Haaretz Podcast

Aluf Benn, Haaretz editor-in-chief and veteran Israeli journalist, reflects on running a newsroom during missile attacks and life under constant threat. He discusses Israel’s growing wartime dependence on the U.S. and how conflict reshapes politics, civil liberties, and efforts to expand religious power. Short, urgent, and wide-ranging.

Seema (Sima) Shine, former Mossad officer and national security analyst, breaks down Iran as a resilient system rather than a single-leader state. She discusses how the war could motivate Tehran toward nuclear ambitions. She examines Iran-Hezbollah ties, regional energy risks, and why targeted strikes and pressure may have unintended consequences.

Dahlia Scheindlin, political analyst and Haaretz columnist who studies public opinion in Israel and the U.S., breaks down why Israelis overwhelmingly support the Iran campaign yet polling for Netanyahu’s coalition stays flat. She contrasts Israeli and American views, explores risks of a prolonged quagmire, and examines partisan divides in U.S. reactions, especially among Republicans.

Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and Middle East policy expert, discusses U.S.-Israel strategic divergence and Iran policy. He weighs military gains versus long-term costs, urges an off-ramp to avoid asymmetric escalation, and examines risks of regime change, regional spillover, and domestic political fallout. Short, candid analysis on strategy, alliances, and the limits of force.

Hila Medalia, an Israeli documentary filmmaker and producer, discusses her Oscar-nominated short about Israelis staging a silent vigil for Palestinian children. She talks about filming quickly during wartime. She describes the vigil’s origins, the power of silence amid loud protests, hostile public reactions, its spread abroad, and how the nomination changed the film’s reach.

Amos Harel, senior defense analyst who explains Hezbollah’s northern role and Israel–U.S. coordination. Judy Maltz, reporter who documents Tel Aviv’s underground tent cities and residents’ experiences. They discuss Hezbollah joining the fight, strikes on Iran’s energy sites and international reactions. They also report on life underground, who shelters there, and how tent cities evolved during the raids.

Anat Saragusti, journalist, filmmaker and press freedom advocate at the Union of Journalists in Israel. She recounts surviving a missile strike and critiques TV coverage dominated by retired generals. She laments the absence of dissenting voices, the media’s close echo of government messaging, and the neglect of everyday civilian hardships.

Ehud Olmert, former Israeli prime minister known for security and diplomacy, reflects on Iran, U.S. involvement, and peace efforts. He debates whether diplomacy could have averted conflict and worries about a hazy U.S. endgame. He outlines a joint two-state initiative with Nasser al-Kidwa. He also condemns record settler violence in the West Bank and urges public opposition.

Arash Azizi, Iranian-born historian and journalist, reflects on fear, relief and uncertainty inside Iran after leadership losses. Greg Karlstrom, Dubai-based Middle East correspondent, reports rising Gulf anger, risks to oil and infrastructure, and how regional states might respond short of full combat. They discuss leadership shifts, civilian harm, and the geopolitical ripple effects of the strikes.

Amos Harel, senior defense analyst for Haaretz, offers on-the-ground perspective from Tel Aviv. He walks through the U.S.-led strikes and coordination challenges. He discusses Iran’s immediate retaliatory missile strikes and regional ripple effects. He assesses the risk of proxy escalation and the political calculations inside Iran.