Dr. Shira Efron, Research Director at the Israel Policy Forum, joins Yaakov in this episode to hash out the politics, strategy, and symbolism behind Netanyahu’s trip to Washington. They take on big questions like whether this visit marks a turning point in U.S.-Israel relations and what comes next in the Gaza war.

In this episode, Yaakov Katz is joined by Dr. Einat Wilf, author of The War of Return, for an in-depth conversation on the Qatargate scandal, the role of UNRWA, and the Israeli government's failure—particularly under Prime Minister Netanyahu—to recognize and respond to the strategic threat posed by Qatar. The discussion also explores the broader implications for the ongoing war and the global rise in antisemitism.

In this episode, author Yossi Klein Halevi delves into the deepening divisions within Israeli society, the government's deliberate stoking of those fractures to maintain political leverage, Netanyahu's role in exacerbating the schism, and a vision for the possibility of regional peace.

In this episode, Yaakov Katz speaks with Jason Greenblatt, former advisor on Israel and Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations under President Donald Trump. They discuss the Trump administration’s relationship with Israel, its policies regarding the ongoing war and hostage crisis, and the broader regional developments aimed at advancing the legacy of the Abraham Accords.

As the war in Gaza resumes, the urgency surrounding the return of Israeli hostages has intensified the wave of protests across the country. Public frustration is mounting, not just over the prolonged captivity of those still held by Hamas, but also over the Israeli government's handling of the crisis.

In this episode, our panel examines how the government's pursuit of divisive policies—at a time when national unity is paramount—is exacerbating divisions within Israeli society. They explore the growing discontent among citizens, the impact of these internal fractures on Israel’s strategic decision-making, and the broader consequences for both the war effort and the country’s future. 

In this episode, we welcome Haaretz journalist and author Anshel Pfeffer for an in-depth discussion on Israel’s renewed war in Gaza and the escalating internal political crisis, the Netanyahu coalition and whether or not the resumption of the war is politically motivated. Anshel also dissects the strategic missteps of the Israeli government, examining how its approach to Hamas has faltered and what this means for the future.

A father's fight, a hostage son's survival. In this episode, JPPI's Yaakov Katz speaks with Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen about his family's relentless battle to bring his son Sugui home from Hamas captivity, the diplomatic and political struggles they've faced, and the role of international figures, including former President Trump, in efforts to secure his release.

Clashes in Syria spark questions about the new regime’s stability. Charles Lister, head of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, joins JPPI senior fellow Yaakov Katz to break it down—what’s happening, regional reactions, and what it means for Israel.

In a post-October 7 world, what does Jewish peoplehood mean for Israelis today? Naama Klar, Director of The Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood at ANU, joins us to explore how identity, resilience, and global connections can shape Israel’s future. With a background in policy, diplomacy, and social impact, Klar offers insights on how to foster unity in uncertain times.