Mission Brief: The Official Podcast of the Israel Defense Forces

Faces of War: A Reservist’s Journey Two Years Later

In this episode of the 'Mission Brief' podcast, the host interviews Sergeant First Class in the Reserve A, who shares his harrowing and inspiring experiences from October 7, 2023. A recounts his journey from Baltimore to his deep connection with Israel, joining the Paratroopers in 2011, and his surprising reassignment to a search and rescue unit. He describes the mental challenges of preparing for and executing missions to retrieve fallen soldiers from behind enemy lines, including the fateful day of October 7th, when he was called for duty amidst the Hamas attacks. Throughout the episode, A emphasizes the importance of resilience, the power of positivity, and the dedication required to serve and protect. His testimony provides a poignant reminder of the realities of war and the unyielding spirit of those who serve.

The Yom Kippur War: A Naval Commander’s Story at Sea

On October 6, 1973 on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise coordinated attack on Israel. Within hours, soldiers were rushed from their homes, synagogues, and bases to defend the country. One of them was Shaul, who was the Deputy Commander of the Israeli Navy. The Yom Kippur War lasted 19 days and reshaped Middle Eastern history. Shaul defended his country’s waters, and the lessons and experiences of his service are still impacting the Israeli Navy to this day.

Women in Combat: An IDF Commander’s Story

In this Women’s Equality Day episode of Mission Brief, we sit down with Staff Sergeant T, a lone soldier who joined the IDF’s Field Intelligence Corps as a commander in the 595 battalion, after she moved from Cleveland to Israel in 2022. She shares her journey from moving to Israel to becoming a combat commander on Israel’s northern border. We dive into her experiences in training, the challenges of leading soldiers 24/7, and what it means to be a woman in a combat role. With honesty and pride, she reflects on the values that guide her, the importance of her mission, and the strength of women serving on the frontlines.

Bravery and Resilience: Yoav Tzivoni’s story

In this episode of Mission Brief, Lieutenant Brielle speaks with Master Sergeant in reserve Yoav Tzivoni, an IDF reservist, combat medic, and sharpshooter who lost his leg in the early days of the Swords of Iron war. Yoav shares his journey from growing up during the Second Intifada to serving in Gaza, and the life-changing injury that tested his strength and identity. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to his unit with a prosthetic leg, determined to keep serving — this time in a new role. He opens up about the pain of losing his teammate Tzvika, the moral challenges IDF soldiers face, and his unwavering belief in justice and peace. This is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and what it truly means to serve.

Daily Brief: Inside Operation Rising Lion

In this episode of Mission Brief, IDF International Spokesperson LTC Nadav Shoshani joins Captain Tammy to break down the launch of Operation Rising Lion- Israel's largest and most complex preemptive strike to date. We cover why the IDF acted when it did, the evolving Iranian nuclear threat, the scale and scope of the mission, and how Israel’s home front is responding with resilience. Get a clear, inside look at one of the most significant security developments in the region’s modern history.