Netanyahu’s Gaza Folly: Power, Hostages, and a Nation at the Brink

In this impassioned episode of Tel Aviv Diary, host Marc Schulman delivers a searing critique of the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to occupy all of Gaza—a move opposed by the IDF Chief of Staff and one that Schulman warns will prolong the war, doom the remaining hostages, and deepen Israel’s isolation. He dissects Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political calculations, the influence of far-right coalition partners, and the absence of a viable “day after” plan, while reflecting on the growing divide between government actions and public will. The episode also turns to Washington, where Schulman takes aim at President Trump’s escalating tariffs, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine crusade, and environmental rollbacks. Blending sharp analysis with raw emotion, Schulman paints a sobering portrait of two governments making fateful—and, in his view, dangerously misguided—choices. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marcschulman.substack.com/subscribe