A Messy Victory

A Messy Victory

Author: Tablet Studios April 9, 2026 Duration: 1:08:26
Mike thinks the achievements of this war are important enough to declare it a victory, though by no means a knock out. Mike and Gadi discuss the pros and cons of the ceasefire, the feasibility of an agreement, and the not unlikely return to military operations two weeks from now. Also in this episode: What are the reactions in Israel, what effects will the ceasefire have on the ongoing war in Lebanon, and what is “gleeful defeatism?” – All this and more on the new episode of Israel Update.

For a clear-eyed analysis of the ongoing conflict, turn to Israel Update. This podcast from Tablet Studios moves beyond the headlines, offering depth and context often missing from daily news cycles. Hosted by Israeli historian and political commentator Gadi Taub alongside Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C., each episode provides a crucial dual perspective. Listeners get Taub's on-the-ground understanding of Israeli society and politics paired with Doran's expertise in U.S. foreign policy and Middle East strategy. The conversation is direct and informed, dissecting military developments, geopolitical shifts, and the historical underpinnings of current events. This isn't just a recap; it's a nuanced dialogue between two deeply knowledgeable voices, unpacking the war's complexities for an international audience. You'll hear detailed assessments of battlefield realities, the political calculations in Jerusalem and Washington, and the broader regional implications. The podcast serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the layers of this conflict, combining immediate news with strategic insight. It’s a forum for serious discussion, free from soundbites, dedicated to explaining not just what is happening, but why it matters. Tune in for a consistently substantive and authoritative take on one of the world's most critical situations.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

Israel Update
Podcast Episodes
Mike's and Gadi's Shouting Match Over Gaza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:45
While Israel is reeling from the drama of the hostage deal, Judge Yitzhak Amit appoints himself President of the Supreme Court. Minister of Justice Levin refuses to accept the brazen move. But all this pales – at least o…
Trump In - Halevi Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:59
Chief of IDF staff General Herzi Halevi resigned after a career that will be forever remembered as an abject failure. Gadi explains why so many – himself included – are breathing a sigh of relief, but Mike warns against…
The Hostage Deal: Is Trump Endorsing Biden's Policy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:09
The deal that Israel is now forced to accept is not very different from the one the Biden administration has tried to impose. Combined with the rise of the isolationist elements of MAGA, this may signify a worrying trend…
Mike's Visit to Damascus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:03
Accompanied by a Turkish driver and two lightly armed escorts, Mike had the opportunity to see firsthand what post-Assad Syria is like. The country was devastated. The scenes of poverty and destruction are heart wrenchin…
EXCLUSIVE: Biden’s January Surprise for Israel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:54
A network of anti-Israel officials inside the Biden administration is encouraging President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken to spring on Israel a nasty January surprise. They are modeling their scheme on the ambush…
IU SPECIAL: Schueftan vs. Doran on Turkey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:22
Is a clash inevitable between Israel and Turkey over Syria? Or can they find a mutually beneficial arrangement? Two heavy hitters, IU's Mike Doran and Haifa University's Dan Schueftan, face off against each other on this…
The Syrian Challenge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:49
Mike has been following the Syrian question for decades and he explains why Israel has a great opportunity now, if it acts with a cool head, but may also fall into a dangerous trap if it does not. Plus: we had some heart…
Ceasefire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:52
After a number of off the record talks with high ranking sources in Israel, both Gadi and Mike are under the impression that the talks of larger goals are sincere. In that case we are probably witnessing a lull, no more,…
Netanyahu vs. the Brass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a confrontational statement accusing his intelligence services of deliberately withholding information from him. It seems clear by now that the "leak scandal" is turning into a real intern…
All You Need to Know About the Leak Scandal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:55
This is more than an investigation of a leak. There are reasons why law enforcement and the state attorney are so intent on keeping the suspects in custody, despite the initial refusal of the lower court to extend their…