Three weeks after the traumatic October 7 terrorist attacks, four hostages were released from captivity in Gaza. Two Americans, Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan were released on October 20, and on October 24, two elderly Israelis, Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were also released. The hostage issue has taken center stage, as the IDF's ground offensive is still on hold. More than 200 hostages remain in captivity, including more than 30 children and 10-20 elderly. The government's war aims and its plan for the "day after" Hamas in Gaza has also become a subject of much discussion in the media.
These issues, as well as the regional and international politics shaping the war were analyzed by our researchers in the media and with the public this week. In our ongoing effort to keep you informed with analysis on the latest developments, we have compiled an updated list of links to media and public appearances by our MDC researchers this week. Thank you for your support and interest in our work, we hope you continue to find this material informative and helpful.
Hebrew:
Prof. Eyal Zisser wrote in Israel Hayom (October 21, 2023) about the role played by Qatar in the strengthening of Hamas in Gaza.
Prof. Uzi Rabi spoke on Kan11 (October 22, 2023) about the presence of Hamas and The Islamic Jihad in the West Bank and the intention of these organizations to ignite the region; and about the connections between Iran and the Houthis in Yemen following the attempt to fire rockets from Yemen to Israel (here).
Prof. Uzi Rabi analyzed in N12 (October 24, 2023) the global map of interests in the war between Israel and Hamas.
English:
Dr. Brandon Friedman participated in The Foreign Policy Research Institute's webinar (October 19, 2023) discussing the regional impact of the Gaza War.
Dr. Harel Chorev was interviewed by CNN (October 21, 2023) discussing the future of Gaza strip.
Dr. Harel Chorev was interviewed by CBC (October 21, 2023) about the network of tunnels beneath Gaza used by Hamas and how it will affect the fighting.
Dr. Michael Milshtein was quoted in The Wall Street Journal's profile of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of October 7 attack (October 21, 2023).
Dr. Harel Chorev was interviewed by TVP World (October 22, 2023) about the Russian involvement in the Middle East.
Prof. Eyal Zisser wrote in Israel Hayom (October 22, 2023) about Israel's wrong assumptions regarding the Hamas.
Dr. Harel Chorev was interviewed by DW News (October 23, 2023) about the network of tunnels beneath Gaza and the difficulties in bombing it from air.
Dr. Michael Milshtein was interviewed by Globes (October 23, 2023) about the Israeli failure to really understand Hamas.
Dr. Michael Milshtein was interviewed by The New York Times (October 24, 2023) analyzing Hamas motives for releasing 4 hostages in the last week.
Dr. Harel Chorev was interviewed by the radio program The World (October 24, 2023) discussing the tunnels beneath Gaza used by Hamas.
Persian:
Prof. Uzi Rabi spoke on VOA Farsi (October 26, 2023) about the history, ideology, and goals of Hizballah in Lebanon.
German:
Dr. Michael Milshtein analyzes on Frankfurter Allgemeine (October 23, 2023) the possible eventualities of the prospect Israel's invasion of Gaza.
Dr. Michael Milshtein was quoted in Frankfurter Rundschau (October 24, 2023) regarding the documents which were found in field after Hamas attack and reveal Hamas plans.
French:
Prof. Bruce Maddy-Weitzman was quoted in La-Croix (October 23, 2023) regarding Morocco - Israel relationship in the context of the war in Gaza.
Spanish:
Dr. Harel Chorev was interviewed by WRadio (October 23, 2023) about the network of tunnels beneath Gaza used by Hamas.
Dr. Michael Milshtein was interviewed by DW (October 25, 2023) discussing possible scenarios for the future of the Gaza Strip.
Dr. Harel Chorev was quoted in Onda Vasca (October 25, 2023) regarding Israel's necessity to eliminate Hamas.
Prof. Uzi Rabi was interviewed by Ara (October 27, 2023) analyzing who moves the strings of Hamas.