FIDF Live

FIDF Correspondent Lara Krinsky welcomes Col. Richard Kemp, Former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan and Chairman of the United Kingdom's national crisis management committee (COBRA) to discuss Israel's Operation Rising Lion against Iran. With his extensive military background, Richard provides expert insight into Israel's significant military successes against Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, dealing a major blow to Iran's regional influence and proxy network. He outlines the potential outcomes from the current ceasefire, some of which may be far reaching. Lara and Richard then discuss how this war may impact the situation in Gaza, concerns in the United States due to the American attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, and the global response to Israel's military actions.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss Israel’s air strike against Iran on June 13th, the ensuing war and, finally, the historic bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear complex. Jonathan Schanzer states the gravity of this momentous event, declaring the arc of history having been bent in a new direction. Prior to the destruction of Fordow, Israel had already destroyed 75% of Iran’s nuclear program, with the US’ strike finishing the job. Schanzer explains that it would be decades, at the very least, before Iran can recover its nuclear program, if that day ever does come. Schanzer explains that, while the Iranian regime has been damaged irreparably and is clearly on its last legs, this regime appears to be defiant, and willing to fight until the very end. They appear to be trying to overwhelm Israel’s air defense systems, playing a numbers game, in hopes that Israel’s defense missiles run out entirely. There is also the possibility of a global escalation, with China taking a hit with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz and the threat of Iran striking the US and its allies near Iran. The strategy, Schanzer explains, is to continue to retaliate and attack the regime without boots on the ground, or trying to transform Iran into some kind of Jeffersonian democracy a la President Bush, but to instead continue to attack from afar. There is the hope that perhaps the Iranian people would rise up, rebel and attempt to usurp the regime, with a large portion of Iran’s population being western minded. Whatever happens following the bombing of Fordow, Schanzer believes that President Donald Trump will go down in Israeli and Jewish history as a hero. 

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FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. (Res.) Doron Spielman, Author of "When the Stones Speak" & Former VP, City of David, to discuss Israel's ongoing military operations against Iran. Doron describes how Israel had been planning for months and executed a complex operation to take out key Iranian military targets, including ballistic missile sites and air force commanders, severely weakening Iran's military capabilities. They also discuss how potential U.S. intervention will be crucial, as it could embolden the Iranian people to rise up against the regime. Lastly, Doron elaborates on the broader geopolitical implications of this conflict and how it might help shape the future of the Middle East.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to provide updates on Israel's military operations against Iran and its proxies. Nadav details Israel's successes and challenges in the war against Iran, which is a multi-arena conflict, with ongoing battles in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria in addition to the main conflict in Iran. He describes how Israel is working to push the launch sites of Iranian missiles deeper into Iran to limit their range and effectiveness and has made significant progress in degrading Iran's nuclear and missile production capabilities. Finally, Steve and Nadav discuss the strain this war has put on Israeli society and Israel's ultimate goal to free the world of a serious threat.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to discuss Israel's ongoing military campaign against Iran. As a longtime expert on Iran's nuclear ambitions, Mark provides a detailed analysis of why Israel decided to launch Operation Rising Lion last week, where they've succeeded thus far, and what the future potentially holds. He also details the technical details of Iran's weapons arsenal and infrastructure, and how Israeli operations have depleted and damaged them. Steve and Mark discuss Iranian society, internal discontent with the ruling regime, and how this could potentially evolve as the conflict progresses. Finally, the two touch on the future of this war and its potential global impact.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Gadi Ezra, an IDF reservist, human rights attorney, and the former Director of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Unit for the Prime Minister's Office. Gadi provides his expert insight on Israel's incredibly successful military offensive against Iran. He highlights the disparity of human rights concerns between where Israel and Iran target their respective strikes, as well as the importance of distinguishing between the Iranian people and their current government. Finally, Gadi and Steve discuss the broader geopolitical context of this conflict as well as how the specific circumstances of Israeli society impact the potential future of this war.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Ari Sacher, rocket scientist for RAFAEL, to discuss the current state of Israel’s historic Operation Rising Lion in Iran. Ari details his own personal experience living through recent events in Israel, including Iran's brutal assault on Israeli civilian centers. As an expert on the relevant technologies, Ari offers detailed analysis about how Israel has destroyed significant portions of Iran's arsenal and intercepted 90% of incoming missiles. Steve and Ari also discuss possible outcomes from this operation, both for Iran's future as well as Israel's security. Finally, Ari provides scientific insight on the science behind Iran's missiles, the devastating damage they cause upon impact, and theories about Iran's military strategy.

Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss Israel’s air strike against Iran on June 13th, and the ensuing war. Jonathan breaks down the Israeli Air Force’s onslaught, or as Jonathan described it, a blitzkrieg-like attack, heavily crippling Iran’s nuclear facilities and defense capabilities, eliminating Iran’s top military personal and eliminating Iran’s top nuclear program personnel. Jonathan believes that, contrary to President Trump’s statements, the United States has supported this attack and was involved to some degree with the planning of this attack. Jonathan explains that there is debate in the Trump administration whether to finish the job or not. The IAF has done a great job of taking out many of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers, however, it’s unclear how many launchers there are and if Israel can take them all out, and there is the concern that Iran’s aim with these missiles is improving, thus posing a dangerous threat to the safety of Israeli citizens and Israeli military strongholds. Another concern is Israel’s capacity to take out Fordo, Iran’s most important nuclear facility. It is buried deep underground and the IAF may not have the capability to destroy it, so the question is, will the US deploy B-2 bombers that have the capability to potentially destroy Fordo? Further, while the IAF, IDF and Mossad have done a stellar job in this attack, the ballistic missile fire and the damage being caused both to Israel’s infrastructure and the civilian psyche is great, and how much more that Israel can take is yet to be seen. All in all, the goal should be to finish the job swiftly and decisively, and US support may be required to do so. 

Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss Israel's historic Operation Rising Lion, in which it inflicted significant damage to Iran's nuclear facilities and long-range weaponry. Nadav discusses the background of this operation, why Israel chose to act now, and what the future potentially holds.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil speaks with Orna and Ronen Neutra, parents of fallen soldier Capt. Omer Neutra z"l, whose body is being held in Gaza by Hamas. This meeting was pre-recorded on American Memorial Day. Orna and Ronen describe who Omer was as a person during his short, but meaningful life. They detail what inspired him to join the IDF as a lone soldier despite his educational opportunities in the United States and his extraordinary commitment to Israel. Omer's parents elaborate on their Holocaust survivor parents and how they influenced his life before finally describing the tragic details of what happened on October 7, 2023. Lastly, they discuss the aftermath, and their involvements with the American and Israeli governments, trying to get Omer back.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.