More than 30 years after Hamas murdered 17-year-old American David Boim, his family is still seeking to enforce a $156 million terrorism judgment. Lead counsel Daniel I. Schlessinger explains the case against American Muslims for Palestine, the “alter ego” theory at its center, and what the 2027 trial could mean for other terrorism victims seeking accountability in U.S. courts.

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Israel’s latest strike in Syria highlights its growing concern over Turkey’s expanding military influence there. Ashley Perry examines the risk of a deeper Israel-Turkey confrontation, Washington’s response, and the security calculations driving Israel’s actions. He also breaks down Israel’s increasingly fragmented election landscape, the emergence of a potential third bloc, and Netanyahu’s continued control of Likud.

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David Wurmser joins the Middle East Forum Podcast to examine the new Mecca Agreement among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan and the broader strategic realignment it reflects. He discusses Turkey’s ambitions, China’s growing influence, Saudi Arabia’s shifting calculations, and the implications for India, the UAE, Israel, and the Abraham Accords. Wurmser also considers how Israel and the United States could respond as competing regional blocs take shape.

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With Israel’s October 27 election approaching, guest host Alex Selsky examines the deadlocked polls and the coalition math that could determine the next government. He looks at Netanyahu’s reshaping of Likud, the potential role of Ra’am and a new “third bloc,” and divisions across Israel’s political camps. Selsky also discusses foreign interference, Gaza, and the political maneuvering likely to intensify before Election Day.

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Russia, Iran, China, and Qatar are using different tools to weaken the political consensus behind the U.S.-Israel partnership. Alex Goldenberg joins Middle East Forum Podcast host Lauri Regan to examine how antisemitism, anti-Israel narratives, foreign funding, and social media influence campaigns are used to shape American public opinion and raise the political cost of cooperation with Israel. They also discuss how these efforts can converge without direct coordination, the role of prominent domestic voices in amplifying foreign narratives, and the growing influence of AI-enabled information operations. Goldenberg concludes by outlining how government, technology companies, analysts, and civil society can work together to identify, attribute, and counter hostile influence campaigns. Subscribe to the Middle East Forum for new episodes and expert analysis from across the region.

Ashley Perry examines the tentative Strait of Hormuz agreement and whether Iran’s leadership will uphold it. He also assesses renewed tensions with Hezbollah, the dispute over Hamas disarmament, and Israel’s response options. Finally, he explains how new center-right parties and the ultra-Orthodox enlistment debate could reshape Israel’s election.

Recent wars and maritime disruptions have exposed the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal—critical chokepoints for global trade and energy. Amit Mor joins Middle East Forum Podcast host Lauri Regan to examine emerging alternatives, including new oil pipelines, expanded overland trucking routes, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and proposed rail links through Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. They also discuss Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi threats to Bab el-Mandeb, and whether new regional trade routes can reduce dependence on vulnerable waterways. Subscribe to the Middle East Forum for new episodes and expert analysis from across the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu presented Donald Trump with three possible paths on Iran: diplomacy, intensified economic pressure, or renewed military operations. Ashley Perry examines what emerged from their meeting, Iran’s latest attack on a U.S. base, and the renewed activity of Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias. He also assesses Netanyahu’s political position as Israel’s election campaign begins to take shape.

Despite renewed diplomacy between Lebanon and Israel, Hezbollah retains an independent military and political structure that prevents Beirut from controlling decisions of war and peace. Scholar and educator Ibtisam Klait traces Hezbollah’s ideological origins, its allegiance to Iran’s doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih, and its evolution from a “state within a state” into a “state against the state.” She explains why restoring Lebanese sovereignty is essential to any lasting peace or regional normalization.

Hezbollah has been pushed back from Israel’s northern border, but its tunnels, rockets, drones, and efforts to rearm remain a serious threat.

Sarit Zehavi of the Alma Research and Education Center joins MEF Podcast host Lauri Regan to explain what Israel has uncovered in southern Lebanon, how Hezbollah is rebuilding with Iranian support, and why the ceasefire may not hold.

They also discuss Lebanon’s ability to disarm Hezbollah, the risks of an Israeli withdrawal, and what northern Israel needs to recover.