Podcast
State of Tel Aviv, Israel Podcast
Hosted by Vivian Bercovici · EN
State of Tel Aviv, and Beyond: the podcast that tells the story. Unfiltered. We work it hard so that you will understand what’s really going down in Israel.
www.stateoftelaviv.com
www.stateoftelaviv.com
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S4 E28. Has Netanyahu Led Israel into Chaos Without a Plan?
1w ago00:54:50Tap to summarizeI’m pleased to bring you this long and spicy discussion with a great friend of State of Tel Aviv and Beyond, Ya’akov Katz. He and I have both been running around Europe and elsewhere…..but we caught up and recorded this episode on Sunday May 31. And we covered a lot of ground. We get into the endless war that Israel has been fighting for almost three years now with no apparent strategy - with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran. We speak candidly about Jewish terrorism in the West Bank and the government’s very deliberate policy and choice - to look away. And do nothing. Ya’akov always brings such crisp insights and deep knowledge to military matters, and he shares his thoughts on the lack of a clear strategy from the Prime Minister’s Office. Israelis are exhausted and this is a critical historical moment for the country. The ultra-orthodox refuse to serve in the IDF, extremists like Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir have amassed significant power, and it is beginning to look as if there is no plan. Other than the signature Netanyahu approach - survive another day. That won’t work any longer. Israel is up against too many walls and involved in too many conflicts. As Ya’akov astutely notes - “Bibi has created the Sparta that he was talking about one year ago.” You may recall Netanyahu’s comment in the recent past that Israel must become a great military power like ancient Sparta; totally self-reliant when it comes to manufacturing weapons of war. And then there is the apparent divergence of interests between Netanyahu and Trump, Israel and America, when it comes to Iran. The honeymoon is over.Oh - and of course we dip into the domestic mayhem taking root as we approach the election - which must take place before October 27 of this year.It’s a lively and informative chat - you’ll learn a lot. I did.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivYaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel’s Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel’s Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X.“Crisply written... draws on excellent sources within Israel’s military and intelligence services.” —The Wall Street JournalA powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that led to October 7While Israel Slept tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel’s weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world’s most powerful militaries. Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, the book exposes the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. It takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East.The book unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel’s military and political leadership. It provides unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E27. Tucker Carlson: 'Israel is the Most Violent Country in the World'
2w ago01:15:40Tap to summarizeThe sniping among right of center media personalities in the United States in recent months has been a non-stop exchange of barbs and insults. And it has become very, very ugly of late. A central figure in this weird ecosystem is Tucker Carlson, former Fox News host, now a successful independent podcaster with millions of followers and extensive reach. Carlson has sparked controversy and outrage for many reasons, but we focus in this podcast on his comments on Israel, wealthy American Jews, AIPAC, the Republican Jewish Coalition and his very strong suggestion that Israel and Jews control the White House and, therefore, America. Carlson is outraged that President Trump chose to go to war against Iran and asserts boldly and often that he was bullied into doing so by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Even worse, in acting in this way, Carlson maintains that Trump put the national interest of Israel ahead of America’s.On Tuesday, May 16, one of Israel’s top television anchors, Udi Segal, interviewed Carlson to challenge many of his claims. It was a feisty exchange, to put it mildly. I spoke with Udi Segal the following morning about why he felt it was important to give Tucker oxygen (as I like to say)? Why amplify his voice? It’s not an everyday thing - to interview a top journalist about his interview with another journalist. Talk about inside baseball! But this was important. Udi challenged Carlson for defending Putin’s attack on Ukraine as being defensive and eminently justifiable, while insisting that Israel is a terrorist state. Genocidal. We all need to know what Tucker Carlson and those of his ilk are saying and doing because their simplistic demagoguery is mesmerizing a large segment of the population. And that is dangerous. His ideas and views are also dangerous - and based in a malevolent agenda. Carlson loves to bellow that he asserts facts, when he does nothing of the sort. He peddles gutter prejudice and bitterness but manages to present himself as a thoughtful, analytical, compassionate man with laudable values. He is anything but.I spent more time than I care to admit in the last week studying Carlson’s interviews and monologues, especially those pertaining to Israel and the war. Some say he’s an apologist for Islamists. Have a listen (or watch). You decide.The emergence of a robust independent media sector that is openly hostile to Israel Jews and promotes deeply concerning ideas (facts, as Carlson calls them) is a harsh reality. This increasingly influential cohort asserts that Jews are disloyal, evil, violent. Immoral, and subversively controlling and manipulating America and other nations with their money and wily ways. We have a serious problem.And we should really pay careful attention to this. It’s not just a Jewish issue. It’s a threat to democracy and liberal societies.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast Notes* 15-minute edited interview with Tucker Carlson that aired on Israel’s channel 13 on Tuesday May 16* Full unedited 45-minute interview with Tucker Carlson and Udi Segal* Unedited clip of Tucker Carlson appearing at the Doha Conference, December 6, 2025.* “Brothers in Arms”, article by Udi Segal published in the launch edition of State of Tel Aviv, May 17, 2022.* Website of Israeli artist Yoram Gal, who painted the original artwork for the launch edition of STLV.* Links to State of Tel Aviv and Beyond podcasts looking at how pro-Israel guests were treated on Piers Morgan’s show “Uncensored”* Article in State of Tel Aviv published June 5, 2025, titled, “Joe Rogan, Dave Smith, Douglas Murray, Piers Morgan and Natasha Hausdorff: So much fuss over talk shows. Why?About Udi SegalUdi Segal is the senior anchor and analyst of the evening news of Israel’s TV channel 13.Previously, he was the diplomatic correspondent for another major TV station. He has worked as the New York bureau chief for the newspaper, Ma’ariv, and began his journalism career as a correspondent at IDF radio, “Galei Tzahal.”He teaches journalism and television reporting in the Riechman University.Segal is married and has 4 children. He lives in a moshav near Netanya, not far from the sea where he practices his favorite sport of rowing a SUP (stand up paddleboarding).State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E26. America and Iran: War? Peace? Undecided?
May 1200:49:36Tap to summarizeJonathan Conricus has returned from a short North American speaking tour and joined me on Sunday evening to take a close look at where things stand with America and Iran. It is challenging to keep up and even more difficult to decode the often-conflicting messages issued by the main protagonists: the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. We get into the possible responses that may come from the parties and the implications for the region and the world. Who is running Iran these days and making decisions? Unclear but we have a pretty good idea. Will Iran act on its threats to impose taxes on all maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz? How about their latest initiative - to tax all data passing through internet cables that are laid at the bottom of the Persian Gulf? Or - maybe they will sever the cables and disrupt global commerce? So many possibilities and we get into them all. Why is Iran attacking the UAE so consistently and hard? And why is the UAE not responding? Oh - and we also spend a bit of time marveling at the tendency of western media to accept the “spin” coming out of Iran, pretty. much unquestioningly.This pod was recorded on Sunday night, but it is current as of 10 am EST on Tuesday. At the end of the episode I include a short clip of Conricus speaking on Monday to media. He addresses America’s rejection of the Iranian response to the most recent U.S. proposal to…..formalize the ceasefire? End the war? This became public after we recorded on Sunday night. It never stops……Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivJonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E25. Is the Toronto Police Force Antisemitic?
May 1101:09:21Tap to summarizeThere was the “joke” a senior Toronto Police officer made one day to then One Homicide Chief, Hank Idsinga. You know, the one about a kosher bbq being a “Jew-Q.” As in, thinking that the idea of burning Jews during the Holocaust in Europe - was funny. The jokester told Idsinga it was really funny. And that was when Hank Idsinga began to see the deep antisemitism among police leadership, and others. And there was more. Much more.Idsinga’s recently published book: “The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop”, was released in early May and is prompting discussion about the conduct of the Toronto Police Force, particularly since October 7. Toronto has become a dangerous city for Jews to live in. Hostility toward Jewish people is overt, everywhere and inescapable. It was clear from October 7 that something was very wrong with how Toronto police were dealing with the outburst of Jew-hatred. The antisemites were given free rein. Police spoke about constitutional rights and other high-minded issues, which actually had nothing to do with the illegal conduct proliferating on Toronto streets. In fact, the cops protected the “protesters”, insisting they were not breaking laws and that their conduct was “peaceful.” Well, they were breaking many laws, and their conduct was anything but peaceful. Almost three years later, Toronto is unrecognizable and considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world in which to live today, as a Jew. This podcast episode is a touch longer than our usual, because there is so much important information to be shared.We focus on Hank Idsinga, his personal story and how that influenced his career, particularly in the later years. And we get into the way in which Toronto Police have handled overt and often violent antisemitism since October 7. Their conduct is indefensible. Inexplicable. And I have been writing and podcasting about this tirelessly. Only now, as attacks on Jews have become more frequent and violent - attracting international attention - has the Toronto Police Service even acknowledged that there may be, you know, a problem.I have provided time stamps for three sections of the podcast, so you can jump around or skip. But I urge you to listen to them all. They build on and reinforce one another. And the story of what is going down in Toronto is just one extreme example of what we are seeing in many cities around the world. This will not just “go away”.Thanks to Andrea Marcus, a friend, proud lifelong Torontonian, brilliant artist, and sponsor of this episode of State of Tel Aviv and Beyond. Like so many Canadians, Andrea is devastated by what has happened to Canada and Toronto, particularly in recent years. They are unrecognizable. If you would like to be like Andrea and support our work by sponsoring an episode or two, please contact me directly. vivian@stateoftelaviv.comTime Stamps:Part I - Introduction to Hank Idsinga and the Toronto Police Force 00-34:54Part II - Toronto Police and Jews: Open Contempt at a Recent Press Conference 34:55-37:41Part III - Deep Dive into Post October 7 Toronto Police Conduct 37:42-endShow your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivHank Idsinga was a member of the Toronto Police Services for thirty years, leading the country’s top homicide unit for five years. Having served as Detective Sergeant and, later, Inspector in charge of Toronto’s Homicide Squad, he has policed just about every kind of case you can imagine, and has stared down some of the hardest criminals the city has ever seen. Idsinga has received numerous awards from the Ontario Homicide Investigator’s Association, and has twice been recognized by Toronto Life magazine as one of Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People. Additionally, he is a regular presenter at policing conferences, including the FBI National Academy Associates Conference and the Ontario Homicide Investigators Conference, among others. Recently retired and now a crime commentary fixture on the Corus radio network (nationally) and Global Television, as well as American crime series in production, Idsinga speaks widely about policing in the wake of a highly decorated career.From decorated homicide detective Hank Idsinga comes The High Road—a raw, riveting true crime memoir from the man who helped take down one of Canada’s most notorious serial killers.Hank Idsinga knew from the age of ten that he wanted to solve murders—especially after learning his grandfather had been executed by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Over a thirty-year career with Toronto Police Services, Idsinga rose through the ranks to lead the country’s top homicide unit. From street crime to serial killers, he saw it all—and now, for the first time, he tells the story in his own voice.Written in a hard-boiled but deeply human tone, The High Road chronicles the highs and horrors of life on the homicide beat. Idsinga recounts some of Toronto’s most gripping cases that caught the attention of the nation, including the Boxing Day shooting of Jane Creba, the Yonge Street shootouts, and—most infamously—the Bruce McArthur serial killer investigation. With equal parts warmth, candor, and gravity, he offers rare insight into how detectives do their work, how justice is served, and how the toll of the job is carried quietly and constantly.Far from glorifying violence, Idsinga focuses on the people at the heart of each case: the victims, the families, and the fellow officers who became like family over decades of service. Many of those families remain in touch with him today, a testament to his character and compassion.With the rise of true crime podcasts and docuseries, audiences are hungry for authentic, unfiltered voices—and The High Road delivers. This isn’t just a book about catching killers. It’s about the moral weight of justice, the value of empathy, and the complicated humanity on both sides of the badge.Podcast NotesIn the podcast I refer often to how entrenched antisemitism is in Canada and how obvious that has become since October 7. Below are links to two articles published in Toronto media regarding Idsinga’s allegations regarding antisemitism on the police force.Following are links to podcasts and written articles by me, on the State of Tel Aviv website and in other publications. This is just a sampling of the work I have done on antisemitism in Canada, focusing on Toronto, since October 7. And there’s much more. State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E24. Canada: Global Capital of Antisemitism? Israeli Ministers Think So...
May 900:49:11Tap to summarizeYes. I am generating a lot of material about antisemitism in Canada - and not just because I am Canadian. You will probably have noticed that some popular American podcasters and media have been focusing on Canada recently. Canadian society and the rot pervading it is turning heads in the United States, UK and continental Europe. Not only because the situation is so bad. But perhaps moreso because political and law enforcement leadership in Canada seem unperturbed. They barely notice. In fact, they seem to react only when American media takes note. That - by the way - is a classic Canadian thing. We like to keep things “in the family.” But when American or UK media come out and criticize - well - that is noticed. If a Canadian dares to be critical of the government in foreign media - it is often cast as being disloyal. As we say in Hebrew - very small-minded.In March, shortly after three synagogues were shot up in Toronto in one week, the world took note. Within days of the shootings, I interviewed Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli. He said - and it is in this podcast - that Canada is at the top of a list that no one should want to be on: he regards Canada as being perhaps the most dangerous place in the world to be Jewish these days. His strong concerns are shared by Sharren Haskel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both Chikli and Haskel have been paying attention to the grim reality on the ground for Canadian Jews - especially since October 7. They do not hold back. And they also bring to the discussion a global perspective. Their job is to be on top of the status of Jewish communities all over the world - and they are watching like hawks. This is about Canada, yes, but it is about so much more.Their comments and observations are from March and I have provided updated context in the podcast narrative. Almost immediately after the drama in Toronto things got pretty crazy in the UK, especially London. And the war in Iran exploded. Sometimes, events overtake the material I have prepared……and I had to hold these interviews until those crises subsided, temporarily. So - here we are. And in the meantime……the mess, if I can call it that, remains a mess.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivAmichai Chikli is an Israeli politician who serves as the Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. In the past he worked as an educator and social entrepreneur.Chikli was born in 1981 in Jerusalem. He served as an officer in the Golani brigade, an elite IDF unit.Following his military service, Chikli earned a bachelor’s degree in security and Middle Eastern studies from Haifa University and a master’s degree in security studies and diplomacy from Tel Aviv University. Minister Chikli is married and has three children.Sharren Haskel is 41 years old, married and the mother of three young children. At 18, she served in the Israel Defense Force, as a combat soldier in the Border Guards during the Second Intifada. Following her military service, Deputy Minister Haskel pursued a career in veterinary medicine. Haskel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from The Open University in Israel, where she also was the Israeli national debating champion. She entered the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in 2015.In November 2024, she was sworn in as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E23. Violent Attacks on Jews: How Did We Get Here?
Apr 3000:52:12Tap to summarizeOne day ago, at approximately 11:30, two Jewish men were stabbed by a stranger on a street in a Jewish neighborhood in London. Had private community guards not been on the scene then the outcome would certainly have been much worse. It took police four minutes to arrive on the scene. And when they did one of them realized that he had forgotten his taser gun in the car. UK police officers are not armed. Seriously.Just hours before dropping this podcast, the UK Daily Telegraph published an exclusive story that the suspect, Essa Suleiman, is a 45-year-old Somali immigrant to the UK with previous convictions for violent crime, including the stabbing of at least one police officer and his canine partner. Mr. Suleiman served prison time and was referred in 2020 to a government run “counter-extremism” prevention program but as the Telegraph reports, “his case was closed later that year.” Exactly what that means is unclear. What is clear is that Mr. Suleiman was known to law enforcement and they clearly had formed a view that he may be a political or other extremist. He is believed to be associated with a terror organization supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran.London. Melbourne. Sydney. Toronto. Manchester. Montreal. Something is very wrong in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Very wrong. In today’s podcast we have a detailed discussion with Mark Sandler, a criminal lawyer based in Toronto who has acted as counsel in countless cases as well as more than 20 public inquiries. The depth and breadth of his experience is seriously impressive. These days, Sandler acts as chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, a group of more than 70 organizations that have come together to voice their profound concern with the state of civil society in the country. Sandler seems to be everywhere - especially since October 7. He is a force of nature. I learned so much from speaking with Sandler and he confirmed many of my deepest concerns regarding the reasons that Jew hatred is so prevalent in Canada. It didn’t just “happen.” It’s a direct result of weak leadership, at best. At worst, it is due to institutional antisemitism. In another episode some time I hope to sink my teeth into why these issues seem to be manifesting in such an extreme way in the UK, Canada, and Australia.Update: As we finalize this podcast news came in that the UK just raised the threat level to severe, one notch below critical - the highest. Government is saying that it is related in part to the Golders Green attack. But there is more in the mix.In the podcast notes I have included links to previous State of Tel Aviv and Beyond podcasts and episodes that are directly relevant and may be of interest to you.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivMark Sandler, LL.B., LL.D. (honoris causa), ALCCA’s Chair, is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading criminal lawyers and pro bono advocates. He has been involved in combatting antisemitism for over 40 years. He has lectured extensively on legal remedies to combat hate and has promoted respectful Muslim-Jewish, Sikh-Jewish and Black-Jewish dialogues. He has appeared before Parliamentary committees and in the Supreme Court of Canada on multiple occasions on issues relating to antisemitism and hate activities. He is a former member of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, a three-time elected Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, and recipient of the criminal profession’s highest honor, the G. Arthur Martin Medal, for his contributions to the administration of criminal justice.Podcast Notes:* Home page for Alliance of Canadians Combatting AntisemitismThis site is a trove of superb material documenting the ongoing efforts of this coalition to combat antisemitism in Canada: alcca.ca* Previous State of Tel Aviv and Beyond episodes directly relevant to the issues discussed in this podcastState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E22. Strait of Hormuz: Ground Zero for America vs. Iran
Apr 2000:52:55Tap to summarizeThe war between America and Iran was intended to be swift and decisive, or so we were told. Almost two months since America and Israel first attacked the Islamic Republic of Iran, a peaceful resolution - either through negotiation or defeat - remains elusive. Compounding the tension is the weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks; a small channel of water connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and open seas. Unfettered access through the Strait of Hormuz for all merchant ships and vessels is and should be the norm, but Iran has decided that it alone can and must control this international waterway. By doing so, they choke the movement of oil and natural gas supplies, threatening and constraining economic activity everywhere.And America says: “No.” You cannot do this. Not on our watch.As with all things geopolitical - especially in the Middle East - it’s complicated. To help us understand the issues I speak at length in this podcast with (Retired) U.S. Admiral Mark Montgomery, a man who has served extensively at the highest level in the Middle East and around the world. It’s a fascinating discussion.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesRear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery serves as senior director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) and as an FDD senior fellow. Mark served for more than three decades in the U.S. Navy, held senior leadership roles in Congress, and is a recognized expert on cyber and technology policy.At CCTI, Mark leads efforts to advance U.S. national and economic security through technology innovation, counter cyber threats against the United States and its allies, and combat adversary cyber-enabled economic warfare (CEEW) campaigns. He also directs CSC 2.0, an initiative focused on implementing the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where he previously served as executive director. Additionally, Mark co-leads FDD’s Air and Missile Defense Program.Prior to joining FDD, Mark was policy director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under Sen. John S. McCain, where he coordinated efforts on national security strategy, force posture, capabilities, and cyber policy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E21. America vs. Iran in the Strait of Hormuz
Apr 1300:38:18Tap to summarizeBy midafternoon on Sunday in Israel we were hit with whiplash, again. Every day seems to bring a dramatic new scenario. Just a few days earlier a ceasefire went into effect between the United States and Iran, with hopes pinned on direct talks between the parties, hosted by the President of Pakistan in Islamabad. The opening negotiating session was a marathon 21 hours and ended with no agreement. United States Vice President J.D. Vance pinned responsibility for the failed initiative on Iran, which was intransigent on two key issues: abandoning its ambition to develop nuclear weapons; and their coyness about de-mining the Strait of Hormuz so that the flow of oil and gas to global markets could resume. In response, President Trump unleashed a torrent of social media messages, reinforced with a long phone-in appearance on Fox News explaining the U.S. position and response. “We’re blockading the Strait of Hormuz,” the President said, and then some.I was fortunate to catch up with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond regular guest, Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, former IDF spokesperson and senior fellow at FDD, to discuss these developments on Sunday night, Israel time. As you will hear, Conricus believes that the Iranian regime has egregiously miscalculated the resolve of President Trump to end their unilateral bullying and control of the vital shipping route. Iranian leadership has become too accustomed to western governments that are inclined to appease and pander rather than stick to principle. Conricus likens Iran’s conduct to an organized crime syndicate - brazenly resorting to extortion and bullying.We also discuss the peculiar coverage of this ongoing war by much of the western media. And we touch on the situation in Lebanon, which is very much linked to Iran’s power. So much is in flux and uncertain and the stakes are, as always, very high.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesJonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E20. Ceasefire? Israel’s Budget. Jewish Terrorism.
Apr 900:42:11Tap to summarizeEarly on Wednesday morning, as a ceasefire was announced between America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israelis were stuck in their safe rooms and bomb shelters for hours. Iran teed up missiles to target Israel through the night on a staggered schedule, to make a point, I guess. What that meant in reality is that no one in Israel slept and the government instructed that beginning on Thursday, today, life would go back to “normal.” Schools, universities and workplaces would be open. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to hammer northern Israel with rockets, while most Israelis are somewhat shell-shocked. What, exactly, just happened? What gains did America make? Israel? Based on our experience since October 7, and the constant claims of victory, people here are confused. Exhausted. And certainly not clicking their heels.On top of the constant war and dubious outcomes, on the eve of the recent Passover holiday, the Netanyahu government slipped an enormous sum of money to the ultra-orthodox for religious education - in addition to what they have already been allocated. Soldiers? Struggling families? Wounded IDF veterans? Zero for them.And the extreme violence that has continued, unabated, in the West Bank for years now? This government does not seem to be terribly concerned with what can only be described as Jewish terrorism. During the last week, the patience of Israelis was sorely tested. Our regular guest, Ya’akov Katz, is angry, and he does not mince words or thoughts. There is a palpable urgency in Israel to wake up and deal with reality, while it is still possible.Podcast Notes:Op-Ed by Ya’akov Katz, published in The Jerusalem Post, April 3, 2026.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivYaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel’s Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel’s Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children.Find Yaakov Katz on X. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →
S4 E19. IDF Medical Miracle on the Battlefield
Mar 2900:26:49Tap to summarizeOn January 4, 2024, a horrific accident befell an IDF unit inside the Gaza Strip. The IDF elite search and rescue unit - 669 - was on the scene almost immediately. Dr. Tuvia Book was among the personnel on the ground and describes the impossible task they faced - to triage and treat dying and severely wounded men as quickly as possible. On the battlefield, lives are saved and lost within seconds. Among the gravely injured soldiers was a man with no identity, about 27 years of age. His dog tag had been blown off. His pulse was very weak. But this extraordinary unit of physicians, medics and other highly-trained medical professionals, equipped with super-sophisticated medical technology, set to work. The following day they learned that the young, nameless man was 37-year-old Israeli actor and rock star - Idan Amedi. He is among the main characters in the international TV hit “Fauda” and is also a super-accomplished singer/performer/songwriter. Most importantly, Idan Amedi is a husband and father of young children.Everything about this story is mind-blowing. That it happened. How it happened. And the beyond happy ending. Dr. Tuvia Book also wrote a book about this crazy turn of events. He spoke with State of Tel Aviv and Beyond recently about this experience and we thought it was time for an uplifting podcast. This episode contains some incredible video footage - of Amedi and Tuvia meeting last summer at a Jerusalem concert…….as well as live footage of unit 669 at work in the Gaza Strip. Extraordinary.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesTuvia Book has a doctorate in education and is the author and illustrator of the internationally acclaimed Israel education curriculum; “For the Sake of Zion; A Curriculum of Israel Studies,” “Jewish Journeys, The First Temple Period, 1000 -586 BCE,” and, “Jewish Journeys, The Second Temple Period to the Bar Kokhba Revolt, 536 BCE-136 CE,” all published by Koren. Most recently, his memoir detailing his first-hand experiences in Gaza, “Heroes of PALMAR: How one IDF unit in Gaza Revolutionised Combat Medicine,” Was published by Gefen.Dr. Book was born in London and raised in both the UK and South Africa. After making Aliya at the age of 17 he volunteered for the IDF, where he served in an elite combat unit. Upon his discharge he completed his undergraduate degree in Jewish history and literature, as well as a certification in graphic design. He then served as the Information Officer and deputy head of security at the Israeli Consulate of Philadelphia, while earning a graduate degree in Jewish Studies.Upon his return to Israel, Dr. Book graduated from a course of study with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and is a licensed tour guide. Tuvia has been working in the field of Jewish education, both formal and informal, for many years. He has guided and taught Jewish students and educators from around the English-speaking world for some of Israel’s premier educational institutions and programs. Tuvia has lectured throughout North America, Australia, Europe, and South Africa. In addition, his artwork has been commissioned on every continent (except Antarctica).Tuvia served as a Shaliach (emissary) for the Jewish Agency for Israel as the Director of Israel and Zionist Education at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York (Jewish Education Project). He was a lecturer/educational guide at the Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE) in Israel. Tuvia has lectured at both Bar Ilan University and Hebrew University. He is a Teaching Fellow at the Tikvah Fund. He is a research associate at the Hudson Institute.In addition, Dr Book has served in reserves (Milluim) in the IDF as a combat medic in the current “Swords of Iron” war since October 2023 in a medical combat search and rescue unit (Palmar) and is the recipient of a prestigious IDF battalion award for his outstanding contribution to the unit. He has been featured on “Call me Back” and Times of Israel’s “What Matters Now” and many other prestigious podcasts.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
Transcribe →