Economist Podcasts Split ends: political in-fighting in Israel
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Aug 29, 2025 
Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, discusses the intense political strife in Israel, particularly Bibi Netanyahu's precarious grip on power during the Gaza conflict. Daniela Raz, a data journalist and U.S. correspondent, explores the transformative world of college sports as athletes gain financial compensation, shaking up traditional structures. Anne Rowe reflects on the life of Sen Genshitsu, a celebrated tea master advocating peace through the tea ceremony, providing a profound cultural insight against the backdrop of contemporary struggles.
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Humanitarian Collapse Amid Military Moves
- The campaign has become lower intensity in some areas but humanitarian collapse and famine are worsening across Gaza.
- Displacement, restricted supplies and reported starvation deaths indicate a deepening catastrophe.
Public Opinion Versus Coalition Power
- Public opinion in Israel has shifted towards ending the war, but the coalition driving policy remains a smaller, more hawkish minority.
- Netanyahu sticks with that minority to secure coalition support and his political survival.
Electoral Logic Shapes War Policy
- Netanyahu's electoral strategy focuses on keeping a devoted but small base aligned to deny a united opposition a governing majority.
- He prefers a stable coalition of far-right and religious partners rather than broad public support.