Israel Update

4.9 (47)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

This is the audio version of Israel Update. Israel Update is a video podcast hosted by Israeli historian and political commentator Gadi Taub and Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. The show offers news from the ground as well as an unparalleled insider perspective on the war.

3D AGO

The IDF and Shin Bet Cover-Up

We're back! And there's a lot to talk about. Like the recently submitted conclusions of IDF and the Shin Bet inquiries of the October 7 disaster. To the extent that the press releases represent the actual content, both are shamelessly political, and both attempt to excuse, cover up and shift the blame – to Netanyahu, of course. The press is therefore eager to cooperate. Also on this episode: the Russian initiative to mediate negotiations over a new nuclear deal with Iran.

1h 6m
FEB 12

Gaza: Are Trump and Netanyahu on the Same Page?

Trump's plan for the future of Gaza caught the world by surprise. It seems to have caught prime minister Netanyahu by surprise too. To what extent is it feasible, and if it is - would it be good for Israel?

1h 7m
FEB 11

IU Special: How Jews and Christians Can Save the West - with Author Melanie Phillips

Gadi spoke with British author Melanie Phillips about her new book The Builder's Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West—and Why Only They Can Save It.

1h 6m
JAN 29

Mike's and Gadi's Shouting Match Over Gaza

While Israel is reeling from the drama of the hostage deal, Judge Yitzhak Amit appoints himself President of the Supreme Court. Minister of Justice Levin refuses to accept the brazen move. But all this pales – at least on this episode – in the face of a fierce, Israeli style, shouting match over the future of Gaza. And then there is, of course, Trump disrupting the accepted terms we use for discussing the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

1h 9m
JAN 23

Trump In - Halevi Out

Chief of IDF staff General Herzi Halevi resigned after a career that will be forever remembered as an abject failure. Gadi explains why so many – himself included – are breathing a sigh of relief, but Mike warns against judging Halevi motivation solely through a political lens. Meanwhile, Trump's first days in office still send mixed signals to Israel and the Middle East.

1h 4m
JAN 15

The Hostage Deal: Is Trump Endorsing Biden's Policy?

The deal that Israel is now forced to accept is not very different from the one the Biden administration has tried to impose. Combined with the rise of the isolationist elements of MAGA, this may signify a worrying trend. But Mike is less concerned than Gadi is. Granted, he also had significantly lower expectations. Plus: turmoil in Israel's Knesset, and a new scandal involving the man designated to preside of Israel's Supreme Court.

1h 17m
JAN 9

Mike's Visit to Damascus

Accompanied by a Turkish driver and two lightly armed escorts, Mike had the opportunity to see firsthand what post-Assad Syria is like. The country was devastated. The scenes of poverty and destruction are heart wrenching. At one-point Mike's escort had to change the route to evade an attack by Israel. Meanwhile in Israel chief of staff Herzi Halevi seems intent on evading a serious enquiry in the disastrous failure of the army under his command on the fateful Shabbat of October 7.

1h 18m
JAN 1

EXCLUSIVE: Biden’s January Surprise for Israel

A network of anti-Israel officials inside the Biden administration is encouraging President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken to spring on Israel a nasty January surprise. They are modeling their scheme on the ambush at the United Nations that the outgoing Obama administration sprung on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government in December 2016. Obama, you will recall, orchestrated the passing of UNSCR 2334, which aims to turn the ceasefire lines that separated Israel from Jordan before the 1967 war into an internationally recognized political boundary between Israel and a Palestinian state. This year’s January surprise aims to find Israel officially guilty of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, thereby laying the evidentiary basis for a new UN resolution punishing Israel. Mike and Gadi have the scoop.

1h 11m

See All (52)

4.9

out of 5

47 Ratings

Death Cults

Jan 29

thankful 'n glad

Prayers for you both and thank you for the updates & discussions. The reference to Son of Hamas, Mossab, reminds me that are levels of evil that can saturate a group or nation. Genesis 15:16–hard to imagine, but it’s true.
So Much Love for Mike and Gadi

Jan 17

ellewishous

Listening to episodes of this show is the highlight of my week - I even do a regular happy dance to the opening theme. Mike and Gadi are intelligent, dynamic, decisive, very funny and have a brilliant back and forth together.
Enlightening

Jan 16

DaveinEvansGA

This is very informative and really helps put many factors into context.
Mike & Gadi 😂😂

Jan 10

Best Guest

Definitely 💯 one of the best shows. Conservative thank god

This is the audio version of Israel Update. Israel Update is a video podcast hosted by Israeli historian and political commentator Gadi Taub and Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. The show offers news from the ground as well as an unparalleled insider perspective on the war.