Podcasts

Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman, executive director of INSS, leads a special discussion with INSS experts Sima Shine, Dr. Carmit Valensi, and Orna Mizrahi on the Shiite axis. The four discuss the implications of the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s secretary-general, which may signal a turning point in the war and a possible strategic shift in Israel’s security balance. They focus on the ramifications of this event for Hezbollah and the state of Lebanon, the identity of Nasrallah’s successor, and the broader regional impact, particularly on the two major strategic players—Iran and the United States.

On the occasion of Israel’s 76th Independence Day, INSS researcher Adi Kantor discusses with Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman, executive director of INSS and former chief of the IDF Intelligence Directorate, about the significance of “Israeli independence” in the shadow of the October 7th massacre and the Israel–Gaza war. Together they analyze the current situation in Gaza, particularly in Rafah and Jabaliya, and discuss the importance of establishing an alternative civilian authority in Gaza to replace Hamas and hopefully bring about a solid hostage deal and a safe return of Israeli citizens who have been displaced from their homes in the Gaza border communities. Furthermore, they address Hezbollah’s current strategy in the north and the danger of Israel’s paralysis in response to this threat and the ways to end it. They also discuss the lack of a viable solution for the tens of thousands of displaced Israelis who are eager to return home. Finally, they focus on the crucial need for a regional alliance in order to effectively counter Iran and the threat of the Shiite axis.

INSS Executive Director Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg and Col. (res.) Adv. Pnina Sharvit Baruch deliberate the implications of the revocation of the reasonableness standard in judicial decisions. What is the significance of yesterday’s Knesset legislation? Is this indeed “the end of democracy”? And what does the near future look like – in the security, economic, political, social and judicial realms? What are the main challenges facing Israel? And are they joined by emerging opportunities?

In this special podcast, INSS researcher Adi Kantor sits down with Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman, INSS Managing Director and former Head of the Intelligence Directorate, to discuss current developments regarding Operation Home and Garden in Jenin. What tactical goals have been achieved so far, what goals have yet to be achieved, and can they indeed be attained? What are the chances of changing the reality on the ground? Is there a clear strategy? Are we witnessing a qualitative leap in the capabilities of the terror organizations? How should Palestinian reactions to the operation be assessed? And does the terrorism by Jewish settlers contribute to the current escalation of violence in the West Bank, and if so, how?

INSS Managing Director Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman speaks with INSS senior researchers Prof. Kobi Michael, Dr. Anat Kurz, Brig. Gen. (res.) Assaf Orion, and Yohanan Tzoreff about the operation that began with the targeted killing of three Islamic Jihad commanders. Was the Israeli action, which focused on Islamic Jihad rather than on Hamas targets, correct? What are its implications? Will Hamas join the campaign, despite the focus on Islamic Jihad, and if so, how? In addition, what are the chances that this time as well we will see a convergence of arenas, with escalation along Israel’s other borders?

In honor of Independence Day 2023, celebrating 75 years to the State of Israel, INSS convened a panel of experts to discuss Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which while signed 75 years ago, continues to have much influence over us – particularly in these days, weeks, and months. In this podcast, INSS Managing Director Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman; former Israel Security Agency head Maj. Gen. (ret.) Ami Ayalon; and former Commander of the General Staff Corps Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen discuss with INSS senior researcher Dr. Idit Shafran Gittleman how the values in the Declaration of Independence are reflected in Israel’s security concept, the IDF identity, and decision making processes in the security establishment. The participants will try to clarify whether and how the events regarding the judicial overhaul influence these issues, and if we in Israel can truly identify the path we have chosen to take.

On January 23rd 2023, researchers of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) submitte the Strategic Analysis for Israel 2023 to the President of Israel. This document serves as a comprehensive analysis of Israel’s strategic environment from the perspective of national security, focusing on the main current threats as well as potential opportunities and includes a series of policy recommendations for decision makers. On part two of this special program, INSS researcher Adi Kantor sits down with Major General (res.) Tamir Hayman, the Managing Director of the Institute, to discuss current challenges and opportunities regarding Israel’s internal and regional arenas focusing on three main issues: The legislative crisis in Israel, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israel and the region. Israel of 2023 is a country in a deep crisis, experiencing one of its most critical social and political disputes. What is at stake for Israel’s national security balance sheet in the upcoming year regarding these crucial issues? Adi Kantor and Tamir Hayman discuss INSS views and recommendations. Read the full Strategic Analysis for Israel 2023 https://www.inss.org.il/publication/strategic-analysis-israel-2023/

On January 23rd 2023, researchers of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) submitted the Strategic Analysis for Israel 2023 to the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog. This document serves as a comprehensive analysis of Israel’s strategic environment from the perspective of national security, focusing on the main current threats as well as potential opportunities and includes a series of policy recommendations for decision makers. On part one of this special program, INSS research associate Adi Kantor sits down with Major General (res.) Tamir Hayman, the Managing Director of the Institute, to discuss two of the most crucial issues stated in the strategic analysis: Israel’s special relations with the United States and Israel’s policy regarding Iran. What is at stake for Israel’s national security balance sheet in the upcoming year regarding these two important issues? Adi Kantor and Tamir Hayman discuss INSS recommendations. Read the full Strategic Analysis: https://www.inss.org.il/publication/strategic-analysis-israel-2023/