As the war in the Middle East unfolds, its consequences are being felt far beyond the battlefield. The conflict has triggered fierce debate about American involvement, Israel’s role in U.S. foreign policy, and the future of one of Washington’s most important alliances.

In this episode, host Aviva Klompas speaks with historian and former Israeli ambassador to the United States Dr. Michael Oren about how the current war fits into the broader chain of events that began with the October 7 attacks and the strategic miscalculations that helped bring the region to this point.

They examine new polling showing deep partisan divisions among Americans toward Israel. The conversation also explores the resurgence of conspiracy theories and antisemitic tropes circulating in political commentary and social media.

Guest Bio:

Michael Oren served in the IDF as a Lone Soldier in the paratroopers. He was Israel’s ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2013 and later served as a Member of Knesset and Deputy Minister of Diplomacy.

He is the author of several New York Times bestsellers including Six Days of War, Ally: My Journey Across the American-Israel Divide, and Power, Faith, and Fantasy. Ambassador Oren published 2048: The Rejuvenated State in 2023 and is the founder of Israel Advocacy Group.

More From This Guest:

The Free Press - From October 7 to Killing Khamenei by Dr. Michael Oren