Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
Misgav Mideast Horizons Podcast
Podcast Description
“Misgav Mideast Horzions”, a podcast by the Misgav Institute for National Security, is designed for anyone who wants to understand the quickly-changing realities of the Middle East, beyond the headlines, slogans and noise. Hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman speak with newsmakers, agenda-setters and top experts to not only explain the burning issues and critical developments in the region, but to highlight future opportunities and trends. The Misgav Institute is Israel’s leading national security policy center, dedicated to shaping a Middle East future of security, stability, prosperity and peace.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast highlights critical themes in Middle Eastern politics, security, and humanitarian issues. Topics frequently discussed include human rights and aid efforts in Gaza, Israel's strategic relationships such as those shaped by the Abraham Accords, and the regional impact of countries like Iran. For example, the episode featuring Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore explores the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's efforts amid conflict and misinformation.
“Misgav Mideast Horzions”, a podcast by the Misgav Institute for National Security, is designed for anyone who wants to understand the quickly-changing realities of the Middle East, beyond the headlines, slogans and noise. Hosts Lahav Harkov and Asher Fredman speak with newsmakers, agenda-setters and top experts to not only explain the burning issues and critical developments in the region, but to highlight future opportunities and trends. The Misgav Institute is Israel’s leading national security policy center, dedicated to shaping a Middle East future of security, stability, prosperity and peace.
In this episode of Misgav Mideast Horizons, we sit down with Isaac “Yitz” Applbaum – one of the most experienced investors in Israeli technology and a key figure at the intersection of Israeli, American, Saudi, and Emirati innovation – for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of defense tech, regional cooperation, and the U.S.–Israel relationship.
Yitz, Chair of Kinetica Partners and Senior Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Communications, IT, and Space, shares his remarkable personal journey from Brooklyn to Israel to the GCC, and explains why he believes Israel–Saudi normalization is coming sooner than most people think. Drawing on years of firsthand experience in the Gulf, he outlines where cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be transformational – particularly in defense, healthcare, AI, agtech, and water – and why the combination of Israeli innovation and Saudi scale could be a true “100X” moment.
We also dive deep into the global defense tech boom following October 7, and what it means for Israel’s economy, innovation ecosystem, and international standing. Yitz explains why countries like Germany, Japan, and the United States are increasingly looking to Israel not just to buy systems, but to co-develop and co-invest in next-generation defense technologies. He discusses the rise of early-stage defense startups, the role of elite IDF talent, and what Israel’s government can do to better support this rapidly growing sector.
In the latter part of the conversation, we explore how U.S.–Israel defense cooperation could evolve beyond traditional military aid toward deeper partnerships, joint projects, and large-scale initiatives. Yitz also reflects personally on October 7, the surge in antisemitism on both the Left and the Right, and how it has changed the way he engages with the world.
In the first part of the episode, we go beyond the headlines to discuss the latest developments related to President Trump’s Board of Peace, Gaza, the Iran protests, Josh Shapiro and the Harris campaign, and deepening UAE–India ties.
This is a candid, insider discussion on technology, alliances, and the future of the Middle East—with someone who is helping shape all three.
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