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Israel Policy Pod

Israel Policy Forumwww.israelpolicyforum.org

A weekly podcast that goes beyond the headlines to bring you analysis from Israel Policy Forum experts and distinguished guests. 

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Episodes

Follow The Leader

Eli Kowaz and Margaux Nijkerk discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's convincing primary win over challenger Gideon Sa'ar. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Dec 27, 201914 min

Sa'ar Wars

On this episode of Israel Policy Pod, hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk talk about the Likud primary and how it could shape projections for the March Knesset election results. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Dec 19, 201924 min

How Is This Election Different from All Other Elections?

Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the official launch of an unprecedented third Knesset election season in the span of twelve months. Will this election be different from the past two? And what factors are shaping the early stages of the campaign? Then, the program turns to events in Washington for a discussion with Israel Policy Forum Government Relations Manager Aaron Weinberg on the recently passed H.Res. 326 — covering American support for a two-state solution and opposition to West...

Dec 12, 201927 min

Jordan Valley Annexation: Is Bibi Amman of His Word?

For the second time in Israel's seemingly interminable election cycle, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deployed the possibility of Jordan Valley annexation as way to rally support — even if Israel's security and relationship with the neighboring Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan suffer because of it. All the while, the United States appears more deferential on annexation than ever before. Will Bibi really exploit this so-called "historic opportunity?" How will the Jordanians and Palestinians rea...

Dec 05, 201932 min

Netanyahu, Indicted

Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss the biggest Israeli political news story of the past decade: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted in three corruption cases, with charges including fraud, breach of trust, and bribery. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Nov 21, 201919 min

Unpacking "Our Boys"

Hosts Evan Gottesman and Margaux Nijkerk are joined by Hagai Levy, co-creator of the the HBO hit series "Our Boys," to discuss the impact of the show. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Nov 15, 201928 min

Yair Golan: From the Front Lines to the Knesset Floor

Less than two weeks before his keynote address at Israel Policy Forum’s Annual Event in New York City, MK and former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. (res.) Yair Golan sits down with Eli Kowaz to talk about Israeli politics, Israel’s future with the Palestinians, and the legacy of Yitzhak Rabin. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Oct 31, 201930 min

Loving Israel, Conditionally

Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk speak with Israel Policy Forum's Policy Director Michael Koplow about how the topic of conditioning American aid to Israel has entered the Democratic Party primary race and what it means for the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Oct 25, 201935 min

An Uncertain Time, in Israel and Beyond

Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss what happens when Benjamin Netanyahu hands over the mandate to form a government next week, and how Israel's political uncertainty squares with America's withdrawal from the Middle East and the ascent of Turkey and Russia in the region. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Oct 18, 201923 min

Thinking About the Future: Third Election's the Charm?

Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk are joined by IPF Atid's Shanie Reichman as they parse the meaning of Israel's present political paralysis and what Prime Minister Netanyahu's future portends for the U.S.-Israel partnership. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Oct 11, 201931 min

Bibi's Bad Day

Benjamin Netanyahu may have been given the first opportunity to form a government, but he isn't having a good day or week for that matter. Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk discuss the embattled prime minister's legal troubles, pre-indictment hearings, and recent political setbacks. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Oct 03, 201924 min

The Risks and Rewards of Going Second

A week after Israeli elections, hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk discuss the Joint List's historic recommendation of Benny Gantz as prime minister, Avigdor Liberman's ever-enigmatic behavior, and why Gantz prefers to let Benjamin Netanyahu have the first shot at forming a government. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Sep 27, 201918 min

The Day After Elections

The day after Israel's second election of 2019, hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk parse the results of the do-over Knesset contest. Exact election results are subject to change as additional ballots are counted Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Sep 18, 201916 min

Before Israel Votes

Before Israelis head to the polls, tune in to our briefing with journalist and former Member of Knesset Ksenia Svetlova, covering developments from the last stage of the campaign: the cameras bill, Prime Minister Netanyahu's Jordan Valley promise and trip to Russia, the Liberman-Bibi rivalry, and the state of the smaller parties. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Sep 13, 201950 min

Israeli Elections, West Bank Annexation: Bibi's Jordan Valley Vow

Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to annex the Jordan Valley region of the West Bank (and the rest of the settlements, for good measure) if he comes out on top in next week's election, and he hopes President Trump will help. Hosts Evan Gottesman, Eli Kowaz, and Margaux Nijkerk break down what that means in the context of Israeli domestic politics and relations with the rest of the world. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Sep 11, 201928 min

The Knesset Race Begins (For Real This Time)

There are less than two weeks left before Israelis head to the polls, and a quiet campaign season is finally picking up. Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz are joined by a new co-host, Margaux Nijkerk, to discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pro-annexation push, the Trump administration's maneuvering on Bibi's behalf, and Benny Gantz's stance on territorial compromise; plus, a look at the polls. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email...

Sep 05, 201931 min

Israel's Two Week Campaign Season

It's been a slow campaign season in Israel, but things are picking up as September 17 draws ever closer. Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's deal-of-questionable-legality with the far-right Zehut party, Labor leader Amir Peretz's disappearing mustache, a new arrangement between Kachol Lavan and Avigdor Liberman, plus, a look at the polls. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Aug 29, 201924 min

Israel and Iran: More Conflict Ahead?

Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Sima Shine of the Institute for National Security Studies about recent developments in Israel's campaign against Iranian proxies in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, as well as the Trump administration's potential outreach to Iran and ramifications for American interests in the Middle East. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Aug 29, 20191 hr 4 min

Arab Parties, Israeli Politics

Israel Policy Pod's Evan Gottesman hosts a briefing with Arik Rudnitzky, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, on the latest developments in Israeli Arab politics — including Joint List leader Ayman Odeh's announcement that he would conditionally sit in a government led by Benny Gantz. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Aug 22, 20191 hr 2 min

One Does Not Simply Enter Israel

Eli and Evan are joined by Government Relations Manager Aaron Weinberg to discuss the Israeli government decision to deny Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib entry into Israel. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Aug 15, 201936 min

Three Election Outcomes

Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz review three potential election outcomes — a unity government, a center-left coalition, and a right-wing coalition — and explain why one possibility looks more likely than the others. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Aug 09, 201928 min

The Left's Bumpy Ride to Unity

Host Eli Kowaz and Policy Director Michael Koplow discuss the Meretz-Barak-Shaffir merger on the Israeli left and its implications. Recorded on a bus so please excuse audio difficulties but admire our dedication. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jul 25, 201918 min

Queen of the Right

Host Eli Kowaz and Policy Director Michael Koplow discuss the return of Ayelet Shaked to lead the New Right party, as well as other developments in the Israeli elections. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jul 24, 201927 min

Deadline Approaching

With the deadline for final party registration fast approaching in Israel, hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz check in with developments from Labor, Meretz, and the Arab parties. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jul 19, 201922 min

Don't Know Much About Antiquity

From tunnels under Silwan to arguments on Twitter, ancient history is in the news in Israel. Host Evan Gottesman speaks with Yonathan Mizrahi, founder and executive director of Emek Shaveh, an Israeli NGO working to stop the politicization of archaeology in Israel and the West Bank. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jul 10, 201931 min

Bahrain Blues / Barak Is Back

In this week’s episode host Eli Kowaz talks to ALLMEP Executive Director Joel Braunold about the Trump administration’s workshop in Bahrain, and discusses Israeli elections with Policy Director Michael Koplow. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jun 28, 201947 min

Of Leftists and Liberman

What's new in Israeli politics this week? Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz debate changes on the left, including upcoming Meretz and Labor primaries, as well as the restoration of the Joint List; plus, a discussion of Avigdor Liberman's growing momentum. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jun 21, 201943 min

Israeli Party Primaries and Partial Annexation

Hosts Evan Gottesman and Eli Kowaz discuss Labor and Meretz primaries, Arab party politicking, and an apparent endorsement of partial unilateral West Bank annexation from American Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jun 13, 201931 min

Synagogue and State

Host Eli Kowaz discusses about synagogue and state will play into the Knesset race with guest Uri Keidar, the executive director of Israel Hofsheet, an organization dedicated to advancing cultural and religious pluralism in Israel. Support the show Follow us on Instagram , Twitter/X , and Bluesky , and subscribe to our email list here ....

Jun 06, 201938 min
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