This episode is sponsored by HOLY CHUTZPAH
https://holy-chutzpah.com/
***
It’s been three weeks since Israel resumed its ground operations in Gaza—but the mission still feels undefined. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and while the IDF maneuvers cautiously on the ground, the sense that we’re holding back our full strength lingers. At the same time, Trump is warning of an imminent strike on Iran, raising the specter of regional escalation.
Domestically, chaos reigns. The government is in crisis over allegations that senior Netanyahu aides advanced Qatari interests. The Prime Minister’s attempt to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has been blocked by the Supreme Court—an unprecedented move that could trigger a constitutional showdown. And just yesterday, a leaked recording of the Shin Bet’s head of the Jewish department revealed him boasting about arresting settlers without any evidence. In a moment where everything feels fragile—national unity, legal order, deterrence—we’re left asking: where is this all headed?
To help us think through these turbulent times, we’re joined by Dr. Ronen Shoval—a political philosopher, public intellectual, and longtime activist in Israel’s ideological landscape. He’s the Dean of the Tikvah Fund and founder of the Argaman Institute for Conservative Thought. He co-founded the influential “Im Tirtzu” movement, has taught at Princeton University, and is the author of Holiness and Society, a groundbreaking new book exploring the political theology of the Bible and its relevance to modern politics. Today, we turn to him to unpack the crisis, the philosophy behind it, and what might come next.
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This episode is sponsored by HOLY CHUTZPAH
https://holy-chutzpah.com/
***
It’s been three weeks since Israel resumed its ground operations in Gaza—but the mission still feels undefined. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and while the IDF maneuvers cautiously on the ground, the sense that we’re holding back our full strength lingers. At the same time, Trump is warning of an imminent strike on Iran, raising the specter of regional escalation.
Domestically, chaos reigns. The government is in crisis over allegations that senior Netanyahu aides advanced Qatari interests. The Prime Minister’s attempt to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has been blocked by the Supreme Court—an unprecedented move that could trigger a constitutional showdown. And just yesterday, a leaked recording of the Shin Bet’s head of the Jewish department revealed him boasting about arresting settlers without any evidence. In a moment where everything feels fragile—national unity, legal order, deterrence—we’re left asking: where is this all headed?
To help us think through these turbulent times, we’re joined by Dr. Ronen Shoval—a political philosopher, public intellectual, and longtime activist in Israel’s ideological landscape. He’s the Dean of the Tikvah Fund and founder of the Argaman Institute for Conservative Thought. He co-founded the influential “Im Tirtzu” movement, has taught at Princeton University, and is the author of Holiness and Society, a groundbreaking new book exploring the political theology of the Bible and its relevance to modern politics. Today, we turn to him to unpack the crisis, the philosophy behind it, and what might come next.
#351 - Decoding Deceit: An NSA Whistleblower’s Tale of Treachery and Tragedy (Bruce Brill)
Two Nice Jewish Boys
53 minutes 11 seconds
1 year ago
#351 - Decoding Deceit: An NSA Whistleblower’s Tale of Treachery and Tragedy (Bruce Brill)
In the quiet early hours of a crisp October morning in 1973, as soldiers on the front lines of Israel’s borders stood guard, a storm was brewing, unknown to them but clear as day to a select few in the distant corridors of the U.S. National Security Agency. Among these few was Bruce Brill, a young Arabic interpreter whose job was to listen in, analyze, and understand. That morning, the earth-shattering realization that his own team knew of the impending Arab attack, while those who needed that information the most remained in the dark, changed his life forever.
Today, Bruce joins us with his book, "Deceit of an Ally," a compelling account of military anti-Semitism, secret intelligence operations, and the Yom Kippur War treachery that nearly cost Israel dearly. His book reveals shocking insights into how misleading intelligence assessments led to a dire miscalculation, the repercussions of which are still felt today. A former NSA analyst turned Mid-East Security Analyst, Bruce has shared his unique perspectives through numerous platforms and publications, enriching our understanding of Middle Eastern dynamics and security.
Bruce’s journey from an NSA analyst to a passionate Zionist and advocate for truth in intelligence is not just the story of a man, but a reflection on the complexities of war and diplomacy. As we delve into his experiences and revelations, we connect it to the chilling parallels seen on October 7th, when Israel faced a devastating intelligence failure as Hamas launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza, catching Israel off guard. Bruce offers not just history, but lessons on the importance of clarity and honesty in intelligence and international relations. Join us as we uncover the layers of deception and the quest for truth in the shadowy world of espionage.
Bruce's book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Deceit-Ally-Military-Anti-Semitism-Treachery/dp/965930420X
Two Nice Jewish Boys
This episode is sponsored by HOLY CHUTZPAH
https://holy-chutzpah.com/
***
It’s been three weeks since Israel resumed its ground operations in Gaza—but the mission still feels undefined. Fifty-nine hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and while the IDF maneuvers cautiously on the ground, the sense that we’re holding back our full strength lingers. At the same time, Trump is warning of an imminent strike on Iran, raising the specter of regional escalation.
Domestically, chaos reigns. The government is in crisis over allegations that senior Netanyahu aides advanced Qatari interests. The Prime Minister’s attempt to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has been blocked by the Supreme Court—an unprecedented move that could trigger a constitutional showdown. And just yesterday, a leaked recording of the Shin Bet’s head of the Jewish department revealed him boasting about arresting settlers without any evidence. In a moment where everything feels fragile—national unity, legal order, deterrence—we’re left asking: where is this all headed?
To help us think through these turbulent times, we’re joined by Dr. Ronen Shoval—a political philosopher, public intellectual, and longtime activist in Israel’s ideological landscape. He’s the Dean of the Tikvah Fund and founder of the Argaman Institute for Conservative Thought. He co-founded the influential “Im Tirtzu” movement, has taught at Princeton University, and is the author of Holiness and Society, a groundbreaking new book exploring the political theology of the Bible and its relevance to modern politics. Today, we turn to him to unpack the crisis, the philosophy behind it, and what might come next.
