Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

Yair Lapid, a former journalist and leader of Israel's Yesh Atid party, discusses the challenges of organizing the Zionist opposition in the wake of political turmoil. He reflects on the catastrophic events of October 7 and the urgency for unity among factions to form a viable alternative to Netanyahu's leadership. Lapid also explores the complexities of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, touching on the dual objectives of military action and the need for humane hostages negotiations, as well as the long-standing threats posed by Hamas.

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eRJo_4ajvjUTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/Dan on X: https://x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenorArk Media on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkmediaorg To sponsor Call me Back episodes: CallMeBack@ArkMedia.org Over the last 17 months, we have watched in shock as Ivy League campuses became hotbeds of support for terrorists and their ideology. A powerful new documentary that the Academy Awards refused to consider illuminates how - and more importantly why - college campuses became a pivotal front in the war against Israel.  “October 8” opens in theaters on Friday, March 14th, featuring a number of Call Me Back guests. The film is riveting, and revealing, examining the forces that enabled Islamist extremists to shape the minds of millions of well-meaning Americans.  We sat down with the filmmaker and one of the experts in her film, to discuss Hamas’s infiltration of academia, the entertainment industry, and other progressive spaces. Wendy Sachs is an author, documentary filmmaker and Director and Executive Producer of October 8.  Lorenzo Vidino is Director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University.  More about “October 8” here: https://www.october8film.com/ See if the film is playing in a theater near you: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Su6dhLxHGWuOKrDjXregnmgPd6SxJcAd4fRVa07yTvk/edit?tab=t.0 CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorYARDENA SCHWARTZ - Executive Editor, Ark MediaGABE SILVERSTEIN - Research YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Defense Minister with a five-decade military career, dives deep into the complexities of hostage situations amid conflict. He shares insights on strategic decisions aimed at balancing military action with negotiation efforts to rescue hostages. Gallant reflects on historical cases like the Munich Olympics and the Entebbe crisis that have shaped Israel's approach. He discusses the moral dilemmas faced during negotiations and the intricate planning needed for potential rescues, particularly in high-stakes scenarios involving vulnerable civilians.

Andrew Martin, Chancellor of Washington University and co-author of "Universities Must Reject Creeping Politicization," focuses on the need for universities to establish clear rules to combat rising polarization. Santa Ono, President of the University of Michigan, discusses proactive measures to address antisemitism and enhance campus climate. They dive into the scrutiny Columbia University faces over its response to antisemitism, the challenges of balancing free speech with safety, and the influence of external factors on campus protests.

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pSSh03tpRIITo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: https://arkmedia.org/Dan on X: https://x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansenor The Two-State Solution had been on life support long before October 7. While Hamas’s massacre shattered Israelis from all walks of life, those from the kibbutzim near the Gaza border — many of whom lifelong advocates for a Palestinian State — were among the hardest hit.  Though stark divisions in Israeli society remain, there now seems to be a broad consensus among the people of Israel and their political parties on one conclusion: the two-state solution is all but dead. Yet one Israeli leader - one of the very few who battled terrorists in Southern Israel and rescued Israelis on October 7 - continues to hold out hope.  Yair Golan is a decorated general, former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff  and head of the The Israeli Democrats Party. We sat down with General Golan to discuss Israel’s future, the misconceptions that led to October 7, and the unique role he played on that darkest of days.  CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - EditorYARDENA SCHWARTZ - Executive Editor of Ark MediaGABE SILVERSTEIN - Research Intern YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Amos Harel, a Defense Analyst at Haaretz, and Nadav Eyal, a Senior Political Analyst at Yediot Achronot, dive into the IDF's investigation of military failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas attack. They discuss critical intelligence oversights, the shocking underestimation of Hamas's capabilities, and the challenges of military decision-making during routine threats. The conversation also touches on the importance of accountability and lessons from historical military lapses, highlighting urgent needs for reform within the Israeli defense system.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a progressive turned staunch advocate for Israel, shares his journey from a left-wing hero to a controversial figure within the Democratic Party. He reflects on personal tragedies, including his upbringing and the impact of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, which fueled his commitment to public service. Fetterman discusses the emotional aftermath of the October 7th attacks and emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of violence, urging a moral stance while navigating complex political landscapes.

Amit Segal, a senior political analyst for Israel’s Channel 12 and columnist for Yediot Ahronot, dives deep into the precarious negotiations between Israel and Hamas. He analyzes the shifting public sentiment toward hostages versus warfare, highlighting the moral dilemmas facing Israeli leaders. Amit discusses the rightward political shift in Israel and its impact on future policies in Gaza, stressing the complexities of negotiating peace while ensuring national security. His insights illuminate the challenges of balancing urgent resolutions with long-term stability.

Andrew Roberts, a British historian and member of the House of Lords, dives into Trump’s contentious Gaza plan and its historical precedents. He discusses the emotional toll of hostage releases from Gaza and parallels with past conflicts like the breakup of Yugoslavia. Roberts also highlights the complexities of the Gaza situation, including the geopolitical reactions and challenges of resettling Palestinians in neighboring states. Through these discussions, he urges a reconsideration of traditional approaches to conflict by learning from history.

In this poignant discussion, award-winning journalist Matti Friedman, renowned for his insights on Israeli society, reflects on the harrowing tragedy of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz. He explores the emotional weight of their deaths amid escalating violence from Hamas, shedding light on the personal stories behind the broader conflict. Friedman highlights the psychological impact on families and children in Israel, and examines how this loss reshapes narratives of hope and grief in the region. His reflections offer a deep understanding of the human cost amid political strife.