Disclaimer: This episode was made with AI.

Summer 2025: The Middle East in Flames

Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank – Israel is at war on multiple fronts. At the same time, criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu is growing. Domestically, he's under pressure; internationally, increasingly isolated.

Reporter Jan Jessen traveled through the region, speaking with people whose lives have been shaped by war.

In this episode of "In Crisis Mode", we explore the war and Israel’s deepening internal crisis.

🎙️ Guests

• Arye Shalicar – Former IDF spokesperson, author ("Struggle for Life: A War Diary from the Middle East")
• Usama Antar – Political scientist from Gaza
• Anita Haviv – Author & activist ("Solidarity Means Action")
• Sulaiman Abu Dayyeh – Sociologist from East Jerusalem

🧭 Episode Guide

1 | A Country in Constant Conflict

Jan recounts his journey through Israel – from Tel Aviv to the West Bank.

2 | Enemies in the North, Missiles from Iran

Iran, Hezbollah, Houthis – Jan explains the “Axis of Resistance,” with insights from Arye.

3 | Life Under Fire – Gaza’s View

Jan provides context; Usama describes Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

4 | A Society Divided

Anita speaks on a fractured society – protest, internal displacement, and civil courage.

5 | East Jerusalem & Political Radicalization

Jan discusses settler violence, Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir. Sulaiman sharply critiques Israeli policy.

6 | Dead End War – What Now?

Jan’s conclusion: no Plan B, growing doubts, a democracy at risk – but also glimmers of hope.

🎧 More Episodes

• Rape as a weapon
• "No Safe Place" – Voices from Gaza’s War Zone
• After The Attack - Cleaning Up in the Shadows of War

📬 Contact & Feedback

Questions or comments?

✉️ [email protected]

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📅 New episodes

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A podcast by the FUNKE Media Group.