BICOM's Podcast

Episode 151 | Understanding Biden's approach to the Middle East with Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer

In this episode, BICOM's Samuel Nurding speaks with Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer about the Biden administration's approach to the Middle East. Ambassador Kurtzer draws on his unique experience as the US Ambassador to Israel and Egypt to discuss the US role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the challenges of confronting Iran and reconstruction in Gaza, and Israel's relations with its neighbours in the region.

Daniel C. Kurtzer is the S. Daniel Abraham Professor of Middle East Policy Studies at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. During a 29-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, Ambassador Kurtzer served as the United States Ambassador to Israel and as the United States Ambassador to Egypt.

Episode 150 | Iran and the JCPOA, a view from Israel

Brig Gen (ret) Michael Herzog talks to Ronie Gazit about the Vienna talks and the implications for Israel, should the US return to the nuclear deal.  They discuss the most important elements Israel would like to see in a new deal and the significance of the Iranian threat when it comes to Israel’s relations with Arab countries. Gen Herzog also reflects on the latest escalation between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and what the US, Gulf countries and broader international community should do to rebuild Gaza without strengthening Hamas. 

Episode 149 | Israel's new government, what now?

In this episode, BICOM's Director Richard Pater explains the makeup of the new government and its priorities, what we may expect to see in the coming weeks and months, as well as what options Benjamin Netanyahu now has as leader of the Opposition. He takes questions from an audience on a range of other issues regarding the political significance of the new government in Israel. 

Episode 148 | Making sense of the new coalition government

In this episode, BICOM's research associate Samuel Nurding speaks to Director Richard Pater about the dramatic events on Wednesday night when Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid informed President Rivlin that he had succeeded in forming a coalition. Richard spoke about why negotiations went down to the wire, explains the structure of the Change Government and some of the key principles that the government will try to adopt, and assesses what next for Netanyahu. 

Episode 147 | The Gaza aftermath: what next for Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority

Sam Nurding speaks with Ehud Yaari, the leading Middle East commentator for Israel's Channel 12 News. Yaari has appeared on Israeli TV since 1975, and is multi award winning expert analyst on regional affairs. They discuss where the latest escalation leaves Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, what the conflict means for Israel's relations with Arab countries and wider implications for the Middle East as a whole.

Episode 146 | Debating UK policy on Israel, Iran and the Middle East

In this episode, BICOM's Research Associate Samuel Nurding speaks with MP Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, about the UK's foreign policy concerning the current escalation on the Gaza border, where UK policy over Iran has gone wrong, and how important the UK-Israel relations is for securing British interests in the region.  

BICOM Webinar | Escalation on the Gaza border

On 12 May, BICOM Director Richard Pater discussed the latest escalation on the Gaza border between Israel and Hamas. He explained how the fighting started, and provided insights into how the renewal rocket fire is impacting Israel's political and social domains.

Episode 145 | The future of Israel without Netanyahu?

In this special podcast, Richard Pater speaks to Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal about the latest developments in Israel's political crisis. With Yair Lapid officially being tasked with trying to form the next government, Nadav discusses the chances of success in the 'bloc of change' and what impact a new Prime Minister and government will have on Israeli policy both inside and outside of the country. Nadav also talks about the main themes from his new book, Revolt: The Worldwide Uprising Against Globalisation. 

Nadav Eyal is one of Israel's leading journalists and a winner of the Sokolov Prize, Israel's most important journalism award. Nadav has been covering Middle Eastern and international politics in the last two decades for Israeli radio, newspapers and television.

Episode 144 | What next for Palestinian politics after Abbas postpones elections?

In this podcast, BICOM's Ronie Gazit speaks to Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Khaled Elgindy. They discuss the recent postponement of the Palestinian elections and what impact it could have on Palestinian politics and the wider region. They also touch upon US-Palestinian relations and whether the Biden administration will look to play a role in peacemaking between Israelis and the Palestinians. Khaled served as an adviser to the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah on permanent status negotiations with Israel from 2004 to 2009, and was a key participant in the Annapolis negotiations of 2007-08.

Episode 143 | The Future of the JCPOA and What Next For Israel

Richard Pater speaks to former senior Mossad official Sima Shine. Sima, the head of Iran programme at the Institute for National Security Studies outlines the latest developments surrounding Iran's nuclear programme and its implications for regional and international players. Richard and Sima also discuss the progress made in the Vienna talks, what returning to the JCPOA nuclear deal means for Israel. Sima also explores what policy options remain for Israel as it continues to push back against Iran's regional and nuclear ambitions.