Podcasts

After more than a year of conflict, Israel is facing a critical decision point regarding the Gaza Strip. With Hamas still in control and ongoing security challenges, what are Israel’s strategic options? Should it pursue a full military takeover, work towards establishing a moderate Palestinian Authority, encourage voluntary migration, or maintain the current strategy of containment? In this episode of The National Security Podcast, host Nicole Zedeck discusses the complex choices facing Israel, from military operations to political initiatives. Joining the conversation is Dr. Ofer Guterman, a senior researcher at INSS, who breaks down the potential outcomes and the role of regional partners.

After months of fighting along Israel’s northern border, tensions with Hezbollah remain high and the ceasefire, if it can be called that, is anything but stable. Civilians on both sides are displaced, skirmishes continue, and the threat of renewed escalation looms. In this episode of The National Security Podcast, host Nicole Zedeck speaks with Orna Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow at INSS, to break down the current reality on the ground. What is Hezbollah’s strategy? Where does the Lebanese army stand? And is Israel prepared for what comes next?

Trump’s trade war is back—what does it mean for the Middle East and Israel? As the U.S. imposes new tariffs on China, Mexico, and other major economies, the global economic landscape is shifting. Oil markets are fluctuating, supply chains are under pressure, and key U.S. allies in the Gulf are reassessing their economic strategies. Meanwhile, Israel faces critical decisions. Will it have to curb its trade ties with China under U.S. pressure? How will Trump’s economic policies impact Israel’s high-tech sector and defense industry? And could these tensions spill over into broader geopolitical conflicts? In this episode of The National Security Podcast, host Nicole Zedeck breaks down the economic and strategic consequences of Trump’s latest tariffs with her guests, Dr. Tomer Fadlon, Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), and INSS researcher Jesse Weinberg.

Hostage negotiations in Gaza have hit a deadlock after phase 1 of the ceasefire deal ended on March 2. Israel wants an extension, but Hamas insists on moving to phase 2, demanding an Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war. With Hamas refusing to disarm and Israel unwilling to leave, what’s next? Professor Kobi Michael joins Nicole Zedeck on The National Security Podcast to discuss the uncertain path forward.

Iran’s regional position is at a turning point. With the Assad regime’s growing instability, Hezbollah’s military leadership facing major setbacks, and Israel ramping up its strikes inside Iran, Tehran’s influence in the Middle East is being tested. Meanwhile, the recent hostage deal and the potential return of Donald Trump raise even more questions about Iran’s future. Is Iran on the defensive, or is it preparing its next strategic move? In today’s episode, we examine Iran’s shifting regional position, its reaction to the hostage deal, and how the possible return of Donald Trump could reshape US policy toward Tehran. What role will Israel play in these dynamics, and how will Netanyahu’s visit to Washington influence US decision-making? Joining us to break it all down is Beni Sabti, Iran Expert at the Institute for National Security Studies @INSSisrael, who brings deep insights into Iran’s strategy and decision-making.

As the war in Gaza unfolds, Gulf governments are caught between diplomatic pragmatism and public opposition. While leaders in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain weigh their strategic interests, the streets tell a different story—where anti-Israel sentiment and Palestinian solidarity remain strong. Meanwhile, Qatar continues its dual approach—acting as a mediator in the hostage deal while maintaining ties with Hamas. On this week’s episode of The National Security Podcast, Nicole Zedeck and Ilan Zalayat from the Institute for National Security Studies explore how Gulf states perceive the war, the hostage deal, and Trump’s return to power.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Turkey has intensified its military operations in northern Syria – targeting Kurdish groups and even pursuing a new defense pact with Damascus. On this week’s episode of The National Security Podcast, Nicole Zedeck and Dr. Gallia Lindenstrauss from the Institute for National Security Studies examine Turkey’s latest actions in Syria and their implications for Kurdish forces.

On this week’s episode of the National Security Podcast, Nicole Zedeck and Dr. Chuck Freilich from the Institute for National Security Studies analyze the key pillars of Trump’s Middle East policy, from the Abraham Accords to the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran. They explore his approach to Gaza, the Palestinian Authority, and how these strategies align with Israel’s interests.

On this week’s episode of the National Security Podcast, Nicole Zedeck and Dr. Tomer Fadlon from the Institute for National Security Studies explore how Middle Eastern nations use soft power to achieve their strategic objectives. From Saudi Arabia’s bold move to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Israel’s leadership in technology and innovation, the region is rewriting the playbook on global influence. But what are the goals behind these strategies, and how are they transforming the region’s global image?

On this week’s episode of the National Security Podcast, Nicole Zedeck and former Israeli Ambassador to Egypt Amira Oron from the Institute for National Security Studies explore Egypt’s role as a mediator in the Gaza conflict, its strategy for the day after, and how it envisions the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Can Egypt bridge the gap between Israel’s military objectives and regional diplomacy? How does Cairo balance its strategic relationship with Israel amid domestic pressures? And how important for Israel is the peace treaty with Egypt?