EP 180: ‘Our Existence Is Not Up For Debate’: Israeli Ambassador To US On Iran, US Relations, Palestinian Statehood and Antisemitism

As Iran tensions spike and U.S. evacuations from Israel begin, how close are we to another regional war? In our latest podcast, Mosheh sits down with Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, for an urgent, wide-ranging conversation about Iran, Gaza’s endgame, and Israel’s standing in America — at a moment that could reshape the Middle East.We begin with diplomacy with Iran, the fallout from the 12-day war, and what comes next if negotiations fail. Leiter describes Iran’s leadership as “homicidal and suicidal” argues that “if the diplomatic route is not going to work, then there’s really no other choice left,” and says Israel will act regardless of political pressure: “You’re with us — we’re happy. You’re not with us — we’re going to protect ourselves.” The conversation turns to Gaza and the future for Palestinians. Leiter says Israel will “no longer allow jihadis on our border,” insists Hamas must be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized. He argues Israel has entered a new era after October 7: “We’re October 8th Israelis now.” He also forcefully rejects genocide accusations as a “blood libel,” claims Israel fought “the most ethical war… in modern history,” and adds a searing personal note: “My son (who was killed in the war) might be alive today if we did what we’re being accused of doing.” Finally, Leiter discusses falling support for Israel in the U.S., the political fractures in Washington, media narratives, and the line between criticism of Israel and antisemitism. Leiter’s blunt assessment: “Survival is not a popularity contest” — and “the world was used to dead Jews. Mosheh Oinounou (⁠@mosheh⁠) is an Emmy and Murrow award-winning journalist. He has 20 years of experience at networks including Fox News, Bloomberg Television and CBS News, where he was the executive producer of the CBS Evening News and launched the network's 24 hour news channel. He founded the @mosheh Instagram news account in 2020 and the Mo News podcast and newsletter in 2022.