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Israel Update

Tablet Studios
Israel
Iran
Hamas
United States
Hezbollah
Gaza
Netanyahu
Donald Trump
Biden Administration
IDF
Netanyahu Government
Hostage Negotiations
Prime Minister Netanyahu
Lebanon
Turkey
Middle East
Benjamin Netanyahu
Gaza Strip
Trump Administration
Supreme Court Of Israel

This is the audio version of Israel Update. Israel Update is a video podcast hosted by Israeli historian and political commentator Gadi Taub and Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. The show offers news from the ground as well as an unparalleled insider perspective on the war.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes90Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentPoliticsNews

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Artwork for Israel Update

Latest Episodes

Iran is bleeding out under the naval blockade, suffering more pain than most reporters allow. Mike and guest host Tamir Morag, diplomatic correspondent for Israel’s Channel 14, discuss the real options on the table.

Also in this episode: what a deal... more

Don’t let the press fool you: the massive economic pressure is having a huge effect, and it will continue. Mike and Gadi discuss – and rank by likelihood – the different possible outcomes.

Meanwhile high-ranking Israeli officials have been taunting ... more

It’s that time of the cycle when everything is judged by its possible influence on the coming October 2026 elections. Mike and Gadi discuss Netanyahu’s health, the Oct. 7 not-yet-appointed Commission of Inquiry, and the new political party formed by ... more

There are several possible developments moving forward on Iran: an improved version of a JCPOA; a resumption of hostilities; or a continuation of the current situation with economic pressure grinding down the Islamic Republic. The US can afford to wa... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Tamir Morag
Diplomatic correspondent for Channel 14, a right-wing Israeli news outlet
Channel 14
Episode: Iran Buckles Under Blockade
Zineb Ribois
Analyst referenced in discussion
Episode: The Likely Scenarios
Zineb Riboua
Hudson Institute colleague invited to discuss China angle and Arab reactions to the war
Hudson Institute
Episode: It's the Economy, Habibi!
Jen Murtazashvili
Professor and Fulbright Fellow in Israel; author of pieces on discourse around Israel
University (Pittsburgh) / Fulbright in Israel
Episode: The Politics Behind the "Settler Violence" Campaign
Tommy Robinson
A political activist known for his controversial views on Islam and immigration
Episode: Tommy Robinson in Israel
Erez Winner
Brigadier General in Reserve and former Chief of Operational Planning in the Southern Command
Episode: IU Special – How Israel Can Win In Gaza
Melanie Phillips
British journalist and author
Author of The Builder's Stone
Episode: IU Special: How Jews and Christians Can Save the West - with Author Melanie Phillips
Dan Schueftan
Professor and political analyst
Episode: IU SPECIAL: Schueftan vs. Doran on Turkey
Brooke Goldstein
Lawyer and head of The Lawfare Project
The Lawfare Project
Episode: The Lawfare Project: Protecting the Rights of Jews

Hosts

Mike Doran
Co-host and analyst with Hudson Institute background; deep knowledge of U.S. defense and diplomacy, often provides strategic framing and policy context.
Gadi Taub
Historian and commentator; primary Israeli perspective on strategic and political developments, frequently discusses Israeli politics and regional diplomacy.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 197 ratings
  • Banter

    Please don’t stop the “rabbit hole,” digression banter. I get enough “real” news about Israel from multiple other sources. I appreciate your expertise and look forward to your informational takes on current events, but it’s the banter that keeps me coming back. Keeps me laughing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MD, MBA in IN
    United States2 months ago
  • Informative and witty

    Two of the most brilliant commentators on the Israeli scene

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    moshe mayer
    United States8 months ago
  • Fun

    I love these guys. So refreshing after having to suffer the legacy media on Israel

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    am a mamamamam
    United States9 months ago
  • Great show!

    I just found you today and I love the show so far! Thank you for making this! I am now a follower! Love from Sweden ❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bjorn Tir
    Sweden9 months ago
  • Great insight into what's really going on here in Israel.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    RabbiEitan
    10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Banter keeps heavy topics engaging without sacrificing depth.
Analytical, insightful host pairing; deep knowledge base feels uniquely credible.
Audience appreciates the nuanced take on U.S.-Israel diplomacy and regional actors.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#119
Israel/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#123
Sweden/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#239
Chile/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Iran Buckles Under Blockade
Q: What are the dominant scenarios for the Iran-Gulf crisis and which path is more damaging?
The guests discuss escalating military action versus maintaining the status quo with the blockade, arguing that the blockade plus escalation could be more damaging to Iran, while a pure escalation could still backfire if it leads to a broader regional war.
It's the Economy, Habibi!
Q: Can you explain that argument, Zineb?
Zineb Riboua explains that China's long-term strategy in the Middle East leverages energy ties and Belt and Road, positioning Beijing to influence Gulf security and to counter US influence by building a parallel, multilateral framework that is increasingly integrated with regional actors.
Has Trump Turned his Back on Israel?
Q: Has Trump turned his back on Israel?
There are concerns that various decisions made by the Trump administration indicate a lack of coordination with Israel, leading to a perception that Israel's importance has been downgraded.
At the JNS Summit: Netanyahu vs. Edward Said + Gadi's Family Bio
Q: What needs to be done to right the ship for Israel's future in terms of governance?
To strengthen democracy, we must empower the Knesset, limit the powers of the court, and ensure accountability for government officials, while also promoting a constructive national identity.
At the JNS Summit: Netanyahu vs. Edward Said + Gadi's Family Bio
Q: How have we come to the point where the legal system is basically a proxy for a culture war?
The left has shifted its center of political action from electoral politics to non-elected bodies, resulting in a conflict where a small group of unelected judges holds significant power over elected officials.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Israel Update

What is Israel Update about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program combines sharp, insider-focused analysis of Israeli security and regional geopolitics with a strong, banter-driven dynamic between two seasoned commentators. Episodes consistently cover Israel's domestic politics, U.S. and European policy, and the broader Middle East theater—particularly Iran, sanctions, and strategic alignments among Gulf states. The show often stitches together on-the-ground reporting, strategic assessments, and high-level diplomacy, making it a go-to for listeners who want both depth and a candid conversational style. A notable edge is the dual-host pairing that blends American defense expertise with deep Israeli political insight, offering nuanced takes alongside accessible banter that keeps complex topics ... more

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How many subscribers and views does Israel Update have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Israel Update?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Israel Update:

1. The Tikvah Podcast
2. Ask Haviv Anything
3. What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead
4. Call Me Back - with Dan Senor
5. What Matters Now

How many episodes of Israel Update are there?

Israel Update launched 2 years ago and published 90 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Israel Update?

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What guests have appeared on Israel Update?

Recent guests on Israel Update include:

1. Tamir Morag
2. Zineb Ribois
3. Zineb Riboua
4. Jen Murtazashvili
5. Tommy Robinson
6. Erez Winner
7. Melanie Phillips
8. Dan Schueftan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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