For Heaven's Sake: "A New Era?" Episode Summary

Episode Title: A New Era?
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Hosts: Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi
Presented by: Ark Media and the Shalom Hartman Institute

Introduction: Israel at a Crossroads

In the episode titled "A New Era?", hosts Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi delve into the profound implications of the ongoing conflicts involving Israel—marking day 625 of the war in Gaza and day 10 in the war with Iran. The discussion centers on whether these events signify the dawn of a new era for Israel or if they perpetuate a cycle of perpetual strife.

The Prospect of a New Era

Daniel Hartman (00:10):
"Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi... we’re wondering whether this is day one of a new era."

Hartman opens the dialogue with reflections on the current military operations against Iran, expressing a mix of relief and apprehension. He shares a personal desire for a decisive plan that minimizes reliance on external powers, particularly the United States.

Gratitude Amidst Conflict

Yossi Klein Halevi (02:54):
"I feel tremendous gratitude to President Trump... and to Netanyahu."

Yossi acknowledges the strategic efforts led by Israeli leadership, especially Netanyahu’s long-term campaign against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite recognizing Netanyahu’s controversial legacy, Yossi commends his pivotal role in the recent military actions.

Daniel Hartman (06:19):
"Every Israeli was dreaming of a day when Iran would no longer threaten us."

Hartman echoes this sentiment, highlighting the collective Israeli aspiration for security free from Iranian nuclear threats. He expresses frustration over the continued presence of hostile elements despite significant military efforts.

The Iranian Nuclear Threat and Regime Change

Daniel Hartman (09:00):
"I thought that after Israel did what they did, they'd go to the negotiating table."

Hartman grapples with the expectation that military action would compel Iran to negotiate, only to find the threat persists. He delves into the complexities of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the elusive nature of achieving complete disarmament.

Yossi Klein Halevi (11:15):
"One blow and we're done with it... the longing for a definitive end to existential threat defines the Israeli psyche."

Yossi explores the deep-seated Israeli desire to eliminate existential threats, cautioning against the oversimplification of regime change as a singular solution. He posits that genuine regime change must emanate from within Iran, driven by its populace.

The Israeli Psyche: Trauma and Triumph

Yossi Klein Halevi (17:10):
"From one trauma to the other and at the same time, the extraordinary development of the country..."

Yossi reflects on the dual narratives shaping Israel’s history—persistent trauma from continuous conflicts and remarkable strides in economic, spiritual, and intellectual realms. This juxtaposition underscores the emotional and psychological toll on Israeli society.

Daniel Hartman (17:46):
"How do we shift from this? Because... we deserve to not have somebody wanting to destroy me."

Hartman voices a collective yearning for peace and stability, questioning how Israeli society can transition from a state of constant alertness and militarization to one focused on political and diplomatic solutions.

Diverging Perspectives: Israeli and American Public Opinion

Daniel Hartman (21:07):
"79% of Americans are against Iran becoming a nuclear power, but only 48% are willing to use military force to solve the problem."

Hartman brings to light the disparity between Israeli and American public opinion regarding military intervention against Iran. He expresses concern over Israel potentially becoming an anomaly in a Western world increasingly wary of military engagements.

Yossi Klein Halevi (22:16):
"Stopping a nuclear Iran as a favor America would be doing to Israel... we are trying to remove a threat to the Arab world and to the world generally."

Yossi addresses the complex dynamics of international support, emphasizing that Israel’s actions serve broader global security interests, not just national ones. He also highlights the potential repercussions of Iranian terrorism on global perceptions and alliances.

Psychological and Societal Toll on Israel

Daniel Hartman (18:14):
"If this moment is the great moment that we waited for, it's not the end of all hatred against Israel or against Jews..."

Hartman contemplates the enduring nature of animosity towards Israel and Jews, pondering whether current military successes alleviate existential fears or if new threats will inevitably arise. He underscores the psychological exhaustion felt by Israelis amidst ongoing conflict.

Yossi Klein Halevi (17:30):
"The emotional toll... an excess of history... it's just too much."

Yossi succinctly captures the overwhelming historical burden carried by Israelis, balancing between traumatic experiences and moments of triumph, leading to significant emotional strain on the national psyche.

Concluding Reflections: Tikkun Olam and the Path Forward

Yossi Klein Halevi (29:28):
"Israel and now the United States have stood up to one of the great evils of our time... an extraordinary act of tikkun olam."

Yossi reorients the conversation towards the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world), framing the military actions as a profound moral imperative to prevent evil and promote justice.

Daniel Hartman (30:09):
"We have to move to this other stage... use politics and negotiations also as a vehicle for tikkun olam."

Hartman emphasizes the necessity of transitioning from military solutions to political and diplomatic efforts, advocating for a holistic approach to securing lasting peace and stability.

Conclusion: A Complex Dawn

As the episode wraps up, both hosts acknowledge the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the notion of a new era for Israel. They highlight the need for strategic psychological shifts within Israeli society and advocate for balanced approaches that incorporate both military and political strategies to address enduring threats.

Final Words (30:09):
"Maybe that'll bring the new era that we're... we deserve it. It's time."

The hosts conclude with a hopeful yet cautious outlook, underscoring the collective aspiration for a transformative era marked by peace and resilience.

Shalom from Jerusalem.