Michael Oren is an American-Israeli diplomat, essayist, historian, novelist, and politician. He is a former ambassador to the United States.
Netanyahu and Trump’s pivotal meeting in a critical moment. Though it will take place in better circumstances than his previous five visits to the White House this year, Netanyahu’s forthcoming meeting at Mar-a-Lago with President Trump might well be the most crucial. On the agenda are issues that are likely to prove pivotal to Israel’s…
Read moreMein Kulturkampf Clarity with Michael Oren, February 5, 2024 “I have only one passion, that of light, in the name of humanity which has suffered so much and which has the right to happiness.” So concluded J’Accuse, Emile Zola’s 1898 attack on the French judicial, military, and political establishment. His purpose was to expose the…
Read moreFor many years—decades, even—of terrorist strikes and wars, Israel had been the most dangerous place for Jews. But is it still? Reflecting on the Bondi Beach massacre made me remember—perhaps strangely—a remark once made by my son, Noam, in his Bar Mitzvah speech. The year was 2003, the height of the Second Intifada, with hundreds…
Read moreIsraeli Intelligence Alert: Michael Oren on Australia Security Warnings 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 government…
Read moreEstablishing a Palestinian state today, in the aftermath of October 7, is not only not in Israel’s interest but is, far beyond that, certifiably insane. Last Wednesday evening, December 3, in Toronto, I took part in a Munk Debate. For those unfamiliar with the institution, Munk defines its mission as “to help the world rediscover…
Read moreMunk 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…
Read moreEnding Netanyahu’s corruption trial would mean an admission of guilt and could be the end of his political life. Back in 2019, while serving as a deputy government minister, I was approached outside a Knesset meeting by Yossi Yona, a former philosophy professor and member of the opposition Labor Party who I’d come to admire.…
Read moreMichael 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…
Read moreDuring a time of renewed division, the state must do its utmost to maintain internal unity. Beyond the coalition’s judicial reform plan and even more than the Gaza War in its final phases, the question of the October 7 inquiry will divide the state as never before. If the prime minister rejects an independent state…
Read moreWith Iran preparing a direct attack against Israel, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East: aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and F-22 fighters. The U.S. strategy is clear — prevent a regional war. But Michael Oren argues that playing defense is not enough. In this article, originally written for Yediot Aharonot…
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