BONUS EPISODE: Israel Situational Update with Lt. Col (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus delivers a stark yet measured assessment of the Middle East's current state, emphasizing that despite military gains, Israel remains far from achieving lasting peace. In Gaza, he describes a devastated landscape where Hamas still controls part of the territory, and no meaningful de-radicalization or disarmament has occurred—setting the stage for another inevitable conflict after the Israeli elections. On Lebanon, he highlights rare but promising shifts: Lebanese leaders now openly denounce Hezbollah as a foreign agent, and grassroots Arab voices are expressing a desire for peace with Israel. Yet, he warns that political will and action remain inconsistent. Regarding Iran, Conricus argues that the regime’s global image is inflated by propaganda, while internal dissent is growing and could one day lead to its downfall—though external support for that movement remains uncertain. He concludes with a powerful call to the diaspora: anti-Semitism isn’t disappearing, so Jews must strengthen their communities, institutions, and global influence to survive and thrive. He also critiques Israel’s underinvestment in diplomacy and strategic communication, calling the international media environment a rigged 'away game' where Israel is unfairly scrutinized and systematically disadvantaged.