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

    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

  2. Jul 17

    Passengers on a Rocket Ship: Laura Rozen on Trump, Iran and a Region Spinning Out of Control

    n this episode of the Tel Aviv Diary Podcast, I am joined once again by veteran Washington diplomatic correspondent Laura Rozen for a wide-ranging discussion of the renewed confrontation between the United States and Iran, the danger that Israel could be drawn back into the fighting, and the growing political uncertainty in both Washington and Jerusalem. We begin with the immediate question facing Israelis: will Iran decide to attack Israel, and will the Netanyahu government choose to enter the conflict even if Tehran continues to avoid a direct confrontation? From Tel Aviv, where the computer remains packed beside the door in case the sirens sound, I explain why most Israelis have little appetite for another round of war, even as Netanyahu may believe renewed military action could serve him politically before the election. Laura and I examine the surprisingly limited Iranian response to sustained American attacks, the pressure Iran can exert through shipping lanes and oil markets, and the possibility that Tehran may prefer economic disruption to a direct military escalation. We also discuss the collapse of the latest U.S.-Iran understanding, the ambiguities surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and the dangers of attempting to negotiate highly complex agreements through vague memoranda and intermediaries who may not speak for all the parties involved. The conversation then turns to President Donald Trump and the increasingly unpredictable political environment in the United States. Laura describes what she is seeing from Washington, including the administration’s focus on domestic political enemies, immigration enforcement, the approaching midterm elections and growing concerns about whether Trump will accept political setbacks. We discuss the extent to which foreign policy decisions are being shaped by domestic politics, personal grievances and the president’s own perception of strength. We also explore the broader regional picture. In Lebanon, new diplomatic efforts may allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to move into areas currently held by Israel, but serious doubts remain over whether the Lebanese government has the power to confront Hezbollah without provoking internal conflict. In Syria, Israeli forces continue to hold strategic positions, including territory near Mount Hermon, while Israeli officials remain deeply suspicious of Syria’s new leadership. The position of the Druze community adds another layer of complexity, linking domestic Israeli pressure with events across the Syrian border. Turkey is another growing concern. Laura asks why Israel views President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a potential threat and what the possible sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey would mean for Israel’s military advantage. We discuss the long deterioration in Israeli-Turkish relations, Erdoğan’s ambitions in the region and the extent to which genuine strategic concerns have become intertwined with Netanyahu’s political need to emphasize external enemies. The conversation also examines the future of Saudi-Israeli normalization following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Washington’s leading advocates for a regional agreement. We consider whether normalization remains possible under Netanyahu and whether a different Israeli government could reopen the path toward an agreement with Riyadh. A major portion of the episode focuses on Israel’s deteriorating position in the United States. Laura argues that Israel’s greatest problem may not be organized opposition or traditional anti-Israel groups, but the loss of sympathy among ordinary Americans who no longer feel emotionally connected to Israel. We discuss the damage caused by the prolonged Gaza war, the influence of images from the conflict, changing attitudes among younger Americans and the difficulty of rebuilding bipartisan support once it has been lost. We also return to the central strategic question of the Iran war. The first round of fighting demonstrated Israel’s military superiority and left Iran economically and militarily weakened. In my view, that was the moment to negotiate from a position of strength. Instead, the conflict expanded, the threat of renewed war was converted into an actual war, and the possibility of regime change was pursued without a realistic plan for what would follow. Laura and I close by reflecting on the frustration of journalists and analysts who can describe the dangers but have little ability to influence the leaders making the decisions. Both Israel and the United States may eventually have the opportunity to rebuild damaged institutions, restore public trust and change political direction—but the scale of that task will be enormous. This is a conversation about war, diplomacy, political survival and the uncertainty of living through events whose outcome no one can confidently predict. Topics discussed include: Iran’s limited response to American attacksThe risk of Israel entering the warThe future of the Strait of HormuzOil prices and pressure on the Trump administrationThe collapse of U.S.-Iran negotiationsTrump, the midterms and American political instabilityIsrael’s military presence in Lebanon and SyriaThe Druze community and Israel’s Syrian policyTurkey, Erdoğan and the possible sale of F-35sSaudi-Israeli normalization after Lindsey GrahamIsrael’s deteriorating standing in the United StatesThe prolonged Gaza war and the loss of American supportNetanyahu’s political calculations before the electionWhether the United States and Iran have any path back to diplomacy 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

    Passengers on a Rocket Ship: Laura Rozen on Trump, Iran and a Region Spinning Out of Control

  3. Jul 10

    A Fragile Calm with Iran, Israel’s Strategic Crossroads, and What the Decline of Reading Says About Our Future

    The End of Reading is Here What if It's Not the Phones 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

    A Fragile Calm with Iran, Israel’s Strategic Crossroads, and What the Decline of Reading Says About Our Future

  4. Jul 7

    Ehud Haik: Netanyahu’s Gamble, Israel’s Strategic Trap, and the Battle Over Truth

    In this episode of the Tel Aviv Diary podcast, Marc Schulman speaks with former Israeli intelligence official Ehud Haik about Israel’s deepening political and strategic crisis. They discuss the collapse of trust in institutions, the conspiracy narratives surrounding October 7, Netanyahu’s war with the judiciary, and the danger of a political system increasingly shaped by one man’s survival. The conversation turns to Iran, the United States, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel’s exhausted army. Haik argues that Israel’s first priority after Netanyahu must be repairing the strategic relationship with Washington, ending the open-ended war, rebuilding the IDF, and restoring decision-making norms that once constrained even Israel’s most powerful prime ministers. 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

    Ehud Haik: Netanyahu’s Gamble, Israel’s Strategic Trap, and the Battle Over Truth

  5. Jul 3

    Reflections After 1,000 Days: Israel’s Reckoning and America at 250

    In this reflective episode of Tel Aviv Diary, Marc Schulman marks two historic milestones: 1,000 days since October 7th and the 250th anniversary of American independence. Speaking from Tel Aviv, Marc reflects on a lifetime lived between two countries—born and raised in America, shaped by American history, but rooted in Israel as home. The episode moves between personal memory and national reckoning: the meaning of July 4th, the legacy of America as a haven for Jews, the rescue at Entebbe during the U.S. Bicentennial, and the very different mood surrounding America’s 250th year. Marc examines the parallels between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, the politics of division, the erosion of democratic norms, and the weakening of America’s role as a moral force in the world. Turning to Israel, Marc reflects on the thousand days since October 7th, the hostage crisis, the strategic failures of the war, and the growing recognition that Israel’s diplomatic position has rarely been worse. He discusses the Herzliya Conference, Nitzan Alon’s remarks on the hostage negotiations, the launch of Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, and why the coming Israeli election may be one of the most consequential in the country’s history. This is a more personal and historical episode—about patriotism, disappointment, memory, responsibility, and the urgent need for new leadership in both Israel and America. 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

    Reflections After 1,000 Days: Israel’s Reckoning and America at 250

  6. Jun 30

    AI, Energy, and the Future of Israel’s Tech Ecosystem — A Conversation with Devora Mason

    Marc Schulman speaks with Devora Mason, a Canadian-Israeli tech and capital strategist whose career has moved from Jerusalem’s startup scene to venture capital, infrastructure, and AI-driven investment. Mason discusses her new venture, Acadia Green, which focuses on the physical infrastructure behind artificial intelligence: data centers, energy, and the capital needed to build them. The conversation ranges widely: why AI is becoming an energy and sovereignty issue, why family offices are looking for direct access to infrastructure deals, and why Israel remains central to the technologies that power data centers even when most of the projects are abroad. Marc and Devora also discuss the shift of talent from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, the decline in foreign delegations since the war, the challenges facing women founders in Israeli tech, and the broader question of whether AI represents a new industrial revolution—or something far more disruptive. 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

    AI, Energy, and the Future of Israel’s Tech Ecosystem — A Conversation with Devora Mason

  7. Jun 26

    Israel After the Iran Gamble: Politics, Strategy, and the Limits of Power

    This week on the Tel Aviv Diary Podcast, Marc Schulman returns to his Tel Aviv studio after several days in Budapest to examine one of the most consequential weeks Israel has faced since the fighting with Iran came to an end. Rather than focusing on the battlefield itself, Marc argues that the real story is what happened afterward: the diplomatic fallout, the strategic mistakes, and what he believes is a profound failure of long-term planning by Israel’s leadership. Marc explains why he believes Israel’s gamble on regime change in Iran failed the moment the regime survived, leaving Israel strategically weakened and increasingly dependent on an American administration that quickly shifted its priorities. He discusses the new U.S.-Iran understandings, the implications for Lebanon and Syria, the continuing military presence on multiple fronts, and why he believes Israel’s current security strategy is stretching the country’s manpower, economy, and diplomatic standing beyond sustainable limits. The episode also examines the growing political battle ahead of Israel’s elections, including the latest polling, Gadi Eisenkot’s emergence as the leading challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the controversial agreements with the ultra-Orthodox parties over military service. Marc explains why he believes Israel’s next government will need to rethink not only its politics but its entire national security doctrine. Beyond Israel, Marc analyzes the surprising Democratic primary victories in New York by candidates highly critical of Israel, what those results may signal about the future of American politics, and how changing attitudes inside the Democratic Party could reshape the U.S.-Israel relationship. Finally, Marc turns to the rapidly accelerating world of artificial intelligence. Drawing on his own daily experience using AI to write, research, program, and redesign major projects, he reflects on why AI is simultaneously the most exciting technological revolution of his lifetime and one of the most unsettling. Whether we welcome it or fear it, he argues, it is already transforming the way we work—and the pace of change is only accelerating. A wide-ranging discussion of strategy, diplomacy, Israeli politics, American politics, technology, and the difficult choices that lie ahead for both Israel and the wider world. 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 After the Iran Gamble: Politics, Strategy, and the Limits of Power

  8. Jun 23

    Israel’s Strategic Trap — and the Fight to Reclaim the Narrative

    In this episode of Tel Aviv Diary, Marc Schulman begins with a candid assessment of the rapidly evolving strategic landscape facing Israel following the latest marathon negotiations between the United States and Iran. Marc examines the implications of linking the Lebanon conflict to the future of the Straits of Hormuz, the growing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington, and the uncomfortable reality of Israel’s dependence on American military, diplomatic, and economic support. He argues that while many Israeli politicians speak of standing up to the United States, the country has not yet developed the military and industrial independence necessary to do so. The result, he suggests, is a strategic dilemma that will require years of planning and investment to overcome. Marc also reflects on the broader lessons of the past several years, including what he sees as Israeli overconfidence in Lebanon, the limits of military power, and the need for a long-term strategy that recognizes both Israel’s strengths and its vulnerabilities. As conflicting claims emerge from Washington and Tehran about inspections, sanctions, and future agreements, he explores why Israel finds itself with fewer options than many would like to admit and what that could mean for the future of U.S.-Israel relations. The second half of the program features an in-depth conversation with Emmy Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and activist Yuval David. Fresh from participating in an international LGBTQ delegation to Israel and Tel Aviv Pride, David shares how visitors from around the world experienced Israel firsthand, often finding a reality very different from the one portrayed in international media. Together, Marc and Yuval discuss the rise of antisemitism, the growing influence of social media on public opinion, the challenges facing Israel’s public diplomacy efforts, the shifting attitudes of younger generations, and the struggle to counter misinformation in an increasingly polarized world. The conversation concludes with a thoughtful discussion about resilience, Jewish identity, bridge-building, and how individuals and communities can navigate difficult times without surrendering hope. At a moment when Israel faces military, diplomatic, and societal challenges on multiple fronts, this episode explores both the strategic realities of the present and the longer-term battle for public opinion, legitimacy, and the future of the Jewish people. 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 Strategic Trap — and the Fight to Reclaim the Narrative
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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
    119
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marc Schulman
  • Show Website
    Tel Aviv Diary Podcast

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