Podcasts

Prof. Kobi Michael and Yohanan Tzoreff, researchers in the INSS program on the Palestinian issue, discuss the escalation that began following the death of a Palestinian security prisoner who was on a hunger strike (and according to his wife, “wanted to die”). The escalation continued over the course of a day with rocket fire at Israel’s southern towns and cities and IDF strikes on targets in Gaza, and ended with a ceasefire. Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced a victory for the resistance, and declared that while the round was over, the campaign would continue. Why is Hamas allowed to set the rules of the game while Israel remains without creativity and initiative? Does this represent the lack of a strategic plan by the government, or are there other elements at work not plainly visible?

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/