“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.
In this episode, Michael Eisenberg — Co-Founder of Aleph and one of Israel’s leading venture capitalists and public thinkers — dives deep into the future of AI and national security, repairing Israel’s economy and politics, and how Israel and its Abraham Accords partners can help transform the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He shares strategies for improving Israel’s narrative in the West, and explains why leaders like Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron should take lessons from the Israeli model — or risk disaster.
Despite the challenges and tragedies Israel faces, Eisenberg explains why he remains optimistic about its future — and why he’s betting on a new generation of Israeli leaders.
In the first segment, Lahav and Asher discuss Israel’s plans for an expanded operation in Gaza, the drop in American public opinion and its implications for Israel’s war strategy, and avenues for advancing the Abraham Accords five years after UAE-Israel normalization.
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In this episode, Lahav and Asher speak with Brigadier General (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, former Head of Research in IDF Intelligence, and former Director-General of the Strategic Affairs Ministry, about Israel’s options in Gaza, lessons from the 2005 Disengagement, and what Israel can do to counter international delegitimization. Kuperwasser explains the logic behind plans for taking over all of Gaza, shares insights from his conversations with Ariel Sharon regarding leaving the Philadelphi Corridor, and responds to the former senior military and security officials who are calling to end the war and leave Hamas in power.
Kuperwasser, who served as a Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security and today directs the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, also shares his insights into the future of the Palestinian arena in the post –Abbas era.
In the first segment of this episode, Lahav and Asher analyze the upcoming decisions regarding the Gaza operation, the true implications of the demands being made of Israel to ensure the provision of sufficient food to every Gazan, despite efforts by Hamas and criminal gangs to divert aid, and the recent votes in the U.S. Senate regarding military sales to Israel.
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In this episode, Lahav and Asher discuss the contentious issue of drafting Haredim (the Ultra-Orthodox) into the IDF with two parliamentarians on opposing sides of the debate – Members of Knesset Moshe (Kinley) Tur-Paz, of the Yesh Atid party, and Moshe Roth, of the United Torah Judaism party. They dive into topics such as the true needs of the IDF following October 7, whether sanctions and penalties will lead more Haredi youth to serve, the deep changes taking place in the Haredi community – and whether the Israeli Government will fall apart over this issue.
In the first part of the episode, Lahav and Asher explore the acrimonious debate over the entrance of food to Gaza, the claims of starvation made by the media, and Israel’s response (or lack thereof). They also discuss the fast-approaching deadlines to reapply sanctions to Iran via the Snapback mechanism, and potential clashes between Israel and Europe over negotiations with Tehran.
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In this episode, Lahav and Asher tackle recent headlines involving Israel’s relations with the Christian world, both addressing misinformation and exploring ways for Israel to enhance ties with local and international Christian communities. Plus, they delve into the latest Israeli political developments, including how the contentious issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox Israelis is weakening the governing coalition in the Knesset.
This week’s guest is Middle East expert Ruth Wasserman Lande, former Deputy Ambassador to Egypt, Advisor to President Shimon Peres, and Member of Knesset. Ruth, currently a Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security, discusses the various threats facing Israel on multiple fronts—both those making headlines and those quietly simmering beneath the surface. They explore the evolving realities in Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, examining how Israel can effectively address the growing challenges on its borders to the south, north and east.
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In this inspiring and timely episode, Lahav and Asher interview Hayvi Bouzo, a Syrian-American journalist, bridge-builder and thought leader. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Yalla Productions, Hayvi promotes dialogue and peace across the Middle East, including through bringing groundbreaking interviews with the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas to her Arabic-speaking audience.
The interview goes in-depth into Hayvi’s experiences living under the Assad regime, the actions and policies of the Al-Sharaa government in Damascus, and the prospects for an Israel-Syria agreement. Hayvi also shares the paradigm-shifting trends taking place among youth in the MENA region, which are creating new possibilities for Abraham Accords expansion and peace.
In the first part of the podcast, Lahav and Asher analyze the controversies stemming from the recent Turning Point USA summit in Tampa featuring Tucker Carlson, provide insights into the complex dilemmas surrounding a potential Gaza ceasefire, and explore developments in Syria and their implications for Israel’s national security.
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In this fascinating and particularly-timely episode of the Misgav Institute’s “Mideast Horizons” podcast, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman interview Israel’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Reuven Azar. Amb. Azar, who previously served as Foreign Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Netanyahu and as Deputy Ambassador in Washington D.C., shares critical insights on the future of India-Israel relations, the path to Middle East integration and prosperity – and what it’s like to prepare for a meeting with President Trump.
Amb. Azar emphasizes that, “India is going to become an element in Israel’s national security.” India, which will soon be the world’s third largest economy, sees Israel as a key innovation hub, and as a central component in a future East-West economic corridor. Azar discuss the opportunities and challenges for expanding bilateral cooperation and investment between Israeli and Indian tech companies and research centers, and areas which have a particularly high potential for growth.
The discussion goes in-depth on the envisioned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an ambitious plan to create trade, energy, and digital links between India, the Middle East (including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel), and Europe. Israel’s Haifa Port, owned by India’s Adani Group, is a key component of this corridor. Amb. Azar discusses with Lahav and Asher the ways that innovation, trade and infrastructure development can not only take Israel-India relations to the next level, but can help shape a Middle East future of growth, prosperity and stability.
With regards to Indian public opinion in the context of Israel’s ongoing war against Iran and Hamas, Amb. Azar notes the diversity of views, but concludes based on his personal experience that, “the majority of the people [in India] have a sense that we are actually facing the same challenge. The challenge of radicalism and terrorism.”
Amb. Azar also shares behind-the-scenes insights, as a former advisor to PM Netanyahu, on what it’s like to prepare for a meeting in the White House with President Trump. He discusses his personal involvement in the coordination between Israel and the United States over the sensitive issue of Chinese economic activity in Israel, and the mutually-beneficial solutions that he helped formulate.
Lahav and Asher break down the outcomes of the Netanyahu-Trump meetings and the vision of a new Middle East order, discuss the implications of a Gaza ceasefire for Israel’s national security, and explore the feasibility of new paradigms for Israel-Palestinian relations, given the failure of Oslo.
Don’t miss the full episode to gain fresh and authentic insights into the Middle East beyond the headlines! Subscribe to the podcast and follow it on all major platforms. You can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].
Welcome to “Mideast Horizons” – a podcast from the Misgav Institute for National Security, hosted by Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman. The podcast cuts through the noise to provide clear insights on critical developments in Israel and the Middle East.
This week’s episode features an interview with Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore, Executive Chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He discusses the GHF’s mission to feed and support Gazans by ensuring aid is not diverted by Hamas, which has historically plagued humanitarian efforts. Reverend Moore reveals that the GHF successfully delivered over 50 million meals in its first month, without a single aid truck diverted—an unprecedented achievement despite facing severe threats and misinformation campaigns by Hamas, the UN, and international aid groups. While Hamas has murdered 12 of GHF’s Palestinian workers and threatened its American personnel, the UN and other aid organizations are spreading Hamas propaganda against GHF, endangering GHF’s efforts to assist the Gazan civilian population.
Other key topics discussed include:
Future of Syria-Israel Relations: Reverend Moore shares insights from his recent two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the new Syrian President, expressing optimism for peace between Syria and Israel, while emphasizing the need for practical steps and trust-building.
Abraham Accords: The conversation touches on the future of the Abraham Accords in the wake of the Gaza war, given Rev. Moore’s extensive experience building interfaith bridges in the Middle East.
Evangelical Support for Israel: Rev. Moore reaffirms the strong, biblical-rooted support for Israel among evangelicals worldwide, despite recent misinformation attempts, in light of recent controversies and debates.
Lahav and Asher also discussed:
Complex Dilemmas in Gaza: The podcast explores Israel’s challenging decisions regarding an end to the war in Gaza, considering options ranging from a 60-day ceasefire (the “Witkoff Proposal”) and a “grand deal” reportedly favored by President Trump. The episode addresses “three illusions” in the discourse around a Gaza ceasefire: the misconception that Hamas has been defeated, the ineffectiveness of a technocratic government if Hamas remains a dominant power, and the unlikelihood of Arab countries fighting Hamas for Israel.
Israel’s Strategic Autonomy: The discussion highlights the importance of Israel moving towards greater strategic autonomy in military manufacturing and development, lessening its dependence over time on US military aid.
Misinformation on “Settler Violence”: The hosts delve into the sensitive issue of “settler violence”, discussing on the one hand the need for more effective Israeli law enforcement against the small violent fringe of Jewish Israelis carrying out such attacks and vandalism, and on the other, the fact that reports on “settler violence” largely rely on hostile UN reports which greatly distort and exaggerate reality. For example, these UN reports repeatedly categorize Palestinian terrorists neutralized while carrying out terror attacks as “victims” of settler violence, or label peaceful visits by Jews to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as settler violence.
The podcast, already number seven after its inaugural episode on news commentary podcasts in Israel, encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and share to help it climb higher in the rankings.
Welcome to “Misgav Mideast Horizons”, a podcast by the Misgav Institute for National Security, Israel’s leading national security policy center. This podcast is designed for anyone around the world who wants to understand the quickly-changing realities of the Middle East, beyond the headlines, slogans and noise.
The Misgav Institute is dedicated to strengthening Israel’s national security, fostering regional cooperation, and building international alliances for a Middle East future of security, stability, peace, and prosperity.
Your co-hosts, Lahav Harkov, a Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute and senior political correspondent for Jewish Insider, and Asher Fredman, the Executive Director of the Misgav Institute, commit to delivering fresh insights and clear, concise analysis of the Middle East every week. They aim to provide listeners with essential understanding of critical developments, as well as exciting trends and opportunities in this rapidly-evolving region. Each episode will feature an exciting guest offering a unique perspective on current events and future trends, including newsmakers, agenda setters, and those “in the room where it happens”.
This special inaugural episode features Ambassador Robert O’Brien, who served as the United States National Security Advisor under President Trump from 2019 to 2021. Ambassador O’Brien continues to advise President Trump as a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, and serves as chairman of American Global Strategies LLC. He was one of the key architects of the historic Abraham Accords, oversaw the maximum pressure campaign on Iran, bolstered America’s cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies, and played a central role in enhancing U.S. military strength. Prior to this role, he was the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, involved in the return of over 25 American hostages and detainees.
In this episode, they delve into recent critical developments, including:
The Israel-Iran Ceasefire and its Aftermath: The ceasefire announced by President Trump was immediately violated by Iran with missile strikes, prompting an Israeli response. President Trump then intervened, instructing Israel to “turn the planes around,” causing confusion in Jerusalem. A symbolic Israeli strike on an Iranian radar installation followed, leaving the stability of the ceasefire uncertain.
Military Operations and Setbacks to Iran: Before the ceasefire, Israel conducted significant strikes on Iranian regime sites, including Evin Prison, and killed hundreds of militants from the Basij internal security forces. Israel also claims to have destroyed most of Iran’s missile launchers. The podcast also touches on the effectiveness of American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, noting that Fordow, buried under a mountain, required U.S. bunker-buster bombs and B2 bombers that Israel lacked. The assessment is that the bombing was effective.
Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program: While Iran’s nuclear program has been significantly set back, its ballistic missile program also poses an existential threat to Israel. Ambassador O’Brien emphasizes that Iran’s ballistic missile program “can’t happen” and that any agreement must address this threat as well, as it’s “part and parcel” of the overall nuclear program.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Principles: Ambassador O’Brien outlines President Trump’s approach as “America First,” but clarifies that “America First” does not mean “America Alone”. According to O’Brien, the President’s approachemphasizes close work with allies like Israel. The second principle is “Peace Through Strength,” a concept borrowed from Ronald Reagan, where military and economic strength is used to deter adversaries and ultimately achieve peace. Examples include eliminating ISIS leadership and Qassem Soleimani, moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and providing advanced weapons to the UAE – all of which contributed to the historic Abraham Accords.
Impact on Abraham Accords: The 12-day conflict’s impact on the Abraham Accords is discussed. Ambassador O’Brien notes that the Gulf Arab reaction has been “mild” and that they are likely pleased by the weakening of the Iranian regime. He highlights the durability of the Accords, as evidenced by UAE airlines continuing to fly to Israel after October 7th when others ceased.
Expansion of the Abraham Accords: Ambassador O’Brien sees Saudi Arabia as the “next country” to potentially join the accords, and even suggests Qatar might eventually join if Iran becomes less malicious. He believes Qatar, despite its difficult geopolitical position, would prefer to align with the free world, including the U.S., Israel, and the GCC.
The Hostage Dilemma in Gaza: Drawing on his experience as Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Ambassador O’Brien advises that the best chance for hostage survival, especially with non-state actors like Hamas, is a military rescue. He stresses the need for increased military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas to narrow their window for holding hostages.
Regime Change in Iran: The discussion touches on whether an opportunity was missed to empower the Iranian people. Ambassador O’Brien states that democracy and freedom cannot be imposed by force; it must come from within the Iranian people, though he acknowledges the regime’s brutality. He discusses the internal debate within the “MAGA” movement regarding intervention versus restraint in Iran, and Trump’s shift from talk of “make Iran great again” to preferring “stability”.
Economic Opportunities in the Middle East: Ambassador O’Brien sees immense economic potential by combining the resources and experience of the Gulf States (and potentially Iran, if it ceases terrorism) with the innovation and scientific expertise of Israel. He envisions the Middle East becoming a major “economic engine” for Asia and Europe.
Personal Faith and Service: Ambassador O’Brien reflects on how his Latter-day Saint faith, and Western civilization values rooted in Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome, have influenced his roles and decisions. He notes a natural compassion and shared history between Latter-day Saints and Jews, emphasizing the importance of standing with Israel.
The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the significant changes in the Middle East since October 7th, 2023, including the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, the degradation of Hezbollah, and Hamas’s path to defeat.
Listeners are invited to subscribe, follow, and share the podcast, and can send comments or suggestions to [email protected].
