FIDF LIVE BRIEFING: Jonny Daniels, Activist, Former Senior Advisor to Deputy Ministry of Defense - 8.9.26

Lara Krinsky opens this IDF Live briefing by introducing Jonny Daniels—activist, social media journalist, former senior advisor to Israel’s Deputy Minister of Defense, and founder of From the Depths—as a trusted voice helping audiences separate facts from noise during a fast-moving war. Daniels begins by stressing his personal connection to the IDF as a former paratrooper and says the region is in a waiting period, with Iran under heavy economic pressure even if the expected kinetic action has not yet materialized. On Gaza, he is skeptical that any “Board of Peace” arrangement will truly resolve the Hamas problem, arguing that Hamas may play for time or tactical advantage but that no Israeli government will allow it to return to its pre–October 7 position. He also warns audiences to be careful in the information space, saying misinformation spreads from anti-Israel sources and even irresponsible Jewish outlets, and that people should rely on verified sources rather than doom-scrolling or chasing unconfirmed reports. Looking at the Diaspora, Daniels says Jews around the world are facing more fear and antisemitism, including in the UK, France, Canada, and Australia, but he also sees many becoming more willing to speak up publicly for Israel. He closes by describing IDF morale as very high because Israelis are literally fighting for their homeland, while emphasizing that prolonged war still takes a psychological toll and that FIDF’s support for soldiers’ well-being, PTSD care, rehabilitation, and families is essential.