Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast

From Hamas to the UN to Kristof: Exposing the NGO Network Undermining Israel | Olga Deutsch

While Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas attack Israel on the battlefield, a vast and often hidden network of NGOs seeks to demonize and delegitimize Israel in the international arena. How does this network operate - and how does it fuel sanctions campaigns, violent protests, ICC cases, and high-profile media libels, including Nicholas Kristof’s recent op-ed in The New York Times? In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, host Asher Fredman is joined by Olga Deutsch, incoming President of NGO Monitor and Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute, for a revealing conversation on the vast network of NGOs, activists, media outlets, governments, and international institutions shaping the global narrative against Israel. Deutsch explains how anti-Israel NGOs use the language of human rights and humanitarianism to promote campaigns of delegitimization - from Gaza flotillas and boycott efforts to ICC and ICJ cases, international sanctions campaigns, and media narratives accusing Israel of apartheid, genocide, starvation, and other crimes. She argues that many of these campaigns are not isolated PR efforts, but part of a well-funded political warfare strategy aimed at undermining Israel’s basic legitimacy and national security. The conversation also addresses the controversy surrounding Nicholas Kristof’s recent New York Times op-ed, documented links between various NGOs and designated terrorist organizations, the “halo effect” that shields such organizations from scrutiny, and the flow of taxpayer money from Western governments to the NGO industrial complex. Deutsch also explains what success looks like in this battle: exposing NGO funding, pushing governments to improve vetting and accountability, cutting off support to extremist or terror-linked groups, and changing the way policymakers, journalists, and the public understand the NGO industry. • For critical insights on Israel, Hamas, Iran, the UN, and the changing Middle East, like, share, and subscribe to Misgav Mideast Horizons. • Send your questions, comments, and suggestions to: MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com [MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com] • Follow the Misgav Institute on X: @MisgavINSen [https://x.com/MisgavINSen] • Sign up for Israel in 10: Daily Brief — all the headlines and expert insights you need in just 10 minutes every day: http://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up [http://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up]

The Arab Case for Israel: Hussain Abdul-Hussain on Hezbollah, Iran & Peace

What is the Arab case for Israel — and how did the Iranian regime distort Shia Islam? In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov are joined by Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Research Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and author of The Arab Case for Israel, for a wide-ranging conversation on Lebanon, Hezbollah, Iran, Iraq, Shia Islam, and the future of Arab-Israeli peace. Born to an Iraqi father and Lebanese mother, Hussain grew up between Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and civil-war Lebanon, later becoming a journalist in Beirut before moving to Washington. He shares the personal journey that led him from anti-Israel slogans to a radically different conclusion: that Israel is not the source of the Arab world’s problems, but a potential asset for Arab prosperity, stability, and peace. Hussain explains why Lebanon has never fully recovered its sovereignty since the rise of armed factions operating outside the state, from the PLO to Hezbollah. He argues that Hezbollah has kept Lebanon trapped as a hostage state, and that the current moment may represent a rare opportunity for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, restore sovereignty, and move toward peace with Israel. He also offers sharp criticism of the regional and international actors — including Iran, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — whose policies he says have often held Lebanon back. The conversation also dives into Iraq’s future after Saddam, the rise of Iraqi patriotism, the limits of Iranian influence among Arab Shia, and why Iraq’s Shia parties are increasingly cautious about appearing to serve Tehran’s interests. Hussain explains why corruption, weak rule of law, and oil dependency remain major obstacles to Iraq attracting serious investment and becoming a stable regional power. In one of the episode’s most important segments, Hussain challenges common assumptions about Shia Islam, Iran, Jerusalem, and Israel. He argues that the Islamic Republic imported ideological ideas from the Muslim Brotherhood and politicized Shia theology in a way that was foreign to traditional Shia thought. He explains why Khomeini’s revolution transformed Israel into a Shia political enemy — and why many Arab Shia, especially in Iraq, still do not accept Iran’s doctrine of rule by the jurist. In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav analyze the latest developments across the region: Iran’s missile and drone attacks on the UAE and Oman, Israel’s security support for the UAE, the failure of Europe’s “de-escalation” reflex, the difficulties in negotiations with Lebanon, and the growing possibility of renewed escalation in Gaza as Hamas refuses to disarm. * For critical insights onIsrael, Iran, Lebanon, Hezbollah, the Abraham Accords, and the changing Middle East, like and subscribe toMisgav Mideast Horizons. * Follow Hussain Abdul-Hussain on X at: @hahussain. Purchase “The Arab Case for Israel” on Amazon: https://t.co/0SfZbaFfaI [https://t.co/0SfZbaFfaI] * Sign up for Israel in 10: Misgav Daily Brief — all the headlines and key insights you need in just 10 minutes every day- http://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up [http://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up] * Follow the Misgav Institute on X: @MisgavINSen [https://x.com/MisgavINSen]. * Send your questions, comments, and suggestions to MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com [MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com].

The Ultra-Orthodox Draft, UNRWA & the Battle for the Israeli Right: With MK Dan Illouz

Is Israel becoming a regional superpower, or is it facing an internal ideological crisis? In this episode of Mideast Horizons, hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman are joined by Member of Knesset Dan Illouz (Likud) for a candid discussion on the campaign to end UNRWA’s operations, the impact of the Iran war on UAE-Israel ties, the polarizing debate over the ultra-Orthodox draft, and the struggle within the Likud party between classical liberals and socialist populists. Illouz offers a candid look inside Israeli politics at a pivotal moment. He explains why the Haredi draft crisis is not merely a political dispute, but an existential issue for Israel’s security, economy, and future as a strong Jewish and democratic state. He discusses the pressure of taking principled positions inside his own party, the internal battle over the soul of the Likud, and whether Israel’s right can remain committed to free markets, equality before the law, and national responsibility. The conversation also explores Illouz’s legislation targeting UNRWA, why he believes the agency perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how Israel’s move to restrict UNRWA’s operations is being implemented on the ground. As co-chair of the Knesset Abraham Accords Caucus, Illouz also analyzes the future of Abraham Accords 2.0, the impact of Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, and the potential for deeper regional cooperation between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Middle East. In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav break down the latest developments on Iran, Washington-Tehran negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz, Israel-UAE security cooperation, Ukraine’s accusations regarding Russian grain shipments, and the political maneuvering ahead of Israel’s next elections. Key Topics Discussed: * The Haredi Draft Crisis: Why Illouz believes ultra-Orthodox enlistment is an existential issue for Israel after October 7. * Inside the Likud: The struggle between free-market Zionism, populism, interest groups, and coalition politics. * UNRWA Under Pressure: How Israel’s anti-UNRWA legislation is being implemented — and why Illouz says the agency must be replaced. * Abraham Accords 2.0: How Iran’s attacks on Gulf states could strengthen Israel-Arab security cooperation. * Aliyah and Public Service: Illouz’s advice to new immigrants who want to make a real impact in Israeli society. For critical insights on Israel, Iran, the Abraham Accords, Israeli politics, and the future of the Middle East, like, share, and subscribe to Misgav Mideast Horizons. Sign up for Israel in 10: Misgav Daily Brief — all the headlines and key insights you need in just 10 minutes - https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up [https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up] Follow the Misgav Institute on X: @MisgavINSen. Send your questions, comments, and suggestions to MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com.

Rabbi Doron Perez: Between Mourning & Independence – National Unity After the Loss of a Son

In this deeply moving episode of Mideast Horizons, recorded on the eve of Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day), hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov are joined by Rabbi Doron Perez. Rabbi Perez - President of the World Zionist Organization, Chair of World Mizrachi, and father of Captain Daniel Perez z”l, who fell on October 7 - offers profound insights on the "pain and privilege" of the Jewish experience. He shares his personal perspective on the unique Israeli transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day, and explains how Jewish tradition is defined by bringing our pain with us into moments of redemption. Rabbi Perez reflects on Daniel’s character and legacy, the extraordinary maturity and courage of young Israeli soldiers, and the urgent need to preserve unity within Israel and across the Jewish world even amid deep disagreements. He also addresses the public debate over Israel-Diaspora relations, arguing that no love of land or ideology should come at the expense of love for the Jewish People. In the opening segment, Asher and Lahav analyze the fragile geopolitics of the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon. They break down the security implications of Israel’s buffer zone in southern Lebanon, and the dangers associated with potential sanctions relief for Iran. They also address a disturbing incident involving the desecration of a Christian statue in Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need for education and a heavy hand against extremism. * Like, Share, and Subscribe to Mideast Horizons for fresh insights into Israel and the Middle East. * Sign up for "Israel in 10": Get our daily brief—all the headlines and key insights you need in just 10 minutes every day: https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up [https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up]. * Follow us on X: @MisgavINSen [https://x.com/MisgavINSen]. * Suggestions? Email us: MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com [MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com].

Trump, Iran & Abraham Accords 2.0 | Robert Greenway

In this episode of Mideast Horizons, Robert Greenway provides a rare insider’s perspective on President Trump’s decision-making on Iran, U.S.-Israel military cooperation, and the reshaping of the Middle East. Greenway, Director of the Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation and former Senior Director for MENA at the U.S. National Security Council, discusses:  * The "Epic Fury" Breakthrough: Why the level of operational integration between the U.S. and Israel has surpassed even the historic U.S.-UK partnership. * Trump’s Decision-Making: A firsthand account of how President Trump uses provocative negotiations to achieve outcome-oriented national security goals. * The "Zero Enrichment" Demand: Why Iran has no right-and no practical need-for domestic nuclear enrichment. * The China Connection: Insights from "Project TIDALWAVE," an AI-enabled simulation revealing how the depletion of munitions impacts a potential 35-day culmination window in a conflict with China. * Regional Security Architecture: The future of the Abraham Accords and a new regional security, economic, and energy architecture. * Unfinished Business: Reflections on the 2020 elimination of Qasem Soleimani and the terrorists still waiting to face justice. In the first segment, hosts Asher Fredman and Lahav Harkov reflect on recording during Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and how the vow of "Never Again" applies in the post-October 7th world. They also discuss: * The U.S. Naval Blockade: The economic impact of cutting off 90% of Iran’s trade through the Strait of Hormuz. * Historic Lebanon Talks: Analyzing the first high-level meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials in over 30 years, facilitated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. * The "Accordion" of French Diplomacy: A look at France’s role in the region and why Israel is moving forward with its security objectives regardless of European pressure. Stay up to date with Misgav: * Subscribe to Mideast Horizons for fresh insights into regional security and international alliances. * Sign up for "Israel in 10": Get “Israel in 10: Misgav Daily Brief” - all the headlines and key insights you need in just 10 minutes – straight to your inbox: https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up [https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up] Suggestions? Email us: MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com [MideastHorizonsPodcast@gmail.com]