FIDF CEO Nadav Padan is joined by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Tamir Hayman, Executive Director of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), to provide an overview of Israel’s strategic situation across multiple fronts. He begins by stating that Iran's nuclear program has been set back significantly due to recent Israeli operations, requiring at least 1–2 years for Iran to rebuild its capabilities. While a direct Iranian strike is unlikely, the risk of miscalculation remains. Tamir describes growing instability in Syria, where the Assad regime is cracking down on minority groups, and Lebanon, where Hezbollah is losing ground and political pressure is mounting for a withdrawal from the south. Turning to Gaza, he warns that Israel is losing the global PR war and facing severe international pressure despite major tactical gains on the battlefield. Hamas has devolved into a guerrilla network, but its refusal to release hostages is strategically prolonging the war and weakening Israel diplomatically. The speaker suggests two military strategies were considered: a buffer zone or a full reoccupation of Gaza City—the latter was chosen, though it carries high political and humanitarian risks. Ultimately, Tamir argues for a broader regional solution involving Arab partners, a post-Hamas governance structure, and possible steps toward Israel-Saudi normalization. He urges Israel to maintain military pressure while signaling a credible vision for the “day after” and compares the situation to counter-terror efforts in the West Bank following the Second Intifada.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF CEO Nadav Padan is joined by Brigadier General Effie Defrin, IDF Spokesperson, to discuss the current war in Gaza and broader regional hostilities as an existential, multi-front conflict for Israel, one that will define its future for generations. He admits that October 7th marked a dramatic failure for Israel's defense establishment, but emphasizes a shift in military doctrine since then—from a strategy of containment and avoidance to one of preemption and aggression, targeting threats before they become unmanageable. Defrin describes the fight against Hamas as unprecedentedly difficult due to Hamas embedding itself in civilian infrastructure (hospitals, schools, ambulances), hostage-taking and psychological warfare (e.g., propaganda videos), and a dense, urban battlefield with a highly committed and extremist enemy. The IDF's stated goal is twofold: bring hostages home and eliminate Hamas rule in Gaza. Defrin calls accusations of deliberate starvation or war crimes propaganda, accusing Hamas of hoarding and selling humanitarian aid for profit. Defrin speaks at length about the "media battlefield", describing Hamas’ manipulation of Western media with staged images and weaponizing civilian deaths. Western expectations of Israeli morality has been exploited by Hamas. He shares an anecdote about a photo of a starving child used by international media, which was later proven to be a sick child in an Italian hospital — used falsely to accuse Israel. Defrin highlights deep strategic cooperation with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), describing it as bipartisan and personal, transcending political changes. This relationship is sssential in building regional alliances under the Abraham Accords and integrating Israel into a broader Middle Eastern defense architecture, and crucial for emergency resupply and logistics during wartime. Without it, successful joint efforts such as the recent 12-day Iran war would not be possible..
Defrin pledges to uphold the IDF’s values of truth and ethical warfare, even under immense pressure.
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FIDF Shiri Yanay, Senior Manager, Delegation Content and Speakers, is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Exec. Dir., Found. for Defense of Democracies (FDD) to discuss what’s been occurring over the last week, focusing primarily on Gaza but also touching on other key threats: Hezbollah in the north, Iran’s regional influence, and U.S.-Israel relations. Schanzer addresses international claims that Israel is starving Gaza, calling such narratives misleading and emphasizing the complexity of the war zone. Schanzer explains that Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure, making IDF operations slow and difficult, and that the absence of a clear post-war governance plan for Gaza is becoming a strategic liability. He warns that Hezbollah in the north poses a far greater threat than Hamas, with daily attacks forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate. Iran, he argues, is the central actor behind these threats, funding and arming its proxies across the region. Schanzer criticizes U.S. policy for not doing enough to constrain Iran’s reach, though he affirms that military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel remains strong. He also stresses the importance of fighting misinformation in the media, which he believes Hamas exploits effectively. Finally, he urges continued support for the IDF and warns of the growing global antisemitism tied to the war's narrative battlefield.
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FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss what’s been occurring over the last week in Syria. Nadav first explains what is happening in Iran, who are is a state of recovery from the 12-day war. The Iranian regime is filled with internal friction, with checkpoints being set up around the country, and Europe not yet lifting their sanctions until they get the go ahead from the US to do so. To explain what’s happening in Syria, Nadav goes back to the destabilization of the region from French and British colonizers years ago, which led to the creation of Syria. It was set up as an Arab-speaking Arab country, until figures like al-Jolani usurped power to turn the country into a Muslim country. Israel launched attacks to destroy much of Syria’s navy and military equipment, weapons and outposts as the Assad regime was falling. 13,000 Druze have crossed the border from Syria into Israel, and IDF troops have entered Syria to defend the innocent Druze population and enforce stability, while ceasefire talks are underway. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the fighting continues. The IDF is losing soldiers from sniper, IED and rocket launcher attacks as they clear out what remains of Gaza, weathering guerrilla-style attacks from Hamas. Regarding the ceasefire negotiations, Israel has been very flexible with the terms. However, it has been challenging to budge the other side. The main goal is to get back the hostages, both those who are alive and deceased, without having to release too many Hamas terrorists and without allowing Hamas too much time to regroups during the span of the ceasefire.
FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Israeli Druze leader Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh. Gadeer is the first Druze woman to have served in the Knesset, and has an incredible resume, building a remarkable career as one of the most impactful Israelis - Jewish or non-Jewish - in Israel. Gadeer explains her upbringing as an Israeli Druze woman, her father having told her to view herself as not a Druze living in the Jewish state, but as an Israeli. Most Druze lived in Lebanon, but left due to dissension. Many Druze residing in Syria, but the Israeli-Druze population is considered to be the most influential, and have provided a shining example to Druze people of how to integrate into a Democratic society while maintaining your identity. Druze have been viewed by Israelis, even during the early days of establishing the state of Israel, as a trusted and strong stabilizing force in the region. Having embraced modernization and a strong patriotism to the state of Israeli, with Druze serving passionately in the IDF and the Knesset, and contributing in other economic, social and political ways, the Druze have emerged as an invaluable minority of Israeli citizens, whose impact on Israel far exceeds their population. 12 Druze soldiers fell in the war and Gaza, and, being a small minority in the state, the losses have been felt deeply by the community. Gadeer discusses the tragedy of the Majdal-Shams terror attack in July of 2024. However, Gadeer points out how much stronger the ties between the Druze and wider Israeli community after witnessing the outpouring of support from other Israelis, and the massive attendance of Israelis at the victims’ funerals.
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FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Nadav Padan to discuss the current state of the war, and what is happening geopolitically with Iran. Nadav explains that the primary objective is the safety of the land and people of Israel. The agreement that the US negotiation group proposed demands that Iran opens their economy to the west, limit its uranium enrichment program and not pursue the development of a WMD, all in order to stabilize the region to create a lasting and sustainable peace in the long term. Meanwhile, in Syria, there is a process of stabilization happening, led by new leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. Israel’s goal is to facilitate some kind of Abraham Accord-like deal that will stabilize the relationship, while Israel would remain cautious by their still-radical Islamic regime that does not recognize Israel’s right to exist. The reason why they are willing to come to the negotiating table, explains Nadav, is because Jolani knows that he is out of his league militaristically. Perhaps paramount to Israel’s security concerns is to ensure that Hamas no longer has control in Gaza, which would retroactively limit the power of the Muslim Brotherhood in Judea and Samaria as well. As far as the return of the remaining hostages, Nadav explains that Israel is working on a potential 60-day ceasefire agreement. The humanitarian aspect of this would be dramatic and monumental. However, strategically, in that 60-day span, Hamas could reorganize itself and catch its breath, which could spell further disaster for Israel’s security. The hostage situation thus remains complex.
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FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Eitan Amsalem, Director of Visitor Experience, Delegations, and Public Relations at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. Eitan is the curator that created the exhibit on October 7th at the Museum, and he has taken world leaders and ambassadors through this exhibit. Eitan discusses with Steven in detail about the dangers of the Muslim Brotherhood and elucidates on how the October 7th attack was planned. Eitan and his team uncovered notes found on the bodies of Hamas terrorists. They created a collection of these notes and translated them. He explains that Hamas gave their officers the title of Sheikhs so that they have the authority to give fatwahs (ordinances) that certain acts that are typically impermissible in Islam are permissible, such as killing women and babies. Eitan also explains that many of the terrorists had a list of Hebrew phrases and words for the operation, including “take off your pants,” which they needed to know how to say in order to rape the women they found on the kibbutzim. They also uncovered documents that elucidate the extent to UNRWA’S involvement in the attack, and on the educational material they provide to Gaza’s and Arab villagers which all teach how they are victims of Israeli oppression and must hate Jews. There’s a phenomena that was uncovered about the October 7th massacre that is entirely unique, which is that Hamas attempted to eliminate, and in many cases successfully, entire families in one shot, sometimes tying together a married couple with their children and torturing and killing them. Eitan has also consulted with and was given evidence by forensics teams that were onsite following the 10.7 massacre, but didn’t go into detail about what the examiners describe and found on the sites. Eitan has also spoken with many survivors of the massacre, and he explains the unimaginable PTSD that they are experiencing. Eitan closes by stating that the Islam of Hamas, which was distorted and changed in disturbing ways, does not represent the whole of Islam.
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FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Israeli Scholar of Arab Culture, Lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, and Vice President of NEWSRAEL, who provides an expert analysis on the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Mordechai discusses how the conflict has weakened the Iranian regime and emboldened opposition groups within Iran, who are now more active in trying to undermine the regime. He also highlights the growing rift between Hezbollah and how this is shaping dynamics in the region. Steve and Mordechai then discuss how the weakening of Iran has created opportunities for Gulf states to put pressure on Iranian ally Qatar to change its behavior in supporting Iran's regional proxies.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Correspondent Lara Krinsky welcomes Col. Richard Kemp, Former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan and Chairman of the United Kingdom's national crisis management committee (COBRA) to discuss Israel's Operation Rising Lion against Iran. With his extensive military background, Richard provides expert insight into Israel's significant military successes against Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, dealing a major blow to Iran's regional influence and proxy network. He outlines the potential outcomes from the current ceasefire, some of which may be far reaching. Lara and Richard then discuss how this war may impact the situation in Gaza, concerns in the United States due to the American attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, and the global response to Israel's military actions.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss Israel’s air strike against Iran on June 13th, the ensuing war and, finally, the historic bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear complex. Jonathan Schanzer states the gravity of this momentous event, declaring the arc of history having been bent in a new direction. Prior to the destruction of Fordow, Israel had already destroyed 75% of Iran’s nuclear program, with the US’ strike finishing the job. Schanzer explains that it would be decades, at the very least, before Iran can recover its nuclear program, if that day ever does come. Schanzer explains that, while the Iranian regime has been damaged irreparably and is clearly on its last legs, this regime appears to be defiant, and willing to fight until the very end. They appear to be trying to overwhelm Israel’s air defense systems, playing a numbers game, in hopes that Israel’s defense missiles run out entirely. There is also the possibility of a global escalation, with China taking a hit with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz and the threat of Iran striking the US and its allies near Iran. The strategy, Schanzer explains, is to continue to retaliate and attack the regime without boots on the ground, or trying to transform Iran into some kind of Jeffersonian democracy a la President Bush, but to instead continue to attack from afar. There is the hope that perhaps the Iranian people would rise up, rebel and attempt to usurp the regime, with a large portion of Iran’s population being western minded. Whatever happens following the bombing of Fordow, Schanzer believes that President Donald Trump will go down in Israeli and Jewish history as a hero.
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FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. (Res.) Doron Spielman, Author of "When the Stones Speak" & Former VP, City of David, to explore how archaeology plays a strategic role in Israel’s ongoing cultural and historical conflict. Drawing from his experience leading excavations in the City of David, Doron discusses how uncovering over 3,000 years of Jewish history provides tangible evidence of the Jewish people’s deep-rooted connection to the land. He reflects on a pivotal moment when an Arab acquaintance doubted those ties “in her bones,” an encounter that motivated him to pursue archaeology to counter such denials. The interview ends with a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and how Iranian missiles are impacting the daily lives of Israeli civilians.
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FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to provide updates on Israel's military operations against Iran and its proxies. Nadav details operations, ongoing security challenges, and the humanitarian conditions affecting civilians. He discusses coordination efforts with international partners, and stresses the importance of continued support for IDF reservists and their families. Nadav also highlights recent progress in bolstering defense capabilities and logistical support across multiple areas.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to discuss Israel's ongoing military campaign against Iran. As a longtime expert on Iran's nuclear ambitions, Mark provides a detailed analysis of why Israel decided to launch Operation Rising Lion last week, where they've succeeded thus far, and what the future potentially holds. He also details the technical details of Iran's weapons arsenal and infrastructure, and how Israeli operations have depleted and damaged them. Steve and Mark discuss Iranian society, internal discontent with the ruling regime, and how this could potentially evolve as the conflict progresses. Finally, the two touch on the future of this war and its potential global impact.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Gadi Ezra, an IDF reservist, human rights attorney, and the former Director of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Unit for the Prime Minister's Office. Gadi provides his expert insight on Israel's incredibly successful military offensive against Iran. He highlights the disparity of human rights concerns between where Israel and Iran target their respective strikes, as well as the importance of distinguishing between the Iranian people and their current government. Finally, Gadi and Steve discuss the broader geopolitical context of this conflict as well as how the specific circumstances of Israeli society impact the potential future of this war.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Ari Sacher, rocket scientist for RAFAEL, to discuss the current state of Israel’s historic Operation Rising Lion in Iran. Ari details his own personal experience living through recent events in Israel, including Iran's brutal assault on Israeli civilian centers. As an expert on the relevant technologies, Ari offers detailed analysis about how Israel has destroyed significant portions of Iran's arsenal and intercepted 90% of incoming missiles. Steve and Ari also discuss possible outcomes from this operation, both for Iran's future as well as Israel's security. Finally, Ari provides scientific insight on the science behind Iran's missiles, the devastating damage they cause upon impact, and theories about Iran's military strategy.
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FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss Israel’s air strike against Iran on June 13th, and the ensuing war. Jonathan breaks down the Israeli Air Force’s onslaught, or as Jonathan described it, a blitzkrieg-like attack, heavily crippling Iran’s nuclear facilities and defense capabilities, eliminating Iran’s top military personal and eliminating Iran’s top nuclear program personnel. Jonathan believes that, contrary to President Trump’s statements, the United States has supported this attack and was involved to some degree with the planning of this attack. Jonathan explains that there is debate in the Trump administration whether to finish the job or not. The IAF has done a great job of taking out many of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers, however, it’s unclear how many launchers there are and if Israel can take them all out, and there is the concern that Iran’s aim with these missiles is improving, thus posing a dangerous threat to the safety of Israeli citizens and Israeli military strongholds. Another concern is Israel’s capacity to take out Fordo, Iran’s most important nuclear facility. It is buried deep underground and the IAF may not have the capability to destroy it, so the question is, will the US deploy B-2 bombers that have the capability to potentially destroy Fordo? Further, while the IAF, IDF and Mossad have done a stellar job in this attack, the ballistic missile fire and the damage being caused both to Israel’s infrastructure and the civilian psyche is great, and how much more that Israel can take is yet to be seen. All in all, the goal should be to finish the job swiftly and decisively, and US support may be required to do so.
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FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss Israel's historic Operation Rising Lion, in which it inflicted significant damage to Iran's nuclear facilities and long-range weaponry. Nadav discusses the background of this operation, why Israel chose to act now, and what the future potentially holds.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil speaks with Orna and Ronen Neutra, parents of fallen soldier Capt. Omer Neutra z"l, whose body is being held in Gaza by Hamas. This meeting was pre-recorded on American Memorial Day. Orna and Ronen describe who Omer was as a person during his short, but meaningful life. They detail what inspired him to join the IDF as a lone soldier despite his educational opportunities in the United States and his extraordinary commitment to Israel. Omer's parents elaborate on their Holocaust survivor parents and how they influenced his life before finally describing the tragic details of what happened on October 7, 2023. Lastly, they discuss the aftermath, and their involvements with the American and Israeli governments, trying to get Omer back.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.
FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss the current state of Israel’s multi-front war. Schanzer explains that we are at somewhat of a yellow light in the war, with activity quieting down in Lebanon and Syria. We have also seen a drop-off in Jihadist activity in Judea and Samaria, but increased activity out of Yemen. Jonathan projects how Israel intends to move forward on the various fronts.
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FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes author, social activist and former FIDF spokesperson for the foreign press in the Unit for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Alon Penzel to discuss the atrocities of October 7th, and the world’s denial of these atrocities. Alone discusses his imperative work of documenting and scientifically and empirically proving the atrocities that occurred, and has done everything he can to ensure the international community understands what happened that day.
WARNING: Some of the content on this briefing may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
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