Israel Undiplomatic

Japan faces growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea yet it remains reluctant to embrace one of the world's most battle-tested security partners: Israel. Ruthie Blum and Mark Regev explore the surprising history of Japan-Israel relations, from Tokyo’s rapid recognition of the Jewish state after World War II to decades of diplomatic distance driven by dependence on Arab oil. Broadcasting from Japan, Regev reveals how economic interests, Japanese pacifism and the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki continue to shape Tokyo’s attitude toward Israel, even as Japan faces growing threats from China, Russia and nuclear-armed North Korea. The hosts also examine Japan’s criticism of Israel following October 7 and the possibility of a major diplomatic breakthrough under its new leadership. With Israel proving its military and technological capabilities against Iran and its proxies, could Japan finally recognize that a stronger alliance with the Jewish state is essential to its own security?

A terrorist pilot nearly turned a passenger jet into a weapon, but the security failures that put him in the cockpit may be the most disturbing part of the story.  In this episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum unpack the extraordinary FlyDubai attack and the growing questions over how an allegedly radicalized pilot who had previously faced problems elsewhere was allowed to fly a plane bound for Israel. Three years after October 7, they ask whether Israel has truly learned the lessons of that devastating security failure and examine how dramatically the battlefield has changed since then. From Hamas fighting for survival to Israelis returning in growing numbers to communities along the Gaza border, Regev and Blum argue that the story of the past three years is not only one of tragedy, but also of a country that has fundamentally changed the balance against its enemies.

Europe is turning up the pressure on Israel, but are Ireland and the Netherlands applying standards they wouldn’t use anywhere else? Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum expose the contradictions and growing tensions behind Europe’s increasingly hostile approach to the Jewish state. From Ireland’s protests against Israel in international sports to Dutch restrictions on Israeli products, the two examine how relations have deteriorated, and why Israel may no longer be willing to simply absorb the criticism. They also dig into Europe’s complicated history with the Jewish people and ask what’s really driving this dramatic shift against Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN speech wasn’t just aimed at the diplomats sitting in the room...Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum argue some of its most important messages were meant for President Trump, Iran and Israelis watching back home. In this special episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", the hosts break down Netanyahu’s arguments about Judea and Samaria, Gaza and the history behind Israel’s territorial disputes, before examining what those arguments could mean for Israeli policy going forward. They also unpack Netanyahu’s praise for Trump over the war with Iran and the theatrical Starlink stunt aimed directly at the Iranian delegation, before tackling his response to accusations of genocide in Gaza. Finally, they explain why Netanyahu’s call for Jews around the world to “raise your head high” may have been one of the most consequential messages of the entire speech.

World leaders took aim at Israel from the UN stage, but Mark Regev and Ruthie Bloom say their arguments ignore the security reality Israel faces on the ground. In this episode of "Israel Undiplomatic", the hosts take on Emmanuel Macron’s claims about Judea and Samaria, including his assertion that Hamas was not operating there and examine what they see as a growing disconnect between European rhetoric and Israel’s experience with terrorism. They also dissect King Abdullah’s fresh accusations against Israel, while debating a complicated question: Why should Israel tolerate harsh public criticism from Jordan when the two countries maintain vital security cooperation behind the scenes? From France’s deteriorating relationship with Israel to the widening gap between what Arab governments say publicly and privately, this episode exposes the diplomatic battle unfolding around Israel at the UN.