Gil Hoffman takes you behind the scenes into the conflict between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and progressive Jews from the Diaspora over the fate of egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall and a bill that would define Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Would Netanyahu prefer to help the ultra-Orthodox over Diaspora Jews from around the world? Gil explains all sides in a dispute that reflects the complexity and beauty of Israeli democracy.

Gil Hoffman gives an insider’s look into the exciting events at the Knesset Monday night, when MKs advanced a bill that could draft yeshiva students and passed a law that removes funding for the Palestinian Authority that is given to terrorists and their families. He explains the potential impact of each bill and whether one could be a first step to elections and the other to Middle East peace. Along the way, he talks about the vibrancy of Israeli democracy, where there is never a dull moment.

Gil Hoffman interviews Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, president of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, the longest serving chief executive of any Jewish Federation in North America, who is leaving his post after 40 years in the top role and 48 years with the organization. During his tenure, JUF has grown to be one of the largest non-profit social service organizations in the country. Gil talks to him about the past and future of Israel, the US Jewish community, and the relationship between the two.

Gil Hoffman speaks to the “Sports Rabbi,” Josh Halickman, about the World Cup and why even though Israel has not made the tournament since 1970, people who love the Jewish state should be watching. Halickman, who is an expert on Israeli sports, explains why Israel has not had much success in the most popular sport among its people.
Gil then speaks about the ongoing divide between Israelis and young, progressive American Jews and why the choice of a new chairman of the Jewish Agency in the week ahead could be the key to either solving or deepening the problem.

Gil Hoffman interviews the top print journalist in Israel, Ariel Kahana the new diplomatic correspondent of the highest circulation Hebrew newspaper, Israel Hayom. Kahana speaks to The Land of Israel Network live from rainy Paris, where he is accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a tour of three European capitals. Hoffman and Kahana speak about Netanyahu’s chances of persuading European leaders to pull out of the controversial Iranian nuclear deal, whether Netanyahu really supports the creation of a Palestinian state, and about the predictions that Israel would be shunned by the international community that have been proven false.

Gil Hoffman interviews Sarah Weiss Ma’udi, director of the General International Law Department at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Weiss Ma’udi represents Israel in matters of maritime law; water law; international borders; international law relating to natural gas and oil; the recognition of states; Israeli domestic sanctions policies regarding Iran; and Israeli policies with its neighbors. In the interview, she describes her efforts defending Israel’s actions in Gaza to the world and why winning a legal battle can be more frustrating and time consuming than an instant but fleeting PR victory on CNN. “There is no instant gratification in international law,” she laments. Weiss Ma’udi also tells the untold stories about how Israel is helping 3rd world countries and perhaps changing stereotypes around the world about the Jewish state.

The Left is not treasonous and Zionism is part of my identity, Zionist Union MK Merav Michaeli says in an interview with Gil Hoffman. She blames the poor reputation of the Left on incitement by its political opponents. She says she is optimistic that the Left’s image can be repaired. She says the Left stands for promoting peace, equality and democracy and there is still hope if strengthening all three. She says she is happy that the US is moving its embassy to Jerusalem and hopes Donald Trump will reach the ultimate deal between Israel and the Palestinians.