LATEST

Episode 308 | The regional picture after the NATO summit

NATO Secretary General and NATO Deputy Secretary General meet with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative partner countries at the NATO Summit in Ankara, July 7, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Eyal Zisser about the US-Iran MOU, political developments in Syria and Lebanon, Turkey’s regional ambitions, and Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbours. Professor Zisser also discusses Israel’s challenge of translating military achievements against Hezbollah and Hamas into lasting political gains. Prof. Eyal Zisser is Chair of Contemporary […]

Episode 307 | Lebanon, Iran and the future of US-Israel relations

Israeli and Lebanese flags at the Memorial near Metula following the signing of an agreement between Israel and Lebanon, June 28, 2026.

In this episode, Dan Ritterband speaks with Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman about the new Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, the US-Iran MOU, and the state of US-Israel relations. Lerman assesses Lebanon’s commitment to disarming Hezbollah and discusses the ambiguities in the US-Iran MOU, the risks to American deterrence, and the possibility of renewed escalation over Iran’s […]

Episode 306 | Has Iran won the negotiation after losing the battle? 

Iran flags.

In this episode recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Brig. Gen. (res.) Assaf Orion about the fallout from the US-Iran MOU. Orion assesses Israel’s concerns over premature sanctions relief, the absence of restrictions on Iran’s missile programme and proxy network, and the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement. He also discusses Israel’s […]

Episode 305 | Initial reaction to the US-Iran ceasefire

Iran on map

In this episode recorded during media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ilan Berman for a first reaction to the US-Iran ceasefire announcement and the 60-day nuclear negotiation period now ahead. Dr Berman assesses Washington’s political calculations, the pressure of energy markets and the midterm elections, and why he believes the framework currently gives Tehran […]

Episode 304 | The story of Black Jews in Israel

Members of the Jewish Ethiopian community hold up family photos of loved ones who remain in Ethiopia, during a protest demanding the government to bring the rest of the Falashmura, near the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on February 1, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Roni Fantanesh Malkai about the story of Ethiopian Jews and their integration into Israeli society. Roni reflects on her family’s journey and the deep attachment to Jerusalem that sustained the community for generations. Roni Fantanesh Malkai is an Ethiopian Israeli activist, commentator and author of ‘We Are Black […]

Episode 303 | Tactical lessons and political consequences of war with Hezbollah

Smoke rises from southern Lebanon during an Israeli military operation, June 4, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with author and commentator Yaakov Katz about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and the wider strategic implications of the war with Hezbollah. Katz examines Hezbollah’s use of fibre-optic drones and the significance of the IDF’s return to Beaufort Castle. He also relates to the emerging competition among the candidates to be […]

Episode 302 | Can Trump stop Iran’s nuclear programme?

People walk next to a large banner depicting U.S. President Donald Trump with the slogan “The Deliverer” hangs on a building in Jerusalem, April 19, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with veteran US official Elliott Abrams about the state of US-Iran negotiations. Abrams assesses President Trump’s approach to Iran’s nuclear programme, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and the risks of sanctions relief for Tehran. They also discuss the Trump administration’s decision-making process, the prospects for further US […]

Episode 301 | Inside the Israel-Lebanon peace process

A military post in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, on October 29, 2025.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Hagar Chemali about the prospects for Israel-Lebanon peace and the US-led diplomatic efforts taking place in Washington. Chemali outlines why she believes Hezbollah’s weakened position, shifting Lebanese public opinion and the Trump administration’s regional approach have created a rare opportunity for progress. Hagar also assesses Hezbollah’s current strength, […]

Episode 300 | Egypt’s regional posture

A Palestinian protestor puts up an Egyptian flag during a rally in front of the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip on September 16, 2013.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Ambassador Amira Oron about Egypt’s role in the Middle East. Ambassador Oron outlines Egypt’s approach to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the Iranian issue. They also discuss Israel-Egypt relations and Turkey’s efforts to play a role in Gaza. Ambassador Amira Oron served for three decades in Israel’s Foreign […]

Episode 299 | Palestinian politics in search for new leadership

Palestinians vote during the Palestinian local elections, in the West Bank city of Al-Bireh, April 25, 2026.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Samer Sinijlawi about Palestinian politics. Sinijlawi outlines why he believes the recent Palestinian local elections were so significant and what the results reveal about public frustration with both Hamas and President Abbas. He outlines why reform is long overdue and must begin with a new democratic mandate. They […]

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