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In the latest episode of The Jerusalem Dispatch, hosts Ruth Marks Eglash, editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Report, and journalist and news anchor Calev Ben-David, discuss the ongoing geopolitical dynamics surrounding Israel, Iran, and the United States. Their conversation revolves around the recent diplomatic discussions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.
Eglash reflects on how Netanyahu’s visit to Washington revealed that Israel did not receive the desired approval from the US for military action against Iran. Instead, President Trump emphasized a diplomatic path to resolve tensions.
While Netanyahu’s initial visit suggested a potential military strike, the lack of a press briefing following the meeting pointed to a shift in strategy, with Trump advocating for negotiations rather than direct confrontation.
The hosts delve into the complexity of addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its missile program, and support for regional proxies like Hezbollah. They highlight the challenge of enforcing any comprehensive deal with Iran, noting that while the nuclear issue is critical, addressing Iran's broader influence in the region remains a daunting task.
Shifting to relations between Israel and diaspora
The discussion shifts to the impact of October 7 on Israeli-diaspora relations. Ruth discusses the divide between Israelis and Jews in the diaspora, exacerbated by differing perspectives on political issues like Israel's judicial reforms and the conduct of the Gaza war.
Both hosts note the rise in antisemitism following October 7 and the sense of solidarity that followed, but they also acknowledge the generational and ideological gaps that persist, particularly among younger Jews.
They conclude by reflecting on the future of Jewish unity and media coverage of Israel, touching on the changing dynamics of foreign news reporting, particularly with the closure of The Washington Post's Jerusalem Bureau. Despite challenges, the hosts remain optimistic that Israel’s cultural influence and connections to the Diaspora can continue to grow.