Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Standard Deviation—

An expose in the New York Times shows that on October 7th the IDF took an extraordinary decision to double the number of civilians whose lives it was willing to risk in order to attack Hamas leaders and rank-and-file fighters. What should we make of that?

—Again, This Time With Less Feeling—

Anthropologist Amalia Sa'ar asserts that Israeli political discourse is filled-to-the-gills with a "narrative of trauma" that keeps us from being able to have rational political discourse and make rational political and military decisions. Is she right?

—New Year's Resolutions—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: It's January. What are our political political "resolutions" for the new year?

Plus, Yehudit Ravitz with a new record at 68.