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In an unprecedented move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This is the first time the ICC has targeted leaders of a liberal Western democracy—a decision that has far-reaching implications for Israel, global justice, and democracies worldwide.
In this episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas speaks with Eugene Kontorovich, a leading authority on international law, to unpack the ICC’s motivations and explore the consequences of this decision.
Key Topics:
-The practical and political implications of these arrest warrants.
-How this decision sets a dangerous precedent for democracies fighting terrorism.
-What this means for global justice and the ICC’s credibility moving forward.
Guest Bio:
Eugene Kontorovich is the head of the International Law Department at the Kohelet Policy Forum, a Jerusalem-based think tank, and a professor at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia School of Law and the director of its Center for International Law in the Middle East. He is an expert in international and constitutional law, with over thirty academic articles published in leading law reviews and peer-reviewed journals.
Related Articles:
Why Is It OK for Everyone but Israelis to Defend Themselves?
The ICC’s Brazen Anti-Israel Bias
Already a Travesty, the ICC Eyes Charges Against Israel -
What does Zionism really mean, and why does it matter?
In this episode of Boundless Insights, we discuss the findings of a new study from Boundless that sheds light on one of the most misunderstood and debated concepts in public discourse. Despite its central role in Jewish history and identity, only one-third of people claim to know what Zionism is—and just 14% can define it correctly. These misconceptions have serious implications for public opinion, global Jewry, and the fight against rising antisemitism.
We’re back with Dr. Michael Oren—former Israeli ambassador to the United States and New York Times bestselling author—to unpack these findings, challenge misconceptions, and explore why Zionism remains as relevant as ever.
Key Topics:
-What is Zionism? We explore the meaning of Zionism, its origins, and its relevance to modern Jewish identity.
-How misunderstandings about Zionism influence public opinion and what can be done to address them.
-The Role of Education especially as we confront rising antisemitism.
-We discuss the troubling lack of recognition of antisemitic slogans and why understanding this language is critical for Jewish safety.
For more on the misunderstandings and implications of anti-Israel rhetoric, check out Ron E. Hassner’s insightful article, From Which River to Which Sea? in the Wall Street Journal.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
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In this episode of Boundless Insights, we assess the progress of the war. While Israel has seen strategic successes, such as dismantling top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah and repelling Iranian attacks, serious issues remain, including the haunting uncertainty surrounding the 101 hostages still in Gaza.
Dr. Michael Oren joins Aviva to discuss the toll of the war, from the strain on Israel’s soldiers and economy to the rekindling of internal fractures. They also touch on the question of ultra-Orthodox military service, a topic growing more urgent as reservists are stretched to their limits.
Key Topics Covered
-Assessing Israel’s military and strategic progress
-The impact of prolonged reserve duty on soldiers and families
-The economic strain and its implications for Israel's future
-Rising internal tensions around service in the IDF
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
In this episode of Boundless Insights, Aviva Klompas and Dr. Michael Oren are talking about UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Established in 1949, UNRWA has long been the subject of controversy. In October, Israel’s Knesset passed two laws restricting UNRWA’s operations. We’re talking about the implications of these laws for humanitarian aid and security in the region.
Key Topics Covered:
-UNRWA’s origins and how it differs from the UN’s other refugee agency, UNHCR.
-We break down the criticisms of UNRWA and how its policies impact the prospects for peace
-Possible paths forward, including reforming, limiting, or even disbanding UNRWA.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
In this episode of Boundless Insights, we’re talking about Donald Trump’s return to the White House and what it could mean for U.S.-Israel relations, the fight against antisemitism in America, and broader Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Host Aviva Klompas is back with Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, for a thoughtful exploration of what’s on the horizon.
Key Topics Covered:
-Predictions of what’s store for Trump’s second term, from expanding the Abraham Accords to confronting Iran
-Trump has pledged to secure the return of American hostages held by Hamas. Dr. Oren weighs in on what actions Trump might take to do so
-Will President Trump get tough on the UN again?
-With antisemitism rising on U.S. campuses, Dr. Oren discusses what steps the administration might take to ensure universities take stronger measures to protect Jewish students
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
Host Aviva Klompas and Dr. Michael Oren are discussing the harrowing events that unfolded in Amsterdam on the evening of November 7, when hundreds of Israeli soccer fans were targeted in a brutal act of antisemitic violence. The attack, which took place just two nights before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, feels like a chilling reminder of history repeating itself.
Aviva is joined by historian and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael Oren, to explore the resurgence of violent antisemitism in Europe. Together, they explore the factors driving this troubling trend and examine whether these attacks will finally serve as a wake-up call for Europe—and the world—to address the escalation of antisemitic hatred.
Whether you’re concerned about the rise in antisemitism, drawn to historical parallels, or looking for ways to support Jewish communities under threat, this episode offers valuable insights and a powerful call to action.
Key Topics Covered:
-A review of the attacks on Jews in Amsterdam and their disturbing timing before Kristallnacht’s anniversary.
- With his deep knowledge of history, Dr. Oren reflects on the parallels between this attack and past antisemitic violence, exploring how history can seem to come full circle if left unchecked.
- We discuss Israel’s swift announcement to send planes to bring Israelis home and how this response embodies Israel’s commitment to protect Jews worldwide.
-What Jewish communities need to hear to foster resilience in the face of mounting threats.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
In this episode, we delve into one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of Israel’s ongoing conflict – the plight of the hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other terrorists carried out coordinated attacks, abducting 250 people from Israel and taking them into Gaza.
These hostages include men, women, and children, as well as citizens from Israel, the U.S., Canada, Britain, and other nations. Nearly 400 days later, 101 hostages remain in Gaza, and their fate is uncertain.
Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., joins us to discuss the anguish these hostages’ families endure, the dilemmas facing Israel’s leadership, and the broader implications for Israel and the world.
Key Topics Covered:
-Can Israel realistically hope to bring all the hostages home? Dr. Oren discusses the challenges of both military and diplomatic solutions.
-With only a few hostages freed through military operations, we explore the balance between military action and diplomacy.
-Any agreement to release the hostages would demand profound sacrifices. Dr. Oren weighs in on the difficult question: What price should Israel be prepared to pay? And how does Israel balance the immediate needs of hostage families with long-term national security?
-Yahya Sinwar, a key orchestrator of the October 7 attack, played a central role in Hamas’s negotiations but was killed by the IDF. Who, if anyone, remains to negotiate with and what obstacles does this pose for Israel?
-The abduction of American citizens on October 7 raises critical questions about global response and accountability. What message does a muted response send to terrorists, and what does it mean for the safety of American citizens worldwide
Tune in for a conversation that sheds light on the human, political, and strategic challenges Israel faces in bringing its people home.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
As the United States gears up for its next presidential election, what’s at stake for the future of US-Israel relations?
Aviva Klompas is back with Dr. Michael Oren - historian, diplomat, and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States - to explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on America’s role in the Middle East and its partnership with Israel.
Together, we discuss how US foreign policy could shift depending on the election outcome, the evolving nature of bipartisan support for Israel, and how the rest of the Middle East is making calculations based on the U.S. election.
Key Topics Covered:
- How the US election will shape foreign policy in the Middle East.
- The future of bipartisan support for Israel.
- The role of the US as a global leader and what’s at stake in the Middle East.
- How the Israel-Hamas war and antisemitism factors into voter priorities.
Aviva’s article in Newsweek on America’s reckoning with antisemitism:
https://www.newsweek.com/time-reckoning-antisemitism-us-opinion-1976924
Boundless research on the impact of October 7 and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war on young Jewish Americans: https://boundlessisrael.org/young-american-jews
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
In the inaugural episode of Boundless Insights, host Aviva Klompas sits down with Dr. Michael Oren to discuss the long-standing threat Iran poses to Israel and the broader Middle East.
When we recorded this episode, Israel had not yet responded to Iran’s recent barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty. Just hours later, Israel launched a significant strike, reportedly sending 100 planes over 1,000 miles to strike Iranian military sites.
Despite the fast-moving developments, this conversation remains as relevant as ever. Dr. Oren shares his expert insights into the enduring tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as the West’s ongoing attempts to placate the Iranian regime.
The episode also delves into the leak of classified U.S. documents outlining Israel’s planned attack. Dr. Oren, with his extensive diplomatic and security experience, sheds light on the potential implications of this breach.
Key Topics:
- Iran’s shadowy role in the Middle East and its support of terrorist groups.
- The West’s reluctance to confront Iran directly, and how the 2015 Iran Deal set a -dangerous precedent for appeasement.
- Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons
- Iran’s efforts to build an Axis of Resistance alongside Russia and China
- The leak of top-secret U.S. military documents concerning Israel
For more on Israel’s recent retaliation, check out Dr. Oren’s Times of Israel article:
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/game-ender-or-game-changer/
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/ -
We’re excited to introduce Boundless Insights, a new podcast designed to inform, engage, and connect you with current events and significant topics affecting Israel and American Jewish communities.
Each week, Boundless co-founder Aviva Klompas will be joined by Dr. Michael Oren for conversations that help make sense of the headlines. From Israel’s security challenges to the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations, we’ll offer thoughtful analysis and insights.
Additionally, once a month, Boundless co-founder Dr. Rachel Fish will host a special episode that dives deeper into an issue of central importance to American Jewry – providing in-depth analysis and new perspectives.
Whether you're catching up on the latest developments or seeking a deeper understanding of critical issues, our goal is to serve as a trusted source of information while giving you the tools to start conversations of your own.
Learn more about Boundless: https://boundlessisrael.org/
