For decades, Iran has advanced its nuclear ambitions, circumventing sanctions and ignoring global condemnation. Now, with Hamas’s military largely dismantled in Gaza, Hezbollah weakened, and Syria’s Assad regime faltering, the Islamic Republic finds itself on the back foot.

With only weeks remaining before Trump takes office, Tehran may see its window closing and feel compelled to make a final push toward a nuclear weapon.

How close is Iran to the bomb? Will Israel act to stop it? And where does the United States stand if preemptive action becomes inevitable?

Aviva Klompas speaks with Dr. Michael Oren—historian, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, and one of the sharpest voices on Israel’s security and foreign policy.

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Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompas
Find Michael Oren on X @DrMichaelOren

Since the start of the war, the Houthis—an Iran-backed Shia Islamist group—have launched hundreds of attacks on Israel, disrupted global trade by targeting vital Red Sea shipping routes, and destabilized an entire region.

How did a rebel group from one of the world’s poorest countries come to possess such advanced military capabilities? Who are the Houthis, and why is the world still unwilling to confront them directly?

To break it all down, I’m joined by retired Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus—a former IDF spokesperson, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and leading expert on the Middle East.

Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Find Aviva Klompas on X @AvivaKlompas
Find Jonathan Conricus on X @jconricus

Guest Bio:

Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson.

In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, to dissect Amnesty International’s controversial report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

They discuss the report's claims, the implications of Amnesty’s decision to lower the threshold for proving genocide, and the far-reaching consequences of these accusations on Israel and the global narrative. The episode also touches on why genocide accusations resonate so deeply for Israel and what’s at stake in the war of words surrounding this.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand in his long-running corruption trial, facing charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. His testimony comes as Israel battles a multifront war now in its 14th month, deepening political divides.

To his supporters, the trial is a politically motivated effort to remove him from power; to his critics, it’s a critical test of Israel’s legal system and its ability to hold leaders accountable.

Joining us to break it all down is Tomer Naor, Head of the Legal Department at The Movement for Quality Government in Israel. We’ll unpack the details of the case and its far-reaching implications for Israel’s politics, society, and legal system.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Guest Bio:

For over a decade, Tomer Naor has been a central figure at The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, one of the country’s leading grassroots organizations. As Head of the Legal Department for the past five years, he has led landmark Supreme Court cases, championing democracy, transparency, and good governance, particularly during Israel’s recent constitutional crisis.

Recognized as one of the Hebrew University’s “40 Promising Graduates Under 40” and The Marker’s “40 Under 40,” Tomer is a prominent voice on law, politics, and civil society. He is a frequent media commentator, a sought-after lecturer, and actively involved in social initiatives across Israel.

Tomer holds law degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Northwestern University, in partnership with Tel Aviv University. He is also a father, educator, and dedicated social activist.

Syria’s collapse didn’t happen overnight. Born from the colonial borders of post-World War I, Syria has long been a fractured country, divided by sectarianism, tribal rivalries, and decades of brutal dictatorship. For years, Bashar al-Assad’s regime seemed untouchable, propped up by foreign support from Iran and Russia.

Now, in a sudden and decisive turn, Assad’s regime has fallen—an event few predicted and one with profound consequences for the region. Rebel factions, some with extremist ties, are vying for control, and Syria’s neighbors are jockeying to fill the power vacuum.

How did we get here? What does Assad’s collapse mean for Syria’s future, and how might this moment reshape the Middle East?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to Washington and a leading expert on the region, to explore the history that led to Assad’s fall and what comes next for Syria, its people, and its neighbors.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

The Assad regime has collapsed, marking a historic turning point in the Middle East. Long a cornerstone of Iran’s Axis of Resistance, Syria now stands at a crossroads. Rebel forces have delivered a major blow to Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia—while raising alarms about the rise of new jihadist groups.

For Israel, the resulting power vacuum introduces new security challenges, especially along its northern border. In this episode, Aviva Klompas speaks with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, Middle East strategist and former IDF spokesperson, to break down the fallout from Assad’s collapse, its impact on Israel, and what lies ahead for the region.

Guest Bio:

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on the Middle East. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He also served as a military diplomat, foreign relations expert, and international spokesperson. He recently retired as lieutenant colonel. Jonathan was the first Israeli officer to be seconded to the United Nations (UN), during which he provided military and strategic analysis for UN peacekeeping forces. He has directed social media and public diplomacy efforts and has extensive on- and off-camera experience from his years as a spokesperson.

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Subscribe and stay connected: Don’t miss future episodes of Boundless Insights. Follow us for more expert analysis and deep dives into the issues shaping Israel and the world.

Diplomacy is often seen as the key to resolving conflicts, but can it succeed without the strength to back it up?  Host Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, Israel's former Ambassador to the United States, to explore the interplay between diplomacy and power.

Dr. Oren shares his insights on America's reluctance to demonstrate its strength and its growing aversion to military engagement. He discusses how these tendencies have shaped global perceptions of U.S. leadership, the mixed messages they send to allies, and the ripple effects on conflicts like the ongoing war Israel is fighting.

Together, they unpack questions at the heart of modern diplomacy: How can nations balance the use of force with the pursuit of peace? What role does trust play in sustaining alliances? And what does America’s approach to diplomacy signal for its future role on the global stage?

This is a thought-provoking conversation about the limits of diplomacy, the necessity of strength, and the challenges facing Western leadership in an increasingly volatile world.

Additional Resources:

Dr. Michael Oren’s book Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israeli Divide

Dr Oren: The Diplomatic Whiplash of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

We’re discussing one of Israel’s most contentious debates: the military draft exemption for the ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, community. Since Israel's founding, Haredim have been largely exempt from mandatory military service, a policy initially intended for a small group of Torah scholars but now encompassing tens of thousands of men.

With Israel facing a multifront war and a strained IDF, the debate over this exemption has shifted from one of fairness to one of sustainability. How is this impacting Israeli society, the military, and the future of the State? Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren to unpack the historical roots, current tensions, and broader implications.

Key Topics Covered:
-The history of the Haredi draft exemption
-How the IDF’s manpower shortages and increasing demands on reservists are fueling resentment toward the Haredi community
-The role of Israel’s Supreme Court in pushing for draft reforms
-Broader implications for Israeli society, national security, and economic sustainability

Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/

Aviva Klompas is joined by Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, to discuss the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

After more than a year of conflict, including near-daily attacks that displaced tens of thousands of Israelis in the north, the proposed ceasefire introduces a 60-day transition plan that would put a halt to the fighting and see Lebanese troops deployed in southern Lebanon to keep Hezbollah away from Israel's border.

Aviva and Dr. Oren discuss the details of the agreement and tackle several pressing questions including: Who is behind the deal? Can displaced Israelis safely return to their homes? What are the odds this fragile truce will hold?

Key Topics:
-Details of the ceasefire agreement 
-Internal and external pressures that may have contributed to the agreement
-The role of international actors in overseeing the agreement
-The willingness of Israelis to return to their homes

In this episode, we sit down with actor, comedian, and outspoken advocate Michael Rapaport. Known for his fearless, unfiltered style, Michael has emerged as a powerful voice in support of Israel and the Jewish people following the events of October 7.

Join us as we explore the pivotal moments and personal experiences that have fueled his commitment to standing against antisemitism and rallying support for Israel – no matter the cost.

Key Topics:
-From his father’s lessons about Jewish identity to his connection with Israel after October 7, Michael shares how his perspective has evolved over time
-How the rise of Jew-hatred in the headlines pushed Michael to use his platform in bold new ways.
-A candid discussion about why so many celebrities remain silent on issues of antisemitism and Israel
-How Michael uses comedy to cut through the noise and make his advocacy resonate with audiences.

Guest Bio:
Michael Rapaport is an actor and comedian celebrated for his direct and no-nonsense approach. With a career spanning film, television, and stand-up comedy, he has become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken supporters of Israel, using his platform to inspire others to stand up and speak out.

Referenced in the Episode:
Time: As the Families of Murdered Hostages, Our Message to People in Power Is Simple: Act
Michael Rapaport’s Susan Sarandon The Remix and Susan Sarandon Remixing the remix