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 (MEAD) 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.

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s6N4ia7yJNGcyN0O3uxx8?si=AIdsvnKgT-eHHvOdNaDO9Q&nd=1&dlsi=e6041f9e34a84d4c

Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-eisenberg-on-ai-abraham-accords-and-why-hes/id1822734204?i=1000721766817

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.

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s6N4ia7yJNGcyN0O3uxx8?si=AIdsvnKgT-eHHvOdNaDO9Q&nd=1&dlsi=e6041f9e34a84d4c

Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-eisenberg-on-ai-abraham-accords-and-why-hes/id1822734204?i=1000721766817

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.

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s6N4ia7yJNGcyN0O3uxx8?si=AIdsvnKgT-eHHvOdNaDO9Q&nd=1&dlsi=e6041f9e34a84d4c

Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-eisenberg-on-ai-abraham-accords-and-why-hes/id1822734204?i=1000721766817

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.

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s6N4ia7yJNGcyN0O3uxx8?si=AIdsvnKgT-eHHvOdNaDO9Q&nd=1&dlsi=e6041f9e34a84d4c

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/should-haredim-be-drafted-into-the-idf/id1822734204?i=1000719791015

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.

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s6N4ia7yJNGcyN0O3uxx8?si=AIdsvnKgT-eHHvOdNaDO9Q&nd=1&dlsi=e6041f9e34a84d4c

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/should-haredim-be-drafted-into-the-idf/id1822734204?i=1000719791015

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.

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CgxNEMxSgupBZCFzlxVat?si=fPqKusw6QF2aFzykDOgInA&nd=1&dlsi=662e204fcbd64118

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-really-happening-between-israel-and-christians/id1822734204?i=1000718649809

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.

 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gUyyLzLtp3ClzIxdd4dlR?si=15IAbW8MSxyFDtJmK-RPMA&nd=1&dlsi=8416e0873cf54fb4

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/is-israel-syria-peace-on-the-horizon/id1822734204?i=1000717423700

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.

 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gUyyLzLtp3ClzIxdd4dlR?si=15IAbW8MSxyFDtJmK-RPMA&nd=1&dlsi=8416e0873cf54fb4

Apple: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gUyyLzLtp3ClzIxdd4dlR?si=15IAbW8MSxyFDtJmK-RPMA&nd=1&dlsi=8416e0873cf54fb4

In this episode of Mideast Horizons, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman interview 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. Rev. 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, terror, and misinformation campaigns by Hamas, the UN, and international aid groups. Rev. Moore also shares insights from his recent two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the new Syrian President, and discusses the future of the Abraham Accords and Evangelical support for Israel.

 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Kulwj2hAMek2wNEcUbLol?si=MvPYI7EIQ8utPgCKEQp_mA

Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-humanitarian-aid-in-gaza/id1822734204?i=1000715344059

This special inaugural episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons features Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, who served as the United States National Security Advisor under President Trump from 2019 to 2021. Ambassador O’Brien continues to advise President Trump as a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, and serves as chairman of American Global Strategies LLC. He was one of the key architects of the historic Abraham Accords, oversaw the maximum pressure campaign on Iran, bolstered America’s cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies, and played a central role in enhancing U.S. military strength. Prior to this role, he was the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, involved in the return of over 25 American hostages and detainees. Ambassador O’Brien is also a member of the Misgav Institute’s International Advisory Board.

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lp9uGvQS5U0ccE498SunR

Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/misgav-mideast-horizons-podcast/id1822734204