Decision Points

A Washington Institute podcast on key moments in Israel's history and present. Season 6 of the podcast dives into the Gaza war and explores the long-term implications for Israel, U.S.-Israel relations, and the Middle East.

A soldier places a cigarette into the mouth of a Virgin Mary statue in Debel, southern Lebanon, in a photo circulated online on May 6, 2026. (Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Decision Points

Christianity under pressure? Israel’s interfaith crisis

May 7, 2026

Yaakov speaks with JPPI’s Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal about the growing strain on Jewish-Christian relations in Israel and the disappearance of meaningful interfaith dialogue.

IDF troops operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout photo issued on May 2, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

Decision Points

Can Israel and Lebanon move from war to diplomacy?

May 3, 2026

Lebanese lawmaker Fouad Makhzoumi, Israeli analyst Sarit Zehavi, and Middle East expert Robert Satloff to unpack what’s at stake--and what’s possible-- in Lebanon.

The Dubai skyline with the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper (R) is pictured as a smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates, on March 16, 2026. (AFP)

Decision Points

Is the Iran War bringing Israel and the UAE closer together?

April 5, 2026

Emirati officials says that their confrontation with Iran will strengthen ties with Israel, but if the regime emerges from the war intact, they may take a warier stance.

A flag of Hezbollah flutters at the site of destroyed buildings following airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs of Ghobeiry neighborhood, on March 5, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Decision Points

The Iran War’s Second Front: Israel vs. Hezbollah

March 22, 2026

As the Iran war shakes the region, Hezbollah fires into Israel, and Israel strikes Hezbollah across Lebanon. We break down Israeli objectives for disarming the Iran-backed militia.

A young Palestinian boy holds up a portrait of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during a rally in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on October 18, 2024. (John Wessels/AFP)

Decision Points

Post-Sinwar: Hostages, Succession & Thwarting Hamas Revival

November 4, 2024

We explore the implications of Sinwar's death on Hamas's internal politics and what it could mean for Israel’s next steps in the conflict.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP)

Decision Points

Trump & Harris senior advisors contrast visions for US Mideast policy

October 28, 2024

Tom Nides and Victoria Coates join David Makovsky to discuss Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’s positions on U.S. policy in the Middle East