Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Ashley Perry examines a renewed escalation with Iran as Tehran targets shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States responds with strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and tankers. He explains why Israeli security officials remain on high alert, the debate inside Iran over whether to strike Israel directly, and concerns that Tehran could exploit the upcoming Jewish holidays to launch another missile barrage.
Perry also breaks down a major Israeli operation in Gaza City, where special forces captured a senior Hamas internal-security official in broad daylight. He assesses what the raid reveals about Israel’s intelligence reach inside Hamas-controlled territory and why the detainee could provide valuable information about the organization’s leadership, plans, and internal security apparatus.
Finally, Perry turns to Israel’s fast-moving election campaign as parties race toward the deadline for submitting their Knesset lists. He looks at the pressure on right-wing parties to merge, Netanyahu’s effort to prevent wasted votes, Ofir Winter’s uncertain role, and the growing political battle over responsibility for the failures surrounding October 7.
Subscribe to the Middle East Forum for new episodes and expert analysis every week.
Ashley Perry examines a renewed escalation with Iran as Tehran targets shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States responds with strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and tankers. He explains why Israeli security officials remain on high alert, the debate inside Iran over whether to strike Israel directly, and concerns that Tehran could exploit the upcoming Jewish holidays to launch another missile barrage.
Perry also breaks down a major Israeli operation in Gaza City, where special forces captured a senior Hamas internal-security official in broad daylight. He assesses what the raid reveals about Israel’s intelligence reach inside Hamas-controlled territory and why the detainee could provide valuable information about the organization’s leadership, plans, and internal security apparatus.
Finally, Perry turns to Israel’s fast-moving election campaign as parties race toward the deadline for submitting their Knesset lists. He looks at the pressure on right-wing parties to merge, Netanyahu’s effort to prevent wasted votes, Ofir Winter’s uncertain role, and the growing political battle over responsibility for the failures surrounding October 7.
Subscribe to the Middle East Forum for new episodes and expert analysis every week.
