What happens when ceasefire becomes status quo? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni interviews Israeli scholar Dr Ori Goldberg on the fragile Gaza truce, Israel’s surveillance corridors, and the internal power-struggles that could spark a new war. Expect hard questions, blunt truth, and no easy answers.

Show Notes:

X: @ori_goldberg 

Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social 

Ori’s Top Publications: 

Articles

“The real reason Israel attacked Iran”, Al Jazeera, 15 June 2025 

“Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 

“Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 

 

Books

Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts. 

Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon. 

Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.

What happens when ceasefire becomes status quo?&nbsp;In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, John Bruni interviews Israeli scholar Dr Ori Goldberg on the fragile Gaza truce, Israel&rsquo;s surveillance corridors, and the internal power-struggles that could spark a new war. Expect hard questions, blunt truth, and no easy answers.
Show Notes:
X: @ori_goldberg&nbsp;
Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social&nbsp;
Ori&rsquo;s Top Publications:&nbsp;
Articles
&ldquo;The real reason Israel attacked Iran&rdquo;,&nbsp;Al Jazeera,&nbsp;15 June 2025&nbsp;
&ldquo;Why Israelis Do and Don&rsquo;t Want War with Hezbollah&rdquo; &ndash; New Lines Magazine, September 2024&nbsp;
&ldquo;Israel&rsquo;s Attack on Hezbollah&rsquo;s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims&rdquo; &ndash; New Lines Magazine, September 2024&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Books
Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts.&nbsp;
Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi&lsquo;ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon.&nbsp;
Shi&lsquo;i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi&lsquo;i political theology.

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

Advertisement