Asher Fredman discussed the challenge of disarming Hamas, stating that the proposed International Stabilization Force and Palestinian police are highly unlikely to succeed in disarming Hamas, requiring Israel to set a firm deadline (one to three months) for progress before taking unilateral action. Additionally, he asserted that
Turkey’s current leadership opposes Hamas׳ disarmament and will likely support the group under the guise of reconstruction.

He also praised Israel’s move to redefine weapons smuggling via drones across the Egyptian border as a national security and terrorist threat.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on November 6, 2025.

https://youtu.be/QiAJwkk1UYA

Prof. Kobi Michael arguing three main points in his interview. First, he asserts that Hamas is intentionally playing games and manipulating the process concerning the bodies of the dead hostages to waste time, allowing them to reconstitute themselves militarily and politically since they do not intend to leave the Gaza Strip. Second, he insists that the idea of exchanging 200 militants for the body of Adar Goldin is a “red line” that Israel must not tolerate, as it would violate existing agreements and set a dangerous precedent; he stressed that terrorists must only be given the option to surrender or be killed. Finally, he suggests that the IDF must resume military fighting in western Gaza until full demilitarization is achieved, as Hamas will not dismantle itself voluntarily, while a gradual governance mechanism begins operating in the eastern part.

The full interview took place on ILTV on November 5, 2025.

https://youtu.be/TLdrSY3cZVQ

Dr. Raphael Ben-Levy argues that Israel is making a fatal mistake in calling for peace with undefeated enemies and must return to its earlier, successful realist security doctrine, which was largely abandoned starting in the late 1980s. This doctrine, which led to great successes for the first four decades of the state, rests on three core pillars: achieving decisive victory in every round of war fighting as a prerequisite for peace, adopting a tactically offensive approach (including preemption and taking territory), and maintaining complete self-reliance rather than depending on foreign forces like UNIFIL. While Israel appears to have returned to this offensive approach in the northern sector by maintaining buffer zones and acting preemptively, Ben Levy warns that a decisive victory has not yet been achieved against Hamas in Gaza, and Israel should be skeptical of relying on any international force to disarm the organization.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on November 3, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael:Israel does not favor the idea of internationalization of its security needs. In this case, Israel will benefit from the outcome of internationalization of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas intransigence might lead to Israel returning to war in the sections of Gaza still under its control.

The full interview appears in The Christian Science Monitor on November 3, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael: Although this appointment is temporary – lasting 90 days with the option of extension – everyone understands that free elections are unlikely anytime soon. Once Hussein al-Sheikh stays beyond the 90 days, he will remain there for a long time. So, I’m not sure Barghouti’s release would ultimately change much on the Palestinian scene. After so many years of glorifying his image, it would be politically difficult for any Israeli government to justify releasing him.

Published in MBN, October 30, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael: This move is in line with Hamas’ DNA. They will do whatever it takes to buy time to reestablish their hold on Gaza and exhaust Trump and Israel.

Whoever believes that Hamas will in any way cooperate with Trump’s plan and will voluntarily disarm while giving up its influence on reshaping Gaza is not reading the reality correctly. He added that the longer the first phase drags, the more Hamas gains time to reinsert operatives and reassert control.

We are nearing the point where Trump will also lose patience. Everyone will then understand that only the IDF can disarm Hamas. Once Trump realizes Hamas is disrupting his larger regional plans, he will allow Israel to operate militarily. The US president has threatened Hamas with obliteration if it fails to adhere to the deal, a warning echoed by Israeli leaders after the latest breach.

Israel will now try to make its case and gain legitimacy by getting the support of all those who backed the plan, in order to allow Israeli forces to operate militarily to completely disarm Gaza, at least in the northern part of the territory.

Published in The Media Line, October 29, 2025.

Noa Lazimi provides an in depth analysis of the interests that Qatar and Turkey have in Gaza and how those interests may conflict with the goals of the US and Israel. She then talks about the emerging threat of a Turkish attack on Israel and how the geopolitical landscape needs to adapt to the new power struggles in the Middle East.

Recorded as part of an IDSF briefing on October 28, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael contends that Israel must retaliate very aggressively, even disproportionally, to the ongoing violations committed by Hamas. He explains that if Israel fails to be strict and determined, it risks shaping a reality very similar to the one that existed until October 7th, which will likely result in much more severe violations in the future. Therefore, Michael stresses the critical need for very well and deep coordination with the United States, particularly with President Trump, to ensure the rules of the game are truly changed, build legitimacy for Israeli actions, and remain sensitive to American interests.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on October 28, 2025.

Prof. Kobi Michael expresses serious doubt that Hamas is taking President Trump’s ultimatum seriously, believing they are secured by Qatar and Turkey and are using the issue of dead hostages’ bodies as manipulation to waste time. Although he considers the overall US plan fantastic for Israel as it ensures ultimate victory and the achievement of all war objectives, he warns against the influence of Turkish and Qatari “political boots on the ground”, and predicts Hamas will likely fail to comply, requiring Israel to resume military operations, as the IDF is the only entity capable of dismantling Hamas.

The full interview took place on ILTV on October 26, 2025.

Asher Fredman discusses the complex geopolitical situation involving Saudi Arabia, Gaza, and other regional actors. He asserts that the Saudis are unhappy with the Qatari role in Gaza, understand Hamas’s true nature well, and want a new U.S.-led strategy to prevent Hamas from once again destabilizing the region.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on October 23, 2025.