Episode 19 of the Israel Defense and Diplomacy Forum (IDDF) – with Prof. Chuck Freilich, former Israeli Deputy National Security Advisor, and Danny Ayalon, former Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to Washington.

In this episode, Chuck and Danny discuss three critical issues: US-Israeli relations; Israel’s policies regarding the war in Ukraine, and its domestic crisis. They also conduct a fascinating conversation with Abe Foxman, one of the great American Jewish leaders of our time.

Both Chuck and Danny are concerned about growing tensions in US-Israeli relations. Chuck was concerned that a crisis, which was brewing in any event, has now been greatly exacerbated by the new government’s policies towards the Palestinians and the “judicial reform” now underway. Danny is more hopeful that these differences can be managed. Chuck raises an interesting question, whether Netanyahu and Biden can work out a grand bargain: Netanyahu promises to keep a lid on the extremists in the new government, both on the Palestinian and domestic issues, in exchange for an American commitment to supply critical military capabilities that Israel needs to carry out a possible attack against the Iranian nuclear program (e.g. modern aerial tankers), if necessary, and at least partial backing for it.

Chuck and Danny reverse their typical positions on the war in Ukraine. Danny is open to changes in Israel’s positions and possible supply of weapons to Ukraine. Chuck takes the more hawkish position, that the same considerations that led Israel to limit its support for Ukraine to humanitarian aid, to date, have not changed and should not, unless Russia provides Iran with nuclear assistance.

Foxman elaborated on his controversial recent statement, that his unconditional lifelong support for Israel has now become conditional. “We always said that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East...If just half of the coalition agreements happen, it will change the nature of democracy in Israel… If Israel is redefining who is a Jew, why would diaspora Jews identify with it?... American Jews love Israel, but if Israel doesn’t love them back…”

Join us as Chuck and Danny agree and disagree, in detail and in-depth, always respectfully, on the critical issues Israel faces.

The MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.

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https://www.ChuckFreilich.com

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The MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.

Follow Chuck:
https://www.ChuckFreilich.com

Follow The MirYam Institute Twitter: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyx
Follow Benjamin Anthony Twitter: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9
Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93
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