Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast

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.

In this episode, Lahav and Asher discuss the contentious issue of drafting Haredim (the Ultra-Orthodox) into the IDF with two parliamentarians on opposing sides of the debate – Members of Knesset Moshe (Kinley) Tur-Paz, of the Yesh Atid party, and Moshe Roth, of the United Torah Judaism party. They dive into topics such as the true needs of the IDF following October 7, whether sanctions and penalties will lead more Haredi youth to serve, the deep changes taking place in the Haredi community – and whether the Israeli Government will fall apart over this issue. In the first part of the episode, Lahav and Asher explore the acrimonious debate over the entrance of food to Gaza, the claims of starvation made by the media, and Israel’s response (or lack thereof). They also discuss the fast-approaching deadlines to reapply sanctions to Iran via the Snapback mechanism, and potential clashes between Israel and Europe over negotiations with Tehran. Subscribe to the podcast and follow it on all major platforms. You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Lahav and Asher tackle recent headlines involving Israel’s relations with the Christian world, both addressing misinformation and exploring ways for Israel to enhance ties with local and international Christian communities. Plus, they delve into the latest Israeli political developments, including how the contentious issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox Israelis is weakening the governing coalition in the Knesset. This week’s guest is Middle East expert Ruth Wasserman Lande, former Deputy Ambassador to Egypt, Advisor to President Shimon Peres, and Member of Knesset. Ruth, currently a Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security, discusses the various threats facing Israel on multiple fronts—both those making headlines and those quietly simmering beneath the surface. They explore the evolving realities in Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, examining how Israel can effectively address the growing challenges on its borders to the south, north and east. Subscribe to the podcast and follow it on all major platforms. You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this inspiring and timely episode, Lahav and Asher interview Hayvi Bouzo, a Syrian-American journalist, bridge-builder and thought leader. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Yalla Productions, Hayvi promotes dialogue and peace across the Middle East, including through bringing groundbreaking interviews with the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas to her Arabic-speaking audience. The interview goes in-depth into Hayvi’s experiences living under the Assad regime, the actions and policies of the Al-Sharaa government in Damascus, and the prospects for an Israel-Syria agreement. Hayvi also shares the paradigm-shifting trends taking place among youth in the MENA region, which are creating new possibilities for Abraham Accords expansion and peace. In the first part of the podcast, Lahav and Asher analyze the controversies stemming from the recent Turning Point USA summit in Tampa featuring Tucker Carlson, provide insights into the complex dilemmas surrounding a potential Gaza ceasefire, and explore developments in Syria and their implications for Israel’s national security. Subscribe to the podcast and follow it on all major platforms. You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

In this fascinating and particularly-timely episode of the Misgav Institute’s "Mideast Horizons" podcast, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman interview Israel's Ambassador to India, H.E. Reuven Azar. Amb. Azar, who previously served as Foreign Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Netanyahu and as Deputy Ambassador in Washington D.C., shares critical insights on the future of India-Israel relations, the path to Middle East integration and prosperity - and what it’s like to prepare for a meeting with President Trump. Amb. Azar emphasizes that, "India is going to become an element in Israel's national security." India, which will soon be the world’s third largest economy, sees Israel as a key innovation hub, and as a central component in a future East-West economic corridor. Azar discuss the opportunities and challenges for expanding bilateral cooperation and investment between Israeli and Indian tech companies and research centers, and areas which have a particularly high potential for growth. The discussion goes in-depth on the envisioned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an ambitious plan to create trade, energy, and digital links between India, the Middle East (including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel), and Europe. Israel’s Haifa Port, owned by India’s Adani Group, is a key component of this corridor. Amb. Azar discusses with Lahav and Asher the ways that innovation, trade and infrastructure development can not only take Israel-India relations to the next level, but can help shape a Middle East future of growth, prosperity and stability. With regards to Indian public opinion in the context of Israel’s ongoing war against Iran and Hamas, Amb. Azar notes the diversity of views, but concludes based on his personal experience that, “the majority of the people [in India] have a sense that we are actually facing the same challenge. The challenge of radicalism and terrorism." Amb. Azar also shares behind-the-scenes insights, as a former advisor to PM Netanyahu, on what it’s like to prepare for a meeting in the White House with President Trump. He discusses his personal involvement in the coordination between Israel and the United States over the sensitive issue of Chinese economic activity in Israel, and the mutually-beneficial solutions that he helped formulate. Lahav and Asher break down the outcomes of the Netanyahu-Trump meetings and the vision of a new Middle East order, discuss the implications of a Gaza ceasefire for Israel’s national security, and explore the feasibility of new paradigms for Israel-Palestinian relations, given the failure of Oslo. Don't miss the full episode to gain fresh and authentic insights into the Middle East beyond the headlines! Subscribe to the podcast and follow it on all major platforms. You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.

Welcome to "Mideast Horizons" - a podcast from the Misgav Institute for National Security, hosted by Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman. The podcast cuts through the noise to provide clear insights on critical developments in Israel and the Middle East. This week’s episode features an interview with Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore, Executive Chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He discusses the GHF's mission to feed and support Gazans by ensuring aid is not diverted by Hamas, which has historically plagued humanitarian efforts. Reverend Moore reveals that the GHF successfully delivered over 50 million meals in its first month, without a single aid truck diverted—an unprecedented achievement despite facing severe threats and misinformation campaigns by Hamas, the UN, and international aid groups. While Hamas has murdered 12 of GHF’s Palestinian workers and threatened its American personnel, the UN and other aid organizations are spreading Hamas propaganda against GHF, endangering GHF’s efforts to assist the Gazan civilian population. Other key topics discussed include: Future of Syria-Israel Relations: Reverend Moore shares insights from his recent two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the new Syrian President, expressing optimism for peace between Syria and Israel, while emphasizing the need for practical steps and trust-building. Abraham Accords: The conversation touches on the future of the Abraham Accords in the wake of the Gaza war, given Rev. Moore’s extensive experience building interfaith bridges in the Middle East. Evangelical Support for Israel: Rev. Moore reaffirms the strong, biblical-rooted support for Israel among evangelicals worldwide, despite recent misinformation attempts, in light of recent controversies and debates. Lahav and Asher also discussed: Complex Dilemmas in Gaza: The podcast explores Israel's challenging decisions regarding an end to the war in Gaza, considering options ranging from a 60-day ceasefire (the "Witkoff Proposal") and a "grand deal" reportedly favored by President Trump. The episode addresses "three illusions" in the discourse around a Gaza ceasefire: the misconception that Hamas has been defeated, the ineffectiveness of a technocratic government if Hamas remains a dominant power, and the unlikelihood of Arab countries fighting Hamas for Israel. Israel's Strategic Autonomy: The discussion highlights the importance of Israel moving towards greater strategic autonomy in military manufacturing and development, lessening its dependence over time on US military aid. Misinformation on "Settler Violence": The hosts delve into the sensitive issue of “settler violence”, discussing on the one hand the need for more effective Israeli law enforcement against the small violent fringe of Jewish Israelis carrying out such attacks and vandalism, and on the other, the fact that reports on “settler violence” largely rely on hostile UN reports which greatly distort and exaggerate reality. For example, these UN reports repeatedly categorize Palestinian terrorists neutralized while carrying out terror attacks as “victims” of settler violence, or label peaceful visits by Jews to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as settler violence. The podcast, already number seven after its inaugural episode on news commentary podcasts in Israel, encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and share to help it climb higher in the rankings. You can send comments or suggestions to mideasthorizonspodcast@gmail.com.