In this special episode of The Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik explores the poignant return of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, the last of the Israeli hostages to be brought back from Gaza. After 844 days of uncertainty and fear, his body was recovered in a complex operation by the IDF, ending a long and painful chapter for Israeli families. Laznik speaks with Major A, who was directly involved in the mission, and shares personal reflections on the emotional toll of the operation. Additionally, Ayelet Samerano, a mother whose son Yonatan was also held captive, offers insight into the long road to healing. This episode captures both the sorrow and the resilience that have defined this chapter in Israel’s history.

In this week’s episode of The Deep Dive, we unpack the latest developments in the Middle East and beyond. Host Jacob Laznik is joined by Alex Winston and Noah Shusterman Dvir for a critical conversation covering: -The tragic events in a Jerusalem kindergarten -Ongoing bloodshed in Iran - The rising concerns over Jewish safety in the UK - A deep look into President Trump’s newly announced “Gaza Board of Peace” We examine who's really calling the shots, why Turkey and Qatar’s involvement is drawing backlash from Israel, and how Netanyahu’s response reflects shifting US-Israel dynamics. Plus, what does this mean for the future of the Gaza ceasefire?

In this week’s episode of The Deep Dive, we examine developments inside Iran through the personal story of Marzieh Hamidi. Iran is under a complete internet and communications shutdown, as we wait for the response of the world after it was reported that over 12,000 have been killed during the protests. Hamidi is an Iranian taekwondo professional who lived under the Islamic Republic and later under Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2020. Now living as a refugee in France, she speaks about her firsthand experiences and what it means to be a woman living under authoritarian Islamist regimes.

Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs and Gadi Zaig.

In this week's episode of The Deep Dive, we break down the shocking US military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This bold move has left the world questioning: What does this mean for Venezuela's future, and how will it affect global geopolitics?

Join us as we explore the legal, moral, and strategic implications of this unprecedented operation, including the potential fallout for US relations with Iran, Israel, and the rest of the world. With Venezuela in the midst of a political crisis and Maduro's regime teetering on the edge, we discuss what could happen next in this high-stakes game of power.

To better understand the legal, political, and regional implications of the operation, we spoke with Dr. Daniel Wajner of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, whose research focuses on legitimacy and legitimation in international relations, conflict resolution, populism in foreign policy, regional integration, and transnational politics in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. We also spoke with Jonathan Liverman, a Reichman University student and Venezuelan Jew, who offered a personal and regional perspective on how Maduro’s capture is being perceived within the Venezuelan diaspora.

Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs, Gadi Zaig, and Jacob Laznik.

Is Iran heading toward collapse or cracking down harder? In this week’s episode of The Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik is joined by Israel’s UN spokesperson Jonathan Harounoff to unpack Iran’s latest wave of protests, economic freefall and the regime’s response. Harounoff explains how internal pressures are mounting — and why this unrest feels different. Later, Lara Sukster Mosheyof reports on Romi Gonen’s brave testimony of sexual abuse, sparking renewed calls for justice and reform in Israel. And finally, former IDF soldier and musician Eyal Zakai shares how music became his way of coping with trauma and life after war.

Edited and produced by Shifra Jacobs, Gadi Zaig, and Jacob Laznik.

In this special year-end episode of The Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik sits down with Zvika Klein, JPost's Editor-in-chief, to reflect on the most significant stories of 2025. From Donald Trump’s unexpected return to global politics to the aftermath of the October 7 attack and Israel’s political shakeups, this year was filled with surprises, tension, and pivotal moments.

Join us as we recap the biggest headlines of the year, from political resignations to terror attacks and unexpected diplomatic breakthroughs. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how these events shaped 2025 and what we can expect in 2026.

Produced by Shifra Jacobs.

In this powerful episode of The Deep Dive, Jacob Laznik sits down with Professor Shlomo Shpiro, Shir Perets, and Rabbi James Kennard to unpack the emotional, political, and historical forces shaping Jewish discourse, specifically following the Bondi Beach massacre. From inherited trauma to moral courage, from silence to solidarity, this episode explores what it means to speak out (or stay quiet) during moments of crisis. Whether you're part of the Jewish community or simply navigating complex global issues, these conversations offer the kind of depth, honesty and nuance that’s all too rare.

In this week’s Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik breaks down the ongoing debate over Israel’s Haredi draft bill. Political correspondent Keshet Neev explains the current deadlock in the Knesset, while Yesh Atid MK Moshe ‘Kinley’ Turpaz discusses the challenges of integrating the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF. Likud MK Dan Illouz also shares his perspective on Israel’s security strategy post-October 7 and the political landscape moving forward. Tune in for expert analysis and behind-the-scenes insights into the most pressing issues in Israeli politics!

In this week’s episode of The Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik sits down with Sarah Ben-Nun to break down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a presidential pardon from Isaac Herzog. What are the legal and political implications, and is this a preemptive move in light of upcoming legal battles? Next, after Hamas returned the remains of Sudthisak Rinthalak, only one hostage is being held in Gaza: Ran Gvili.

Udi Goren, cousin of slain hostage Tal Haimi, joins us to share perspective and the unrelenting demand for everyone to return home. Finally, Diaspora affairs correspondent Mathilda Heller joins to explain why Guinness World Records is reportedly no longer accepting Israeli applicants, and what it says about Israel’s growing international isolation.

In this week’s episode of The Deep Dive, host Jacob Laznik unpacks some of the most urgent and controversial stories making headlines in Israel and abroad. The episode opens with Michael Starr, diaspora and antisemitism correspondent at The Jerusalem Post, who joins Laznik to discuss the return of Dror Or, a hostage previously held in Gaza.

With only two slain hostages still unaccounted for, the discussion focuses on the emotional and political significance of Or’s release. Starr also addresses the backlash against Peter Beinart following his appearance at Tel Aviv University, and analyzes the fallout from American commentator Candace Owens’s accusation that Israel and France were plotting to assassinate her. In the second segment, Laznik speaks with Dalia Ziada, coordinator at the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, about Donald Trump’s renewed call to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.

Ziada offers insight into the history and political context of the Brotherhood, and what such a move could mean for U.S. relations across the Middle East. The episode closes with political analyst Sasha Machta, who examines growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah on the northern border. With cross-border attacks increasing, Machta warns that a broader regional conflict could complicate and escalate Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas.