BICOM's Podcast

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Eyal Zisser about the US-Iran MOU, political developments in Syria and Lebanon, Turkey’s regional ambitions, and Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbours. Professor Zisser also discusses Israel’s challenge of translating military achievements against Hezbollah and Hamas into lasting political gains. Prof. Eyal Zisser is Chair of Contemporary...

In this episode, Dan Ritterband speaks with Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman about the new Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, the US-Iran MOU, and the state of US-Israel relations. Lerman assesses Lebanon’s commitment to disarming Hezbollah and discusses the ambiguities in the US-Iran MOU, the risks to American deterrence, and the possibility of renewed escalation over Iran’s nuclear programme. Col. (...

In this episode recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Brig. Gen. (res.) Assaf Orion about the fallout from the US-Iran MOU. Orion assesses Israel’s concerns over premature sanctions relief, the absence of restrictions on Iran’s missile programme and proxy network, and the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement. He also discusses Israel’s campaign in Lebanon, Hezbollah’s degrad...

In this episode recorded during media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr Ilan Berman for a first reaction to the US-Iran ceasefire announcement and the 60-day nuclear negotiation period now ahead. Dr Berman assesses Washington’s political calculations, the pressure of energy markets and the midterm elections, and why he believes the framework currently gives Tehran the advantage. He also disc...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Roni Fantanesh Malkai about the story of Ethiopian Jews and their integration into Israeli society. Roni reflects on her family’s journey and the deep attachment to Jerusalem that sustained the community for generations. Roni Fantanesh Malkai is an Ethiopian Israeli activist, commentator and author of ‘We Are Black Jews’. Born in Ethiopia, she came to Isr...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with author and commentator Yaakov Katz about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and the wider strategic implications of the war with Hezbollah. Katz examines Hezbollah’s use of fibre-optic drones and the significance of the IDF’s return to Beaufort Castle. He also relates to the emerging competition among the candidates to be the next prime minister. Yaakov Katz is...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with veteran US official Elliott Abrams about the state of US-Iran negotiations. Abrams assesses President Trump’s approach to Iran’s nuclear programme, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and the risks of sanctions relief for Tehran. They also discuss the Trump administration’s decision-making process, the prospects for further US military action, the potenti...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Hagar Chemali about the prospects for Israel-Lebanon peace and the US-led diplomatic efforts taking place in Washington. Chemali outlines why she believes Hezbollah’s weakened position, shifting Lebanese public opinion and the Trump administration’s regional approach have created a rare opportunity for progress. Hagar also assesses Hezbollah’s current str...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Ambassador Amira Oron about Egypt’s role in the Middle East. Ambassador Oron outlines Egypt’s approach to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the Iranian issue. They also discuss Israel-Egypt relations and Turkey’s efforts to play a role in Gaza.  Ambassador Amira Oron served for three decades in Israel’s Foreign Ministry and dedicated her career to dipl...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Samer Sinijlawi about Palestinian politics. Sinijlawi outlines why he believes the recent Palestinian local elections were so significant and what the results reveal about public frustration with both Hamas and President Abbas. He outlines why reform is long overdue and must begin with a new democratic mandate. They also discuss Gaza, the disarmament of H...

in this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Professor Chuck Freilich about the fragile ceasefires with Iran and Lebanon and the current negotiations. Prof Freilich outlines Iran’s perspective on the talks and the status of their nuclear programme. They also discuss Hezbollah’s remaining capabilities as well as wider implications for US-Israel relations. Prof. Chuck Freilich is a former deputy natio...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Ilan Berman about the war with Iran, the ceasefire talks, and how Washington is thinking about what comes next. He examines the unresolved question of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and the implications for Gulf allies, NATO, and the UK-US relationship. Dr Ilan Berman is Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC...

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Koby Huberman, who reflects on how the war with Iran is influencing the thinking across the Gulf and wider region. He examines changing perceptions of Iran among Gulf leaders, the long-term challenges, and opportunities that could emerge. Koby Huberman is an Israeli high-tech veteran and business strategist. He is the co-author of the “Israeli Peace Initi...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Ahmed Al Khuzaie, who reflects on how the war with Iran is being experienced in Bahrain and across the Gulf. He examines shifting public attitudes towards Iran, the mounting concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure, the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and the role of the IRGC within Iran’s decision-making. D...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Richard Pater speaks with Dr. Eran Lerman, who assesses the achievements so far of the War with Iran, while examining the unresolved challenges around Iran’s nuclear programme and the strategic contest over control of the Strait of Hormuz. He also explores the role of the United States as an operational partner, the risks of escalation involving H...

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing, Daniel J. Levy speaks with Dr. Arash Azizi about the ongoing US–Israel campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Azizi examines the impact of leadership decapitation, including the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and why the regime has so far maintained cohesion. He also explores the limits of military pressure and the role of Ira...

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...