The Jewish People's Podcast

Former CIA operations officer Marc Polymeropoulos joins Yaakov to discuss renewed hostilities with Iran, the extraordinary reports of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's alleged Mossad recruitment, and what it reveals about modern espionage. We also examine what is working – and what isn't – in intelligence cooperation between Israel and the United States.

As Americans mark Independence Day, Gil Troy is joined by Dr. Anat Wilf for a special July 4th edition of the JPPI Podcast. Together, they examine the growing claims of a rupture in U.S.-Israel relations, asking whether recent political tensions represent a genuine strategic break or simply another chapter in a relationship that has weathered far greater storms. Drawing on history, diplomacy, and Zionist thought, they explore the deeper foundations of the alliance and what they reveal about its future. In the second half of the episode, Gil reflects on his new e-book, 250 Reasons to Be Grateful...

In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Natalie Ecanow, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about her new report tracing what she estimates is at least $400 billion in Qatari spending, investments, lobbying, grants, and commercial activity across the United States. From defense and energy to higher education, media, technology, sports, and even K-12 classrooms, Qatar’s footprint reaches farther than most Americans realize. They discuss how Doha has cultivated influence within America’s political, academic, and cultural institutions; where legitimate investment can become political leverage; and why that influence deserves greater public scrutiny.

A new Iran deal has left Israel alarmed and raised difficult questions about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Gil Troy and Lt.-Col. (res.) Or Horvitz join Yaakov to unpack what is actually in the deal, how dangerous it could be, why President Trump has turned so sharply against Netanyahu, and whether there is any reason to see a silver lining in this new Middle East reality.

Has the Middle East fundamentally changed over the last two years? Yaakov Katz speaks with Nadim Koteich, a leading Arab journalist, former General Manager of Sky News Arabia and columnist for Asharq Al-Awsat, about Iran, Hezbollah, Lebanon, and what the region might look like after the wars that have reshaped it.

This week, IDF troops reached the Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon. But is that a victory? Yaakov Katz speaks with Dr. Seth Frantzman about Israel's endgame in Lebanon, the risk of a prolonged military presence, and how drone warfare is changing the battlefield.

As ceasefire talks continue and tensions grow with Iran, what are ordinary Iranians actually thinking? In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Iranian-Canadian journalist and analyst Negar Mojtahedi about life inside Iran, how people view the regime, whether they want the US or Israel to strike and why another uprising has not happened.

As a new a new Iran deal nears, for Israel, the key question is simple: will this agreement actually stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions – or merely delay them? On this episode, Yaakov, Shmuel Rosner and Gil Troy break down the emerging deal, what it means for Israel’s security, and whether Jerusalem is once again being asked to live with a dangerous compromise.

Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Vivian Bercovici joins Yaakov Katz for a candid conversation about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada following October 7. Once considered one of the safest places in the world for Jews, Jews fear what the future holds.

Europe is entering a period of political change. From new leadership in Hungary and growing debates over sanctions on Israeli settlers to broader questions about the EU’s role in regional security and diplomacy, Prof. Sharon Pardo joins Yaakov to unpack how Europe views Israel, Iran, and the rapidly changing Middle East.

Following a series of troubling incidents involving Christian clergy in Jerusalem – including the reported blocking of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Yaakov speaks with JPPI’s Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal about the growing strain on Jewish-Christian relations in Israel and the disappearance of meaningful interfaith dialogue from Israeli society.

In this episode, Yaakov speaks to Gal Beckerman about his new book, How to be a Dissident, and what its message means for countries around the world grappling with their future, including Israel as it heads toward another uncertain election. Beckerman argues that the real test of dissent isn’t theoretical. It’s personal: when the pressure builds, will you stand apart – or go along?

What should Israel’s long-term strategy look like after October 7? Drawing on the Henry Jackson Society’s “Israel 2048” report, Barak Seener joins Yaakov to lay out a vision for shifting from reactive deterrence to proactive power projection – integrating military strength with regional alliances, economic corridors, and technological leadership. The conversation explores whether Israel can translate battlefield success into lasting strategic advantage, and what kind of state it aims to be by its 100th anniversary.

Who won the war with Iran – and what comes next? Yaakov is joined by Avner Vilan, who spent two decades inside Israel’s defense and intelligence establishment working to undermine Iran’s nuclear program. Together, they break down what was achieved, what wasn’t, and where things go from here.

Israel and the U.S. inflicted serious damage on Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure – but was that enough to change the region for good? In this episode, Gil Troy and Shmuel Rosner join Yaakov to discuss whether the battlefield gains can now be turned into a real strategic success through diplomacy, pressure on the regime, and the high-stakes negotiations still to come.

As the regional landscape continues to shift, our expert panel will provide critical insights into the military, political, and diplomatic dimensions of the war, as well as the broader implications for Israel’s security and international standing. The discussion will feature a distinguished group of JPPI experts and senior figures with decades of experience at the highest levels of government, intelligence, and media.

Dennis Ross, Ambassador and co-chairman of JPPI’s Board of Directors, who served as Director of Policy Planning under U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Special Middle East Coordinator under President Bill...

What have we really learned from Iran’s missile campaign? In this episode, missile expert Tal Inbar breaks down why cluster munitions are so difficult to intercept, how Israel’s air defense systems are performing under real wartime pressure, and what this all means for the future of Israeli strategy - including the growing case for a dedicated offensive missile corps.

As the war drags on, the big questions are only getting sharper: Is there a real strategy? What does victory actually look like? And how long can Israeli society sustain this? I’m joined by Shmuel Rosner and Gil Troy for a candid conversation about the gap between goals and reality, how this war might end, and the limits of national resilience.

What does “winning” a war with Iran actually mean? Dennis Ross breaks down the possible endgames - from nuclear concessions to control of the Strait of Hormuz - and what the conflict means for U.S. politics and regional normalization.

As Israel continues to fight a war on multiple fronts, a critical question is emerging at home: What kind of country is it becoming in the process? In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Prof. Dan Ben-David of the Shoresh Institute and Tel Aviv University about the government’s decision to allocate 5 billion shekels to the Haredi sector in the middle of the war — and what that reveals about Israel’s priorities.

As Israel fights a historic war with Iran, deeper questions are emerging about the country’s future. What kind of Israel will take shape after this conflict? What does the war reveal about Israel’s strengths and limits? And as the country moves toward another election cycle, how might the war reshape its politics and leadership? To unpack these questions, Yakkov is joined by Dr. Einat Wilf - former Knesset member, political thinker, and one of the most insightful voices in Israel’s strategic debate.

On day 13 of the war with Iran, where does the campaign stand? Have Israel and the United States achieved their core objectives, and what still remains unresolved? Yaakov Katz is joined by JPPI senior fellows Shmuel Rosner and LTC (Ret.) Or Horvitz for a strategic look at the war so far, the pressure points ahead, and whether there is any risk of divergence between Jerusalem and the Trump administration as the conflict continues.

As the war continues to reshape the Middle East, a critical question remains: what happened to the 450 kg of highly enriched uranium Iran reportedly buried under Isfahan? To explore the strategic and technical realities of this challenge, Yaakov speaks with Avner Vilan, who spent two decades inside Israel’s intelligence and defense communities focused on disrupting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He provides a rare, expert perspective on the resilience of the Iranian program and what its survival means for the day after the war.

For a list of Avner's recent X posts about Iran: 
https://x.com/a...

Former IDF international spokesperson Lt. Col. (res.) Peter Lerner joins the podcast to discuss Israel’s wartime communication strategy. We discuss why Israel communicates differently than the US, how misinformation and AI videos shape coverage, and what questions the media should really be asking.

Gil Troy and Shmuel Rosner join Yaakov to discuss the latest developments in the war with Iran, the resilience of the Trump–Netanyahu relationship, and new polling on American Jewish support for the war - and what it could mean for Israel’s growing election debate.

Missiles are flying across the Middle East - and American defense systems are stopping many of them. But interceptors are limited. Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joins Yaakov to examine whether the U.S. and its allies have enough missile defense capabilities to sustain a long war with Iran.

Hezbollah has joined the war, firing rockets into Israel and widening the conflict with Iran. On day three of the campaign, what are the objectives, what has been achieved, and how deep is US–Israel coordination? LTC (Ret.) Or Horvitz, a former senior intelligence officer, joins Yaakov to break it down.

Elliott Abrams joins the podcast to discuss the joint Israeli-American operation aimed at weakening the Iranian regime, degrading its military capabilities, and creating an opening for the Iranian people to seize the reins of power and topple the ayatollahs.

As tensions with Iran rise and the region watches Donald Trump’s next move, Israel faces a parallel crisis at home. The Haredi draft battle and the near-lynching of two female soldiers in Bnei Brak highlight growing internal strains. Yaakov Katz speaks with Shmuel Rosner and Shuki Friedman about how Israel confronts mounting pressure from Tehran while grappling with deep divisions within its own society.

On October 7, Noam Tibon drove into the Gaza border communities to rescue his son and family as the state faltered. Now, the former major general has entered politics with Yair Lapid. We discuss leadership failure, accountability, and why he believes Israel must change course from within the system.

Since October 7, Israeli politics has entered uncharted territory. Public trust, electoral dynamics, the future of the war, and the state of Israeli democracy are all in flux. Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin - political strategist, public opinion expert, and author of The Crooked Timber of Democracy in Israel - joins the podcast to unpack what Israelis really think, where the data is pointing, and what it all means for Israel’s political future.

As the US and Iran explore renewed talks, questions about diplomacy, pressure, and the possibility of real change are back on the table. In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Marjan Keypour Greenblatt, founder and director of the Alliance for Rights of All Minorities, about what negotiations mean beyond nuclear headlines – for Iran’s minorities, civil society, and those still fighting for basic freedoms. Is engagement a path to change, or another missed opportunity?

With the return of Ran Gvili, Israel closes its longest and most painful hostage chapter. In this episode, Yaakov talks to Gil Troy and Sara Hirschhorn about what this means for Israeli society, the country’s core ethos of never leaving anyone behind, and how the end of the hostage crisis paves the way for Phase 2 of the Trump plan for Gaza.

In Zaidy’s Band, Aron Heller retraces his grandfather Mickey’s hidden wartime past, uncovering the forgotten story of a Jewish Canadian band of brothers who fought Nazism and helped shape Israel. It’s a personal journey that reveals heroism, loss, and enduring questions of faith, identity, and sacrifice that still resonate today.

Samer Sinjaliwi, a Palestinian activist and former Fatah member, joins Yaakov to talk about post-Gaza planning, the new technocratic government led by Ali Shaath, and what it will actually take for Israelis and Palestinians to believe that peace is possible.

Iran is boiling, Gaza is entering a new phase, and Syria is re-emerging as a hub for radical Islamist threats. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli joins Yaakov to explain how these fronts connect - and why uniting the world against radical Islam is critical to defeating antisemitism.

Iran is boiling, Maduro has fallen, and Washington suddenly looks willing to move decisively again. Elliott Abrams, who ran U.S. policy on both Iran and Venezuela in Trump’s first term, explains what’s happening behind the scenes, what Trump’s options really are, and how these crises could reshape the global order.

Three weeks after the Bondi Beach attack, Yaakov speaks with Arsen Ostrovsky - not as an analyst, but as a survivor. Shot during the attack, Arsen recounts the moments after he was hit and reflects on what Bondi means for Jewish security in the Diaspora, and for the failure of governments to confront antisemitism before it turns deadly. This is a conversation we cannot allow to be forgotten.

As the year ends, Israel remains caught between war and uncertainty. With fighting still ongoing and the return of living hostages only weeks behind us, Yaakov sits down with  Prof. Yedidia Stern for a hard look at what was achieved, what remains unresolved, and what the coming year may hold – elections, continued conflict, or real change.

In this episode, Yaakov speaks with Mitchell A. Silk, the first Hasidic Jew to serve in a Senate-confirmed U.S. government role and a key architect of Trump-era global economic policy. They discuss his new book A Seat at the Table, his work on the U.S.–China trade deal, the $94B airline rescue during COVID, and how faith, diplomacy, and duty shaped his journey through some of the most consequential economic decisions of our time.