Welcome to The Times of Israel’s newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what’s behind the news that spins the globe.
Since US President Donald Trump’s whirlwind visit to Israel on Monday of last week, the country has welcomed a revolving roster of high-level officials visiting the Jewish state.
This week saw the arrival of Trump’s senior Middle East advisors Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance — and his wife Usha — and also US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
As their visits spur accusations that Israel is becoming a “client” or vassal state of the US, controversial MK Avi Maoz brought a bill that passed in a preliminary reading in the Knesset on Wednesday. The bill would apply Israeli sovereignty to all West Bank settlements despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and most, but not all, of his Likud party.
US officials quickly rebuked the annexation efforts in the Knesset, calling them “counterproductive” even as the Trump administration attempts to cement the recent ceasefire into a lasting peace deal.
If the US succeeds, it wouldn’t be the first time that an Israeli war was ended through US efforts. This week, Berman takes a historical look at other examples and examines the question of whether Israel is, indeed, relying on its “partner,” the US, to wind down its wars.
Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.
Check out last week’s Friday Focus:
Watch DocuNation Season 3: The Heart of Israel
when you join the ToI Community
Support The Times of Israel’s independent journalism and receive access to our documentary series, DocuNation: The Heart of Israel.
In this season of DocuNation, you can stream eight outstanding Israeli documentaries with English subtitles and then join a live online discussion with the filmmakers. The selected films show Israel beyond the conflict: a place of storytellers and musicians, of dreamers, makers, and communities rooted in meaning and trust.
When you watch DocuNation, you’re also supporting Israeli creators at a time when it’s increasingly difficult for them to share their work globally.
To learn more about DocuNation: The Heart of Israel, click here.
Support ToI and get DocuNation