FIDF Live Briefing: Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) - June 15, 2025

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Eitan Amsalem, Director of Visitor Experience, Delegations, and Public Relations at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. Eitan is the curator that created the exhibit on October 7th at the Museum, and he has taken world leaders and ambassadors through this exhibit. Eitan discusses with Steven in detail about the dangers of the Muslim Brotherhood and  elucidates on how the  October 7th attack was planned. Eitan and his team uncovered notes found on the bodies of Hamas terrorists. They created a collection of these notes and translated them. He explains that Hamas gave their officers the title of Sheikhs so that they have the authority to give fatwahs (ordinances) that certain acts that are typically impermissible in Islam are permissible, such as killing women and babies. Eitan also explains that many of the terrorists had a list of Hebrew phrases and words for the operation, including “take off your pants,” which they needed to know how to say in order to rape the women they found on the kibbutzim. They also uncovered documents that elucidate the extent to UNRWA’S involvement in the attack, and on the educational material they provide to Gaza’s and Arab villagers which all teach how they are victims of Israeli oppression and must hate Jews. There’s a phenomena that was uncovered about the October 7th massacre that is entirely unique, which is that Hamas attempted to eliminate, and in many cases successfully, entire families in one shot, sometimes tying together a married couple with their children and torturing and killing them. Eitan has also consulted with and was given evidence by forensics teams that were onsite following the 10.7 massacre, but didn’t go into detail about what the examiners describe and found on the sites. Eitan has also spoken with many survivors of the massacre, and he explains the unimaginable PTSD that they are experiencing.   Eitan closes by stating that the Islam of Hamas, which was distorted and changed in disturbing ways, does not represent the whole of Islam.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 Steven Weil is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar, Israeli Scholar of Arab Culture, Lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, and Vice President of NEWSRAEL, who provides an expert analysis on the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Mordechai discusses how the conflict has weakened the Iranian regime and emboldened opposition groups within Iran, who are now more active in trying to undermine the regime. He also highlights the growing rift between Hezbollah and how this is shaping dynamics in the region. Steve and Mordechai then discuss how the weakening of Iran has created opportunities for Gulf states to put pressure on Iranian ally Qatar to change its behavior in supporting Iran's regional proxies.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 Correspondent Lara Krinsky welcomes Col. Richard Kemp, Former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan and Chairman of the United Kingdom's national crisis management committee (COBRA) to discuss Israel's Operation Rising Lion against Iran. With his extensive military background, Richard provides expert insight into Israel's significant military successes against Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, dealing a major blow to Iran's regional influence and proxy network. He outlines the potential outcomes from the current ceasefire, some of which may be far reaching. Lara and Richard then discuss how this war may impact the situation in Gaza, concerns in the United States due to the American attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, and the global response to Israel's military actions.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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss Israel’s air strike against Iran on June 13th, the ensuing war and, finally, the historic bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear complex. Jonathan Schanzer states the gravity of this momentous event, declaring the arc of history having been bent in a new direction. Prior to the destruction of Fordow, Israel had already destroyed 75% of Iran’s nuclear program, with the US’ strike finishing the job. Schanzer explains that it would be decades, at the very least, before Iran can recover its nuclear program, if that day ever does come. Schanzer explains that, while the Iranian regime has been damaged irreparably and is clearly on its last legs, this regime appears to be defiant, and willing to fight until the very end. They appear to be trying to overwhelm Israel’s air defense systems, playing a numbers game, in hopes that Israel’s defense missiles run out entirely. There is also the possibility of a global escalation, with China taking a hit with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz and the threat of Iran striking the US and its allies near Iran. The strategy, Schanzer explains, is to continue to retaliate and attack the regime without boots on the ground, or trying to transform Iran into some kind of Jeffersonian democracy a la President Bush, but to instead continue to attack from afar. There is the hope that perhaps the Iranian people would rise up, rebel and attempt to usurp the regime, with a large portion of Iran’s population being western minded. Whatever happens following the bombing of Fordow, Schanzer believes that President Donald Trump will go down in Israeli and Jewish history as a hero. 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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. (Res.) Doron Spielman, Author of "When the Stones Speak" & Former VP, City of David, to explore how archaeology plays a strategic role in Israel’s ongoing cultural and historical conflict. Drawing from his experience leading excavations in the City of David, Doron discusses how uncovering over 3,000 years of Jewish history provides tangible evidence of the Jewish people’s deep-rooted connection to the land. He reflects on a pivotal moment when an Arab acquaintance doubted those ties “in her bones,” an encounter that motivated him to pursue archaeology to counter such denials. The interview ends with a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and how Iranian missiles are impacting the daily lives of Israeli civilians.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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to provide updates on Israel's military operations against Iran and its proxies. Nadav details operations, ongoing security challenges, and the humanitarian conditions affecting civilians. He discusses coordination efforts with international partners, and stresses the importance of continued support for IDF reservists and their families. Nadav also highlights recent progress in bolstering defense capabilities and logistical support across multiple areas.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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to discuss Israel's ongoing military campaign against Iran. As a longtime expert on Iran's nuclear ambitions, Mark provides a detailed analysis of why Israel decided to launch Operation Rising Lion last week, where they've succeeded thus far, and what the future potentially holds. He also details the technical details of Iran's weapons arsenal and infrastructure, and how Israeli operations have depleted and damaged them. Steve and Mark discuss Iranian society, internal discontent with the ruling regime, and how this could potentially evolve as the conflict progresses. Finally, the two touch on the future of this war and its potential global impact.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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Gadi Ezra, an IDF reservist, human rights attorney, and the former Director of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Unit for the Prime Minister's Office. Gadi provides his expert insight on Israel's incredibly successful military offensive against Iran. He highlights the disparity of human rights concerns between where Israel and Iran target their respective strikes, as well as the importance of distinguishing between the Iranian people and their current government. Finally, Gadi and Steve discuss the broader geopolitical context of this conflict as well as how the specific circumstances of Israeli society impact the potential future of this war.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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Ari Sacher, rocket scientist for RAFAEL, to discuss the current state of Israel’s historic Operation Rising Lion in Iran. Ari details his own personal experience living through recent events in Israel, including Iran's brutal assault on Israeli civilian centers. As an expert on the relevant technologies, Ari offers detailed analysis about how Israel has destroyed significant portions of Iran's arsenal and intercepted 90% of incoming missiles. Steve and Ari also discuss possible outcomes from this operation, both for Iran's future as well as Israel's security. Finally, Ari provides scientific insight on the science behind Iran's missiles, the devastating damage they cause upon impact, and theories about Iran's military strategy. 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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes back Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss Israel’s air strike against Iran on June 13th, and the ensuing war. Jonathan breaks down the Israeli Air Force’s onslaught, or as Jonathan described it, a blitzkrieg-like attack, heavily crippling Iran’s nuclear facilities and defense capabilities, eliminating Iran’s top military personal and eliminating Iran’s top nuclear program personnel. Jonathan believes that, contrary to President Trump’s statements, the United States has supported this attack and was involved to some degree with the planning of this attack. Jonathan explains that there is debate in the Trump administration whether to finish the job or not. The IAF has done a great job of taking out many of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers, however, it’s unclear how many launchers there are and if Israel can take them all out, and there is the concern that Iran’s aim with these missiles is improving, thus posing a dangerous threat to the safety of Israeli citizens and Israeli military strongholds. Another concern is Israel’s capacity to take out Fordo, Iran’s most important nuclear facility. It is buried deep underground and the IAF may not have the capability to destroy it, so the question is, will the US deploy B-2 bombers that have the capability to potentially destroy Fordo? Further, while the IAF, IDF and Mossad have done a stellar job in this attack, the ballistic missile fire and the damage being caused both to Israel’s infrastructure and the civilian psyche is great, and how much more that Israel can take is yet to be seen. All in all, the goal should be to finish the job swiftly and decisively, and US support may be required to do so. 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.