel Policy Forum CEO David A. Halperin explain why the U.S. must push for a proactive Israeli vision on the day after in Gaza that is compatible with its regional allies' priorities. Read here.In a CNN interview with Christiane Amanpour, Israel Fellow Nimrod Novik, a former advisor to Shimon Peres, discusses Israel's reported killing of senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri.  Watch here.In this week's Koplow Column, Michael Koplow unpacks the High Court's decision to strike down the reasonableness law and why Netanyahu and the opposition should leverage this moment to resolve a question at the core of the debate over the judiciary. Read here.In the Liberal Patriot, Michael Koplow writes on how the U.S. can bridge the gap with Israel over the question of the PA returning to Gaza. Read here.If you rely on Israel Policy Forum for credible and thoughtful analysis, please make a gift today so our work can continue to have an impact.Support the show

Show NotesWe deal with the current conflict in Israel and Gaza by looking at the influence of religion, in the minds of the Israeli leaders & the settlers taking land in the West Bank and also in the minds of the Evangelical Zionist backers in the UK and US. The UK evangelical influence is more of historical interest but the US is very current and is influencing events now. Links etc:The video by Al Jazeera used for extracts at the start of the show – “How Evangelicals Betray Christians In The Holy Land”https://youtu.be/nHT-SjIM0tA?si=yok7IZPkxAMyasQf Sky News – the Benjamin Netanyahu speech with translation, Amalek bit from 1min50shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5LmB6uup3o Guardian article with quotes from a settler and an administrator of settlementshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/18/these-are-biblical-lands-promised-to-us-jewish-settlers-in-west-bank-hope-gaza-conflict-will-help-their-cause Pew Research on Jews in Israelhttps://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/03/08/in-israel-jews-are-united-by-homeland-but-divided-into-very-different-groups/ Israel Policy Forum article (an American Jewish organization that works for a negotiated solution to the conflict)https://israelpolicyforum.org/west-bank-settlements-explained/ The video from Turkish TV with a Rabbi condemning Israeli aggression in Gazahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FNtMV2i8-8 Factual article on the British evangelicals behind the Balfour Declarationhttps://balfourproject.org/evangelicals-the-balfour-declaration-and-zionism/ UK Christian teacher David Pawson's lecture:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ika1apsadrQ Video of Franklin Graham Meeting Netanyahuhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozWdH8s32pI Doubts Aloud Links:Please give feedback and ask questions using: doubtsaloud@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group discussions:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023280847835278/ Meet us all in person again at the monthly “Unbelievable Christian and Skeptic Discussion Group” in central London, see:https://www.meetup.com/Unbelievable-Christian-and-Skeptic-Discussion-Group-London

Hamas confirmed today that its deputy political leader has been killed in a blast in Beirut, fueling fears of an extended war in Gaza. Meanwhile, in an unprecedented ruling, Israel's Supreme Court has struck down a controversial law that would have limited its own powers - a victory for protesters who spent months in the streets prior to October 7. Nimrod Novik served as a policy advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. He is now a fellow at the Israel Policy Forum and joins the show from Tel Aviv.   Also on today's show: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva; Mariana Meza Hernandez & Jennifer Benz from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Oct. 7, Israel appeared to many to be sliding into a “one-state reality,” where it had functional control over Gaza and the West Bank, but the Palestinians who lived there were denied full rights. In 2021, a group of hundreds of former senior defense and diplomatic officials in Israel published a report warning that this was a catastrophe — for Israel's security, its democratic values, its international standing, and its very soul. And they argued that there was another way, that even without a Palestinian “partner for peace,” there was a huge amount Israel could do on its own to create the conditions for a two-state solution to emerge in the future.Nimrod Novik is a fellow at the Israel Policy Forum and a member of the executive committee of Commanders for Israel's Security, the group behind the report. He was a senior policy adviser to Shimon Peres when he was prime minister, and was involved in all forms of negotiations with Palestinians and the Arab world.I wanted to talk to Novik about the plan proposed in the Commanders for Israel's Security report, and how they might have changed in light of Oct. 7 and the war. We also talk through what the “day after” might look like in Gaza, the immense anger of the Israeli public over the intelligence failure that led up to the attacks, the alternative coalitions building against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and much more.Mentioned:“Initiative 2025” by Commanders for Israel's SecurityBook Recommendations:The Back Channel by William J. BurnsMaster of the Game by Martin IndykThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Rollin Hu. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Emefa Agawu and Kristin Lin. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Efim Shapiro.

Israelis overwhelmingly disapprove of their government's handling of the October 7 attacks, but their desire for unity keeps Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power. Michael Koplow of the Israel Policy Forum explains what Israel's government should do next, and Professor Noah Efron of Bar-Ilan University describes the mood among Israelis. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King. Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two years ago, the world watched in horror as violence erupted once again in Israel and Gaza, leaving entire communities in ruins. We recorded a critical discussion then, seeking answers to the questions of "Why and What's Next" But here we are, in 2023, a mirror of the past, with new casualties, new crises, and renewed tensions. Today's suffering reflects a tragic cycle, so we're revisiting our conversation with Michael Koplow, Policy Director of the Israel Policy Forum, and answering some urgent questions with lessons from the past. What role does the United States play in this ongoing conflict, how do these recurrent clashes impact the lives and futures of ordinary Palestinians and Israelis, and can lasting peace ever be achieved?Follow us at:Network2020.orgTwitter: @Network2020LinkedIn: Network 20/20Facebook: @network2020Instagram: @network_2020"Sunrise Expedition" by Joseph McDadeFollow us at:Network2020.orgTwitter: @Network2020LinkedIn: Network 20/20Facebook: @network2020Instagram: @network_2020

In this emergency video briefing, we convened with our team of experts, Neri Zilber, Shira Efron, Nimrod Novik, and Michael Koplow to assess the unfolding situation in Israel.Our Statement from October 7, 2023: Israel Policy Forum is outraged by the despicable attacks by Hamas terrorists. We stand in firm support of Israel as it defends itself against this terrorist assault and provides security for its citizens, and we call on the international community to do the same.There is absolutely no justification whatsoever for the horrendous acts of terrorism the world witnessed today. Our thoughts are with the people of Israel at this trying time. We pray for the recovery of those injured, the return of those taken hostage, and the comfort of the families who have been upended, as we mourn the lives that have been lost.The Great Shattering | Koplow Column | October 9, 2023The tragedy that began Saturday represents a shattering—of Israelis' sense of security, of their leaders' legacies, and of American Jewish politics. An immediate course correction is needed. Read this week's Koplow Column here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2023/10/09/the-great-shattering/Support the show

On this week's episode, Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor Neri Zilber hosts Israel Piekrash, the co-founder and director of the Anahnu Movement, to discuss Israel's crumbling social cohesion and whether a new national consensus and a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are possible. They dive into Israel Piekrash's unique upbringing in the religious Zionist community, his shift in thinking about the Palestinians, and the vision of the Anahnu Movement before moving to current events, including the present state of the settler movement, protests against the judicial overhaul, and the likely reaction by far-right politicians to an Israel-Saudi normalization deal. Last Thursday, Senators Ossoff, Young, Booker, and Lankford introduced the Middle East Security Coordination Act, which seeks to strengthen the critical work of the United States Security Coordinator in Jerusalem to help stabilize the security situation in the West Bank in the service of a future two-state outcome. As a longtime champion of this issue, Israel Policy Forum has persistently maintained that the USSC is vital to security, stability, and a better future for Israelis and Palestinians, and we are pleased to partner with this bipartisan group of senators on this important bill. Listeners can expect to hear more about it soon. Read our statement here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2023/09/28/statement-welcoming-the-introduction-of-the-middle-east-security-coordination-act/Last week, Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in its hearing on the implementation of the Taylor Force Act. Read or watch here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2023/09/27/michael-koplows-testimony-before-house-committee-on-foreign-affairs/Michael also recently penned an op-ed in The Liberal Patriot explaining why U.S. policy must take into account Israel's democracy, not just its security, as a core value of the relationship. Read here: https://www.liberalpatriot.com/p/israeli-democracy-and-the-futureThis week, Israel Policy Forum released the latest installment of Critical Neighbors, featuring four perspectives—Israeli, Palestinian, Saudi, and American— on the potential for an Israel-Saudi deal to include a meaningful Palestinian component. Read here: https://israelpolicyforum.org/critical-neighbors/#navigating-normalizationSupport the show

As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Oslo Accords next week on September 13, Ambassador Martin S. Indyk (Israel Policy Forum board member and former U.S. ambassador to Israel) joins host Neri Zilber (journalist and Israel Policy Forum policy advisor) to reflect on the signing of that historic agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. They discuss the mood in Washington leading up to the White House ceremony, the birth of the Middle East peace process, where Oslo went wrong, subsequent peacemaking efforts, the current Israeli government's policy vis-à-vis a two-state outcome, and the prospects for an Israel-Saudi-U.S. deal that takes the Palestinians into account.Join us for a special video briefing on September 13 at 3pm ET with  New York Times opinion columnist Thomas Friedman on The Past, Present, and Future of Israel in the Middle East. Register here.Join us for The Oslo Legacy: Thirty Years On, a free, live event in D.C. marking 30 years since the signing of the first Oslo agreement and the start of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.  September 19 at 6:30-8:45pm ET. Register here.Support the show

Israel Policy Forum has released its latest policy report, An Unsettled Question: Recalibrating U.S. Policy on Israeli Settlements, which outlines detailed policy prescriptions for how Washington can more effectively combat Israeli settlement construction. On this episode, co-authors Dan Rothem, Jess Manville, and Michael Koplow join Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber for a discussion on the new study. They provide an overview of the current state of play in the West Bank under Israel's far-right government, explain why settlements and creeping annexation should be countered, and delve into the study's policy recommendations, which include developing a differentiated approach to settlement construction that focuses on areas where construction would pose the most harm to a two-state outcome. Read and download the report and one-pager here.Support the show

Israel's ruling coalition has just passed the first of several bills to overhaul the judiciary. This new law prevents its Supreme Court from questioning the reasonableness of any law or nomination approved by the majority of the Knesset. Such a monumental change has the potential to alter the democratic nature of Israel itself. In response, massive protests continue throughout Israel. What is the true intention behind this judicial overhaul? How will the passage of this first new law impact Israel and its people? What role have the ongoing protests played in shaping the process? And most importantly, what might lie ahead for the nation? To help unpack the implications of this ruling, we invite you to join us virtually for a conversation between Michael Koplow, Chief Policy Officer of Israel Policy Forum, and Rabbi Joy Levitt. Mr. Koplow will provide invaluable insights into these pressing questions, shed light on the current state of affairs in Israel, and answer questions from our community. We hope you will join us for this important conversation. --- Michael Koplow is the chief policy officer of Israel Policy Forum, and also serves as a research fellow of the Kogod Research Center at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Before coming to Israel Policy Forum, he was the founding program director of the Israel Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in Government from Georgetown University, where he specialized in political development and ideology, and the politics of Middle Eastern states. He writes Israel Policy Forum's weekly Koplow Column and edits Israel Policy Exchange, which is a leading source for commentary and analysis on Israel and American Jewry, and his work regularly appears in other publications. In addition to his Ph.D., he holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, a J.D. from New York University, and an A.M. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University.

In the wake of this week's Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp, Nimrod Novik (Israel Fellow, Israel Policy Forum) and Ibrahim Dalalsha (Director, Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach) join host Neri Zilber (Policy Advisor, Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist) to analyze what just happened and why it happened. They spoke about the objectives of the Israeli government and military, the history and politics of the Jenin refugee camp, the current state of the Palestinian Authority, what the operation achieved (and what it didn't achieve), the performance of the local militant groups, and the growing prospects for further violence and instability. Explore more of our work: How the Judicial Overhaul Threatens Israel's Status as a Secure, Jewish, and Democratic State (Video Series)West Bank Settlements ExplainedUnderstanding Critical Issues (short explainers)More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform50 Steps Before the DealSupport the show

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause on judicial reform after widespread protests. We talk to Washington Post reporter Steve Hendrix; Ronen Bergman, a Tel Aviv-based staff writer for The New York Times Magazine; and Michael Koplow, chief policy officer of the Israel Policy Forum, an NGO based in Washington.

On this edition of Parallax Views, Estee Chandler, co-host of KPFK's Middle East in Focus alongside Nagwa Ibrahim and a key organizer in the pro-Palestinian social justice organization Jewish Voice for Peace, joins us to discuss the controversial, right-wing Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich's comments calling for the Palestinian village of Huwara in the occupied West Bank to be "wiped out". Smotrich made the comments shortly after Israeli settlers laid waste to the village reportedly burning down houses and cars in a rampage last week. “I think that Huwara needs to be wiped out," remarked Smotrich at a March 1st, 2023 conference of the Israeli business newspaper TheMarker, "but the State of Israel needs to do it, most certainly not private citizens." In response to Smotrich's comments, the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace released an action statement calling the comments genocidal and urging the administration of President Joe Biden to respond by barring Smotrich from entry to the U.S. and ending unconditional military funding and support to Israel. Although the U.S., through the voice of State Department Spokesman Ned Price, has in no uncertain terms referred to Smotrich's comments as "repugnant", "disgusting", and "irresponsible", JVP argues that the Biden administration must take action beyond what they describe as "hollow words of condemnation". Smotrich is scheduled to be in the United State on Sunday for an Israel Bonds conference in Washington, D.C. The Biden administration was reportedly considering denying Smotrich a visa, but the State Department has since granted a diplomatic visa for the controversial political figure. Smotrich has gone on to apologize to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for his remarks while simultaneously claiming the media distorted and manipulated his comments. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Smotrich's statements "inappropriate", before appearing to accept that Smotich had unfortunately misspoken and then going on to accuse both the Palestinian Authority and the international community of being lax on Palestinian violence and terrorism. The latter comments concerning the international community come on the heels of UN rights chief Volker Turk referring to Smotrich's so-called so-called "emotional slip of the tongue" as "an unfathomable statement of incitement to violence and hostility" at a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva Meanwhile, Smotrich's extreme statements about Huwara have sparked something of an uproar in the American Jewish community, and not just amongst activists associated with the explicitly anti-Zionist Jewish Voice for Peace. For instance, the Israel Policy Forum, an organization oriented towards the goal of a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, released a statement signed by a plethora of American Jewish Community leaders not only condemning Smotrich's Huwara outburst but explicitly saying that Smotrich and his views should not be welcomed by the American Jewish community. Signatories included J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami, former Chairman of the Board of the Institute for the Study of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy Lawrence B. Benenson, former Executive Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Commitee (AIPAC), Thomas A. Dine, George W. Bush-era Under Secretary of Defense and Atlantic Council board of directors member Dov S. Zakheim, former AIPAC President Steven Grossman, former Anti-Defamation League national director Abraham H. Foxman, Square One Foundation President and Obama-appointee to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council Priscilla Kersten, National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz, Jewish Democratic Council board member and former AIPAC board member Ada Horwich, 8 time Academy Award-winning film producer Lawrence Bender, and many others. Additionally, the Progressive Israel Network has released a statement signed by 77 Jewish American organizations pledging to shun Smotrich during his planned visit to the U.S. Amongst the Arab nations, Smotrich has also received pushback and condemnation, even amongst state involved with the Abraham Accords or nominally less hostile relations with Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affair in Saudi Arabia, for example, called Smotrich's remarks "racist" and "irresponsible" as well as claiming that they "reflect the amount of violence and extremist practiced by the occupying Israeli entity towards the brotherly Palestinian people." Fellow Persian Gulf nations Qatar and the United Arab Emirate (UAE) have likewise made strongly worded condemnations. Beyond those GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council States), Egypt's Foreign Ministry said Smotrich's comments are an "unacceptable and serious incitement for violence" that "contradict laws, norms, and moral values." In this episode, Estee and I discuss not only Smotrich's disturbing response to the Israeli settler violence in Huwara and JVP's stance on how the Biden administration should've have responded to it, but a number of other issues as well including: - JVP's opposition to Zionism; the history of Zionism and the Occupied Palestinian Territories - The question of apartheid in relation to discussions of international law and Israel/Palestine - Estee's background as a Jewish woman with Israeli family and her personal awakening on Israel/Palestine - The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) Movement and free speech - Jewish Voice for Peace and the role Jewish people can play in Palestinian human rights activism - Antisemitism and the controversy over the IHRA definition of antisemitism - Settler-colonialism and Israel/Palestine - Is the new Netanyahu government, with figures like Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir in key ministerial position, a signal of a particularly dangerous moment in Israel/Palestine? - And more!

Amir Mizroch, tech journalist and consultant, joins Neri Zilber, policy advisor at Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist, to discuss the Israeli tech sector's role in the protest movement against the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul. Amir also provides an overview of the origins of Israel as the "start-up nation," the tech sector's concerns if the judicial plans go through, and the impact on the industry so far after two months of upheaval. Support the show

Amid escalating violence in the West Bank between Israelis and Palestinians, Nimrod Novik (Israel Fellow, Israel Policy Forum) and Ibrahim Eid Dalalsha (Director, Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach) join host Neri Zilber (Policy Advisor, Israel Policy Forum and Tel Aviv-based journalist) to assess the deadly events of the past week and the chances for de-escalation on both sides. They spoke about the recent violence in the town of Huwara, the security policies of the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority, the Aqaba diplomatic summit, and how we'll know if a new intifada is upon us. Explore more of our work: Judicial Legislation Tracker More Resources on the Israeli Government's Judicial Reform50 Steps Before the DealUnderstanding Critical Issues (short explainers)Israel Policy Video BriefingsSupport the show

With the new Israeli government barely two weeks old, a major crisis is looming over its intention to completely overhaul the country's judicial and legal system. Dan Meridor, a former Likud justice minister and deputy prime minister, joins Neri Zilber (Tel Aviv-based journalist and Israel Policy Forum policy advisor) to discuss the fateful consequences of these plans for Israeli democracy, what happened to the old Likud party, recollections of his time working closely with Benjamin Netanyahu, and the evolution of his thinking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and two-state outcome. Please help us learn about our audience by filling out our podcast listener survey here: ipf.li/surveySupport the show

As Israelis head back to the polls on November 1 for the fifth time in three years, David Halperin, CEO of Israel Policy Forum, and Rabbi Cosgrove discuss who the key players are, what to look out for in this round of voting, and what's at stake. Stay connected with PAS! Follow us on all platforms @parkavenuesyn.

It's 1916 and World War I is raging. Countries are fighting for resources, land and power and the Ottoman Empire is on its deathbed. With all eyes on the Empire's Middle Eastern territory, who will decide who gets control over what will become Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and parts of Saudi Arabia? In this episode, Noam explores the secretive Sykes-Picot Agreement and the fallout it caused at the San Remo Conference.   ~~~~   This season of Unpacking Israeli History is generously sponsored by Barbara Sommer & Alan Fisher, and Marci & Andrew Spitzer, and this episode is generously sponsored by ​​the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, and the Jewish Federation of Northern NJ. ~~~~   Learn more about Unpacked: https://jewishunpacked.com/about/ Visit Unpacked on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unpacked  Unpacking Israeli History about Black Saturday: https://jewishunpacked.com/black-saturday-how-far-would-you-go-for-a-homeland/ ~~~~ Bibliography: Background info for WWI:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2018/11/12/what-everyone-gets-wrong-about-start-world-war-i/ https://www.history.com/topics/middle-east/ottoman-empire https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Hand-secret-Serbian-society https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-assassination-franz-ferdinand On the major players: Ottoman Empire: https://www.timemaps.com/history/middle-east-1914ad/,  Hussein ibn Ali: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Husayn-ibn-Ali; https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-hussein-mcmahon-correspondence-july-1915-august-1916; https://www.britannica.com/topic/Husayn-McMahon-correspondence Chaim Weizmann: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chaim-Weizmann Sir Mark Sykes: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/sir-mark-sykes-the-man-who-changed-the-face-of-the-middle-east-1.1958009; Christopher Simon Sykes, The man who created the Middle East : a story of empire, conflict and the Sykes-Picot agreement (Sykes' grandson!)  Background on Sykes-Picot:  https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/sykes-picot-100-years-middle-east-map/index.html https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/britain-and-france-conclude-sykes-picot-agreement https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/euro-hist/middle-east-20th-century/v/sykes-picot-agreement-and-the-balfour-declaration https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/learning-sykes-picot https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/05/13/sykes-picot-isnt-whats-wrong-with-the-modern-middle-east-100-years/ Danny Gordis, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn Howard Sachar, A History of Israel from the Rise of Zionism to Our Time Sound clips: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/video-islamic-state-media-branch-releases-the-end-of-sykes-picot-30397575.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHOg7RPBDqc&ab_channel=RANE https://espresso.economist.com/1fe46a07a9ba5f05129cab882582d907 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeIXu7yw6J8&ab_channel=UKLFICharitableTrust San Remo: Meeting minutes: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/Minutes_of_the_1920_Conference_of_San_Remo.pdf Background: https://israelforever.org/interact/blog/why_you_should_know_san_remo/ International law: https://besacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/172-MONOGRAPH-San-Remo-Conference-Karsh-FINAL.pdf Mandate for Palestine, 7/24/22: https://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/peace/guide/pages/the%20mandate%20for%20palestine.aspx#:~:text=No%20discrimination%20of%20any%20kind,ground%20of%20his%20religious%20belief. Anti-Zionist narrative on San Remo: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1669396 Right-wing narrative on San Remo: https://israelforever.org/interact/blog/why_you_should_know_san_remo/ Israel Policy Forum on San Remo: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2020/04/27/unpacking-san-remo-the-centerpeice-of-israels-annexation-narrative/ On stories: https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/a-nation-of-storytellers/