Off the Record

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, but inside Israel, the reaction has been anything but calm. From growing public anger to concerns over U.S. influence on Israeli security decisions, this moment is exposing deeper tensions about sovereignty, strategy, and what comes next.At the same time, a potentially historic shift is unfolding: a possible direct channel between Israel and Lebanon, brokered at the highest levels.Joining us is Jonathan Elkhoury, a political commentator with a unique personal story, born in Lebanon and now living in Israel, who brings critical insight into Hezbollah, Lebanese politics, and what this moment could mean for the region.Is this ceasefire a pause… or the start of a larger realignment?

After 21 hours of high-stakes negotiations in Pakistan, U.S.–Iran talks have ended with no deal — and major questions remain.In this episode of Off The Record, Zina Rakhamilova breaks down the latest developments, from Iran’s refusal to disavow its nuclear program to the ongoing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for 20% of global energy.We also examine the role of Hezbollah in ceasefire talks, Israel’s Operation Eternal Darkness, and whether any real military objectives have been achieved.Joining the show is Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former U.S. Treasury terrorism finance analyst, to unpack:The gap between U.S. and Iranian demandsWhether the ceasefire can actually holdWhat “decimating Hezbollah” would realistically look likeWhere U.S. and Israeli interests may divergeThe strategic implications of targeting infrastructure like bridges and power plantsAs the region stands at a crossroads, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to examine what comes next.🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered analysis from Israel.📲 Follow Zina for updates: @itsmezina__

Tucker Carlson flew into Israel for just a few hours to interview U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, framing the conversation as “America’s Toxic Relationship With Israel.”But what actually happened in that nearly three-hour sit-down?In this episode of Off The Record, we break down the most outrageous moments of the interview — from conspiracy-laced insinuations to the dual loyalty trope and misleading claims about minorities in the Middle East.Then we’re joined by Shadi Khalloul, an Israeli Aramaic Christian Maronite, former IDF lieutenant, and Chairman of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association, who invited Tucker to meet Israel’s Christian community during his visit. He never received a response.So what’s the real story about Christian life in Israel?And what happens when narratives replace reality?Watch the full breakdown.

More than two years after October 7, the questions still haven’t gone away.In this episode of Off The Record, Zina Rakhamilova sits down with journalist and author Yaakov Katz, whose latest book While Israel Slept examines the intelligence failures, political decisions, and strategic miscalculations that led to Hamas’ devastating attack.We discuss:* The intelligence assessments that said Hamas was “deterred”* The newly released 55-page document from Prime Minister Netanyahu* Why there is still no official state commission of inquiry* Internal divisions in Israel and their impact on deterrenceWas October 7 a failure of intelligence? Of leadership? Or of strategy?Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself.#Israel #October7 #Hamas #MiddleEast #Security #Politics

Welcome to another episode of Off The Record with your host, Zina Rakhamilova. This week, we unpack the escalating tensions in Iran—from mysterious explosions in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz to the stalled negotiations over the nuclear program.Joining us is Janatan Sayeh, research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who shares insight into Iran’s domestic unrest, regional influence, and what Washington and Tehran’s next moves might mean for global security.

Thirty days into nationwide protests, Iran has entered its third week of a near-total internet blackout. With independent verification impossible, the true scale of the regime’s crackdown remains unclear, as reports point to mass shootings, executions, and falsified hospital records.In this episode of Off the Record, we break down the latest developments inside Iran, rising tensions with the U.S., and new reporting that Washington is compiling evidence against regime figures involved in the violence. We also examine the role of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, and what international action could mean going forward.We’re joined by Travis Hawley, former U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst, to help unpack what may come next as uncertainty continues to grow.They explore the pressing issues shaping Israel, the United States, and their bilateral relationship, including the rise of woke political voices on both the right and left, the dynamics of military aid dependence, and what a secure future might look like for the two democracies as they work to safeguard Western ideals.

In this episode of Off The Record, we examine the devastating crackdown on protesters in Iran and what it means for the country’s future. Zina Rakhamilova is joined by political commentator Sarah Raviani to confront some of the most difficult questions surrounding Iran today. Together, they cut through the noise to discuss the key issues, the human cost of the regime’s actions, and where Iran may be headed next.

On this episode of Off The Record, Zina Rakhamilova sits down with Or Shaked, U.S. Correspondent for Israel Hayom, Israel’s most widely read daily newspaper. They explore the pressing issues shaping Israel, the United States, and their bilateral relationship, including the rise of woke political voices on both the right and left, the dynamics of military aid dependence, and what a secure future might look like for the two democracies as they work to safeguard Western ideals.

In this episode of Off The Record, Zina Rakhamilova breaks down the week that shook the world, from massive protests in Iran demanding freedom to the dramatic U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Venezuela. We explore the implications for Israel, the U.S., and global security, cutting through the headlines to uncover what really matters. Join us for an unfiltered discussion on power, resistance, and the fight for justice.

On today’s episode of Off The Record, we discuss former hostage Romi Gonen’s first public interview about her captivity in Gaza, her testimony of sexual assault and harassment she faced in captivity and the global accountability gap surrounding October 7.