Strategic Shifts and Political Timing

What is it like to spend hundreds of days inside Gaza since October 7? In this gripping episode, we speak with Dr. Tuvia Book—IDF reservist, educator, and author—who has served continuously on the front lines throughout Israel’s war with Hamas. From the chaos of combat to the quiet moments between missions, Book shares what daily life is really like for soldiers operating in Gaza amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This is a conversation about courage, sacrifice, innovation—and the future of Israeli unity. 

What are Iranians saying about the recent war and what do Gazans think about the continued battle against Hamas? Michael Milshtein, a former IDF intelligence officer and one of Israel’s top scholars on Palestinian society, joins us to unpack the shifting public sentiment inside two of the region’s most volatile arenas.

Will the ceasefire hold? After nearly two weeks of intense fighting, tensions remain high between Israel and Iran. On this episode, we ask the big questions: Can the truce survive? Will Donald Trump continue to stand by Israel? Is regime change in Iran still a realistic objective? And perhaps most critically—does Netanyahu know how to navigate a volatile president who woke up this morning fuming that the ceasefire might already be unraveling?

Andrea Stricker, a Senior Fellow at FDD and one of the foremost experts on Iran’s nuclear program, joins Yaakov to break down the recent U.S. strikes on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan  –  what was likely targeted, the extent of the damage, and how significantly Iran’s nuclear timeline may have been set back.

Sima Shine—former head of research at Mossad and one of Israel’s top Iran experts—joins Yaakov Katz to break down the current war against Iran’s nuclear program. In this gripping episode, Shine analyzes the strategic logic behind Israel’s strikes, the significance of nuclear sites like Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, and what it would take to stop Iran from rebuilding.She warns against talk of regime change, explains how Israel’s goals must remain focused on nuclear and missile threats, and offers rare insight into the mindset inside Tehran.

In this episode of The Jewish People’s Podcast, Yaakov Katz hosts a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israel cooperation during the war with Iran. With sharp commentary on Donald Trump’s strategic pivot, tensions within the MAGA camp, and the nuanced role of American isolationism, the discussion dives into the diplomatic and military stakes of this moment. The episode explores Israeli air dominance, the limits of regime change rhetoric, and the precision timing of Israel’s operations—from the 61-day mark to a no-confidence vote. With 90% public support in Israel and rising U.S. backing, this episode unpacks how timing, messaging, and restraint might shape the course of regional and global history.

Retired Israeli Navy Commander Admiral Eliezer "Chiney" Marom joins Yaakov Katz for an unflinching analysis of Israel’s unprecedented achievements in the ongoing war with Iran. From establishing total air superiority over Tehran to decimating Iran’s missile launch capabilities and military leadership, Marom explains how Israel has dismantled key pillars of Iran’s deterrence strategy. He details operational breakthroughs, the limits of current strikes on nuclear sites like Fordow and Natanz, and the vital role the U.S. could play—possibly with a single B-2 bomber mission. The conversation closes with a bold call: Israel must target not just military infrastructure, but also Iran’s political leadership, in pursuit of true regime change.

In this special episode of The Jewish People’s Podcast, host Yaakov Katz speaks with Dr. Eyal Hulata, Israel’s former National Security Adviser and a 23-year veteran of the Mossad. A key architect of Israel’s Iran policy, Hulata offers an insider’s view of the intelligence, strategy, and political calculations that brought Israel to this moment.

Amb. Michael Herzog joins Yaakov to discuss this critical moment in Middle East history. Herzog completed his stint as Israel’s Ambassador to the United States in January. Before that, he spent decades serving in intelligence and national security roles in the IDF and the Defense Ministry and has long focused on ways to thwart Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

Why did Israel attack Iran now? Did Trump support the operation and what can be expected next? Join Yaakov Katz for a conversation with Elliott Abrams, Former US Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela and JPPI Board Member.