Iran & the West, diplomacy and war- Jerusalem Studio 431
Over the past several weeks, the emphasis - in what can be regarded as the Iran crisis – has shifted from belligerent rhetoric to indirect diplomacy, as well as an apparent beginning of confidence building measures. Do the latest developments indicate a mutual effort at de-escalation or are merely a pause in an inevitable military confrontation?
Panel:
- Jonathan Hessen, host.
- Amir Oren, analyst.
- Dr. Raz Zimmt, Iran expert – INSS.
- Dr. Menahem Merhavy, research fellow, Truman Institute, Hebrew University.
The program offers the viewer deeper understanding about current events in Israel. The topics vary from domestic and foreign policy to social changes, archaelogy and religion.
The program is hosted by TV7 Israel News anchor Jonathan Hessen.
Special with Former IAEA Deputy Director General Olli Heinonen - Jerusalem Studio 435
Shalom and welcome to a special addition of TV7’s Jerusalem Studio, this time from Tel Aviv, were we will discuss the Islamic Republic of Iran and its nuclear ambitions as well as the international scrutiny directed at it. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Olli Heinonen, Former Deputy General IAEA. Articles on the topic: https://www.tv7israelnews.com/iaea-chief-urges-iran-to-uphold-its-nuclear-commitments/…
Persecution of Christians in the Middle East – Jerusalem Studio 434
The Middle East, and more specifically - what is now the state of Israel - is of course the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. That said, Christians do not necessarily enjoy freedom of religion in most of the countries in the region – and repeatedly are face with harassment, persecution and discrimination,…
Lebanon- Israel: conflict resolution & mediation – Jerusalem Studio 433
In a diplomatic breakthrough, both Israel and Lebanon agreed earlier this month to hold negotiations over the fate of so-called bloc-9 of a dispute off-shore gas-field. The talks will be mediated by the United States, and held under United Nations auspices. Hopefully, if deemed successful, some of the tensions between Jerusalem and Beirut will be…
With 2019 nearing mid-point, predictions regarding the fragile situation vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip has yet to materialize. Earlier, there were indications of either a major Israeli military incursion into the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave, or a de-facto arrangement between the parties, which sought to realize a mutuality-invested cessation-of-hostilities. Unexpectedly, neither scenario took hold. Panel: - Jonathan…
Iran & the West, diplomacy and war- Jerusalem Studio 431
Over the past several weeks, the emphasis - in what can be regarded as the Iran crisis – has shifted from belligerent rhetoric to indirect diplomacy, as well as an apparent beginning of confidence building measures. Do the latest developments indicate a mutual effort at de-escalation or are merely a pause in an inevitable military…
Jerusalem's political stability and implications - Jerusalem Studio 430
Six weeks after the inauguration of the Israeli parliament, the 21st Knesset; it has surprisingly voted itself out of existence. This unprecedented move took place when outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was blocked in his efforts to form a new coalition, and rather than let another candidate try his hand at forming an alternative government…
Iran's defiance amidst mounting pressure - Jerusalem Studio 429
For more than two years, the Trump Administration has exerted – what it calls – maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran - crippling its economy in general, and its income-producing oil industry, in particular. While Tehran is yet to give in to this pressure, the American measures have exerted a toll on the…
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, international angle - Jerusalem Studio 428
Due to technical issues we ask you go to the following link for the full 30 minute episode: https://youtu.be/uKfGdMpvUqk The Israeli Palestinian conflict has never been a bilateral affair, with external forces – both regional and global – having their own designs and interests, at times contradictory to the parties themselves. With the U.S. initiative…
U.S.-Iran, on a course of collision - Jerusalem Studio 427
If one were to judge by rhetoric only, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran are inevitable drawn into a head-on clash. That said, along with a verbal escalation, there are efforts to cool the heat and bring, about some form of dialogue. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr.…
Israeli-Arab conflict, battle over Jerusalem – Jerusalem Studio 426
As time fast approaches for the official unveiling of the anticipated so-called "deal of the century" for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one crucial piece in the puzzle, is surely going to be – the status of Jerusalem. While the dispute over the city could possibly face delay, Jerusalem's significance to both Israelis and Arabs makes it…
Global rivalries, regional impact- Jerusalem Studio 425
The United States government defines Russia and China as its main global adversaries, in the sectors of trade, diplomacy, cyber and security. While it has not clashed with those powers militarily, it does see such a confrontation down the road as a viable scenario. How does the Middle East in general, and Israel in particular,…
Iran's deteriorating global standing - Jerusalem Studio 424
The relations between Washington and Tehran, which have deteriorated over the last two years, are at a boiling point. A year after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, and as a result, re-imposed on it crippling international sanctions; the Islamic Republic is responding with actions - - both overt, and…
Gaza: terror vs humanitarian distress- Jerusalem Studio 423
A temporary respite that was achieved last week between Israel and the Islamist organizations in Gaza could be broken at any moment, as the situation has all the markings of in-stability. The humanitarian plight of the population is increasingly putting pressure on Gaza's ruling Hamas organization, while the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad seems to persistently challenge…
The dangers of militant Islam - Jerusalem Studio 422
One of the most distinct phenomena of the last several decades has been the rise of militant Islam. Both regimes and organized-movements have sprung-up throughout the Middle East and beyond, with ambitious agendas and lethal actions based on modern technology and the ease of recruitment in the era of mass-communications. That said, these radical entities…
Iran under strict sanctions regime - Jerusalem Studio 421
A year after the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran, tensions are steadily rising between Washington and Tehran. And as the Islamic Republic is about to implement counter-measures challenging the Trump Administration's policy, the Persian gulf could become a cauldron-of-conflict. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Emily Landau, Senior Research Fellow,…
“Deal of the century” amid battle over sovereignty - Jerusalem Studio 420
Next month, after the Muslim month Ramadan, and with a new Israeli government in sight; the long anticipated American peace initiative for the decades old Israeli-Palestinian conflict is expected to be unveiled. What does it mean for the contradictory claims of statehood, sovereignty and Security, which the various actors aspire to achieve? Panel: - Jonathan…
Israel-Lebanon: Prospects of a summer conflict - Jerusalem Studio 419
With spring turning into summer in the Middle East, the Israeli-Lebanese front also threatens to heat-up. Warnings of war have been heard from both Jerusalem and Beirut – amid a tightening Iranian grip along Israel's northern frontier. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Mordechai Nisan, retired lecture on Middle East Studies…
Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran- Jerusalem Studio 418
The United States announced earlier this week its decision to end temporary waivers vis-à-vis oil purchases from Iran, which were granted to eight countries and jurisdictions that relied heavily on Iranian oil supply, for the purpose of a "transition period", would expire on the second of May. The measure aims to decrease Iran's oil exports…
Egypt’s strive for stability - Jerusalem Studio 417
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi has managed to bolster his internal position, following parliamentary votes on constitutional amendments and a referendum, effectively prolonging his rule until 2030. Egypt's situation in the regional context, however, seems to precarious – with concerns on almost any front. Panel: - Jonathan Hesse, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -…
Turkey’s dilemma between East and West - Jerusalem Studio 416
The United States or Russia? That is the question facing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as he is pondering his country's interests and ambitions in the fault-lines between Europe and Asia, the West and the Levant. Is Erdogan skilled enough to maneuver between the various powers and vectors? Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst.…
Israel’s Post-elections special - Jerusalem Studio 415
Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu is hard at work forming his new government, trying to balance the contradictory demands by his would-be coalition partners. What is to be expected of the new Israeli cabinet in the months ahead? Panel: -Jonathan Hesse, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Correspondent, the Jerusalem Post. -Col.…
Developments on the Israeli-Syrian front - Jerusalem Studio 414
The Syrian Israeli front has been relatively quiet, except for sporadic reports of Israeli aerial operations against Iranian logistical targets. That said, after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, there are concerns that following the formation of the next Israeli government, tensions will rise along this front.…
Iran's malign activities amid natures' wrath- Jerusalem Studio 413
Amid Iranian efforts to expand its regional reach, domestic neglect has challenged its ability to cope with a series of natural disasters. How can the Islamic Republic balance its various aspirations, at home and abroad, and will its rivals exploit its exposed weaknesses, in the fight against the regime's malign activities. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen,…
The polls in Israel will close shortly, and with them, will come the exit polls conducted for various television channels, with the actual results probably known not before the early hours of tomorrow. That said, several trends have already emerged during the last couple of months, with a heated campaign mostly conducted between outgoing Prime…
Elections amid growing security challenges - Jerusalem Studio 411
With just a few days remaining ahead of Israel's national parliamentary elections, a key issue continues to challenge the incumbent leadership in Jerusalem – tensions of a possible conflagration on Israel's southern frontier. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. - Mr. Yoni Ben Menachem, Middle East Expert and Political Analyst. - Mr. Mitchell Barak,…
Coming out of its decline in the 20th century, Russia – under President Vladimir Putin – has asserted its position in the Middle East in particular, and the World at large. Moscow's efforts encompass the entire region, from the Persian Gulf to the Western Mediterranean. Does Russia's record match its rhetoric in fulfilling its ambitions?…
The United States has been the dominant world power, in the Middle East, for many decades. But under its current President, Donald Trump, Washington has reviewed its interests and commitments in the context of the Administration's declared vision of "America First." What does this mean for the region in general, and Israel in particular? Panel:…
In two weeks-time, Israel will hold its general parliamentary elections for the 120 seat Knesset. After ten years of the right-wing Likud party dominating Israel's political leadership, these elections represent the biggest political challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rule. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Lt. Col. Res. Reuven Ben Shalom, Cross-cultural strategist…
The Arab world and the Palestinians - Jerusalem Studio 407
The Palestinian issue has dominated the Arab-Israeli discourse, ever since the 1948 war. Excluding the Syrian angle, this virtually remains the last, yet most explosive issue blocking Israel from its aspired goal of peace with the entire Arab world. What are the chances for Israel to bypass the Palestinians and reach an accommodation with the…
Israel's control over the Golan Heights, which was occupied from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war, has never been recognized by the United States or any other country around the world. That said, Israel's claim over the territory has not been actively challenged in recent years due to the raging conflict in Syria, in…
Latest developments on Iran sanctions - Jerusalem Studio 405
The United States has implemented a series of sanctions against Iran, after withdrawing from a 2015 nuclear deal, that was identified by President Trump as deeply flawed. While the ultimate aim seeks to put Tehran's economy under substantial pressure, the Trump Administration decided to provide eight countries with waivers, which are due to expire in…
European relations with the Arab world - Jerusalem Studio 404
Europe has traditionally shown interest in trends and events across the Middle East, going back to colonial times. That said, it seems that its influence has been diminished as of late – yet recent efforts indicate that this reality could be reversed. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin Israeli Public…
Developments on the Syrian front - Jerusalem Studio 403
The Syrian civil war has entered its ninth year, and this time – after many foil attempts - it seems that the end is in sight. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin Israeli Public Image & Security/Intelligence Expert. - Dr. Jonathan Spyer Fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and…
Conflict and resolution in Mideast strategies - Jerusalem Studio 402
There are several overlapping conflicts ongoing across the Middle East, with each having its unique features and forces, yet remain inseparable from one-another. Each of the relevant actors maintains its own national interests, while also cooperating with others in order to achieve common goals. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. - Miss…
The battle for peace and security - Jerusalem Studio 401
Some five weeks before Israel's parliamentary elections, which until recently largely overlooked the decades-old conflict with the Palestinian; shifted its tone after a senior American official provided an overview of President Trump's so-called "deal-of-the-century." Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. - Dr. Dikla Cohen, Research fellow at Truman Institute, The Hebrew University.…
International alliances in regional conflicts - Jerusalem Studio 400
The United Nations, which was designed to guard world peace, has failed in its mission across the Middle East – due to the inherent contradictions with regard interests of powers involved in the region. Instead competing alliances have emerged, each with its own membership and agenda. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst.…
Global efforts to curb Iranian aggression - Jerusalem Studio 399
On various issues and various degrees most important international powers oppose Iran's aggressive aspirations. That said, a global consensus is lacking vis-à-vis the diagnosis of Tehran's activities and the course of action to thwart them. To analyze the state of play on curbing the Islamic Republic's expansionist policy in the Middle East and beyond, we…
Russia and its regional aspirations- Jerusalem Studio 398
The Middle East is on the top of the list of Russian President Vladimir Putin's regions of interest. He is involved in the Syrian civil war, but also in other challenges and ambitions in the Levant and beyond. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Prof. Zeev Hanin, Expert on Russian and Middle Eastern Studies,…
Iran-Syria cooperation amid international constraints- Jerusalem Studio 397
Due to Iran's crucial military assistance in preserving the Assad regime in Syria, Damascus is reciprocating by accommodating many of Tehran's wishes. That said, many difference remain between these two parties, because each - has priorities of its own. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Raz Zimmt, Iran expert INSS. -Dr. Ely Karmon,…
Lebanon, the battle for stability- Jerusalem Studio 396
Almost nine months after Lebanon has elected its Parliament, outgoing Prime Minister Sa'ad Hariri has managed to form a new cabinet over which he will continue to preside, despite the fact that he has lost almost a third of his supporters among Beirut's Legislators. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Prof. Hillel Frisch, Senior…
The demise of Palestinian unity aspirations - Jerusalem Studio 395
The two Palestinian territories, the Gaza Strip under the Islamist Hamas and the majority of the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority that is controlled by Fatah, have been holding futile negotiations on reconciliation for the past several years. As Israel approaches its election, following which the Trump Administration is expected to unveil its peace…
Egypt, which used to be the leading Arab power with both regional and continental ambitions, continues to feel the aftershock of the upheaval that impacted the important Middle Eastern country, in the early part of this decade. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. - Dr. Haim Koren, Former Israeli Ambassador to Egypt and lecturer…
40 years to Iran’s Islamic Revolution - Jerusalem Studio 393
The 1st of February marks the exact day which commemorates fourth years since the Islamic revolution in Iran. Since then, many events transpired which impacted both regional and global events. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Mr. Eliezer Tsafrir, Former head of the Mossad Operations in Iran and currently an affiliate with the Institute…
Two years into the Trump administration, the President has yet to fulfill his campaign pledge: to unveil a viable U.S. brokered solution to the decades old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From time to time, however, reports emerge regarding alleged details of the American plan, which was dubbed by the Administration "the deal of the century." Panel: -Jonathan…
Iran’s ballistic missile program - Jerusalem Studio 391
The launch of an Iranian medium-range ballistic missile against an Israeli target earlier this week, has highlighted concerns Israel, the United States and their allies have regarding the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile program. This program runs counter to calls by the international community to refrain from developing these weapon-systems – as stated in U.N. Security…
Turkey and the Kurds in Syria - Jerusalem Studio 390
President Donald Trump decided, during a phone conversation last month with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to promptly withdraw American ground forces from Syria. In presenting its pull-out plan, Washington presented Ankara with a demand, to act with restraint vis-à-vis U.S.-backed Kurdish militias. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Eran Lerman vice…
Europe versus Iran, sanctions and agreements - Jerusalem Studio 389
The European Union, which up-to-now has resisted efforts by the United States, to join a campaign against the Iran nuclear agreement - announced on the 8th of January a decision to list Iran's security apparatus as a terror-entity and separately sanctioned persons affiliated with it. Do these measures indicate a shift of Europe's policy? Panel:…
Israel, call for early elections - Jerusalem Studio 388
On the 9th of April, Israel will hold general parliamentary elections, some seven months ahead on schedule. based on Israel's political history, popularity shifts dramatically within short time-periods, leaving the outcome of Jerusalem's future leadership unknown – however, during today's program we will try to provide context to the heated contest between parties and politicians.…
