Hadil al-Shalchi

Hadil al-Shalchi, Beirut-based reporter on Lebanon and regional conflict, and Mara Elias, NPR national political correspondent, dissect high-stakes news. They discuss Trump's early victory claim and mixed messaging. They explore Lebanon's call for direct talks with Israel amid strikes. They cover a New York-area protest attack tied to alleged ISIS inspiration.

Hadil al-Shalchi, NPR's correspondent, dives into the tumultuous rise of Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist leader reshaping Israeli politics. Once considered fringe, Smotrich now plays a crucial role as finance minister during heightened military actions against Hamas. The discussion unveils his ambitions for the Gaza Strip and the complexities of political coalition-building amid public protests and Netanyahu's legal challenges. Al-Shalchi sheds light on the growing influence of religious Zionism and its implications for both Israeli and Palestinian communities.

Anas Baba, an NPR reporter from Gaza City, shares insights on the precarious food situation following the ceasefire. He discusses the stark contrast between bustling markets and the crippling prices that many can't afford, highlighting the severe food poverty affecting families. Hadil Al-Shalchi, reporting from Tel Aviv, introduces Salon Jaffa—a unique nail salon that serves as a space for cultural coexistence amid tension. She reveals personal stories of community and comfort found there, emphasizing its role as a haven for emotional connection.

Hadil al-Shalchi, an NPR reporter covering Hezbollah and Lebanon, and Carrie Khan, an on-the-ground reporter in northern Israel, discuss fighting on the Israel-Lebanon border. They describe daily rocket fire near Kiryat Shmona, life and resilience in border towns, displacement and damage in southern Lebanon, shifting local support for Hezbollah, and the humanitarian and economic toll of the strikes.

Hadil Al-Shalchi, Beirut reporter covering displacement and humanitarian fallout. Aya Batrawy, Dubai correspondent on regional economic and security impacts. Ruth Sherlock, reporter on the Turkish–Iranian border tracking refugee flows. Carrie Kahn, Middle East correspondent reporting from Tel Aviv on security and public mood. They discuss strikes across the region, mass displacement, border crossings, and threats to trade and daily life.