Life under fire, shifting battle lines, and history’s role in Israel’s present conflicts

'It's a loss for Israel': inside the emerging Iran deal

The Iran war isn't over — and the deal taking shape may already be a loss for Israel. In this Jerusalem Dispatch episode, Calev Ben-David and Ruth Marks Eglash, editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Report, take stock of where Israel actually stands. Ben-David argues the emerging US–Iran agreement looks like a slightly firmer version of the 2015 Obama deal — light on Iran's ballistic missiles, silent on its proxies, and damagingly tied to Israel's unresolved conflict with Hezbollah. From the reported plan to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader to the Kurdish-arming initiative Trump confirmed and cancelled, to Hezbollah drones killing IDF soldiers in south Lebanon and the fishing nets now strung over Israeli tanks, to the election that everyone is bracing for and Ben-Gvir's flotilla detention video.

What is the future for Jews in the UK?

The latest episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast delves into the growing concerns surrounding Jewish communities in the diaspora, particularly focusing on the atmosphere in the UK. Co-host Ruth Marks Eglash, back from a trip to London, shared her insights into the heightened sense of vulnerability among British Jews. Her visit coincided with a terrorist attack in Golders Green, sparking deeper conversations about the increased security measures around Jewish institutions and the growing discomfort felt by the community.

Israel’s Independence Day: Remembering the fallen and looking to the future

In this episode of the Jerusalem Dispatch, David Brinn, former managing editor of The Jerusalem Post, joins Calev Ben-David for a deep dive into the complexities surrounding Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. As the country commemorates its fallen soldiers during Memorial Day and transitions into Independence Day, David and Calev reflect on the emotional weight of these observances, especially in the midst of ongoing geopolitical challenges. The conversation explores how Israel’s political landscape is shifting, with new alliances and a fragile peace in the region. They also discuss the significance of Israel's Independence Day in a year marked by war, international tensions, and political uncertainty, offering insights into the national psyche and the hopes for a peaceful future. Don’t miss this thoughtful analysis of Israel’s independence, from its military history to the modern-day challenges it faces.

Israel, Iran, and the US: The uncertain ceasefire and nuclear standoff

In this week’s episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast, co-hosts Ruth Marks Eglash and Calev Ben-David dive into the unfolding geopolitical tensions between Israel, Iran, and the United States. With a tentative ceasefire in place between Israel and Iran, the hosts discuss the uncertain future of the fragile peace, exploring whether the war has achieved its intended goals.

Life under fire, shifting battle lines, and history’s role in Israel’s present conflicts

The Jerusalem Dispatch podcast hosts Calev Ben-David and Ruth Marks Eglash offer a window into daily life in Israel amid ongoing regional conflict, as well as broader strategic and societal implications. Speaking from Jerusalem, the hosts describe a reality in which missile alerts and shelter runs have become routine, though far from normalized. Civilians, particularly families with young children, face ongoing disruption, with schools closed and daily schedules shaped around the threat of incoming fire. The psychological toll on a generation that has already experienced COVID-19 and repeated rounds of conflict is a growing concern.