Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast

In this powerful episode of Mideast Horizons, Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman speak with Josh Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek, syndicated columnist, and author of Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. Hammer dissects the growing ideological rift inside the MAGA movement—between conservatives who see America and Israel as joint pillars of Judeo-Christian civilization, and a “woke Right” drifting toward isolationism, conspiracy theories, and even antisemitism. He discusses how voices such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens have turned their platforms into vehicles for anti-Israel narratives, and why their attacks on Christian Zionists reveal a deeper cultural struggle over faith, truth, and the moral foundations of the West. Hammer argues that defending the U.S.–Israel alliance today means defending the very biblical inheritance that underpins Western civilization, and suggests a new path forward for Jewish-Christian solidarity and combatting antisemitism. In a moving reflection, Hammer speaks about his late friend Charlie Kirk, describing his courage, loyalty, and deep biblical faith, and the importance of carrying forward his legacy of building bridges between Jews and Christians. He also discusses Candace Owens’ libelous claim that he had foreknowledge of Kirk’s assassination. In the first segment, Lahav and Asher discuss the ceasefire breakdown in Gaza, Jordanian King Abdullah’s remarks about the limits of a proposed Muslim-led stabilization force, and the realities of Hamas’s continuing control over much of the population. They analyze the Qatari regime’s deep ideological support for terrorism as evidenced by the recently surfaced posts of Qatari spokesman Majed al-Ansari, and explore the risks that Gaza could become a new front in a wider Middle East conflict. Finally, they turn to Israeli politics, assessing the Netanyahu government’s fragile coalition, the looming Haredi draft crisis, and the early maneuvering ahead of possible elections. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this gripping episode of Mideast Horizons, Asher Fredman speaks with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gazan analyst and reform advocate now based in Washington, DC, whose family has lived through every stage of Gaza’s tragedy. Ahmed shares his deeply personal story of loss, survival, and determination to speak truth about Hamas’s rule and the grim reality facing ordinary Gazans after the ceasefire. He describes how Hamas has reasserted its control through brutal retribution and violence, even as Gaza lies in ruins. Al-Khatib offers a sobering assessment of the group’s enduring power and the challenge of bringing about its disarmament, despite growing opposition to its rule. He outlines his plan for an effective international stabilization force — with real authority, extensive capabilities, and broad international backing — as the most realistic path toward restoring order. Looking ahead, he argues that Gaza’s future depends not on slogans but on a new mindset of radical pragmatism: a turn from resistance to rebuilding, from victimhood to responsibility, and from endless conflict toward a vision of coexistence and renewal. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

On this week’s episode of Mideast Horizons, Lahav and Asher speak with Prof. Kobi Michael, one of the world’s top experts on Israeli-Palestinian relations, who served as a founding Commander of the Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation apparatus. Prof. Michael, who today serves as a Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security, argues that Hamas’ DNA will not allow it to truly change, and that the terror group has no intention of demilitarizing. He presents a plan for establishing an alternative to Hamas in parts of Gaza, and for working with President Trump to ensure continued close U.S.-Israel cooperation even in the face of renewed terror activity in the Strip. Prof. Michael also draws on his vast experience to analyze the challenges and threats likely to arise from the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) in the near future. He suggests potential paths forward toward realizing Palestinian national aspirations in a way that does not endanger the security of the State of Israel. In the first segment, Lahav and Asher discuss overlooked aspects of President Trump’s speech to the Israeli Knesset, and of the “Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity” signed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey at Sharm el-Sheikh. They analyze the current prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords and regional cooperation, including with Indonesia. They also explore the key issues and complexities that will arise in the upcoming stage of negotiations on Phase 2 of President Trump’s 20-point plan. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Lahav and Asher speak with Dr. Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor under President Trump and now Vice President at The Heritage Foundation, about the Trump peace plan’s chances for success and its impact on the future of U.S.-Israel relations. Dr. Coates explains why the U.S.-Israel alliance is vital to American national security, how to counter antisemitism on college campuses, and what role Israel should play in America’s strategy vis-à-vis China. In the first segment, Lahav and Asher delve into Hamas’ response to Trump’s peace plan and its implications for the next stage of negotiations. They also analyze Israel’s successes and failures in handling the PR challenge posed by the latest Gaza flotilla, led by Greta Thunberg, and discuss the potential timeline for upcoming Israeli elections. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this week’s episode of Mideast Horizons, Asher and Lahav go live after U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s press conference presenting the 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza. The co-hosts discuss the likelihood of Hamas agreeing to release all of the hostages, the contradictions in the statements about what will happen if Hamas rejects the deal, a possible role for the Palestinian Authority, and the nature of a future international force in Gaza. While hopeful that the deal will lead to the rapid return of all the hostages, they also express skepticism about the plan’s ability to achieve lasting peace, citing Hamas’s determination to maintain its power on the ground and the political implications for Israel’s government. This week’s guest is Dr. Adi Schwartz, a leading expert on the Israeli-Palestinian arena and co-author (with Dr. Einat Wilf) of the book The War of Return. Dr. Schwartz argues that the Palestinian refugee issue, perpetuated by UNRWA, is a core obstacle to peace and that any plan to end the war in Gaza will not be effective without addressing this issue. Schwartz emphasizes UNRWA’s artificial inflation of the number of Palestinian refugees to over six million, compared to fewer than 10,000 actual Palestinian refugees under international refugee-status criteria. He contends that this status fuels the Palestinian narrative of a "right of return" to Israel, preventing acceptance of Israel’s existence as a Jewish state. Schwartz argues that without ideological change, reconstruction efforts will only lead to further conflict. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

This week's episode features sanctions expert Richard Goldberg, who recently left the Trump administration, discussing the upcoming snapback sanctions on Iran. Rich explains the process that is set to take place later this month, and the significance of restoring international sanctions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. The conversation delves into the strategic and economic impact of sanctions on Iran, stripping Iran of international legitimacy for its nuclear and missile activities and weakening its economy. The episode also explores the importance of US-Israel missile defense cooperation, and why the U.S. can't seem to quit cooperation with Qatar. We invite you to send your comments and questions for Lahav and Asher to MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com.

On this week’s episode, Lahav and Asher interview Israeli-American journalist Yaakov Katz, co-author of the new book While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East. Yaakov exposes in detail the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled the Hamas attack, and just as importantly- the lessons that Israel must learn in order to avoid another October 7-scale disaster. Yaakov also discusses his work as co-founder of the Middle East-America Dialogue policy forum, a unique platform bringing together leaders from the U.S., Israel and across the Middle East, including from countries with which Israel has no formal ties. In the first part of the episode, Lahav and Asher discuss the implications of the latest terror attacks in Jerusalem, the debate over applying Israeli sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria (West Bank), and the proposal put forward by President Trump to end the war in Gaza. We invite you to send your comments and questions for Lahav and Asher to MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Lahav and Asher speak with Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, about his efforts to engage both Democrats and Republicans, the future of U.S.-Israel cooperation, and the deep civilizational struggle shaping the Middle East. He explains why France’s and other European countries’ intent to recognize a Palestinian state would be destabilizing and destructive for the region, and discusses ongoing planning for the future of Gaza without Hamas. Ambassador Leiter also shares deeply personal reflections on how he draws strength and inspiration from the memory of his son, Major Moshe Leiter—a father of six, physician, and elite IDF officer—who fell while leading troops into battle in Gaza on November 10, 2023. In the opening segment, Lahav and Asher examine the dramatic challenges and dilemmas facing Israel this September in Gaza and at the UN, the consequences of renewed sanctions on Iran following the activation of the Snapback mechanism, and the upcoming five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Michael Eisenberg — Co-Founder of Aleph and one of Israel’s leading venture capitalists and public thinkers — dives deep into the future of AI and national security, repairing Israel’s economy and politics, and how Israel and its Abraham Accords partners can help transform the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He shares strategies for improving Israel’s narrative in the West, and explains why leaders like Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron should take lessons from the Israeli model — or risk disaster. Despite the challenges and tragedies Israel faces, Eisenberg explains why he remains optimistic about its future — and why he’s betting on a new generation of Israeli leaders. In the first segment, Lahav and Asher discuss Israel’s plans for an expanded operation in Gaza, the drop in American public opinion and its implications for Israel’s war strategy, and avenues for advancing the Abraham Accords five years after UAE-Israel normalization. Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Lahav and Asher speak with Brigadier General (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, former Head of Research in IDF Intelligence, and former Director-General of the Strategic Affairs Ministry, about Israel’s options in Gaza, lessons from the 2005 Disengagement, and what Israel can do to counter international delegitimization. Kuperwasser explains the logic behind plans for taking over all of Gaza, shares insights from his conversations with Ariel Sharon regarding leaving the Philadelphi Corridor, and responds to the former senior military and security officials who are calling to end the war and leave Hamas in power. Kuperwasser, who served as a Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security and today directs the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, also shares his insights into the future of the Palestinian arena in the post –Abbas era. In the first segment of this episode, Lahav and Asher analyze the upcoming decisions regarding the Gaza operation, the true implications of the demands being made of Israel to ensure the provision of sufficient food to every Gazan, despite efforts by Hamas and criminal gangs to divert aid, and the recent votes in the U.S. Senate regarding military sales to Israel. Subscribe to the podcast and follow it on all major platforms. You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.