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.
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.…
Syria, following US decision to withdraw - Jerusalem Studio 387
President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw all U.S. military and diplomatic personnel from Syria has created a fog of uncertainty, with no specifics on the pace and modalities of the dramatic withdrawal that carries with it significant implications. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. - Prof. Ze'ev Khanin, expert on Middle Eastern…
Growing alliance between Israel, Greece and Cyprus - Jerusalem Studio 386
The shifting alliances across the Middle East, due to regional events, have produced partnerships based on strategic interests, which some may classify as surprising. Such a new triangle is has be formed between Jerusalem, Athens and Nikosia. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Eran Lerman, Vice President of the Jerusalem Institute for strategic…
As the year 2018 is drawing to a close, it is time to looking back and focus on the main events and trends pertaining to Jerusalem's security and foreign policy and its regional involvement. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Lt. Col. Res. Reuven Ben Shalom, Cross-cultural strategist and columnist at the Jerusalem Post.…
Growing Iranian influence in Iraq, despite U.S. objections - Jerusalem Studio 384
Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has voiced his support for the preservation of bilateral relations with his country's Eastern neighbor, the Islamic Republic of Iran. Abdul Mahdi's efforts are made despite Washington's resistance to granting Baghdad special privileges amid American efforts to exert economic pressure on the Ayatollah regime, since the United States pulled out…
Russian-Israeli relations amid Iranian expansionism - Jerusalem Studio 383
For the last three months, ever since a Russian intelligence collection plane was shot down by Syrian air defense missiles, the relationship between Moscow and Jerusalem has sunk to its lowest point in years. Iran, whose presence in Syria is just one manifestation of its expansionist policy, obviously benefits from this development. Panel: - Jonathan…
Israel's challenges from its northern frontier- Jerusalem Studio 382
While Israel seemed to be largely concerned by events in Syria, where enemies such as Iran, the Islamic State and Hezbollah have been operating with the civil war as a backdrop, it turns out that the Lebanese border has also been a hub of activity, mostly hidden from view. Earlier this month Israel mounted an…
Antisemitism – Anti-Zionism 2018 - Jerusalem Studio 381
According to all recent surveys, Antisemitism is on the rise in many countries across the Western world. Distinct from the more remote past, this time around Antisemitism is mixed with sentiments of anti-Zionism. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Ambassador Danny Ayalon, Israel's Former Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States -Advocate…
The IDF under newly appointed chief of staff - Jerusalem Studio 380
Tension flared up on Israel's northern frontier, when military authorities in Tel Aviv announced the discovery of cross-border attack tunnels, which were dug by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The rising challenge from the north, amid ongoing threats from the south, are the two most urgent tasks facing the incoming chief of staff of the Israeli Defense…
EU supports JCPOA yet considers sanctioning Iran - Jerusalem Studio 379
In spite of ongoing efforts by the European Union to preserve the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, some of its member states have demanded a tougher position vis-à-vis – what they termed "Iran's malign activities on European soil." To discuss this development and its implications on efforts to keep the Iran deal alive. Panel: -Jonathan…
Israel faces challenges amid coalition instability - Jerusalem Studio 378
Israel's governing coalition is undergoing its most severe crisis, since its establishment some three and a half years ago, following the resignation of Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making every effort to keep his coalition during – what he termed: a sensitive security period - from disintegrating but other politicians may…
Radical Islam and its Jihad vs. the West - Jerusalem Studio 377
The best-known groups of global Islamic Jihad, namely al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and their various off-shoots have seemingly been on the decline lately. However, Western intelligence agencies warn that the fight against these extreme Muslim groups, is far from over. To discuss the dangers of Islamist groups and their Jihad against the West. Panel: -Jonathan…
Strategic outlook for Israel as it starts a new Hebrew year - Jerusalem Studio 357
Shalom and welcome to Jerusalem Studio, This is the week in which Israel turns the page in its Hebrew calendar on one year and opens a new one. It’s a good time to take stock and survey Israel’s strategic outlook, regionally as well as globally. To Discuss this issue I am joined here in the…
Coming soon... Iran's nuclear aspirations - Jerusalem Studio 339 trailer
China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany continue to pursue ways of preserving the Iran nuclear agreement, voice their frustration at President Donald Trump's decision to immediately withdraw the United States from commitments made by his predecessor, Barack Obama; in which President Trump decreed Washington's vote in favor of U.N. Security Council resolution 2231 that endorsed…
Saudi Arabia following the Khashoggi affair - Jerusalem Studio 376
For almost two months, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been on the defensive in the Jamal Khashoggi affair, in which a prominent dissident of the regime has been lured into the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey – where he was brutally murdered. While Riyadh denied the involvement of its highest officials in the assassination,…
Syria, the battle between East and West - Jerusalem Studio 375
As we are heading towards the end of the eighth year in the Syrian civil war, it appears as if – the end game is about to begin, with the Russians, Americans, Iranians, Turks and Israelis, among others, all having a role to play. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Nir Boms –…
Iran following US midterm elections - Jerusalem Studio 374
The United States midterm congressional elections, which were held last week, have complicated the political situation in Washington – for both domestic and foreign policy issues. To consider the implications of the changed political environment in the American capitol, on President Trump's Iran policy. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Emily Landau, Senior…
Israel's relations - with what is considered to be, the moderate Arab world, had recently been upgraded from an open secret to public display, which raises questions vis-à-vis the visibility of Israel's acceptance in the pre-dominantly Arab region. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Mr. Danny Ayalon – Israel's Former Deputy Foreign Minister and…
Iran under a new US sanctions regime - Jerusalem Studio 372
Earlier this week, the second and more severe batch of international sanctions was imposed on Iran by the U.S. Administration, focusing on Islamic Republic's oil and Banking industries. During today's program, we will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the American measures in the face of Iranian resistance and international reluctance; To do so,…
Turkey on the border between East and West - Jerusalem Studio 371
Turkey, a member of the NATO alliance, has been gravitating over the last several years, toward its old adversary, Russia. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shifted his country's foreign policy, which has been traditionally pro-American, towards a more balanced direction. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. - Dr. Hay Eitan Cohen Yanarocak: research fellow…
Israel-Jordan, peace treaty enters 25th year Jerusalem Studio 370
After seemingly having a relatively tranquil quarter century, following the 1994 signing of a peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, a sudden chill is threatening the relations between the two countries, with the announcement by King Abdullah to end certain arrangements of the bilateral agreement. To discuss the expected implications of the move, we are…
Next round of us sanctions on Iran - Jerusalem Studio 369
On the fourth of November, the United States will reimpose a new batch of international sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, directly targeting Tehran's oil exports and central banking system. To discuss the expected implications of the move, we are joined here in the studio by; 1. Dr. Menahem Merhavy, research fellow, Truman Institute,…
Egypt, reasserting its role as a regional mediator - Jerusalem Studio 368
In the chaotic tides of the Middle East, Egypt has always served as one of the leading anchors. Both regional states and international powers historically took Cairo into account in the various spheres of Muslim Arab and African affairs. Following turmoil in the early part of this decade, Egypt re-emerges as an important actor under…
Sailing for Jesus in support of Israel - Jerusalem Studio Special 367
Panel: -Mr. Jonathan Hessen, Host - Mr. Stefan Abrahamsson, Captain of Elida - Ms. Karin Nytomt PR representative of Elida - Rev Magnus Haglund, Lutheran minister in the Church of Sweden - Monika Jaaguri, Reporter TV7
The battle over narratives in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict- Jerusalem Studio 366
n the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict there are two dominant competing narratives. While Israel seeks to preserve its national security interests and settle some of the territories under its controls, the Palestinians aspire to establish a state of their-own and recall refugees and their descendance from the surround Arab countries with the aim of resettling them…
Iraq's newly elected President amid the Iran-U.S. rivalry - Jerusalem Studio 365
A new Iraqi government is taking shape in Baghdad following both presidential and parliamentary elections – but the two forces fighting for influence over the country's policy are not indigenous to Iraq. The United States and Iran appear to be on a collision course in this important Arab nation, which borders Iran, Syria, Jordan and…
Russia's deployment of S-300 in Syria - Jerusalem Studio 364
Russia is delivering to the Syrian military three battalion sets of its advanced S-300PM surface-to-air missile systems. The move comes as a response to the Syrian accidental shooting of a Russia Il-20 spy plane on the 17th of September, for which the Russian Defense Ministry has blamed Israel. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren,…
Israel and Hamas, on a course to war? - Jerusalem Studio 363
In late August and early September, Israel and the Palestinian militant Islamic organization Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip and its two million inhabitants, seemed headed towards a lengthy cease-fire, with an improved lot for the poor and desperate population and relief from attacks and anxiety to Israeli civilians across the border. But these hopes…
Israel-Russia power comparison amid crisis - Jerusalem Studio 362
Shalom and welcome to Jerusalem Studio, right after a Russian intelligence collection plane was shot down by Syrian air defense missiles on September 17, following an Israeli air raid on Iranian targets in Syria, Israel hoped that the relationship between Jerusalem and Moscow will not suffer significantly from this isolated incident. But the Russian Defense…
Shadow wars between Israel and Iran - Jerusalem Studio 361
Shalom and welcome to Jerusalem Studio, Israel and Iran have been engaged in a shadow war, and to discuss this topic I am joined here in the studio by: 1. Mr. Meir Javendanfar, who is an Iran lecturer AT IDC Herzliya 2. TV7 analysist Mr. Amir Oren 3. Dr. Eran Lerman who is the vice…
EU-US relations, Middle East implications - Jerusalem Studio 360
A showdown between President Donald Trump and the leaders of EU member states, traditionally considered to be Washington's closest allies, has impacted - what used to be: a united Western front vis-à-vis the Middle East. To Discuss this matter, we are joined in the Studio by: 1. Dr. Eran Lerman who is the vice president…
The United States, under the Trump Administration, has taken several punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority, financially as well as diplomatically, in what Washington asserts 'aims to entice the Palestinian leadership to negotiate with Israel,' once the long-awaited US-led peace initiative is unveiled. To Discuss this matter, I am joined by: 1. Dr. Eran Lerman…
Regional challenges ahead of UNGA - Donor conference - Jerusalem Studio 358
The last week of September is, as usual, dedicated to addresses by world leaders, who convene in New York city, for the United Nations General Assembly. As has been the case many times, challenges plaguing the Middle East will take center stage. To discuss these issues further, I am joined here in the Studio by:…
Israel upgrading its military qualitative edge - Jerusalem Studio 356
Shalom and welcome to Jerusalem Studio, Israel could never match its neighbors for quantity of miltary weapons and formations, so it concentrated on improving its qualitative advantages. Does it still have this edge, or is the gap being closed even as it is upgrading its air force, intelligence and cyber capabilities? To further discuss this…
Regional power balance, amid threats of conflict - Jerusalem Studio 338
The chaotic Middle East has been embroiled in wars for years, with shifting alliances and rivalries threatening established states with the emergence of non-state actors armed with ideologies and foreign recruits, tipping the balance of power. To further discuss the regional power balance and its dangerous implications - I'm join here in the studio by;…
The use of international mechanisms in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - Jerusalem Studio 337
Years of deadlock in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, with bursts of violence and notions of despair dissuading optimism for any sparks of a viable solution to ignite sentiments of a better future; the Palestinian leadership resorted to its strongest supporters within the international community, seeking to assert legal mechanism that will turn the tide in their…
Iran's desperate attempt to preserve its nuclear deal - Jerusalem Studio 355
Some four months after President Donald Trump revoked Washington’s participation in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed economic sanctions on the regime in Tehran, Iran is struggling to cope with this challenge and to cooperate with European and Asian powers to withstand the American pressure. To analyze this topic, our panel today includes...…
Syria's alleged use of Chemical Weapons - Jerusalem Studio 354
The fighting in the North-western district of Idlib may turn out to be the last big battle in the Syrian civil war. In its determination to gain a final victory, the Assad regime has been accused of readying a chemical weapon strike, and there is an American commitment to punish Damascus if that happens. To…
