The Dinesh D'Souza Podcast

Episode: THE NEW AXIS
Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Dinesh D'Souza
Guest: Eric Stackelbeck (TBN News, terrorism expert, "The Dragon's Prophecy" film contributor)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the convergence of geopolitical, spiritual, and historical debates swirling around Israel, the Palestinians, and the recent release of Dinesh's film, "The Dragon’s Prophecy." Timed amidst fierce social media discourse—sparked by high-profile voices like Netanyahu and the current debate within the American right—the episode explores the Trump peace plan, issues of antisemitism, the controversy over "replacement theology," and the enduring spiritual significance of Israel in Christianity. TBN’s Eric Stackelbeck joins Dinesh to frame current events in both geopolitical and theological terms, arguing that spiritual forces are at play in the world’s obsession with Israel.

Key Points & Discussion Highlights

1. The Trump Peace Plan & the Gaza Hostage Deal

(05:00 - 12:45)

• Dinesh’s Perspective:

  • The Trump peace plan is unique due to its real estate-based approach—a sharp contrast to past administrations that "tried to find a politically acceptable middle ground." (07:09)
  • The plan's implementation hinges on Hamas relinquishing control of Gaza, safe passage for Hamas leaders, and an international authority for governance.
  • Dinesh notes skepticism: "My feeling about it is hopeful rather than optimistic. Hopeful means I wish it all the best... Optimistic means I think it’s going to happen." (08:48)
  • He articulates the challenge: Will Palestinians choose "prosperity and a better world for your children" over entrenched habits of conflict?

• Critique of US-Israel Dynamics:

  • Rebuts claims that Trump is dictated to by Israel or Netanyahu: "Israel is a country with what, 11 million Jews?... That’s unlikely. The United States has a vastly greater GDP and GNP, vastly greater military force." (11:22)
  • "Trump is telling Israel what to do, not the other way around." (12:22)

2. Netanyahu’s Interview & Historical Arguments

(15:31 - 23:42)

• Netanyahu’s Main Themes:

  • Reclaims the Jewish identity of Jesus in response to left-wing claims that Jesus was a "Palestinian."
    • Dinesh: "Netanyahu embraced Jesus as a Jew... culturally and historically. I’m not even sure he would have done that 10 or 20 years ago." (16:25)
  • Explains the Roman origin of "Palestine" and critiques the idea of Palestinian nationhood as an "invented identity."
    • "It’s a little bit like the trans phenomenon. You’re inventing an identity that comes out of your imagination." (20:48)
  • Historical analogy: Civilian casualties in war are not limited to being strictly proportional to initial attacks, as with US retaliation after Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

• Dinesh’s View:

  • Draws parallels between division within MAGA/Republican circles and outside efforts to "rip MAGA into two against Trump" by shifting the enemy from radical Islam to Israel. (28:41)

3. Social Media Division: Tucker, Candace Owens & the Right

(23:42 - 30:10)

• On Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens:
  • Dinesh laments the transformation of both commentators from broader right-wing figures to ones "obsessed with the Jews, obsessed with Israel."
  • Quote: "We signed up for Candace and we're getting a different Candace. We signed up for Tucker, and we're getting a different Tucker. So we have no obligation to get on these buses we never signed up to ride on." (25:18)
  • Dinesh frames this as a split within the right, suggesting the anti-Israel faction is a minority: "If you push us out, where’s your majority? I’m not even sure you have a majority in MAGA, let alone in the country." (29:16)
  • Calls for a "truce" and suggests that his film can act as a starting point for a more informed, unified discussion. (30:42)

4. The Spiritual & Biblical Core: Why Israel Matters

(36:28 - 50:04)

• Stackelbeck’s Analysis:
  • "Ultimately, this is a spiritual battle and it’s really a biblical battle in the modern day." (36:44)
  • Antisemitism’s irrational and persistent nature ("the world’s oldest hatred") is explained as a supernatural, spiritual phenomenon.
    • "We have this obsession... with Israel and the Jewish people. But why? Less than 1% of the world's total population... It’s a minuscule people group and... a tiny nation." (39:13)
    • "Israel’s continued existence, against all odds, is really proof of God’s existence." (40:16)
    • Cites Zechariah 12:3 to indicate the prophecy of all nations gathering against Jerusalem. (43:04)
  • Replacement theology is harshly rebuked:
    • "The promises are open-ended and unconditional. God never said, ‘if you do this, Israel, I will honor the covenant.’" (46:13)
    • The Gentile Christian relationship to Israel is emphasized, with Paul (Romans 11 and 12) warning Gentiles against arrogance.
    • “The early church was almost exclusively Jewish. That’s just a fact.” (50:09)
  • The practical takeaway: if America betrays Israel, it could bring a curse upon itself per Genesis 12:3.
    • "If we go down that road, that spells curtains for us in the long run." (53:22)
    • Stackelbeck references the British Empire’s treatment of Israel as a cautionary tale.

5. The Fate of Hamas & the Peace Plan’s Realities

(54:33 - 57:24)

• Stackelbeck’s Lay of the Land:
  • "It’s difficult when you’re negotiating with a modern day Nazi death cult. That’s what we have in Hamas." (55:16)
  • Either outcome (accepting or rejecting the deal) means the end of Hamas’s rule in Gaza.
  • The most painful concession for Israel would be releasing hardened terrorists for hostages, but Hamas has no real leverage beyond that.
  • “Once the hostages are released, what does Hamas have at that point? Again, it’s the end of Hamas.” (56:38)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "My feeling about it [the peace plan] is hopeful rather than optimistic." — Dinesh D'Souza, 08:48
• “This is basically analogous to saying that the two-year-old... is controlling the college student. In reality, it is kind of absurd on the face of it." — Dinesh D'Souza, 11:42
• "Netanyahu embraced Jesus as a Jew... I’m not even sure he would have done that 10 or 20 years ago." — Dinesh D’Souza, 16:25
• "[Palestinian] is a kind of invented identity... There has never really been a country called Palestine." — Dinesh D’Souza, 20:48
• "We signed up for Candace and we're getting a different Candace... We have no obligation to get on these buses we never signed up to ride on.” — Dinesh D’Souza, 25:18
• “The film is phenomenal... The most important thing about it, Dinesh, is ultimately this is a spiritual battle and it’s really a biblical battle in the modern day.” — Eric Stackelbeck, 36:37
• “Israel’s continued existence, against all odds, is really proof of God’s existence. And He’s a promise keeping God.” — Eric Stackelbeck, 40:16
• “The world’s eyes are fixated on Israel and... I don’t think it’s a coincidence that if you look on a map, Israel is at the very center of the world.” — Eric Stackelbeck, 42:24
• “The covenant God made with the people of Israel was not contingent on Israel being perfect... it was unconditional, it was open ended.” — Eric Stackelbeck, 47:00
• “Either way, this deal... spells the end of Hamas.” — Eric Stackelbeck, 55:19
• “If we go down that road, that spells curtains for us in the long run.” — Eric Stackelbeck (on America turning against Israel), 53:22

Segment Timestamps

• Trump Peace Plan & Gaza Hostage Deal: 05:00 – 12:45
• Netanyahu’s Interview Analysis: 15:31 – 23:42
• The Right’s Internal Debate (Tucker & Candace): 23:42 – 30:10
• Film & the Spiritual War (Stackelbeck): 36:28 – 43:51
• Replacement Theology & Old/New Covenant: 44:21 – 52:25
• Hamas, Peace Plan Scenarios: 54:33 – 57:24

Conclusion & Invitation

Dinesh argues for a truce within the right, suggesting that understanding the Israel-Palestine issue through both historical and spiritual lenses is crucial, and encourages listeners to watch "The Dragon’s Prophecy" to elevate the debate beyond social media soundbites.

Spiritual Takeaway:
"In the end, take sides. And take sides for God against the dragon. Take sides for good against evil... This is the way we have spiritual renewal in this country and in the world." – Dinesh D’Souza, 32:40

Recommended Action:

• Watch "The Dragon’s Prophecy" for an in-depth exploration of the topics discussed.
• Engage thoughtfully in debates, considering both historical facts and spiritual perspectives.
• Follow Eric Stackelbeck on X (@EricStackelbeck) and on YouTube (watchmantv.com).

End of Summary