FIDF Live

Lara Krinsky opens this briefing by framing the moment as fast-moving and unstable, with Israel facing pressure to accept deals even as Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas continue testing red lines. Jonathan Schanzer explains that the recent “ceasefire war” exposed Iran’s attempt to fold Lebanon into the Iran ceasefire, while Hezbollah kept attacking Israel with rockets and FPV drones until Israel finally struck major Hezbollah targets and then hit Iran after Tehran fired ballistic missiles. He argues Israel established an important deterrent message: Iran does not get to dictate what Israel can do in Lebanon, and attacks on Israel will be answered more painfully than they were delivered. Schanzer says President Trump’s push for a deal reflects real constraints—finite U.S. munitions, air-defense burdens, domestic politics, oil prices, and pressure from Gulf states—but that Iran’s downing of a U.S. helicopter appears to have reinforced the lesson that weakness invites more aggression. He outlines a possible path that does not require a full renewed hot war: sustained economic pressure, a blockade on Iranian oil exports, targeted strikes when necessary, and continued messaging to the Iranian people until the regime buckles. The briefing closes by warning that Turkey may be the next major regional threat if Iran weakens, while also noting real IDF progress in Gaza, where Israel has expanded its control beyond the original “yellow line” and significantly reduced Hamas’s ability to threaten southern Israel.

Lara Krinsky opens this briefing by noting a week of deadlines, threats, and quiet repositioning from China to Lebanon to Iran, then welcomes Dr. Mordechai Kedar to unpack the psychology driving events beneath the headlines. Kedar argues President Trump is approaching a “T-junction” on Iran—torn between domestic pressure to avoid another long war and the risk of looking weak after weeks of strikes if Iran still refuses to bend and keeps threatening the Strait of Hormuz. He says Iran’s leadership operates under a jihadist logic in which surrender is not an option, and that even major damage to air and naval capabilities doesn’t necessarily destabilize the regime because internal control depends mainly on security forces with rifles. The conversation then shifts to a provocative alternative to the traditional two-state model: Kedar advocates “emirates” in Judea and Samaria—locally clan-based city-states (Hebron, Nablus, Jericho, etc.) that could declare independence from the Palestinian Authority and potentially join a normalization framework like the Abraham Accords. He argues nationalism is a recent and fragile glue in the region and that the PA’s legitimacy relies on anti-Israel incitement, while clan structures are the durable social unit and therefore could govern without needing perpetual conflict. He closes by warning that Qatar’s money and media ecosystem (including Al Jazeera and funding of Western institutions) shapes global narratives, and Lara ends with a call to support Israel’s soldiers and security forces through FIDF.

Lara Krinsky opens by warning that public messaging doesn’t match the hidden “movements beneath the surface,” then speaks with Lt. Col. (Res.) Or Horovitz about a fragile window in which the Middle East could tip into either renewed war or a drawn-out stalemate. Horovitz says the key U.S. pressure point is the Strait of Hormuz—where Iran’s harassment and a U.S. maritime blockade are colliding—while the deeper, harder issues remain Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles, where he sees little “zone of agreement.” He describes Iran’s leadership as fragmented and incoherent after recent upheaval, with the IRGC potentially calling the shots and still telling itself a delusional “survival equals victory” story that makes concessions unlikely. On China, he argues Beijing’s priority is restoring steady oil flow, but warns that even “dual-use” Chinese materials could massively accelerate Iran’s missile production if not stopped through U.S. economic leverage. Horovitz says Israel’s strategic imperative is regime destabilization over time—Reagan-versus-the-Soviets style—while simultaneously preventing Iran from rebuilding nuclear and missile capabilities, and he frames removing Iran’s enriched uranium as the single most important near-term outcome. He also sees a rare opportunity in Lebanon: under U.S. “umbrella” diplomacy, Israel and Lebanese officials could move toward a peace process that steadily drains Hezbollah of Iranian money and influence, even as Hezbollah tries to sabotage talks with provocations and the region’s next looming challenge becomes Turkey as the Shiite axis weakens.

In this IDF Live briefing, Krinsky speaks with Jonathan Schanzer (FDD) about how the conflict whiplashed from full-scale attacks into a shaky ceasefire and then into “no man’s land,” with talks in Islamabad collapsing almost immediately. Schanzer says the ceasefire was never built on shared terms—Washington framed it as a conditional pause tied to opening the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran sold it domestically as a victory that would bring sanctions relief—making a durable deal unlikely from the start. He flags Pakistan’s role as a strange and shaky broker, and argues the bigger story is that all sides are using the lull to rearm, with Russia/China reportedly helping Iran while Israel worries about finite missile-defense interceptors and whether Iran can reopen “missile cities” and surge launches again. The most dangerous fuse, he warns, is the Strait of Hormuz: mines, shore-fired threats, and an emerging “toll booth” logic could revive an energy-and-markets war that forces the U.S. into hard choices—double down or leave—depending largely on Trump’s next call. He also stresses Israel is fighting a grinding multi-front war and is now pushing hard in Lebanon to clear Hezbollah away from the border and create a buffer zone, even as unprecedented direct Lebanon–Israel discussions are hinted at under U.S. auspices. The episode ends with the core uncertainty still unresolved—whether this is a pause before round two and whether U.S. and Israeli objectives remain fully aligned—followed by a reminder that “reality vs. distortion” is part of the fight and a call to support soldiers and reservists through FIDF.

Lara Krinsky opens this IDF Live briefing by framing the moment as both ancient and immediate—a fight not only on the battlefield, but over narrative, legitimacy, and truth—then welcomes Maj. (Res.) Doron Spielman, author and former VP of the City of David. Doron argues we’re living through tectonic, WWII-scale shifts, and describes a new kind of warfare in which Israel and the U.S. are executing thousands of intelligence-grade, pinpoint strikes over 2,000 miles away to target IRGC leadership, missile infrastructure, and command networks. He stresses that Iran’s ballistic missiles are especially dangerous because they’re the delivery system for a potential nuclear warhead, and says Iran’s strategy is to wear down Israeli civilians with nightly attacks while it still can. He adds that Tehran is also trying to destabilize surrounding Arab states and weaponize the Strait of Hormuz as a global energy choke point—moves he says are backfiring by pushing regional actors closer to the U.S. and exposing Europe’s weakness and indecision. Doron frames President Trump’s “America First” posture as a paradigm shift toward confronting hostile regimes and dictating hard terms—dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, stop funding proxies, and neutralize Iran’s Hormuz leverage—while warning Israel must still build greater long-term military independence in case future U.S. politics change. Looking ahead, he says regime change in Iran could be slow and bloody but momentum is building across multiple fronts (from Lebanon’s push toward the Litani to interdicting weapons routes via Syria), and he closes by tying it to Passover’s core lesson: the Jewish people endure by telling the freedom story—and Israel may emerge from this conflict as an uncontested regional power with major new diplomatic and economic opportunities.

In this week's FIDF briefing, host Lara Krinsky, FIDF Director of Content and Production, welcomes Jonathan Schanzer (FDD), Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense Democracies, to discuss the ongoing war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Jonathan provides a detailed analysis about the unprecedented military collaboration between the U.S. and Israel, the potential outcomes of this war for Iran and the region, and how this conflict compares to similar military endeavors from the recent past. He discusses the challenges that lay ahead for Israel and the U.S. as well as the potential benefits. Lara and Jonathan then analyze various potential paths forward and what impact this may have on American, Israeli, and global societies.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

In this FIDF IDF Live briefing, host Laura Krinsky speaks with Sgt. First Class Kelly Kobani from the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson’s Unit about the “eighth front”: the media, legitimacy, and narrative war surrounding the fighting. Kobani describes a “post-truth” environment where false claims can reach millions within minutes, forcing a constant tradeoff between speed and accuracy as information must be verified through multiple layers before it can be released. She argues Hamas leverages an echo chamber—seed a story, then watch institutions like the United Nations and outlets such as CNN, BBC, and The New York Times amplify it—while Israel lacks comparable “validators.” She notes that even with a huge communications operation (press queries, delegations, multilingual platforms), constraints like notifying families before confirming casualties and framing choices by outlets like the Associated Press often mean Israel is fighting after a narrative has already hardened. Strategically, her team triages which “fires” to engage, uses influencers/third parties and targeted exclusives, tailors messaging to Israeli/global/Arabic audiences, and experiments with innovation—especially Gen Z outreach via YouTube and more personal, “authentic” storytelling. The episode closes with a direct call for supporters to help “rebrand” soldiers by sharing human stories and backing FIDF’s work supporting troops’ physical, mental, and emotional needs—because when Israel’s defenders are supported, Israel’s voice has a better chance in the legitimacy fight.

This briefing kicks off FIDF’s first episode of 2026 with host Laura speaking to Maj. Gen. Nadav Hadad about a volatile, “historic year already unfolding” and what it means for Israel’s security. They start with Iran’s unrest—women protesting, economic collapse, and signs of broader labor participation—while Hadad cautions that the regime’s layered security forces make an actual overthrow hard to predict. The conversation widens to Hezbollah and Lebanon, arguing that Iran’s financial pressure and disrupted money pipelines (including laundering routes tied to South America) could weaken Hezbollah’s posture, but that Israel still has to act frequently to prevent rebuilds near the border. Hadad then lays out a 2026 reality in which Israel’s borders remain unstable—Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Judea/Samaria—requiring heavy troop presence, reduced training time, and a major reservist burden that also strains the economy. On modern warfare, he credits Israeli/U.S. technological superiority but stresses that “boots on the ground” and the quality of soldiers and commanders remain decisive. The briefing closes with a call for American Jewish unity and tangible support through FIDF—especially expanded programs for reservists, families, and wounded soldiers, including mental health and PTSD—framing the mission as “their job is to protect Israel; ours is to look after them.”

This FIDF Live briefing features Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the international spokesperson for the IDF, who shares personal reflections on the war and the role of the IDF. Shoshani describes the emotional toll of the conflict and the intense responsibility of speaking to international media while soldiers and commanders fight on the ground. He emphasizes that many soldiers ask if the world still supports them, and he reassures them with stories of global Jewish solidarity, especially from American communities and FIDF supporters. He reflects on the difficult moments when soldiers are killed and the burden of conveying truth while the enemy uses manipulative tactics and hides among civilians. Shoshani also speaks about the moral and ethical challenges the IDF faces while operating in densely populated areas, and how maintaining the IDF’s values is a core part of its mission. Despite the exhaustion and grief, he expresses deep pride in Israeli society and in the soldiers who have risen to the moment. He concludes by thanking listeners for their unwavering support, saying that every message, donation, and prayer makes a difference in both spirit and strength.

Jackie Cherkas, VP of the FIDF LA Young Leadership Board and VP of Sales at Vizer, is joined by FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss Jackie’s personal journey as a first-generation American and her passion for supporting the IDF and Jewish community. Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan shares insight into Israel’s strategic and social challenges during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. He emphasizes the vital connection between the IDF and Israeli society, particularly the role of reservists who left families and careers to serve. Padan highlights the IDF’s values-driven approach and stresses the importance of strengthening public trust through moral, ethical conduct — even during war. He outlines Israel’s multi-front reality, describing how the conflict in Gaza intersects with threats from Hezbollah in the north and Iran’s strategic ambitions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is acknowledged, but Padan reaffirms that Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure, complicating Israel’s military response. He stresses that support for Israeli soldiers — both moral and material — has never been more critical, especially for those returning to civilian life after months in uniform. Padan urges the global Jewish community to remain united and vocal in support of Israel and the IDF, framing FIDF as the bridge between American Jews and Israeli soldiers. He closes with a message of resilience, partnership, and gratitude for the solidarity shown by young Jewish leaders and communities worldwide.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan is joined by Homefront Command’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Liron Donnell, who provides an overview of the Homefront Command, a unique branch of the IDF tasked with civil defense and emergency response inside Israel during wartime. She explains that unlike U.S. agencies like FEMA or Homeland Security, the Homefront Command is both military and civilian in its scope—responsible for preparing the population, coordinating first response during rocket attacks, and ensuring continuity of civilian life. During the Gaza war, Homefront Command played a vital role in rescue missions, shelter management, and public alerts, often under ongoing rocket fire. General Liron emphasizes the complexity of managing simultaneous crises—such as evacuations, infrastructure repair, and psychological support—especially with Hezbollah threatening the northern front. She praises the resilience of Israeli civilians and describes innovative communication strategies used to keep citizens informed and safe in real time. The conversation also touches on how Israeli society adapts to prolonged conflict, with schools and hospitals operating in protected zones. General Liron closes by highlighting the strategic importance of the civilian front, framing it as integral to national security, and expressing gratitude for FIDF support that helps boost morale and readiness.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Nadav Padan is joined by LTC Yotam Shefer, Head of International Relations Branch for CogAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), a unit within the Israeli Defense Ministry and IDF, responsible for civil and humanitarian coordination in Gaza, the West Bank, and surrounding areas. He explains that CogAT plays a central role in facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza, coordinating with over 20 UN agencies, dozens of NGOs, and local Palestinian entities, despite the challenges of operating in an active combat zone. Schaefer rejects claims of famine and starvation in Gaza, asserting that aid continues to flow—300 to 350 trucks daily—and that images circulated as evidence of starvation are often misrepresented cases of pre-existing medical conditions. He criticizes the UN and other reports for relying on what he considers unreliable or Hamas-affiliated sources, while stating that CogAT maintains independent assessments and coordination on the ground. He emphasizes that Israel did not seek this war, citing previous efforts to improve Gaza's economy and infrastructure. Evacuations of civilians from combat zones are conducted with prior notice and alternative shelters, including field hospitals. Finally, he stresses that the humanitarian effort is both a moral and strategic interest for Israel, and that it continues despite immense operational complexity.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

FIDF CEO Nadav Padan is joined by Brigadier General Effie Defrin, IDF Spokesperson, to discuss the current war in Gaza and broader regional hostilities as an existential, multi-front conflict for Israel, one that will define its future for generations. He admits that October 7th marked a dramatic failure for Israel's defense establishment, but emphasizes a shift in military doctrine since then—from a strategy of containment and avoidance to one of preemption and aggression, targeting threats before they become unmanageable. Defrin describes the fight against Hamas as unprecedentedly difficult due to Hamas embedding itself in civilian infrastructure (hospitals, schools, ambulances), hostage-taking and psychological warfare (e.g., propaganda videos), and a dense, urban battlefield with a highly committed and extremist enemy. The IDF's stated goal is twofold: bring hostages home and eliminate Hamas rule in Gaza. Defrin calls accusations of deliberate starvation or war crimes propaganda, accusing Hamas of hoarding and selling humanitarian aid for profit. Defrin speaks at length about the "media battlefield", describing Hamas’ manipulation of Western media with staged images and weaponizing civilian deaths. Western expectations of Israeli morality has been exploited by Hamas. He shares an anecdote about a photo of a starving child used by international media, which was later proven to be a sick child in an Italian hospital — used falsely to accuse Israel. Defrin highlights deep strategic cooperation with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), describing it as bipartisan and personal, transcending political changes. This relationship is sssential in building regional alliances under the Abraham Accords and integrating Israel into a broader Middle Eastern defense architecture, and crucial for emergency resupply and logistics during wartime. Without it, successful joint efforts such as the recent 12-day Iran war would not be possible..Defrin pledges to uphold the IDF’s values of truth and ethical warfare, even under immense pressure.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.