Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast

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Podcast: Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast

“Misgav Mideast Horzions”, a podcast by the Misgav Institute for National Security, is designed for anyone who wants to understand the quickly-changing realities of the Middle East, beyond the headlines, slogans and noise. Hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman speak with newsmakers, agenda-setters and top experts to not only explain the burning issues and critical developments in the region, but to highlight future opportunities and trends. The Misgav Institute is Israel’s leading national security policy center, dedicated to shaping a Middle East future of security, stability, prosperity and peace.

  • Time to End U.S. Aid to Israel? Michael Oren Makes the Case

    Time to End U.S. Aid to Israel? Michael Oren Makes the Case

    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Time to End U.S. Aid to Israel? Michael Oren Makes the Case
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    Is it time for Israel to wean itself off of American military aid? According to former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren, the answer is a resounding yes.

    In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman are joined by Dr. Michael Oren—historian, diplomat, and former deputy minister—for a provocative conversation on the future of the U.S.-Israel alliance, Iran, and potential flashpoints between Trump and Netanyahu. Oren argues that U.S. aid has rendered Israel “less than sovereign” and exposed the Jewish state to dangerous pressure during wartime.

    Oren also provides a historian’s perspective on the collapse of the Iranian regime and Israel’s current geopolitical strength, and sets the record straight on one of the most controversial conspiracy theories in U.S.-Israel history: the USS Liberty incident.

    In this episode, Michael Oren discusses:

    • The Case for Independence: Why U.S. aid is actually a subsidy for American arms manufacturers—and why weaning Israel off it is essential for national survival.
    • The Iranian End-Game: Why the regime is a “shell of what it was,” and the possibility of a deal where regime elements turn on the Ayatollahs to survive.
    • The USS Liberty: A definitive, historical debunking of the conspiracy theories surrounding the 1967 friendly-fire tragedy.
    • Campus Antisemitism: Why the “old methods” of fighting Jew-hatred in academia—shaming and educating—no longer work.
    • The “Day After” in Gaza: The strategy Israel should adopt with regards to the International Stabilization Force.

    In the opening segment: Lahav and Asher analyze the latest psychological warfare coming out of Tehran, including “poetic” threatening text messages sent to Israelis. They also discuss the chaotic succession battle looming in the Palestinian Authority, what the latest developments teach us about Trump’s national security doctrine, and the life and legacy of late archaeologist Gabriel Barkay.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Inside the New Iranian Revolution

    Inside the New Iranian Revolution

    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Inside the New Iranian Revolution
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    As we kick off 2026, the Iranian regime finds itself at its most vulnerable point in 47 years. Following the devastating “12-Day War” that exposed the regime’s military weakness, and amidst a crushing economic collapse, the Iranian people are rising up with renewed courage.

    In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman are joined by Mehrdad Marty Yousefiani, an Iranian-American strategic communications expert and former chief strategic counselor to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Drawing on his deep ties to actors on the ground and in the Iranian diaspora, Marty takes us inside the current protests, explaining why this wave is fundamentally different from the past – and what the Day After could look like.

    In the opening segment, Lahav and Asher take stock of the start of 2026—looking at Israel’s surprising economic and societal resilience, the political and demographic debates shaping the year ahead, and the fast-moving regional dynamics that are putting Tehran under unprecedented pressure.

    Topics Discussed:

    • The “Emperor Has No Clothes”: How Israel’s air superiority during the “12-Day War” shattered the regime’s image of power.
    • It’s the Economy: Why the collapse of the rial and the “Bazaar strikes” are posing an existential threat to the Ayatollahs.
    • The “Do No Harm” Doctrine: Marty’s critical advice for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu on how to support the Iranian people without tainting their movement.
    • The Day After: Visions of a pluralistic, democratic Iran and the restoration of “fraternal relations” with Israel.
    • Israel at 2026: Lahav and Asher analyze Israel’s economic success—boasting a $64k GDP per capita—and the internal political shifts as the country moves past the war.

    Don’t miss this insider’s look at the crumbling of the Iranian regime and what a free Iran could mean for the entire Middle East.

    Chapters

    00:00 – Opening: The End of the Iranian Regime?

    01:06 – Welcome to Misgav Mideast Horizons

    02:30 – Israel 2026: The Economic Miracle ($64k GDP) vs. Social Challenges

    10:41 – The “Maduro Effect”: Does Venezuela’s Fall Signal the End for Iran?

    13:50 – Guest Intro: Who is Marty Yousefiani?

    14:14 – Inside the New Iranian Revolution

    18:15 – Why This Time is Different: The “Bazaar Strikes” & Economic Collapse

    23:00 – Is the Regime Cracking? Signs of Instability in the IRGC

    27:35 – After the “12-Day War”: How Israel’s Air Superiority Exposed the Regime

    32:30 – Trump’s Warning: How the Capture of Maduro Shook the Ayatollahs

    35:55 – “Do No Harm”: Critical Advice for Netanyahu & Trump on Supporting Iran

    39:25 – Who Replaces the Mullahs? Pahlavi, Republicans & The Opposition Coalition

     43:10 – The Day After: A Vision for Peace & Trade Between Israel and a Free Iran

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Inside the Room: Trump & Netanyahu

    Inside the Room: Trump & Netanyahu

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    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Inside the Room: Trump & Netanyahu
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    Following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the world is asking: What really happens when the cameras turn off and the doors close?

    In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman are joined by Ari Harow, former Chief of Staff and diplomatic advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Drawing on his years of experience in the room where it happens, Harow takes us inside the dynamics of the Trump–Netanyahu relationship and explains how their ties and interests will shape what comes next in Gaza, Iran, and beyond.

    In the first part of the episode, Lahav and Asher discuss the strategic implications of the ongoing anti-regime protests in Iran, the growing tensions between Israel and Turkey, and Israel’s bold diplomatic recognition of Somaliland.

    Topics Discussed:
    • The “Three Ps”: Harow reveals the formula that defines foreign policy success—policy, politics, and personal—and how Trump and Netanyahu are currently aligned on all three.
    • What Comes Next: The American and Israeli positions on the “day after” in Gaza, the realities of disarmament, and the threats from Iran.
    • The Florida Strategy: Why Netanyahu’s extended stay in Palm Beach is about more than just winter weather—it’s a strategic move to solidify ties with evangelicals and the Jewish community.
    • The Public Diplomacy Crisis: Harow offers a candid critique of Israel’s public diplomacy, arguing for a total overhaul of how the Jewish state communicates with the American public.
    • Politics vs. Security: A look at the accusation that Netanyahu’s war decisions are politically motivated—and the complex reality of governing during an existential conflict.

    Don’t miss this insider’s guide to Israeli decision-making and the future of U.S.–Israel relations.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Are Iran and Israel Heading Toward War?

    Are Iran and Israel Heading Toward War?

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    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Are Iran and Israel Heading Toward War?
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    Is a new war between Israel and Iran approaching—and what could trigger it?

    In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, Asher Fredman speaks with Dr. Yossi Mansharof, one of Israel’s leading experts on Iran, about the growing risk of an Iran–Israel war and the possibility of wider regional conflict.

    As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, Dr. Mansharof argues that the key question is no longer if Israel and Iran will clash again – but when. He analyzes Iran’s efforts to rebuild its military capabilities, the regime’s deepening internal crises, and whether regime change in Iran is a realistic strategic objective for Israel and
    the United States.

    The discussion also explores Iran’s evolving tactics, including cyber operations, recruitment of Israeli citizens, and threats to Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide—along with what Washington and Jerusalem must do now to avoid being strategically surprised.

    The conversation then turns to Hezbollah and Lebanon: whether the Lebanese state has the will or capacity to disarm Hezbollah, how Iran is working to rebuild its most important terror proxy, and a strategy for weakening Hezbollah’s grip on Lebanese society.
    A clear-eyed and urgent conversation about Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and the most dangerous security challenges facing the Middle East today.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Bondi and the Battle Against Antisemitism

    Bondi and the Battle Against Antisemitism

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    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Bondi and the Battle Against Antisemitism
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    In the wake of the horrific antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney—and amid a global surge in anti-Jewish violence— Lahav and Asher speak this week with former Israeli Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism Michal Cotler-Wunsh about the “eighth front” of the war that Israel and the Jewish People are facing. Cotler-Wunsh—now CEO of the International Legal Forum—delivers a bracing, no-holds-barred assessment of how antisemitism has been normalized, why anti-Zionism is today’s most dangerous strain of this ancient hatred, and how governments, universities, and social media platforms are failing to enforce their own laws and policies.

    Cotler-Wunsh lays out the concrete legal, policy, and law-enforcement measures democracies must adopt now—starting with the full implementation of the IHRA definition of antisemitism—and explains how international law has been hijacked and weaponized against Israel and other democracies fighting terror. Cotler-Wunsh also warns about the malign role of state actors such as Qatar and Turkey, whose Islamist propaganda and funding fuel extremism.

    In the episode’s opening segment, Lahav and Asher reflect on how the Bondi attack hit close to home, including the injury of Misgav Senior Fellow Arsen Ostrovsky. Asher also shares firsthand insights from recent reserve duty in Gaza, recounting the discovery of Hamas uniforms, training manuals, and stolen pillows from an Israeli hospital inside the home of a Hamas terrorist.

    This is a sobering but urgent conversation about courage, effective action, and why antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem—but a warning sign for every democracy.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Yuval Steinitz on Iron Beam and the laser defense revolution

    Yuval Steinitz on Iron Beam and the laser defense revolution

    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Yuval Steinitz on Iron Beam and the laser defense revolution
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    In this episode of Mideast Horizons, Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman speak with Dr. Yuval Steinitz, former cabinet minister and now chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, about how Israeli technology has shaped the multi-front war of the past two years. Steinitz discusses how Iron Dome, developed by Rafael, has prevented mass casualties and national paralysis by maintaining an exceptionally high interception rate. He describes the recent 12-day war with Iran as “the most technological conflict ever in human history,” highlighting Israel’s surprise strikes and rapid achievement of air superiority over Tehran.

    Steinitz presents Rafael’s next breakthrough: the Iron Beam, the first system capable of downing rockets, missiles, mortars and drones with lasers. He outlines how the technology will push interception rates toward 100 percent while reducing the cost of each shot to only a few dollars. He also discusses deepening U.S.-Israel defense cooperation.

    In the opening segment, Lahav and Asher examine instability along both the Gaza and Lebanon borders. They describe the realities on both sides of the “yellow line” inside Gaza, note Hezbollah’s increased activity a year after the Lebanon ceasefire, and address Iran’s economic and water crises. Domestically, they analyze Prime Minister Netanyahu’s unprecedented request for a presidential pardon and the political questions surrounding upcoming elections.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Why the West must fight Muslim Brotherhood influence

    Why the West must fight Muslim Brotherhood influence

    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Why the West must fight Muslim Brotherhood influence
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    In this episode of Mideast Horizons, Lahav Harkov speaks with Haras Rafiq, Vice President of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, about ISGAP’s new report on the Muslim Brotherhood’s strategic expansion into the West. Rafiq traces the Brotherhood’s evolution from Hassan al-Banna to Yusuf al-Qaradawi and outlines Tamkeen, its long-term doctrine for gaining institutional influence in liberal democracies. He explains how the movement pursues political entry, narrative control, and the reshaping of Muslim communities, and further discusses how groups such as CAIR emerged from this ecosystem. He warns that antisemitism framed as anti-Zionism has become a key recruitment tool and that Islamist ideas have spread in part because Western societies hesitate to confront them.

    Rafiq highlights Qatar’s central role as the Brotherhood’s remaining state patron, from Al Jazeera’s dual-track messaging to extensive funding of U.S. universities and describes how ISGAP investigations have begun exposing these soft-power networks. He addresses President Trump’s directive to explore designating Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist organizations and discusses methods for effectively pushing back against Islamist influence.

    In the introductory segment, Lahav maps the history of the Muslim Brotherhood in Israel, tracing its early influence under the Grand Mufti, the emergence of Hamas from its Gaza branch, and the later split between the Northern Branch and the Southern Branch (Ra’am) inside Israel. She explains how the Southern Branch positioned itself as a pragmatic political actor while the Northern Branch was banned for its ties to Hamas and discusses the recent uproar over Islamic Movement charities accused of funneling funds to Hamas-linked entities.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Benny Gantz Speaks Out on Gaza, the Palestinians, Israeli Politics – and Securing Israel’s Future

    Benny Gantz Speaks Out on Gaza, the Palestinians, Israeli Politics – and Securing Israel’s Future

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    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Benny Gantz Speaks Out on Gaza, the Palestinians, Israeli Politics – and Securing Israel’s Future
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    Former Israeli Chief of Staff, Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz joins Mideast Horizons for one of his most candid and comprehensive interviews since October 7.

    In this wide-ranging conversation with Asher Fredman, Gantz lays out his new security doctrine, insists that Hamas will be disarmed, and discusses Israel’s evolving strategy toward Iran, the Palestinian Authority, and the Abraham Accords.

    Gantz breaks down:

    • Why Israel cannot return to the pre–October 7 security paradigm.
    • Whether an international force can really demilitarize Gaza.
    • What happens if Hamas refuses to disarm.
    • The day after Mahmoud Abbas and the looming crisis in the West Bank.
    • How Israel should prepare for a regional defense alliance with Saudi Arabia and its Abraham Accords partners.
    • The strategic lessons from past Gaza wars — and why Israel must adopt a new “strategic initiative” pillar.
    • The future of U.S.–Israel military cooperation and debates over American aid.
    • Israeli politics and the need for a State Commission of Inquiry into the events that led to October 7.

    Direct, thoughtful, and at times blunt, Gantz offers a rare inside look into his thinking about the next five years, the risks ahead, and what it will take to secure Israel’s future.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Setting the record straight on Iraq, Israel and neoconservatism

    Setting the record straight on Iraq, Israel and neoconservatism

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    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Setting the record straight on Iraq, Israel and neoconservatism
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    In this episode of Mideast Horizons, Lahav Harkov speaks with Dr. David Wurmser, who served as senior advisor to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and special assistant to Under Secretary of State John Bolton. Wurmser offers a rare, behind-the-scenes portrait of Cheney during the Iraq War, recalling his frustration with policymakers who distanced themselves from the conflict when it became politically difficult, and his enduring sense of duty toward the soldiers serving there.

    Wurmser reflects on divisions within the Bush administration that shaped the Iraq War strategy. The conflict between advocates of overwhelming force and those favoring a lighter footprint, which relied on supporting a local or exile Iraqi army to take the lead, left the United States caught between conflicting approaches, ultimately harming the war effort. He critiques the broader American impulse to pursue rapid social transformation in the Middle East, arguing that genuine reform must be gradual and organic. Addressing claims that Israel encouraged the invasion, he stresses that Israeli officials “vehemently opposed” it and repeatedly warned Washington that Iran, not Iraq, was the true danger.

    Exploring the intellectual roots of neoconservatism, Wurmser traces its evolution from the moral clarity of the Reagan era to its post–Cold War misapplication, suggesting that one of the Iraq War’s central flaws was “overconfidence in the Iraqi people.” Finally, he revisits the much-debated “Clean Break” paper he co-authored for Benjamin Netanyahu in 1996, clarifying that it did not advocate an American war but called for Israel to assume greater strategic self-reliance and act as a confident, integrated Western ally. “It was the inversion of what people say it was,” he concludes, arguing that Israel had matured from a state in need of protection to a strategic pillar of the West.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].

  • Fighting Antisemitism in Zohran Mamdani’s New York

    Fighting Antisemitism in Zohran Mamdani’s New York

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    Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
    Fighting Antisemitism in Zohran Mamdani’s New York
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    In this episode of Mideast Horizons, Lahav Harkov speaks with Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League about the rise of antisemitism and political extremism in the U.S. following Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor of New York. Greenblatt calls Mamdani’s victory historic but troubling, highlighting his record as an anti-Zionist activist who has celebrated convicted terrorists and promoted boycotts of Israel.

    Greenblatt details the ADL’s response: a public tip line for antisemitic incidents, expanded research tracking hate in New York, and a “Mamdani Monitor” to follow municipal policies and appointments affecting Jewish residents. He warns that antisemitic incidents are at record highs, and that Jewish and Israeli New Yorkers increasingly fear expressing their identity in public.

    He stresses the ADL’s nonpartisan mission, noting its work with and criticism of both Republican and Democratic administrations, and highlights the challenges of combating online hate amplified by social media algorithms.

    In the first segment, Lahav recounts the saga of Israel’s Military Advocate General, who is accused of ordering the leak of a video showing alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman detention camp. The 2024 release sparked global outrage and debate over Hamas prisoners. Lahav explains how police found she had orchestrated the leak, leading to her suspension, disappearance, and arrest, and how the scandal has shaken confidence in Israel’s legal system.

    Listen now, share the episode, and rate it 5 stars wherever you get your podcasts! You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].