As Americans mark Independence Day, Gil Troy is joined by Dr. Anat Wilf for a special July 4th edition of the JPPI Podcast. Together, they examine the growing claims of a rupture in U.S.-Israel relations, asking whether recent political tensions represent a genuine strategic break or simply another chapter in a relationship that has weathered far greater storms. Drawing on history, diplomacy, and Zionist thought, they explore the deeper foundations of the alliance and what they reveal about its future. In the second half of the episode, Gil reflects on his new e-book, 250 Reasons to Be Grateful to America, celebrating the ideals, institutions, and enduring values that continue to shape the American experiment—even in an era of polarization and uncertainty.

In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Natalie Ecanow, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about her new report tracing what she estimates is at least $400 billion in Qatari spending, investments, lobbying, grants, and commercial activity across the United States. From defense and energy to higher education, media, technology, sports, and even K-12 classrooms, Qatar’s footprint reaches farther than most Americans realize. They discuss how Doha has cultivated influence within America’s political, academic, and cultural institutions; where legitimate investment can become political leverage; and why that influence deserves greater public scrutiny.

A new Iran deal has left Israel alarmed and raised difficult questions about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Gil Troy and Lt.-Col. (res.) Or Horvitz join Yaakov to unpack what is actually in the deal, how dangerous it could be, why President Trump has turned so sharply against Netanyahu, and whether there is any reason to see a silver lining in this new Middle East reality.

Has the Middle East fundamentally changed over the last two years? Yaakov Katz speaks with Nadim Koteich, a leading Arab journalist, former General Manager of Sky News Arabia and columnist for Asharq Al-Awsat, about Iran, Hezbollah, Lebanon, and what the region might look like after the wars that have reshaped it.

This week, IDF troops reached the Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon. But is that a victory? Yaakov Katz speaks with Dr. Seth Frantzman about Israel's endgame in Lebanon, the risk of a prolonged military presence, and how drone warfare is changing the battlefield.

As ceasefire talks continue and tensions grow with Iran, what are ordinary Iranians actually thinking? In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Iranian-Canadian journalist and analyst Negar Mojtahedi about life inside Iran, how people view the regime, whether they want the US or Israel to strike and why another uprising has not happened.

As a new a new Iran deal nears, for Israel, the key question is simple: will this agreement actually stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions – or merely delay them? On this episode, Yaakov, Shmuel Rosner and Gil Troy break down the emerging deal, what it means for Israel’s security, and whether Jerusalem is once again being asked to live with a dangerous compromise.

Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Vivian Bercovici joins Yaakov Katz for a candid conversation about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada following October 7. Once considered one of the safest places in the world for Jews, Jews fear what the future holds.

Europe is entering a period of political change. From new leadership in Hungary and growing debates over sanctions on Israeli settlers to broader questions about the EU’s role in regional security and diplomacy, Prof. Sharon Pardo joins Yaakov to unpack how Europe views Israel, Iran, and the rapidly changing Middle East.

Following a series of troubling incidents involving Christian clergy in Jerusalem – including the reported blocking of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Yaakov speaks with JPPI’s Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal about the growing strain on Jewish-Christian relations in Israel and the disappearance of meaningful interfaith dialogue from Israeli society.