Notes from Substack Clarity.
Opinion
A personal reflection on the reunification of Israel’s most sacred city — and why its lovers everywhere must continue to celebrate it.
Growing up at a time when Jerusalem was divided by minefields and barbed wire, and serving the state during the decades in which no country — not even the United States — recognized the city as our capital, I’ll never take Jerusalem Day for granted. And neither should the lovers of Israel everywhere. Together we must celebrate the reunification of our most sacred city.
Originally published at Clarity with Michael Oren on Substack.
Media Briefing: Strategic Outlook & Diplomatic Relations Analysis by Ambassador Michael Oren | Vimeo Executive Summary In this briefing, Ambassador Michael Oren provides a comprehensive analysis of current geopolitical dynamics, addressing the critical intersection of diplomatic strategy, regional security challenges, and the ongoing trajectory of international alliances. Diplomatic Relations: Examining the evolving partnerships and strategic…
Media Briefing: Middle East Diplomacy and Security Challenges Analysis by Ambassador Michael Oren Executive Summary In this insightful analysis, Ambassador Michael Oren evaluates the evolving security dynamics in the Middle East, examining the intersection of diplomatic negotiations, regional alliances, and necessary defense strategies required to maintain stability. Diplomatic Relations: Exploring the current state of U.S.-Israel…
Beyond the Precipice: A Hinge of History Analysis by Ambassador Michael Oren | Commentary & Perspective Executive Summary In this comprehensive strategic evaluation, Ambassador Michael Oren outlines a permanent change in the geopolitical and social reality facing Israel and the global Jewish community. From the unprecedented military-intelligence shifts of October 7 to the structural shifts…
Interview Summary: Michael Oren on Fox News (May 1, 2026) Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren discusses the escalating regional tensions and the strategic challenges posed by Iran. Key Discussion Points: Preemptive Threats: Analysis of why Iran may take the first move as its regional proxies face increasing pressure. Nuclear Proliferation: The critical necessity of neutralizing…
Michael Oren argues that Iran is behaving irrationally in the current crisis, lying about its capabilities and using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage even as its own economy nears a breaking point, and he supports a tough U.S. and Israeli stance including the naval blockade as a way to “dry out” both the regime…
In this segment, Ambassador Michael Oren outlines Israel’s skeptical stance regarding the recent leadership transition in Iran. He emphasizes that a change in faces does not necessarily signal a shift in the regime’s core ideology, noting that the influence of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) might even result in a more hardline, “military junta”…
The segment discusses controversy surrounding Abdul El-Sayed after leaked audio revealed his cautious response to the reported death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. El-Sayed emphasized sensitivity toward communities in Dearborn who might be affected and avoided celebrating the death, while also questioning the legality and justification of unilateral international actions. In response, Michael Oren…
econd issue. Was this about the President of the United States believing he needed to do this for his own and his country’s 00:00 interests, or was he talked into it by his buddy Bibi? Somebody who knows the answer to both, former Israeli 00:07 ambassador to the US, Mr. Michael Oren. I spent a…
Khamenei’s death can be traced back to Yahya Sinwar’s decision to launch the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, writes Michael Oren. (Illustration by The Free Press) Officially, at least, the war against Iran began on Saturday, February 28, at 1:15 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. In reality, though, Operation Epic Fury of the United States…
With new developments breaking on that front, we take you live to Tel Aviv and former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren. Ambassador, thank you for joining us. According to Iran’s state media, the senior Iranian cleric Javadi Amoli says that shedding the blood of Israelis and Trump is what is required of, quote,…
Michael Oren, speaking live from Tel Aviv, is interrupted by an active missile attack siren and confirms that missiles are incoming while his family shelters in a safe room, but he chooses to continue the interview. The host notes simultaneous reports of loud blasts in Dubai and mentions ongoing interceptions of Iranian missiles and drones…
Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, joins CNN’s Kaitlan Collins for special coverage on Israel’s latest strikes against Iranian targets and the escalating regional conflict. He discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated intention to intensify military operations, the reported casualties from an Iranian missile near Jerusalem, and the broader strategic goal of…
Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., tells ABC News that the current strikes on Iran are, in his view, crucial for Israel’s security and also positive for the United States. He argues that Israel faces an existential threat from the Iranian regime, which has been in power since 1979 and, he says, openly calls for…
https://vimeo.com/1169187748/343118fc6b?share=copy n this clip, former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren discusses U.S. military pressure on Iran, Israel’s recent military gains, and whether current diplomacy can lock in a lasting new order in the Middle East. Key points Oren explains that a single U.S. aircraft carrier with about 90 warplanes and accompanying destroyers is still limited against…
Friday, February 13, 2026 “Explaining the challenges of the war to the world has been difficult”: Michel Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States. The diplomat spoke with SEMANA and said his country is going through a complex crisis, yet at the same time its military and civil strength has never been clearer. By…
Episode Description October 7 didn’t just change Israel. It exposed the end of an era. In this episode of Echoes of Jewish History, I sit down with Ambassador Michael Oren—historian, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, IDF veteran, and one of Israel’s most consequential strategic thinkers—to map the world that is emerging in the…
https://vimeo.com/1150451003/844cc8ef4c?fl=ip&fe=ec Tensions between Iran and the US following Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Key Points: Nuclear Concerns: The discussion centers on Iranian nuclear capabilities. While the US intelligence has not confirmed Iran’s missile or nuclear facility rebuilding, Israeli intelligence has suspected such activity—which is not unusual, as Israeli intelligence often detects developments before US…
Israeli Intelligence Alert: Michael Oren on Australia Security Warnings https://vimeo.com/1147078340/8423bdeacb?fl=ip&fe=ec Israeli intelligence warnings to Australia about security threats Guest: Michael Oren, Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Segment Focus: The interview discusses Israeli intelligence’s warning to Australia regarding potential threats to the country. During the segment, Oren is discussing communications between governments, with references to the Canadian…
Munk Debate: “Face Off on a Two-State Resolution” Event: Munk Debate on the Two-State Solution Date: December 3, 2025 Location: Meridian Hall, Toronto, Canada Format: One of the most consequential mainstage debates in the 17-year history of the Munk Debates series Debate Motion: “Be it Resolved, it is in Israel’s national interest to support a two-state solution” Debaters: In…
Michael Oren (former Israeli diplomat) discusses on BBC World News a world leaders’ summit in Egypt during the Trump administration. He explains Trump’s “20-point plan” backed by Israel, which includes: ceasefire in Gaza, hostage restoration, regional stability, and Israeli-Palestinian peace aligned with the Abraham Accords. Oren emphasizes that addressing Islamic extremism and various types of…
https://vimeo.com/1127550310/53e0685335?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci This MSNBC interview segment from October 15, 2025, features Ana Cabrera interviewing Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, about the fragile Middle East peace plan and recent developments regarding Israel and Hamas. Key Discussion Points: Peace Plan Status: Cabrera and Oren discuss “Israel, Hamas Accuse Each Other of Violating Peace Plan,” with the…
This Fox News “America Reports” segment from October 14, 2025, features an interview with Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, discussing recent hostage releases and the Middle East situation. Key Topics Covered: Hostage Recovery: The interview focuses on “Freed Hostages Recovering in Tel Aviv Hospital,” noting that the first phase of a peace…
The video features Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States and historian, appearing on NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on October 23, 2025. Hosted by Elizabeth Vargas, the 11-minute interview discusses ongoing Middle East tensions, focusing on Israel’s perspectives amid regional conflicts. Oren addresses international reactions to recent Israeli actions, emphasizing the challenges…
This CNN segment from October 13, 2025, titled “Michael Oren Appears on CNN’s ‘The Source'” features Michael Oren, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, discussing President Trump’s declaration that “the war in Gaza is over” and the peace agreement’s progress. Trump’s Announcement and Peace Plan: The interview opens with breaking news of Trump declaring…
Michael Oren Appears on NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press Now’ (10.9.25) https://vimeo.com/1126000723/
Growing up as the only Jewish kid in an Irish and Italian neighborhood, and then later as an Israeli soldier and diplomat, I experienced many different forms of antisemitism. I’ve gone from being labeled a Christ-killer to a money grubber to a child murderer. But I’ve never in my many years encountered anything like today’s…
Michael Oren Appears on CNN Newsroom (7.19.25)
Israel Strikes Iran June 13, 2025 Bari Weiss 51M Naftali Bennett and Michael Oren break down Israel’s attack on multiple sites across Iran. View all episodes In the early Friday morning hours, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, defense operations, and the leadership of the Revolutionary Guard. Hours later, I…
This article was published on ynetnews.com. May 5,2025. The state created in 1948 to ensure that the Jewish people would never again have to rely on anybody else for our security has repeatedly outsourced its security to others. The results have always been disastrous. In the 1950s, we outsourced our security to UN peacekeepers in…
This article was published on ynetnews.com. Opinion: As tensions rise between the Israeli Air Force and Southern Command over Gaza operations, deeper societal divides—ethnic, economic, and political—threaten national unity at a time when it’s needed most. In the midst of a desperate war and on the eve of Memorial Day, a deep schism…
Our delegation of northern Israel residents met with senior White House officials who reassured us that the administration is doing everything in its power to achieve a cessation of hostilities that would enable displaced Israelis to return to their homes. Senator @SenRickScott has been steadfast in his support for the State of Israel. Since October 7th,…
The announcement Friday night that IDF troops had shot and killed three Israelis who had managed to escape Hamas captivity, pitched the nation into a despondency it had not known since October 7.
This war doesn’t end with an iconic photo of desert fighters gathered around a makeshift flagpole in Eilat and hoisting a hand-painted Israeli pennant.
Years of U.S. appeasement have failed. It’s time for a dramatic change of course.
It is clear beyond any doubt that Israel cannot agree to a ceasefire. A ceasefire means a victory for Hamas, which will immediately begin planning its next terrorist attack.
FBI Director’s warning that Hamas could inspire an attack in the US is a “very real threat”, says former Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren.
On Nov. 2, I had a wide-ranging conversation with former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren. We talked about his lifelong service to Israel, what he’s learned over the years, and how he is communicating about the current war against Hamas. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. — M.G.
Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren details ground operations expanding from the IDF
Hatred of Israel cannot be distinguished from hatred of the Jewish people. Incontestably now, anti-Zionism is antisemitism.
“We have removed with our own hand our most powerful weapon—the enemy’s fear of us. We have the power…but if we give in…we have opened the door to Israel’s destruction.”
Media Briefing: Media Accountability & Institutional Anti-Semitism Analysis by Dr. Michael Oren | The Hugh Hewitt Show Executive Summary In this interview with Hugh Hewitt, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Michael Oren details a systemic, multi-decade shift in…
Media Briefing: Iran Conflict & Strategic Repercussions Analysis by Ambassador Michael Oren | Bloomberg: Balance of Power Executive Summary In this segment, Ambassador Michael Oren evaluates the escalating crisis with Iran, providing a critical assessment of the regime’s irrational behavior…
Opinion A Time for Intimacy As Israel gets ready to respond to any US-Iran deal, now is the time to enter into an intimate discussion with the White House about protecting our future security. Michael Oren · May 28, 2026 As of this writing, it is still unclear whether President Trump will authorize another major…
Opinion Land, Law, and Freedom: Why Shavuot is THE Zionist Holiday The Children of Israel’s achievement at Sinai—and the goals of the earliest Zionist thinkers. Michael Oren · May 21, 2026 If freedom is impossible without responsibility and Zionism is defined by responsibility, then, for the Jewish people, true freedom comes only with Zionism. Behind…
Clarity Beyond the Precipice Whether in the horrors of October 7 or the full-fledged US-Israeli alliance against Iran, I know of no modern precedents. The Jewish people stand at a hinge of history. Michael Oren May 13, 2026 Throughout the more than two-and-a-half years of this war, there have been many moments that Israel and…
The End of the Diaspora? While governments pay lip service to fighting antisemitism, acts of Jew-hatred multiply daily and are rapidly normalizing. Michael Oren • May 05, 2026 Speaking at pro-Israel events around the world for nearly fifty years, I rarely receive a question I haven’t heard a hundred times. But at a recent conference…
Israel must once again adopt the slogan — ‘No deal is better than a bad deal.’ More than a decade ago, at the height of President Obama’s efforts to negotiate a nuclear agreement with Iran, Israel adopted the slogan, “No deal is better than a bad deal.” A bad deal, Israeli officials explained, was one…
Before Europe casts us off completely, perhaps we should separate first. It’s time, I maintain, to say goodbye. This week, on Yom Hashoa, a friend told me a story I had never heard—how her father as a young Jew in Libya during World War II was arrested by the Italians and later, after the Nazis…
Prior to Wednesday at 3 a.m. the majority of Israelis supported a war they hoped would result in a fundamental alteration of their reality. The ceasefire seems to have smashed those hopes. This piece was published last Thursday in The Free Press. Since then, the challenges facing Israel have only multiplied. The American mainstream media,…
One view of the ceasefire spells strategic disaster, the other, hope. Whichever perspective, Israel must prepare for the ongoing confrontation with Iran and its proxies. There are two ways of looking at the missiles fired by Iran at Israel on Wednesday morning after the United States announced a ceasefire. One way spells strategic disaster for…
