BICOM's Podcast

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Sima Shine about the trajectory of the war with Iran. Sima examines the Iranian threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the implications for Gulf states and regional alliances, and the internal dynamics inside Iran as the regime works to maintain control during the conflict.  Sima Shine is a former senior official in...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Hackett about reported efforts to work with Kurdish forces against Iran. Jonathan examines the history and ambitions of different Kurdish groups and explains the mechanics of unconventional warfare. He also relates to the regional implications, and the possible outcomes of a new front opening in western Iran. Jo...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi about the threat from Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border. Speaking from the Galilee amid ongoing rocket and drone fire, Sarit assesses Hezbollah’s current capabilities, the IDF’s response across Lebanon including Beirut, and the risks of escalation due to Iranian influence. Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi is the founder and pr...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing on 3 March, Richard Pater speaks with Danny Citrinowicz about the trajectory of the campaign so far and what may come next. Citrinowicz explores the strategic logic behind targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, pressure on Gulf states, and who could become Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Danny Citrinowicz is a Senior Researcher in the Iran...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Bridget Toomey about the Iraqi militia ecosystem under the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) umbrella and the Houthis of Yemen. Toomey assesses their military capabilities and the implications for Israel, US forces, and regional stability. The discussion also examines what Iraqi militias, and the Houthis might do in the e...

In this episode, we look at Egypt’s role in the shifting post-war picture around Gaza. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Ruth Wasserman Lande. They discuss the implications of emerging plans for Gaza’s future governance, Egypt’s approach to Rafah and Sinai, and the wider regional influence of actors including Turkey and Qatar. Ruth Wasserman Lande is an Arab affairs comm...

In this episode we look at Oman. Recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Marc Sievers, former US Ambassador to Oman, about the latest indirect US–Iran nuclear talks and why Oman so often sits at the centre of regional diplomacy. Sievers explains how Oman’s distinctive relationship with Iran developed from the Sultan Qaboos era, how it shaped backchannel engagement during the J...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Rémi Daniel about Turkey’s Middle East policy. Together, they unpack President Erdoğan’s grip on power, what Turkey is trying to achieve in Syria, and how does the Kurdish question affect Ankara’s cross-border posture? The conversation also looks at Turkey’s balancing act towards Iran and what Turkey’s policy on Gaza could mean for Israel.  Dr Rémi Dan...

In this episode we focus on Bahrain. Recorded in the country’s capital, Manama, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ahmed Al Khuzaie about Bahrain’s strategic outlook, its place within the Gulf, and the regional impact of Iran’s behaviour. Drawing on Bahrain’s history, its role within the GCC, and its decision to join the Abraham Accords, the conversation examines the evolution of Bahrain–Israel relatio...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Terry Newman about Israel’s transition into what he calls the Jewish Century. Newman argues that Israel’s mainstream Jewish majority is seeking to reclaim ownership of Jewish identity, culture, and tradition from increasingly radical religious monopolies. The conversation explores how this struggle is shaping debates over democracy, national ceremonies, e...

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan Javor as they look ahead to the 2026 Knesset election. Javor who broadly reflects a right-wing perspective explains how Israeli politics has shifted towards the right and examines the electoral challenges facing Likud and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The conversation also reviews the role of the ultra-Orthodox, the prospects for Naftali Bennett and...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Paris, who outlines how Trump’s personalised diplomacy has reshaped regional dynamics. They discuss Trump’s relationships with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the new Syrian leadership. Jonathan also explains the US and Israeli strategy towards Iran and reflects on Yemen, Hezbollah, and the rise of antisemitism across Europe and the United State...

In this episode, recorded during BICOM briefing, Tal Hagin presents his VIST method for identifying AI generated misinformation, and discusses the use of AI in psychological operations and information warfare. Tal also outlines how AI-driven manipulation is reshaping conflict reporting and what can be done to counter deception with case studies from Gaza, Sudan, and Iran. Tal Hagin is an Informati...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Orna Mizrahi about where things stand a year after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, examining Hezbollah’s military recovery, the evolving Iranian role, the state of Lebanon’s political leadership, and whether a renewed round of conflict is becoming more likely. Orna Mizrahi served for 26 years in the IDF, including as an intelligence...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Jonathan Harounoff Israel’s Spokesperson to the United Nations. They discuss relations with the UK and other missions, combatting anti-Israeli prejudice including the debate over recognition of Palestinian statehood, and the next steps for the international stabilisation effort in Gaza.  Jonathan was born in London, graduated with a degree in Arabic, Pers...

In this episode, recorded live in London, Richard Pater speaks with Andrea Stricker and Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) about Iran’s nuclear, missile, and regional threat landscape five months after the Twelve-Day War and the snapback sanctions. Together, they discuss the whereabouts and condition of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stock, as well as Iran’s us...

In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Najah Alotaibi and Dr Efrat Sopher about the prospects for Saudi–Israeli normalisation following the Gaza War. They discuss how Saudi Arabia’s social and educational reforms are reshaping public attitudes toward Israel. They also relate to the growing empowerment of women and the importance of grassroots initiat...

In this episode, recorded during a BICOM media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Jonathan W. Hackett about the global reach of Iran’s intelligence and covert operations. Jonathan explains how the IRGC’s external apparatus evolved after 2009, outlines the shift from professionalised intelligence structures to more erratic and decentralised operations, and assesses the risks posed by Iranian netw...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Shiri Fein-Grossman about the evolution of the Abraham Accords on their five-year anniversary. Shiri reflects on the foundations of Israel’s normalisation with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. She outlines the mechanics that made the accords resilient through conflict and discusses the prospects for future expansion to Saud...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Lianne Pollak-David about the remaining challenges following the release of all living hostages and President Trump’s multilateral summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Lianne outlines the debate over establishing an international Arab security force in Gaza, and the regional shift toward a new “Abraham Alliance”. Lianne Pollak-Davi...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Natalie Sanandaji, a New Yorker and survivor of the Nova Festival, who recounts her harrowing experience of that morning, from waking up to the sound of rockets to escaping Hamas terrorists on foot for hours. Natalie also discusses her work with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, her efforts to build alliances between Jewish and Iranian communities, and th...

In this episode, we share a recording of a BICOM media briefing led by Richard Pater with Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi, marking one year since Operation Northern Arrows in Lebanon. Sarit delivered a detailed assessment of Hezbollah’s capacity and capabilities, Israel’s campaign to degrade the organisation, and the challenges of the post-ceasefire environment. Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi is the fo...

In this episode, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Yaakov Katz about his latest book While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East, co-authored with Amir Bohbot. They discuss the events of 7th October, the failures within Israel’s political and security establishments and the lessons Israel must draw to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring. Yaakov Katz is a jo...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Edmund Fitton-Brown about Israel’s recent strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas leaders in Doha. They discuss the effectiveness of Israel’s operations, the role of Iran, and the reaction across the Gulf. Edmund also assesses the UK’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN, its implications for counter-terrorism, and the wider diplomatic f...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky about the UK’s recent announcement on recognising a Palestinian state, the dynamics around the humanitarian aid, and the prospects for a hostage deal. Michal assesses the role of Egypt as a mediator and the challenges posed by Hamas. Dr Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky is a senior adviser and programme director at Mind Israel, an adj...