It has been a challenging two days in Tel Aviv as missiles have fallen close to where we live. In this podcast, I describe the last two days in Tel Aviv. I also go on to discuss Israel’s successful attacks on Iran, why they were conducted, and what has been accomplished so far.

I was pleased to welcome Nimrod Sheffer, a veteran Israeli Air Force pilot who dedicated most of his adult life to military service, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Commander of the Air Force. Following his distinguished military career, Sheffer went on to lead Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) —Israel’s leading defense company and the manufacturer of systems such as the Arrow missile defense system.

Since the outset of the government’s proposed judicial overhaul, Sheffer has emerged as a prominent and outspoken critic, lending his voice to the fight to preserve Israeli democracy. Recently, he announced his entry into political life by joining Israel’s Democratic Party (Demokratim), signaling his continued commitment to bringing about positive change.

Days of uncertainty lie ahead as Netanyahu weighs a possible hostage deal, political pressure mounts, and Trump eyes Iran. The government may fall—or not—but the stakes are high either way. Also: a look at Trump’s decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles and final thoughts on Apple’s latest product announcements. In a week of shifting ground, we try to …

Join Marc Schulman from Tel Aviv for an insightful analysis of current Israeli and global developments on June 6th. This episode covers Israel's enforcement of the Lebanon ceasefire through targeted strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut, the complex situation in Gaza including Israel's controversial support for non-Hamas militias, and the ongoing political crisis over ultra-Orthodox military draft exemptions that threatens to bring down Netanyahu's government. Marc also examines the strategic opportunities Israel is missing with Syria and Lebanon due to lack of creative diplomacy, discusses the American political landscape including Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and its deficit implications, and highlights the rapid evolution of AI technology through the competitive race between OpenAI and Anthropic. With his characteristic blend of historical perspective and current analysis, Marc provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how domestic pressures continue to shape Israeli foreign policy, while offering candid assessments of the country's strategic challenges and missed opportunities in an increasingly complex Middle Eastern landscape.

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On a day marked by the tragic news of another fallen soldier in Gaza, deep political tensions are brewing in Israel. Are Ultra-Orthodox rabbis preparing to bring down the government over the contentious issue of drafting yeshiva students? Meanwhile, the questions of hostages, a possible ceasefire, and how this war should ultimately end weigh heavily on the nation’s conscience.

In this episode, I also explore reports of a potential new Iran nuclear deal, examine President Trump’s proposed steel tariffs, and conclude with my regular segment on artificial intelligence—this time focusing on Google’s newly released NotebookLM.

We appear to be on the brink of a ceasefire agreement—yet that breakthrough moment continues to elude us. In this episode, I explore the current situation, Israel’s failure to take constructive action toward the people of Gaza over the past 20 months, and how that failure has made effective public diplomacy nearly impossible. I also discuss why, at this point, serious talk of a Palestinian state remains unrealistic. (A full transcript is available on the web version of the site.)

It’s been a long war that has had major impacts on Israeli society and Israel’s strategic and diplomatic standing. Together with my good friend Ehud Haik, who spent a career in the military, we take a step back to examine the broader picture: Where does Israel stand today, regionally, globally, and socially? The conversation begins with an overview of the major global shifts and their impact on Israel’s position in the world. From there, we move into a detailed discussion of current developments across the Middle East and within Israeli society itself. It’s a wide-ranging, thoughtful reflection on the forces shaping the country’s present and its uncertain future.

Yesterday was filled with rumors and reports of progress regarding the hostages. Then, Prime Minister Netanyahu added fuel to the fire by claiming he would make an announcement either later that day or the following day. Why? The Houthis continue to attack, and the war continues. Meanwhile, Israel’s new humanitarian aid program begins today.

Marc Schulman reflects on the dramatic events of recent days—including the daily missile attacks by the Houthis, a dangerous and misleading speech by Prime Minister Netanyahu, the collapse of hostage negotiations, and much more.

Amir, a former Israeli fighter pilot, spent many years living in China, where he played a key role in developing Israeli business interests. Today, he leads a major venture fund in Israel and remains a leading expert on China-Israel relations. His insights are especially valuable in this time of global uncertainty. In this episode, we explore a wide range of topics—from China-U.S. dynamics to the impact of the AI revolution.