FIDF LIVE SPECIAL BRIEFING: Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director, FDD - March 15, 2026

In this week's FIDF briefing, host Lara Krinsky, FIDF Director of Content and Production, welcomes Jonathan Schanzer (FDD), Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense Democracies, to discuss the ongoing war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Jonathan provides a detailed analysis about the unprecedented military collaboration between the U.S. and Israel, the potential outcomes of this war for Iran and the region, and how this conflict compares to similar military endeavors from the recent past. He discusses the challenges that lay ahead for Israel and the U.S. as well as the potential benefits. Lara and Jonathan then analyze various potential paths forward and what impact this may have on American, Israeli, and global societies.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

In this FIDF briefing, host Laura Krinsky interviews former Israeli public diplomacy chief Gadi Levi about where the war stands and what may come next. He argues Hamas is not dismantled—still armed, still controlling large parts of Gaza outside Israel’s “Yellow Line”—and warns that “postwar” structures could simply rebrand Hamas control under the optics of Palestinian sovereignty. He says the key challenge is political as much as military: Israel needs clear, objective criteria (agreed with the United States) for what “dismantling Hamas” actually means before moving into the next phase, especially as he describes Hamas openly re-arming and IDF units still taking daily threats. The conversation then pivots to Iran, where he frames the risk of escalation as hinging largely on Donald Trump, outlines U.S. incentives for regional stability versus Iran’s survival-driven negotiating posture, and stresses Israel’s heightened readiness while acknowledging the uncertainty and potential chaos of regime collapse scenarios. He also treats Ramadan as a long-term strategic “incitement problem,” arguing Israel should aim to change the broader perception that violence is legitimized during the month by tackling propaganda and incitement year-round, not just adding forces for a few weeks. The briefing closes on the soldier perspective—exhaustion mixed with resolve and debate about strategy—underscored by the recent loss of a soldier from his unit, and a direct appeal for diaspora support as part of a shared Zionist project.

In this FIDF IDF Live briefing, host Laura Krinsky speaks with Sgt. First Class Kelly Kobani from the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson’s Unit about the “eighth front”: the media, legitimacy, and narrative war surrounding the fighting. Kobani describes a “post-truth” environment where false claims can reach millions within minutes, forcing a constant tradeoff between speed and accuracy as information must be verified through multiple layers before it can be released. She argues Hamas leverages an echo chamber—seed a story, then watch institutions like the United Nations and outlets such as CNN, BBC, and The New York Times amplify it—while Israel lacks comparable “validators.” She notes that even with a huge communications operation (press queries, delegations, multilingual platforms), constraints like notifying families before confirming casualties and framing choices by outlets like the Associated Press often mean Israel is fighting after a narrative has already hardened. Strategically, her team triages which “fires” to engage, uses influencers/third parties and targeted exclusives, tailors messaging to Israeli/global/Arabic audiences, and experiments with innovation—especially Gen Z outreach via YouTube and more personal, “authentic” storytelling. The episode closes with a direct call for supporters to help “rebrand” soldiers by sharing human stories and backing FIDF’s work supporting troops’ physical, mental, and emotional needs—because when Israel’s defenders are supported, Israel’s voice has a better chance in the legitimacy fight.

In this week's FIDF briefing, host Lara Krinsky, FIDF Director of Content and Production, welcomes Jonathan Schanzer (FDD), Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense Democracies, who maps the IDF's “strategic chessboard." Schanzer argues the region is nearing a peak moment in a conflict driven by Iran and its proxies, pointing to renewed unrest inside Iran amid economic freefall, regime crackdowns, and reports of mass violence, all in the shadow of recent direct Israel–Iran confrontation and U.S. pressure. He says the massive U.S. force posture in the region suggests real readiness for action, but emphasizes that outcomes are hard to predict because so much hinges on President Trump’s next move. The discussion then shifts to the risk of a wider “ring of fire” response—whether Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, the Houthis, and other proxies might attempt a saturation-style missile campaign—and what that would demand from Israel’s layered defenses. Gaza is treated as a diminished battlefield in this scenario, with attention moving to “phase two” plans for the strip’s future and the unresolved question of hostages, while Schanzer repeatedly flags Qatar and Turkey as dangerous actors shaping postwar arrangements. The host closes with a blunt call to action: stay informed, speak up, and materially support the soldiers carrying the burden of deterrence through FIDF.

This briefing kicks off FIDF’s first episode of 2026 with host Laura speaking to Maj. Gen. Nadav Hadad about a volatile, “historic year already unfolding” and what it means for Israel’s security. They start with Iran’s unrest—women protesting, economic collapse, and signs of broader labor participation—while Hadad cautions that the regime’s layered security forces make an actual overthrow hard to predict. The conversation widens to Hezbollah and Lebanon, arguing that Iran’s financial pressure and disrupted money pipelines (including laundering routes tied to South America) could weaken Hezbollah’s posture, but that Israel still has to act frequently to prevent rebuilds near the border. Hadad then lays out a 2026 reality in which Israel’s borders remain unstable—Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Judea/Samaria—requiring heavy troop presence, reduced training time, and a major reservist burden that also strains the economy. On modern warfare, he credits Israeli/U.S. technological superiority but stresses that “boots on the ground” and the quality of soldiers and commanders remain decisive. The briefing closes with a call for American Jewish unity and tangible support through FIDF—especially expanded programs for reservists, families, and wounded soldiers, including mental health and PTSD—framing the mission as “their job is to protect Israel; ours is to look after them.”

This FIDF briefing frames Hanukkah as a moment of both joy and deep pain, then brings on Dr. Mordechai Kedar to place the current moment in a larger historical and ideological context. He argues that the core Hanukkah “miracle” is really Jewish resistance and survival, and he uses that lens to describe Israel’s resilience after Oct. 7 and its recent military campaigns as part of an ongoing, almost unbelievable national story. From there, he expands into a broader claim that Israel’s very existence has repeatedly defied the odds—from the early Zionist period through successive wars—and he urges Jews in the diaspora to see aliyah as the safest long-term answer. He rejects the term “anti-Semitism” in favor of “Jew hatred,” attributing it to a mix of religious replacement narratives and the recurring scapegoating of Jews as society’s “other,” with the Palestinian issue serving as today’s most common pretext. In the geopolitical segment, the conversation turns to fears about Islamist influence and political shifts in the West, with Kedar warning that what’s happening in Europe and the U.S. reflects a growing ideological threat. He closes with a stark message: Israel is the “canary in the mine,” and its fate is tied to the security of the broader Western world.

This FIDF Live briefing features Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the international spokesperson for the IDF, who shares personal reflections on the war and the role of the IDF. Shoshani describes the emotional toll of the conflict and the intense responsibility of speaking to international media while soldiers and commanders fight on the ground. He emphasizes that many soldiers ask if the world still supports them, and he reassures them with stories of global Jewish solidarity, especially from American communities and FIDF supporters. He reflects on the difficult moments when soldiers are killed and the burden of conveying truth while the enemy uses manipulative tactics and hides among civilians. Shoshani also speaks about the moral and ethical challenges the IDF faces while operating in densely populated areas, and how maintaining the IDF’s values is a core part of its mission. Despite the exhaustion and grief, he expresses deep pride in Israeli society and in the soldiers who have risen to the moment. He concludes by thanking listeners for their unwavering support, saying that every message, donation, and prayer makes a difference in both spirit and strength.

FIDF Director of Content and Production Lara Krinsky is joined by Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the international spokesperson for the IDF, who shares insights from his frontline communications role during the ongoing conflict. Shoshani opens by acknowledging the mental and emotional toll of the past two years — both for soldiers and Israeli society — and expresses deep gratitude to FIDF supporters for their continued solidarity. He describes how soldiers in the field often ask whether the world still supports them, and he reassures them by conveying the encouragement and love shown by diaspora communities. Shoshani explains the complexities of communicating Israel’s position in a hostile global media environment, especially when Hamas hides behind civilian infrastructure and manipulates narratives. He emphasizes that the IDF is not just fighting militarily but also morally, doing its best to uphold international law and ethical conduct even under fire. He reflects on the pain of losing soldiers and the heavy responsibility of representing Israel’s truth on the world stage. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful and inspired by the unity and resilience of Israeli society and the unwavering support from Jewish communities abroad. He ends with a call for continued advocacy, reminding listeners that their voices and actions help boost morale and protect Israel’s legitimacy in the court of public opinion.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

Jackie Cherkas, VP of the FIDF LA Young Leadership Board and VP of Sales at Vizer, is joined by FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss Jackie’s personal journey as a first-generation American and her passion for supporting the IDF and Jewish community. Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan shares insight into Israel’s strategic and social challenges during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. He emphasizes the vital connection between the IDF and Israeli society, particularly the role of reservists who left families and careers to serve. Padan highlights the IDF’s values-driven approach and stresses the importance of strengthening public trust through moral, ethical conduct — even during war. He outlines Israel’s multi-front reality, describing how the conflict in Gaza intersects with threats from Hezbollah in the north and Iran’s strategic ambitions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is acknowledged, but Padan reaffirms that Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure, complicating Israel’s military response. He stresses that support for Israeli soldiers — both moral and material — has never been more critical, especially for those returning to civilian life after months in uniform. Padan urges the global Jewish community to remain united and vocal in support of Israel and the IDF, framing FIDF as the bridge between American Jews and Israeli soldiers. He closes with a message of resilience, partnership, and gratitude for the solidarity shown by young Jewish leaders and communities worldwide.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan is joined by Former Head of the National Security Council of Israel Maj. Gen. (Res.) Giora Eiland to discuss the implications of the recently signed ceasefire agreement in Gaza and its strategic consequences. He outlines three main themes: the current ceasefire phase, the more complicated upcoming phase, and the broader regional dynamics. The first phase involved intensive negotiations with key players like Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, and while difficult to achieve, it offers temporary humanitarian relief and a pause in combat. The second phase—which is still uncertain—will address deeper issues such as governance, disarmament, and the fate of remaining hostages. Eiland warns that while Hamas is militarily weakened, it remains politically defiant, and that prolonging the war without a clear endgame may damage Israel's strategic standing. He emphasizes that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be isolated from wider regional shifts, including changing alliances and the role of external actors like Iran. Importantly, he calls for Israel to shape a coherent vision for “the day after,” including security guarantees and a realistic political framework. Eiland stresses that only by combining military pressure with diplomatic planning can Israel protect its interests and avoid international isolation.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.