For Heaven's Sake: "Israel at War – The Clocks Are Ticking"

Host/Authors: Shalom Hartman Institute
Presenters: Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Episode Theme: The Clocks Are Ticking
Podcast Description: For Heaven’s Sake explores moral and ethical dimensions of issues affecting Israel, world Jewry, and Zionism through spirited debates and discussions.

Introduction: The Ominous Countdown

The episode opens with Donniel Hartman setting a grave tone for the discussion. He introduces the theme "The Clocks Are Ticking," emphasizing the urgency surrounding Israel's current state, particularly amid war and political turmoil.

Donniel Hartman [00:00]: “The clocks are ticking, and we're trying to give a window into what's happening in Israel today.”

He outlines the pressing nature of multiple crises converging, suggesting that Israel is not merely in a transition but facing critical decision points that could reshape its future.

Netanyahu's Leadership Strategy Under Scrutiny

Donniel critiques Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership style, highlighting his tendency to delay decisions, avoid deadlines, and shift accountability onto coalition partners to mitigate unpopularity.

Donniel Hartman [00:50]: “His whole methodology is to avoid deadlines, is to deny them, is to not make decisions until the absolute last second.”

Yossi Klein Halevi adds that Netanyahu's strategy of balancing a diverse coalition is faltering, leading to increased polarization within Israeli politics.

The Four Imminent Crises: "Clocks" Ticking

The hosts identify four primary "clocks" representing critical issues currently assaulting Israel:

1. Parliamentary Dissolution and Elections

   • A vote is imminent on disbanding Parliament to call for new elections. Success would compel the government to navigate stringent legislative challenges or risk a six-month pause before another attempt.

   Donniel Hartman [03:00]: “If the vote passes, there's a clock ticking. What's going to happen? Is the government going to survive?”

2. Ultra Orthodox Society's Decisive Moment

   • The conscription of Haredim into the Israeli army is a unifying yet divisive issue. The ultra-Orthodox community faces a dilemma between preserving their theological principles and contributing to national defense.

   Donniel Hartman [04:00]: “Is the study of Torah on the table? The clock's ticking.”

3. Relationship with World Jewry

   • The ongoing war in Gaza strains Israel's relationship with Diaspora Jewry. Yossi notes a significant dissonance between Israeli public opinion and that of global Jewish communities, exacerbated by internal anti-Reform sentiments.

   Yossi Klein Halevi [19:21]: “Elements within this government almost make it a point of pride to alienate our last supporters, essentially Diaspora Jewry.”

4. Global Opinion and International Relations

   • Israel faces increasing condemnation and sanctions from multiple countries. The international community's stance complicates diplomatic relations and pressures Israel's strategic decisions.

   Donniel Hartman [21:45]: “Something is going to be happening over the next couple of days… This is the government Haredi society, two huge clocks that are going to reshape all of our conversation.”

Internal Political Struggles and the Haredi Community

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community's role in Israeli politics. The hosts debate the sustainability of Netanyahu's approach to negotiating with Haredi factions, especially concerning military conscription and funding.

Yossi Klein Halevi [08:42]: “The ultra Orthodox themselves is that it has also become a red line for the rest of us.”

Donniel reflects on the historical context, noting that initial compromises with Haredim are no longer tenable as their population grows.

Donniel Hartman [09:37]: “This was when there were a few hundred Yeshiva students... Ben Gurion agreed to Exam 400 of the top Talmud students.”

Erosion of Netanyahu's Authority and Coalition Stability

Yossi observes a notable fracturing within Netanyahu's coalition, particularly among the Religious Zionists, marking a departure from previous unwavering support.

Yossi Klein Halevi [13:46]: “This is the first time that Netanyahu couldn't pass a bill that he defined as essential to the survival of the coalition.”

Donniel underscores the internal revolt and its implications for Netanyahu's political future.

Donniel Hartman [17:01]: “This is the end of his political career... It’s the end of the Religious Zionist Party for this next round, at least.”

The Issue of Judea and Samaria Under Bazal Smotrich

The discussion touches on the controversial policies in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) under Bazal Smotrich's leadership, highlighting the long-term ramifications for Israeli society and governance.

Yossi Klein Halevi [17:56]: “This is another clock. Could we designate one of our upcoming issues?”

Donniel emphasizes the necessity of addressing these policies despite exhaustion from other crises.

World Opinion and Media Discourse

Yossi shares insights from his recent lecture tour in North America, revealing a shift in global Jewish communities' perceptions of Israel. The hosts lament the increasing hostility and the Israeli government's inadequate response to defending its actions internationally.

Yossi Klein Halevi [24:32]: “A few weeks ago, Netanyahu said the goal of this war is to implement the Trump Plan... It's hard to remember from one episode to the other.”

Donniel criticizes the Israeli government's retreat from moral discourse, undermining its efforts to justify actions and maintain global support.

Donniel Hartman [28:30]: “Israel has abdicated the conversation because that goes back to what you said. We've abdicated the moral discourse.”

Conclusion: Hope Amidst the Ticking Clocks

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Yossi expresses cautious optimism. He believes that the ongoing crises may lead to a pivotal change in Israeli leadership and societal values.

Yossi Klein Halevi [31:24]: “I'm very hopeful this week. It gives me hope.”

Donniel echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the ticking clocks might culminate in a significant redefinition of Israel's future.

Donniel Hartman [32:28]: “Maybe with the clocks ticking, the good news is that maybe this government is coming to an end and that Israeli society will be put in front of a serious decision.”

The episode closes on a reflective note, acknowledging the exhaustion of ongoing crises while holding onto the possibility of transformative change.

Notable Quotes:

• Donniel Hartman [00:50]: “His whole methodology is to avoid deadlines, is to deny them, is to not make decisions until the absolute last second.”

• Yossi Klein Halevi [08:42]: “The ultra Orthodox themselves is that it has also become a red line for the rest of us.”

• Yossi Klein Halevi [19:21]: “Elements within this government almost make it a point of pride to alienate our last supporters, essentially Diaspora Jewry.”

• Yossi Klein Halevi [31:24]: “I'm very hopeful this week. It gives me hope.”

This episode of For Heaven's Sake delves deep into the multifaceted crises confronting Israel, from internal political fragmentation and societal divides to strained international relations. Through insightful dialogue and poignant reflections, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi shed light on the pressing issues that could determine the nation's trajectory in these tumultuous times.