Podcast Summary: The Majority Report with Sam Seder
Episode 3539 - Israel Bombs Damascus, Tariff Induced Inflation Starts to Rise w/ Meron Rapaport
Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 3539 of "The Majority Report with Sam Seder," host Sam Seder delves into pressing international and domestic issues, prominently featuring an in-depth interview with Meron Rapaport, an award-winning Israeli journalist and editor of The Local Call. The episode, recorded live from the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, Brooklyn, USA, tackles Israel's recent military actions, tariff-induced inflation in the U.S., and significant political dynamics within Israel.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Israel’s Military Actions and Regional Implications

Sam Seder opens the discussion by highlighting Israel's recent bombing of Damascus, the strategic cut-off of water and electricity to the UNRWA in Gaza, and efforts to expel Arab members from the Knesset. These actions underscore Israel's intensified military posture in the region.

Notable Quote:

"Israel is pushed by two things. One is the sort of commitment to the Druze in Israel who are serving in the army and are pushing very hard to an intervention. And secondly, I think Israel has developed since, for at least a year or even more sense that it is the hegemonic force in the Middle East and it will decide who will govern where and how in the Middle East."
— Meron Rapaport [22:58]

2. Gaza and Ceasefire Talks

The conversation shifts to the dire situation in Gaza, where Israel's blockade has led to severe humanitarian crises. Seder queries Rapaport about the likelihood of ceasefire negotiations amidst ongoing military actions.

Notable Quote:

"There was a recent poll... saying that 82% of Israelis want a ceasefire, want an end to the war in return to releasing the hostages, and only 12% wants the war to go on. This is huge."
— Meron Rapaport [26:44]

Rapaport explains that despite overwhelming public support for a ceasefire, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, remains steadfast due to political motivations and fear of initiating a process toward a Palestinian state.

3. Internal Political Climate in Israel

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Israel's internal politics, particularly Netanyahu's precarious position. Rapaport discusses the recent withdrawal of the Shas party from the government, reducing Netanyahu’s coalition to a minority and increasing political instability.

Notable Quote:

"Netanyahu is considering maybe for the first time really having a ceasefire and ending the war and releasing all the hostages and go to an early election with claiming that he won over Iran, he won over Hezbollah, he toppled Assad, he crushed Hamas, he destroyed Gaza and Gaza is no longer a threat."
— Meron Rapaport [37:57]

4. West Bank Annexation and Settler Militias

Rapaport sheds light on the escalating violence in the West Bank, where settler militias are systematically attacking Palestinian communities. These actions are part of a broader strategy to pave the way for annexation, aiming for ethnic cleansing and the expansion of Israeli settlements.

Notable Quote:

"They are very organized. The idea is really to cleanse this area from Palestinians and widen the settlement and the settlers' control. This is very clear."
— Meron Rapaport [40:47]

He elaborates on the symbiotic relationship between the settlers and the Israeli military, highlighting the challenges Palestinians face amidst these aggressive expansion efforts.

5. Attempt to Oust Ayman Odeh

The episode also covers the recent political maneuver to remove Ayman Odeh, a prominent Arab-Israeli Knesset member from Hadash. Rapaport explains this as part of a larger strategy to undermine Palestinian political representation and alter Israel's national character from a democratic state to a more ethnocratic one.

Notable Quote:

"There is an attack also on the Palestinian citizens of Israel, also in the civil side... trying to prevent them... This is really one of the biggest gains... but they are not allowed to approach these manifestations."
— Meron Rapaport [50:12]

6. Israeli Public Opinion and Economic Stability

Despite ongoing conflicts, Rapaport points out that Israel's economy remains robust, with the stock market performing well and daily life in major cities appearing unaffected. However, he notes a growing sense of isolation internationally and internal dissatisfaction among Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Notable Quote:

"The economy, considering that we are in war for 21 months, is quite doing quite well. The stock market is skyrocketing. The situation is not that bad."
— Meron Rapaport [61:54]

Tariff-Induced Inflation in the U.S.

While the primary focus is on Israeli politics and military actions, Seder briefly touches upon rising inflation in the United States, attributing part of the pressure to tariff-induced factors. He references an upcoming appearance by economist Justin Wolfers to further explore the implications of these tariffs on the U.S. economy.

Notable Quote:

"Donald Trump is now, it is being reported as of just an hour ago, maybe a little bit less. He has supposedly made the decision to fire Jerome Powell."
— Sam Seder [19:00]

Conclusion and Future Implications

The episode concludes with Rapaport expressing cautious optimism that mounting public pressure and internal dissent within the Israeli military could lead to policy changes. However, he emphasizes that Netanyahu's grip on power and his reluctance to negotiate a lasting peace pose significant challenges for the future stability of the region.

Notable Quote:

"The only force that can stop the war now is the army itself... the government wants the Ethnic cleansing of Gaza."
— Meron Rapaport [28:42]

Seder wraps up the first hour by thanking Rapaport for his insights and hinting at a lighter "fun half" of the show, which includes discussions on various cultural and political topics, though these segments are less structured and primarily serve as entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Episode 3539 offers a comprehensive analysis of Israel's aggressive military strategies, internal political struggles, and the broader implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics. Through Meron Rapaport's expert commentary, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities facing Israel both domestically and internationally. The discussion also touches upon economic issues in the U.S., providing a multifaceted look at current events shaping the global landscape.

For more detailed reporting and insights from Meron Rapaport, visit The Local Call and 972 Magazine.