Show Notes
World leaders took aim at Israel from the UN stage, but Mark Regev and Ruthie Bloom say their arguments ignore the security reality Israel faces on the ground. In this episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", the hosts take on Emmanuel Macron’s claims about Judea and Samaria, including his assertion that Hamas was not operating there and examine what they see as a growing disconnect between European rhetoric and Israel’s experience with terrorism. They also dissect King Abdullah’s fresh accusations against Israel, while debating a complicated question: Why should Israel tolerate harsh public criticism from Jordan when the two countries maintain vital security cooperation behind the scenes? From France’s deteriorating relationship with Israel to the widening gap between what Arab governments say publicly and privately, this episode exposes the diplomatic battle unfolding around Israel at the UN.
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President Trump has thrown his support behind Prime Minister Netanyahu just days before Israel's election, but a surprising political twist could determine who wins, and whether Israel and America confront Iran together. Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum examine whether Trump's dramatic endorsement will give Netanyahu the advantage he needs in an election that could come down to just a handful of Knesset seats. With polls showing conflicting results, the hosts reveal how smaller right-wing parties could unintentionally cost Netanyahu his majority, while opposition leaders face difficult questions about forming a coalition with Arab parties. They also explore the possibility of renewed American-Israeli action against Iran and the growing controversy surrounding Netanyahu's legal proceedings. Meanwhile, widespread unrest in France raises troubling questions about Europe's future and the broader challenges facing Western democracies. Could Trump's endorsement be Netanyahu's winning card, or will a surprise election result change Israel's leadership just as a major confrontation with Iran approaches?
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Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN speech wasn’t just aimed at the diplomats sitting in the room...Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum argue some of its most important messages were meant for President Trump, Iran and Israelis watching back home. In this special episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", the hosts break down Netanyahu’s arguments about Judea and Samaria, Gaza and the history behind Israel’s territorial disputes, before examining what those arguments could mean for Israeli policy going forward. They also unpack Netanyahu’s praise for Trump over the war with Iran and the theatrical Starlink stunt aimed directly at the Iranian delegation, before tackling his response to accusations of genocide in Gaza. Finally, they explain why Netanyahu’s call for Jews around the world to “raise your head high” may have been one of the most consequential messages of the entire speech.