What could still go wrong with the Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage release deal?

For the first time in over a year, a deal to free the Israeli hostages held in Gaza and end the devastating war there seems imminent. The first stage of the deal will reportedly see 33 people held captive by Hamas return to Israel and a temporary cease-fire. But much of it is still up in the air –…

'In war, there's also the psychological struggle of parents who can't provide safety'

Israelis have long prided themselves on their ability to face war and conflict with strength and resilience. But the tragedy of October 7, and the ongoing war in Gaza and attacks by Iranian proxies have challenged this ethos, says Karen Zivan, a psychologist who works in schools alongside her priva…

'Israelis who served in the IDF will need to think twice about where they travel'

This week, Israel was rocked by the story of a young man who served in Gaza that went on a trip to Brazil – and found himself wanted for questioning for war crimes. He managed to flee the country before he was arrested, but questions remained: What does this mean for soldiers and reservists who fou…

'International organizations have a shameful record when it comes to the hostages'

A year has come and gone, and Israel has worn down Hamas and Gaza and decimated the leadership and manpower of Hezbollah, achieving many of its stated objectives since the war began. But one of the most – if not the most – pressing issue has yet to be solved. One hundred people kidnapped by Hamas …

What was it like being Jewish in 2024: Franklin Foer, Masha Gessen, Tony Kushner and more

The turbulent events of 2024 in Israel had a significant impact around the world.  The ongoing war in Gaza and other fronts had a particularly deep and emotional effect on the lives of Diaspora Jews, who coped with angry protests against Israel on campuses and in city centers, and with soaring rat…

Looking back at 2024, a year very few people want to remember

In this special year-end episode, we take an in-depth look at the seismic events that shaped Israel in 2024 through the conversations on the Haaretz Podcast.  It was a year in which the shadow of October 7, 2023 and its aftermath - the death and destruction in Gaza, the hostages still held by Hama…

'Even if he shoots me, I'll vote for him': The machine that keeps Netanyahu in power

On this episode of the Haaretz Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noa Landau talks to host Allison Kaplan Sommer about how Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to stay in power since the colossal failure of October 7, 2023.  Landau explains how Netanyahu’s aggressive shaping of the narrative of …

Alon Pinkas on challenging the idea of Netanyahu as a master strategist of the Middle East

Haaretz senior columnist and former diplomat Alon Pinkas says that for years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tacitly supported the continuation of the brutal dictatorship of Bashar Assad in Syria, and it is absurd for him to claim credit for helping to topple Assad’s rule by weakening the mainst…

Is Israel squandering a rare chance in Syria?

Israel, the United States, and European leaders are all missing a unique opportunity in their policy stance and behavior toward the new post-Assad regime in Syria, veteran Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom said on the Haaretz Podcast. Carlstrom, a journalist for The Economist currently bas…

The (deep) state vs. Benjamin Netanyahu: Inside the courtroom during the PM's testimony

In this episode of the Haaretz Podcast, host Allison Kaplan Sommer and Haaretz columnist Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin delve into the trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges while continuing to lead the country at wartime. From the demonstrations outside the courtroom where Netanyahu …