Tel Aviv Diary Podcast

Marc Schulman
  • 5.0 (2)
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Twice weekly, Marc Schulman shares sharp, pragmatic insights into Israeli affairs and global tech—drawing on decades as a Newsweek columnist and Apple developer. Veteran journalist and historian Marc Schulman offers sharp, unfiltered insight into current events in Israel. An American-born commentator who has lived in Israel on and off since 1975, Marc wrote a long-running weekly column on Israel for Newsweek and brings decades of deep engagement with Israeli politics, society, and history. His perspective is iconoclastic, pragmatic, and often challenges conventional narratives. Each episode combines personal observations with sharp political analysis, covering everything from the weekly rallies at Hostage Square to the intricate negotiations surrounding ceasefire deals. Marc doesn't shy away from difficult topics—whether it's critiquing government policies, analyzing the military draft controversy, or exploring the broader implications of regional conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Beyond Middle Eastern affairs, the podcast ventures into global politics, economics, and emerging technology, examining how international developments impact daily life in Israel. From trade policy critiques to AI's revolutionary impact on truth and reality, Marc brings a historian's perspective to contemporary events. Tel Aviv Diary is essential listening for anyone seeking an authentic, ground-level view of Israeli society during wartime—complete with the frustrations, hopes, and hard truths that come with living through historic events as they unfold. Raw, honest, and deeply personal, each episode captures the weight of the moment while grappling with questions that extend far beyond Israel's borders. marcschulman.substack.com

  1. 1d ago

    From Israel’s War of Independence to Ukraine: Jeffrey Weiss on History, Russia and Israel’s Strategic Future

    In this episode of the Tel Aviv Diary Podcast, Marc Schulman speaks with author and historian Jeffrey Weiss about the past—and what it may tell us about Israel’s future. Weiss begins with the remarkable story of Mahal, the thousands of foreign volunteers who came to fight for the newly established State of Israel in 1948. Many were World War II veterans whose experience proved especially important in building the fledgling Israeli Air Force. Weiss also recounts the extraordinary life of Stan Andrews, an American bomber pilot who volunteered to fight for Israel, helped create the emblem of the IAF’s 101 Squadron, and was killed in action in 1948. The conversation then turns sharply to the present. Weiss argues that Israel needs to reconsider its longstanding caution toward Russia and develop a much closer relationship with Ukraine. With Russia’s position in Syria weakened, he believes Israel could assist Ukraine with missile defense while learning from Ukraine’s battlefield experience combating drones. Such cooperation, he argues, could also help repair Israel’s strained relations with Europe and strengthen Israel’s strategic importance to Washington. Finally, Marc and Weiss examine a larger and increasingly urgent question: Is Israel losing its traditional strategic appeal in the United States? Weiss argues that the familiar case for Israel as America’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier” is becoming less persuasive, particularly among younger Americans. His prescription is a fundamental change in the conversation—positioning Israel not simply as a Middle Eastern ally confronting Iran and its proxies, but as a technological and security partner capable of contributing to the defense of Europe. A wide-ranging discussion of Zionist history, Russia and Ukraine, missile defense, U.S.-Israel relations—and how Israel might rethink its place in a rapidly changing world. #Israel #Ukraine #Russia #Mahal #Zionism #History #IDF #AirForce #America #Europe #Defense #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #TelAviv #Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    From Israel’s War of Independence to Ukraine: Jeffrey Weiss on History, Russia and Israel’s Strategic Future

  2. Aug 21

    Israel’s Demographic Time Bomb: Prof. Dan Ben-David on the Economic and Educational Crisis

    In this episode of the Tel Aviv Diary Podcast, I speak with economist Professor Dan Ben-David, head of the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research, about what he sees as the long-term trends threatening Israel’s future—and why the coming election may represent a rare opportunity to change course. Ben-David lays out some stark numbers. Roughly half of Israel’s children, he argues, are receiving an education that will leave them unable to sustain a modern developed economy. Only a small portion of the workforce drives Israel’s extraordinary high-tech economy, while a relatively narrow segment of society carries much of the country’s tax burden. If enough of Israel’s doctors, academics, engineers and high-tech workers decide to leave, he warns, the country could enter an economic “spiral of collapse.” At the center of the discussion is Israel’s rapidly changing demography, particularly the growing Haredi population and the consequences of an education system that often fails to provide basic mathematics, science and English. Ben-David argues that Israel cannot continue funding schools that refuse to teach a full core curriculum or subsidizing a way of life that leaves large numbers of adults outside the workforce. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    Israel’s Demographic Time Bomb: Prof. Dan Ben-David on the Economic and Educational Crisis

  3. Aug 18

    Israel in August: Likud’s Primary, the Election Ahead, Iran’s Uncertainty—and the AI Revolution

    Israel may be experiencing the traditional August slowdown, but beneath the surface, very little is truly quiet. In this episode of Tel Aviv Diary, Marc Schulman looks at where Israel stands 70 days before the election. He examines the results of the Likud primary and what they reveal about Benjamin Netanyahu’s continuing control of the party, including the political downfall of former Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat and the distinctive system of alliances and organized voting that shapes Likud primaries. Marc then turns to the larger question hanging over Israeli politics since October 7: who has accepted responsibility—and who has not? With no state commission of inquiry and little serious public discussion of Israel’s future defense doctrine, the country is moving toward dramatically higher military spending while simultaneously maintaining forces in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. The episode also assesses the election campaign and the increasingly central role of Gadi Eisenkot, whose personal popularity and public image could prove decisive as the opposition tries to assemble a governing majority. Beyond Israel, Marc looks at the uncertain standoff with Iran after the end of the 60-day ceasefire period, the growing political pressures surrounding America’s November congressional elections, and the problems Israel faces from increasingly hostile voices on both the American left and right. Finally, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence. Drawing on his own experience using AI to help translate Between Hope and Fear into Hebrew, Marc discusses how quickly the technology is improving, why the economic case for AI may be stronger than skeptics believe—and why older generations in particular should learn to use these new tools rather than avoid them. A wide-ranging snapshot of Israel and the world in August 2026: elections, war, accountability, Iran, American politics, and a technological transformation moving faster than almost anyone anticipated. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    Israel in August: Likud’s Primary, the Election Ahead, Iran’s Uncertainty—and the AI Revolution

  4. Aug 11

    Israel at the Breaking Point: Iran, Netanyahu, Trump and the Election That Could Change Everything | Dan Perry

    Israel has spent weeks living with a question that has become part of everyday life: What happens tonight? Will Iran attack? Will there be another escalation? Can people fly? Should they leave? Should they stay? In this episode of Tel Aviv Diary, I am joined once again by veteran journalist Dan Perry, who spent many years leading the Associated Press’s coverage of the Middle East, for a wide-ranging discussion about where Israel finds itself after months of war—and where it may be heading next. We begin with Iran. What was supposed to alter the strategic balance of the Middle East now looks far more complicated. The Iranian regime remains in power, the Strait of Hormuz has become a central strategic problem, and the United States appears increasingly reluctant to continue the confrontation. Dan and I examine how Washington and Jerusalem entered a conflict in which one of Iran’s most predictable responses—the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz—appears not to have been adequately planned for. We also discuss the dangers of a prolonged war of attrition and the enormous military and economic costs that Israel will ultimately have to pay.That leads inevitably to Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel placed enormous strategic weight on its partnership with the Trump administration, but what happens when American and Israeli interests—or simply their willingness to continue fighting—begin to diverge? We discuss the consequences of relying so heavily on Washington and whether Israel abandoned one of the central principles that guided its military doctrine for decades: wars should be fought decisively and kept as short as possible because a small democratic country cannot sustain endless conflict. From there, we turn to the Israeli election. After October 7, the prolonged war and the events of the past several years, one might have expected the coming election to be a foregone conclusion. It isn’t. Netanyahu’s coalition is substantially behind, yet a remarkably large portion of the electorate continues to support the parties that make up the current government. Dan and I discuss why modern elections increasingly resemble contests of identity rather than arguments over policy—and why that makes predicting Israel’s political future so difficult. We also examine a deeper struggle over the meaning of democracy itself. What does “liberal democracy” actually mean? Why have courts, the military, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, the civil service and the press become targets in Israel’s political struggle? And what happens when citizens come to believe claims about institutions that simply are not supported by the historical record? The debate is no longer merely over left and right; it is increasingly about the institutions, checks and balances, and individual rights that define a democratic state. The conversation then moves beyond Israel’s borders to a rapidly changing Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are moving toward a new security alignment—far removed from the hopes, before October 7, that Israel and Saudi Arabia might become pillars of a new regional architecture. We discuss what that emerging Sunni alignment could mean for Israel and whether it represents a genuine strategic threat or, at least for now, something more declarative than operational. We also confront the unresolved Palestinian question and the demographic reality that Israeli governments have spent decades trying to postpone. There may be little prospect of a Palestinian state in the immediate future, but postponing a solution indefinitely is itself a policy, with consequences. Dan argues starkly that continuing down the present path risks Israel’s long-term viability, including the possibility that the high-tech sector and many of the Israelis who sustain the country’s economy will eventually look elsewhere. It is, admittedly, not an especially optimistic conversation. But we end on a more hopeful note. Both of us believe the coming election could mark the end of the Netanyahu era. Dan is more optimistic than I am about how quickly the damage can be repaired, but we agree on something more fundamental: Israel’s problems are not necessarily irreversible. A different government could begin the long process of rebuilding institutions, restoring confidence and changing the country’s direction. And perhaps there is another reason for optimism. As traditional media changes, podcasts, newsletters and independent journalism are creating new places for serious political discussion—places where ideas can still matter and where thoughtful people can still influence the direction of public debate. A candid, sometimes sharp, and deeply concerned conversation about Iran, Trump, Netanyahu, Israeli democracy, the coming election, the changing Middle East—and the fundamental question facing Israel today: Can the country still change course before the consequences become irreversible? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    Israel at the Breaking Point: Iran, Netanyahu, Trump and the Election That Could Change Everything | Dan Perry

  5. Aug 4

    Israel at a Crossroads: Trump, Iran, Elections, and the Future of Zionism | Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn

    n this episode of Tel Aviv Diary, I am joined by historian and author Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn., whose work explores Zionism, Israeli society, the settlement movement, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the Jewish diaspora. We begin with the dramatic developments surrounding President Trump’s last-minute decision to halt a planned military strike on Iran, examining whether diplomacy has any realistic future, what six weeks of bombing achieved, the strategic lessons of modern warfare, and the dangers posed by Iran’s continued regional ambitions. We also discuss the widening gap between political decision-making and strategic planning in both Washington and Jerusalem, the implications for the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the West has developed a coherent strategy for dealing with Tehran. The conversation then turns to Israel itself. We examine the approaching elections, Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, Gadi Eisenkot’s rise in the polls, and whether Israelis are ready to choose hope over fear. Hirschhorn. also discusses her acclaimed book City on a Hilltop, offering historical insight into the American role in the settlement movement, the reality of settler violence, and why today’s debates have deep historical roots. Finally, we explore her forthcoming book on Zionism and identity politics, the changing relationship between Israel and American politics, and why—despite the uncertainty—she remains optimistic about the resilience, unity, and future of Israeli society. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    Israel at a Crossroads: Trump, Iran, Elections, and the Future of Zionism | Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn

  6. Jul 31

    The Calm Before Another Storm? Israel, Iran, Elections, and the Future of AI

    This week on Tel Aviv Diary, Marc Schulman returns with a wide-ranging solo episode examining the forces shaping Israel, the United States, and the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence. Marc begins with the uneasy calm that has settled over Israel after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Iran. While the missiles have temporarily stopped, few Israelis believe the crisis has truly passed. He explores the growing divide inside Israel over the possibility of renewed war with Iran, the exhaustion of Israeli society after nearly three years of conflict, the unprecedented signs of strain within the IDF, and the strategic dilemmas surrounding Gaza, Hamas, Lebanon, and the country’s broader security doctrine. He also discusses why military victories alone cannot resolve Israel’s long-term challenges and why diplomacy remains an essential—if politically difficult—part of the equation. The conversation then turns to Israeli politics as the October elections approach. Marc explains why he believes Israel needs not only a change of leadership but a restoration of competence throughout government. He analyzes Benjamin Netanyahu’s political strategy, Gadi Eisenkot’s growing appeal, the country’s search for national unity after October 7, and the deeper structural problems that have accumulated after decades of one-party dominance. He also compares developments in Israel with the approaching U.S. midterm elections and the broader state of American democracy. Finally, Marc devotes an extended segment to what he believes is the most transformative story of our time: artificial intelligence. Drawing on his own experience using AI to complete and fact-check his forthcoming book Between Hope and Fear: Israel from Oslo to October 7th, he explains how the newest generation of AI systems is becoming dramatically more capable. He discusses recent security concerns involving frontier AI models, the emergence of powerful open-source Chinese models, the opportunities AI creates for writers, researchers, and programmers, and the growing need for thoughtful regulation before the technology advances even further. If you’re looking for thoughtful analysis that connects today’s headlines with the larger historical picture, this episode offers a wide-ranging look at one of the most consequential moments in recent history. #Israel #Iran #Gaza #Netanyahu #Eisenkot #Politics #Election #Trump #AI #Claude #OpenAI #History #MiddleEast #Technology #Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    The Calm Before Another Storm? Israel, Iran, Elections, and the Future of AI

  7. Jul 28

    Can Israel Still Change Course? Lianne Pollack-David on the Regional Opportunities, Political Choices, and the Fight for Israel's Future

    In this episode of Tel Aviv Diary, Marc Schulman is joined by strategist, former National Security Council official, and Eisenkot campaign leader Lianne Pollack-David for an in-depth discussion about one of the most consequential moments in Israel’s modern history. Drawing on years of experience in the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council, and international diplomacy, Pollack-David argues that Israel faces not only a military challenge, but a profound strategic and political one. She explains why she believes Israel has missed critical opportunities following its military successes against Iran’s regional proxies, how relations with Lebanon and Syria could still be transformed, and why the Abraham Accords can evolve into a broader regional security architecture if accompanied by the right diplomatic strategy. The conversation also explores the growing crisis in Israel’s relationship with the United States and the Jewish Diaspora, the rise of antisemitism abroad, the damage caused by the collapse of bipartisan support in Washington, and why Israel’s international standing cannot be repaired through public relations alone. Pollack-David argues that policy—not messaging—must change if Israel hopes to rebuild its alliances and restore its legitimacy. Finally, she discusses why she entered politics after October 7, the personal experiences that drove her decision, and why she believes Gadi Eisenkot is uniquely positioned to unite a deeply divided country. This is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, diplomacy, security, and the choices that will shape Israel’s future long after the current wars have ended. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    Can Israel Still Change Course? Lianne Pollack-David on the Regional Opportunities, Political Choices, and the Fight for Israel's Future

  8. Jul 24

    Has Israel Lost Its Strategic Compass? Ksenia Svetlova on Iran, Gaza and the Middle East

    For nearly forty minutes, I sat down with former Knesset Member, journalist, and Middle East expert Ksenia Svetlova for one of the most candid discussions we’ve had on Tel Aviv Diary. Drawing on decades of reporting across the Arab world and years in Israeli politics, Ksenia offers a sobering assessment of where Israel stands after the wars in Gaza and Iran—and why she believes the country faces one of the most significant strategic challenges in its history. We examine how the recent conflict with Iran has reshaped the regional balance, why Tehran may view the outcome very differently than many Israelis do, and how emerging cooperation between countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and others is changing the Middle East. Ksenia argues that Israel’s diplomatic standing has deteriorated sharply and discusses why the opportunity for normalization with Saudi Arabia may have slipped away. We also explore the widespread misconceptions within Israel about regional politics and why so many of the assumptions made before both October 7 and the Iran war proved disastrously wrong. The second half of our conversation turns to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We discuss whether any realistic path exists after October 7, the future of the Palestinian Authority, why Hamas can never be a negotiating partner, and whether gradual confidence-building measures could eventually create conditions for separation rather than perpetual conflict. Ksenia reflects on lessons from Egypt, the Oslo years, and decades of Israeli decision-making, while we debate whether Israel’s political leadership—and its opposition—failed to confront strategic realities before it was too late. Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, this conversation challenges many assumptions that dominate public debate today. It is a discussion about history, diplomacy, security, and the difficult choices Israel will face long after the current headlines fade. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, in-depth conversation rather than political slogans, I hope you’ll find this episode worthwhile. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe

    Has Israel Lost Its Strategic Compass? Ksenia Svetlova on Iran, Gaza and the Middle East
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Twice weekly, Marc Schulman shares sharp, pragmatic insights into Israeli affairs and global tech—drawing on decades as a Newsweek columnist and Apple developer. Veteran journalist and historian Marc Schulman offers sharp, unfiltered insight into current events in Israel. An American-born commentator who has lived in Israel on and off since 1975, Marc wrote a long-running weekly column on Israel for Newsweek and brings decades of deep engagement with Israeli politics, society, and history. His perspective is iconoclastic, pragmatic, and often challenges conventional narratives. Each episode combines personal observations with sharp political analysis, covering everything from the weekly rallies at Hostage Square to the intricate negotiations surrounding ceasefire deals. Marc doesn't shy away from difficult topics—whether it's critiquing government policies, analyzing the military draft controversy, or exploring the broader implications of regional conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Beyond Middle Eastern affairs, the podcast ventures into global politics, economics, and emerging technology, examining how international developments impact daily life in Israel. From trade policy critiques to AI's revolutionary impact on truth and reality, Marc brings a historian's perspective to contemporary events. Tel Aviv Diary is essential listening for anyone seeking an authentic, ground-level view of Israeli society during wartime—complete with the frustrations, hopes, and hard truths that come with living through historic events as they unfold. Raw, honest, and deeply personal, each episode captures the weight of the moment while grappling with questions that extend far beyond Israel's borders. marcschulman.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Marc Schulman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marc Schulman
  • Show Website
    Tel Aviv Diary Podcast

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