Boots on the Ground

SC MEDIA PRODUCTION JERUSALEM LTD
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Politics

Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel is proud to partner with the Jerusalem Media Group to relaunch as Boots on the Ground: Insights on Israel’s War, Politics, and Identity.

  1. Aug 24

    Why Your Vote Doesn’t Work the Way You Think — with Tamir Dortal ep 45

    Israelis vote. Governments form. Coalitions collapse. But how many of us actually understand the system that turns our votes into 120 seats in the Knesset? This week on Boots on the Ground, I’m joined by Tamir Dortal, host of the Hebrew-language podcast Al HaMashmaut, for a deep dive into how Israeli elections actually work—and how the structure of the system shapes the politics we get. We break down Israel’s unusual nationwide electoral system, party lists and primaries, the electoral threshold, surplus-vote agreements, and what happens to votes cast for parties that fail to cross the threshold. More importantly, we look at the incentives the system creates: Who are MKs really accountable to—the voters or the party leaders who determine their political futures? Tamir argues that some of Israel’s biggest political problems may have less to do with the politicians themselves and more to do with the rules of the game. We discuss how the electoral threshold can give smaller coalition partners enormous leverage, why votes can effectively disappear, and whether lowering the threshold and reforming vote-sharing could produce broader, more stable governments where every vote matters. And we finish with a provocative question: Could changing the mechanics of Israeli elections change Israeli politics itself?

  2. Aug 5

    Citizen Defenders: A U.S. Army Ranger's Plan to Protect Israel ep 44 with Yoni Zagdanski

    What transforms a bullied Jewish teenager from Belgium into a U.S. Army Ranger, a Reserve Colonel, and ultimately one of the leaders building Israel's next generation of civilian defense? In this episode of Boots on the Ground, I sit down with Colonel Yonatan Zagdanski, a former U.S. Army Ranger and Reserve Chaplain, to discuss his extraordinary journey—from the battlefields of the U.S. military to the front lines of Israel's security. We discuss the lessons Ranger training teaches about leadership, discipline, and strength, the rise of antisemitism that shaped his worldview, why he chose to make aliyah, and how October 7 fundamentally changed Israel's security paradigm. We also explore Citizen Defenders, the initiative helping communities across Israel build highly trained neighborhood response teams capable of defending their families until security forces arrive. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it. Support Citizen Defenders Citizen Defenders is an Israeli nonprofit initiative training licensed civilians to serve as immediate responders during terrorist attacks and other emergencies. Donations are tax-deductible through its U.S. 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. 🇮🇱 Donate: https://secure.israelfriends.us/campaigns/citizen-project 🌐 Website: https://citizen-defenders.org 📧 Contact: Yonatan.z@citizen-defenders.org Am Yisrael Chai!!

  3. Jul 31

    The Calm Before Israel's Political Storm ep 43

    Israel's election campaign has entered an unusual quiet period. The polls are changing almost daily, new parties are emerging, and political alliances are still taking shape—but how much of it actually matters? In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari and Shaun break down why current polling numbers may be telling us very little, examine the rise of Gadi Eisenkot's new party, and explain why the real campaign won't begin until party lists are finalized. They also discuss the growing tensions in Judea and Samaria, the latest developments surrounding Iran and the United States, and why Israeli politics has become dominated by personalities instead of serious policy debates. As election season heats up, the hosts argue that voters should demand something more than slogans and campaign promises: practical, achievable policies that address Israel's real strategic challenges. Support Ari's work: If you believe in bringing practical, policy-driven leadership to the Jewish world, I'd be honored to have your vote as one of the Top 25 Young ViZIONaries, an initiative of Jewish National Fund-USA and The Jerusalem Post. It takes less than a minute to vote, and every vote makes a difference. Please vote and share with your friends and family:   https://top25vizionaries.com/vote/ari-kalker-mrw4lihl

  4. Jul 28

    Coalition Math: Why Every Vote is a Compromise ep 42

    In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari and Sean break down the four critical issues that will dominate the upcoming Israeli election cycle: Security, the role of Haredi society, the Economy, and Judicial Reform. We move past the "mudslinging" to analyze the strategic consensus on Israel's borders, the growing friction over military service and economic contributions, the impact of the cost of living, and the looming constitutional crisis surrounding the Supreme Court. Is it possible to prioritize all four, or will the next government be forced to choose just one?

  5. Jul 18

    From the Front Lines to the Ballot Box: Israel's Political Reckoning ep 41

    After nearly three months on reserve duty, Shaun and Ari return to the studio with fresh perspectives from the front lines and a candid conversation about the future of Israel. The episode begins with an honest discussion about the often-overlooked transition from combat back to civilian life, exploring the emotional, professional, and family challenges faced by reservists after extended deployments. From there, the conversation turns to Israeli politics as the country heads toward elections. Ari and Shaun examine the latest Knesset legislation, the ongoing debate over military service and ultra-Orthodox exemptions, judicial reform, and the growing sense among many reserve soldiers that the political parties they once supported no longer represent their priorities. Despite approaching the issues from different perspectives, they ask the same fundamental question: Who represents the Israelis who both serve and carry the country's economic burden? The discussion explores ideas for recalibrating Israel's national priorities, rewarding service, encouraging broader participation, and whether a new generation of political leadership can move beyond the old "pro versus anti" divisions that have dominated Israeli politics for years. This episode is both a personal reflection from two soldiers returning from the battlefield and a thoughtful discussion about where Israel may be headed as election season begins. If you believe Israel needs leaders who have served, sacrificed, and are committed to reshaping our national priorities, add your name in support of Ari Kalker's potential candidacy. Your support today can help build the momentum needed for tomorrow. Support here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeR-xaPbvxtTS4g1AeSqx9xMH07UhcjIwV8qVfMbRCtXaKQlg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105840100555100417840

  6. Jun 23

    Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin: Nature, Torah, and the Battle for Israel’s Identity ep 40

    In this episode of Boots on the Ground, Ari sits down with Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin for a wide-ranging conversation on Judaism, science, Zionism, and the ideological battles shaping Israel today. They explore how the animals and plants of Tanakh reveal the Jewish people’s deep indigenous connection to the Land of Israel, unpack the argument at the heart of Slifkin’s book Lions of Zion, and examine how nature itself challenges anti-Israel narratives. The conversation then turns to Rationalist Judaism, the clash between rationalism and mysticism, and one of the most pressing questions facing Israeli society: the growing divide over army service, civic duty, and national responsibility. A fascinating and challenging conversation about faith, truth, and the future of Israel. To follow R. Slifkin's work, you can go to: The blog - https://www.rationalistjudaism.com/ The Museum - https://www.biblicalnaturalhistory.org/

  7. Jun 9

    From Tehran to the Knesset: War, the Draft, and the Fight for Israel’s Future

    In this episode, Shaun and Ari break down the latest developments in Israel's war with Iran, the growing political battle over the Haredi draft, and the increasing speculation about early elections. They discuss the military, political, and social implications of these issues, what they mean for Israel's future, and how the country's leadership is fumblin  one of the most challenging periods in recent memory. A quick programming note: both Shaun and Ari are currently serving in reserve duty, which means new episodes may be released a bit more sporadically in the coming weeks. We appreciate your patience and support as we balance service with bringing you these conversations. We'd like to extend our thanks to our partners at the Jerusalem Media Group and to our sponsors at BeThereIsrael.com for their continued support in helping make this podcast possible.

  8. Apr 21

    Yom HaZikaron Part II: A Father’s Loss, A Nation’s Embrace | The Legacy of Michael Levin ep 38

    In Part II of this special Yom HaZikaron episode of Boots on the Ground, we sit down with Mark Levin, the father of lone soldier Michael Levin, who fell in the Second Lebanon War. This is not just a story of loss. It is a story of conviction, sacrifice, and what it means to raise a child who chooses a life of purpose and responsibility to the Jewish people. Mark reflects on the values that shaped Michael, the moment he chose to leave everything behind and join the IDF, and the impossible decision of a father who ultimately chose to support his son’s path, even when it meant facing his greatest fear. He shares the final goodbye at the airport, the devastating moment of loss, and the overwhelming experience of arriving in Israel to witness a nation come together, thousands strong, to honor a soldier they had never met. Two decades later, we explore how Michael’s legacy continues to live on through the Lone Soldier movement, impacting thousands who follow in his path. This conversation captures the essence of Yom HaZikaron: the unbearable weight of sacrifice alongside the unbreakable spirit of a people. As Israel transitions from remembrance to independence, Mark offers a powerful perspective on resilience, national strength, and why, despite everything, he remains deeply optimistic about the future of Israel. This episode is about more than memory. It is about legacy, responsibility, and the enduring strength of Am Yisrael. Learn more about Michael Levin’s story and legacy, and watch the documentary here:  https://michaellevinlonesoldier.org/documentary-film/

    Yom HaZikaron Part II: A Father’s Loss, A Nation’s Embrace | The Legacy of Michael Levin ep 38
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Shaun and Ari Discuss Israel is proud to partner with the Jerusalem Media Group to relaunch as Boots on the Ground: Insights on Israel’s War, Politics, and Identity.

Information

  • Creator
    SC MEDIA PRODUCTION JERUSALEM LTD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Boots on the Ground
  • Show Website
    Boots on the Ground

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