Podcasts

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 podcast, INSS researcher Adi Kantor sits down with Prof. Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at INSS who served as the Deputy Director General and Head of the Palestinian Desk at the Ministry for Strategic Affairs. Together they discuss the alarming rise in violence in the West Bank. What are the principal reasons for the current escalation – and why now? What are the main new developments on the ground regarding terror activity? Are we witnessing a qualitative change regarding capabilities? What is the “Hamas strategy” with regard to the events? What is the role of Iran and Hezbollah? In addition, who are the extremists among the Jewish settlement population who are behind the increasing violent attacks against the Palestinian population? How do they gain access to ammunition? Who supports them? What can the IDF do to prevent further escalation of violence from both sides, when in the background some in the Israeli government are calling for even more radical moves?

INSS researcher Adi Kantor sits down with former MK and journalist Ofer Shelah, who served as a member of the Knesset for Yesh Atid from 2013 until 2020 and today is a senior researcher at INSS, and with INSS researcher Noa Shusterman, coordinator of the INSS Israel-Palestinian Research Program. Together they analyze the latest events in Israel in light of the judicial overhaul crisis, focusing on the main threats presented in the INSS Strategic Alert. They try to assess where Israel is headed now, in view of Netanyahu’s suspension of the proposed overhaul; what are the implications of the crisis on the security level; how it affects the IDF; how it is seen from Palestinian eyes? and how will the special relations between Israel and the US be affected by the current events. 2023, the year in which Israel marks its 75th year of independence, will also be remembered as the year in which the country’s democratic and liberal DNA was severely threatened as never before

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/