What A Day Podcast Summary: "How The Israeli Far Right And Netanyahu Embolden Each Other"

Podcast Information:

• Title: What A Day
• Host: Jane Coaston
• Episode Title: How The Israeli Far Right And Netanyahu Embolden Each Other
• Release Date: August 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delves deep into the intricate and troubling dynamics between Israel's far-right factions and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The discussion is anchored by insights from Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer for The Atlantic, who provides a comprehensive analysis of how Netanyahu's political maneuvers have empowered extremist elements within the Israeli government, exacerbating tensions in the Gaza region.

Israeli-Gaza Conflict and U.S. Involvement

The episode opens with a report on the recent visit by U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Gaza. Their mission was to evaluate an Israeli-backed aid site amidst escalating humanitarian crises in Gaza, where Palestinians are facing severe hunger and starvation. This visit marks a critical juncture in U.S.-Israeli relations, especially as support for Israel's actions in Gaza has plummeted among Americans, including Republicans.

Key Points:

• Only about a third of Americans support Israel's current actions in Gaza.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains that the focus should be on eliminating Hamas to secure the release of hostages.
• The Israeli public is divided, with significant protests demanding a ceasefire and hostage release.

Notable Quote:

Donald Trump (01:43): "There is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza. And I assure you that we have a commitment to achieve our war goals."

Interview with Yair Rosenberg: Netanyahu's Political Strategy

Yair Rosenberg provides a detailed background of Netanyahu's precarious return to power in 2022. After being ousted for the first time in years, Netanyahu rebuilt his coalition by aligning with extreme right-wing parties led by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Benzala Smotrich. This "corrupt bargain" has allowed Netanyahu to maintain power despite lacking broad public support.

Key Points:

• Netanyahu secured 48.4% of the vote but achieved 64 out of 120 parliamentary seats by partnering with extremist parties.
• These far-right factions advocate for the annexation of the West Bank and the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.
• Internal conflicts, such as the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, have hindered more moderate approaches to the conflict.

Notable Quote:

Yair Rosenberg (05:32): "Netanyahu is the figurehead for a government whose decisions are largely being made by the far right ministers in it."

Impact on Israeli Society and International Relations

The collaboration between Netanyahu and the far right has led to a tightening grip on Israeli policies, with significant implications for both internal politics and international relations. Human rights groups within Israel have begun to label the government's actions as genocidal, breaking long-held taboos and sparking increased protests.

Key Points:

• Protests in Tel Aviv and statements from human rights organizations accuse the government of committing genocide.
• While most protests focus on ending the war and securing hostages, there is growing concern over the humanitarian impact on Gaza.
• International reactions are shifting, with countries like France, Britain, Canada, and Germany expressing readiness to recognize a Palestinian state.

Notable Quote:

Yair Rosenberg (09:13): "It's not just these particular human rights groups. It's more that you're also starting to see more protests in the streets."

The Role of President Donald Trump

Trump's involvement adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While Netanyahu relies on Trump as a key ally, especially given Trump's influence within the Israeli right, conflicting statements about the humanitarian situation in Gaza create tension. Trump’s recent public assertion that there is no starvation in Gaza contrasts sharply with evidence presented by hostages and human rights organizations.

Key Points:

• Trump emphasizes the absence of a starvation policy in Gaza, countering Netanyahu's claims.
• The U.S. envoy visit to Gaza aims to address humanitarian concerns, potentially influencing Israeli policy.
• Trump’s alignment with the Israeli far right continues to pressure Netanyahu towards more aggressive military actions.

Notable Quote:

Donald Trump (11:20): "I think he believes that in his head, right, that he is this singular figure who is basically the only between Israel and annihilation."

U.S. Domestic Politics: Trump Fires BLS Head

Shifting focus to U.S. domestic affairs, the episode covers President Trump's controversial decision to fire Erica McIntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This move follows a disappointing jobs report that showed the U.S. adding only 73,000 jobs last month, lower than expected, leading Trump to accuse McIntarfer of manipulating data for political gain.

Key Points:

• Trump alleges the BLS data revisions are the "biggest revision since 1968."
• McIntarfer's firing lacks substantiated evidence, raising concerns about the integrity of statistical reporting.
• Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council, defends McIntarfer and the BLS’s independence.

Notable Quote:

Yair Rosenberg (17:00): "We're doing so well. I believe the numbers were phony, just like they were before the election and there were other times."

Texas Redistricting Battle

The episode also highlights the political turmoil in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers fled the state to block a Republican-led redistricting plan. This tactic aims to prevent the passage of a congressional map designed to maintain Republican dominance in the House after the 2026 midterms.

Key Points:

• Approximately 30 Texas Democrats traveled to Chicago and New York to obstruct the redistricting process.
• The strategy hinges on preventing a quorum, thereby delaying the passage of the new map.
• Despite the Democrats' efforts, similar tactics have often been ineffective in the past.

Notable Quote:

Texas Democratic State Representative Chris Turner (19:35): "We're here on a summer Saturday morning... to ram through a discriminatory and racially motivated congressional map."

Special Counsel Investigation into Jack Smith

The U.S. Special Counsel's office is now investigating former Special Counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw cases against Donald Trump concerning classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton has raised allegations that Smith violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits certain political activities by federal employees.

Key Points:

• The investigation addresses claims of partisan interference in the 2024 presidential election.
• The Hatch Act primarily applies to current federal employees, complicating the applicability of these accusations to Smith.
• The motives behind this investigation remain unclear, raising questions about its intent and legitimacy.

Notable Quote:

Yair Rosenberg (22:03): "We're here on a summer Saturday morning in a meeting announced just before midnight last night..."

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) Funding Cuts

Finally, the episode reports on the demise of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), as Congress, influenced by Republican-led budget cuts, withdraws over $1 billion in federal funding. This decision threatens more than 1,500 local radio stations and newsrooms that rely on CPB support for operations.

Key Points:

• The CPB, established in 1967, has been pivotal in supporting educational programming and local journalism.
• Democratic Senator Patty Murray condemned the cuts, urging Republicans to restore funding to prevent widespread media and educational setbacks.
• The funding shutdown is slated to conclude by the end of September, leaving communities vulnerable.

Notable Quote:

Senator Patty Murray: "It is a shameful reality, and now communities across the country will suffer the consequences as over 1500 stations lose critical funding."

Conclusion

This episode of What A Day provides a thorough examination of the symbiotic relationship between Israel's far-right factions and Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting the resultant humanitarian crises and shifting political landscapes both domestically and internationally. By incorporating expert analysis from Yair Rosenberg and presenting critical current events, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping today's global and political climate.

Produced by: Crooked Media
Host: Jane Coaston
Special Thanks to: Yair Rosenberg, Emily Foer, Michelle Aloy, Joseph Dutra, Johanna Case, and the The Atlantic team.