In this episode, Ari and Shaun take a structured, look at Israel’s political system, moving beyond the slogans to analyze the realities shaping the country today. 

Together, they examine the parties and personalities driving the current landscape, mapping the rivalries, and ideological fault lines that define the political battlefield.

The discussion covers the full spectrum of the Knesset, from Likud under Benjamin Netanyahu and Yesh Atid led by Yair Lapid to National Unity under Benny Gantz. They also break down the influence of Otzma Yehudit and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Religious Zionist Party, Shas, United Torah Judaism, and Yisrael Beiteinu, alongside the roles of Hadash-Ta'al, Ra'am, and the left-wing "The Democrats" under Yair Golan.

Beyond the current players, Ari and Shaun assess potential new entrants and factions that have not yet formally declared their intentions, as well as the political wildcards who already have. 

They also offer a closer examination of Naftali Bennett and the strategic implications of his return to the fray. 

From leadership dynamics and coalition arithmetic to the future of the system itself, this episode provides a clear-eyed look at where Israeli politics is heading next.

Thanks to our partners at the Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsors at bethereisrael.com for making this episode possible

In this more combative episode, Ari and Shaun take on three of the most volatile issues facing Israel today.

First, they clash over the spiralling murder rate within Israel’s Arab communities. Why has lawlessness deepened? Is this a failure of governance, policing, culture, or politics? The two see both the root causes and the solutions very differently.

Next, they turn outward to the question looming over the region: a potential strike on Iran. Yes, no, maybe? What would such an attack actually achieve, and why does the prospect remain on the table?

Finally, the debate returns home with the ongoing battle over Haredi conscription. Is this an unsolvable societal fracture, or are the solutions more straightforward than politicians admit?

Despite sharp disagreements, the episode closes as always, with clarity, perspective, and a message of hope. Am Yisrael Chai.

This is not an episode to miss.

With thanks to our partners at the Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsors at BethereIsrael.com for making this episode possible.

In this lively, fast-paced episode, Ari and Matan Peleg, Zionist activist, author, and outspoken Israel advocate, trade questions and challenge assumptions in a dynamic conversation about Zionism and Jewish identity.

The conversation moves quickly through their lives as they speak openly about military service, reserve duty, difficult decisions, and the impact on families.
They also look ahead to the future of Israel, discussing victory, resilience, and the enduring strength of Zionist identity.

They discuss Matan's latest book, a concise pro-Israel handbook full of facts and insights, and explore the challenges of Progressives.
Honest, sharp, and human, this episode balances serious reflection with energy and warmth.
With thanks to our partners at the Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsors, BethereIsrael.com, for making this episode possible.

In this emotional episode, we reflect on the life of Josh Boone, his philosophy of service, his sacrifice, and why he embraced the role of the “sheepdog”: the moral duty to protect others.

Ari shares his experience of Josh’s loss, the efforts to have him officially recognized as a fallen soldier, and what that recognition represents.
Yet, it was denied, his friends and family still ensured he was laid to rest with the honor and dignity he earned.

The episode includes references to our previous interview with Josh, giving listeners a chance to hear his own words.
🎧 Listen to the interview: https://youtu.be/W_puAChCv14?si=kO9CdUQtxdathAWA

To support the Joshua Boone Memorial fund, donations can be made here - https://givebutter.com/Help-for-josh

With thanks to our partners at Jerusalem Media Group and our sponsors bethereisrael.com.

Imagine a man who witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution from inside Iran, spent nearly 28 years advising multiple U.S. Secretaries of Defense, and later waded through chest-deep sewage in a bombed-out Baghdad basement to rescue the most important collection of Iraqi Jewish history in existence.

That man is Dr. Harold Rhode
.
In this extraordinary episode, Ari interviews one of the most unique minds with a deep understanding of the Middle East from inside the system.
 Drawing on decades of first-hand experience, Dr. Rhode offers a rare and unfiltered perspective on how Islam, culture, language, and history are consistently misunderstood in Western policymaking, with profound and lasting consequences.
The episode opens with Dr. Rhode’s breathtaking, step-by-step account of rescuing the Iraqi Jewish Archive under active war conditions. 
From there, he explains why Western concepts of “Peace” fail when applied to Islamic political and strategic culture, and how linguistic and cultural blind spots have distorted decision-making for decades
.
Dr. Rhode also shares his unique insights into Iran, past, present, and future. Grounded in his first-hand experience during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He assesses how that pivotal moment shaped the regime’s worldview and what it means for Iran, the region, and the West today.

Dr. Rhode holds a PhD in Islamic History from Columbia University and is fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi), and Turkish.

This is an episode not to be missed.

 In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari speaks with Moshe Glick about the role of deep faith in Hashem during moments of profound challenge, and the antisemitic attack that forced him to step in and defend a fellow Jew. Moshe recounts how that incident escalated into a broader legal battle, shedding light on the ingrained antisemitism he believes exists within the system meant to deliver justice. The conversation explores the tension between moral responsibility and legal consequence, the price of standing up for Jewish dignity, and the strength required to confront hostility—both on the street and within institutions. This episode is a powerful reflection on faith, courage, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism. 


Link to the legal defense fund - https://israel365charity.com/drglickfightingforjusticeforalljews/

In this week's episode:
Ari breaks down the critical details of Maduro’s capture and what it reveals about Israel’s strategic value to the U.S.
Then we look at Iran. Is it really on a knife-edge? Shaun shares his alternative perspective and explains how to spot early signs of shifting dynamics. 

Plus, an update on local Israeli politics and protests: is another internal constitutional crisis on the horizon, and what’s happening with the last holdouts of socialism in Israel?

Shaun and Ari debate Israel’s historic recognition of Somaliland and what it means for regional politics. They examine the challenges of lawlessness among the Negev Bedouin community and discuss potential solutions. The episode also takes a close look at the Trump–Netanyahu relationship and its impact on Israeli politics. Finally, they confront the harsh realities of a new New York mayor whose policies and rhetoric are openly hostile toward Israel and the Jewish community.

In this episode, Shaun and Ari discuss the latest political maneuvering in the Knesset, where new proposals increasingly resemble political theatre, focused more on positioning and avoiding blame than on taking responsibility for the failures of October 7.

They then discuss the government’s efforts to establish a new commission of inquiry in order to circumvent existing law that requires a court appointed investigation into those failures. The conversation addresses the legal, moral, and institutional consequences of delaying or weakening genuine accountability.

Stay tuned for the final minutes of the episode, where Shaun and Ari discuss what real leadership should mean in moments of national failure, and why accepting responsibility is a defining test of those in power.

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari welcomes Aron Schoenfeld — a passionate Zionist, dedicated volunteer, and IDF reservist who made Aliyah during the height of COVID with his wife and children.

Aron shares the formative experiences and education that shaped his deep commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, and how that foundation ultimately inspired him to create “Smiles for the Kids.” What began as an effort to support the families of reservists quickly expanded: first to helping Jewish refugees at the outbreak of the war, and now to a mission of uplifting and assisting Jews everywhere who need support, strength, and — true to its name — a smile.

Aron also opens up about his extraordinary decision to enlist in the IDF at age 44, serving as part of a logistics team and contributing directly to Israel’s war effort with determination and humility.

Donate Here to Smiles for The Kids - https://smilesforthekids.com/
Donate here to the helping Israel Fund - https://helpingisraelfund.com/

Together, Ari and Aron explore what the future holds, the challenges ahead, and the unwavering optimism that fuels Aron’s work and outlook.