Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Episode: Netanyahu’s Endgame - with Ari Shavit
Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Call Me Back, hosted by Dan Senor from Ark Media, Israeli journalist and analyst Ari Shavit delves deep into the intricate strategies and future plans of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict and its broader regional implications. Released on July 3, 2025, this episode provides listeners with an insightful analysis of the challenges facing Israel both domestically and internationally.

Netanyahu’s Strategies to End the Gaza War

Ari Shavit opens the discussion by outlining Netanyahu’s current mindset, highlighting a transition from wartime aggression to seeking peace within a 60-day negotiation window.

Ari Shavit [00:08]: "Netanyahu is in a state of mind of moving from war to peace and what he hopes for that in the 60 days of negotiations you can inject major successes of Arab Israeli peace into this process."

Shavit emphasizes that Netanyahu's recent military successes in Lebanon, Syria, and against Iran have bolstered his confidence, allowing for the possibility of making concessions—a departure from his traditionally hardline stance.

Ari Shavit [04:26]: "The crux of the matter is... Beginning the negotiations regarding the real end of the war. Hamas wants an end of war, Israel does not want to give them that."

The Hostage Situation

A critical component of the ceasefire proposal revolves around the release of hostages captured by Hamas. Shavit explains the phased approach Netanyahu is pursuing:

Ari Shavit [10:25]: "Generally it's a well-known deal. 60 days of ceasefire, 10 living hostages back, most of them in the first days... All the hostages, hostages back."

Senor raises concerns about whether this approach will address the full spectrum of hostages held by Hamas. Shavit remains cautiously optimistic, asserting Israel's unwavering moral commitment to liberate all hostages.

Ari Shavit [17:45]: "Israeli society is totally committed to the hostages. There will not be a victory if the hostages are not back."

Post-War Geopolitical Landscape

The conversation shifts to Netanyahu's broader strategic objectives in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.

Iran’s Nuclear Program

Shavit critiques the limited success of the recent 12-day conflict with Iran, pointing out that while significant strides were made in delaying Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the fundamental threat remains unresolved.

Ari Shavit [22:30]: "It did not solve the problem. Where are we now... The danger of a dirty bomb or a simple bomb or device is very much there."

He advocates for a renewed and more robust political agreement akin to the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Syria and Lebanon

Netanyahu is portrayed as seizing a pivotal moment to potentially reshape Israel’s relationships with its northern neighbors. Shavit discusses the optimistic prospects of reaching non-belligerency agreements with Syria and Lebanon, drawing parallels to historical contexts.

Ari Shavit [30:14]: "The potential of Israel and Lebanon is huge. The synergy is huge... the possible synergy between Lebanon and Israel is very promising."

Shavit remains hopeful that Netanyahu’s strategic vision could lead to meaningful political arrangements, reducing regional tensions and fostering stability.

Prospects for Normalization with Saudi Arabia

One of the most intricate aspects discussed is the potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Shavit outlines the challenges posed by the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, which have hardened public opinion against Israel within Saudi Arabia.

Ari Shavit [35:09]: "The normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia has a Palestinian component... The public opinion in Saudi Arabia was radicalized to an extent against Israel."

Despite these hurdles, Shavit underscores the indispensable role of American leadership in facilitating this rapprochement, especially highlighting President Trump’s supportive stance.

Ari Shavit [40:54]: "The fundamental interests and wishes to have an American, Arab, Israeli alliance are very much there now."

Domestic Israeli Affairs and Netanyahu's Future

Turning inward, the episode addresses the profound societal divisions within Israel, exacerbated by Netanyahu’s prolonged leadership and recent military actions.

Ari Shavit [43:48]: "We are totally split regarding this one man... Netanyahu's narrative vs. the opposition's perspective."

Shavit critiques Netanyahu’s role in fostering tribalism and internal division, attributing significant responsibility for the failures leading up to the October 7th attacks. However, he also acknowledges Netanyahu’s strategic acumen in recent military successes.

Ari Shavit [48:43]: "Netanyahu has incredible strategic talent. He has incredible flaws. And it's this combination that drives us crazy for 30 years."

Shavit advocates for a peaceful transition away from Netanyahu’s leadership, emphasizing the need for national unity and reconciliation to address the deep-seated fractures within Israeli society.

Ari Shavit [52:51]: "The challenge is to end the Netanyahu era in a peaceful way... our most serious existential threat."

Conclusions and Insights

In concluding the episode, Ari Shavit presents a nuanced perspective on Netanyahu’s complex legacy—balancing his tactical brilliance with his role in societal polarization. He calls for leveraging Israel’s recent victories to foster political unity and embark on a new chapter of peace and reconstruction.

Ari Shavit [52:51]: "The key to Israel's future is a Zionist alliance where the extremists are left aside and where all the people who participated in the war lead the rebuilding of Israel."

Shavit envisions a future where Israel not only secures its borders but also heals its internal divisions, setting the stage for a more unified and prosperous nation.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Shift: Netanyahu is transitioning from a purely military approach to seeking diplomatic solutions within a defined negotiation period.

• Hostage Negotiations: The phased release of hostages remains a contentious yet central element of ceasefire talks.

• Regional Dynamics: Successes in Lebanon and Syria present opportunities for broader Middle Eastern peace, though challenges with Iran and Saudi Arabia persist.

• Domestic Challenges: Netanyahu’s leadership has both fortified Israel’s defense capabilities and deepened societal divisions, necessitating a potential leadership transition for national healing.

• Role of the U.S.: American leadership remains crucial in facilitating peace agreements and supporting Israel’s strategic objectives.

Notable Quotes

• Ari Shavit [00:08]: "Netanyahu is in a state of mind of moving from war to peace..."

• Ari Shavit [10:25]: "...we have a moral commitment to bring all the hostages home."

• Ari Shavit [22:30]: "It did not solve the problem... The danger of a dirty bomb or a simple bomb or device is very much there."

• Ari Shavit [35:09]: "The normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia has a Palestinian component..."

• Ari Shavit [43:48]: "We are totally split regarding this one man."

• Ari Shavit [48:43]: "Netanyahu has incredible strategic talent. He has incredible flaws."

• Ari Shavit [52:51]: "The key to Israel's future is a Zionist alliance where the extremists are left aside..."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Call Me Back offers a profound exploration of Netanyahu’s strategic maneuvers and the multifaceted challenges Israel faces. Ari Shavit’s expert analysis provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the geopolitical and domestic factors shaping Israel’s present and future. For those seeking to comprehend the complexities of Israeli politics and Middle Eastern relations, this episode serves as an invaluable resource.

For more insightful discussions and analyses, visit arkmedia.org.