On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former Israeli PM Ehud Barak. He discusses the signing of the Abraham Accords between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel that was facilitated by the US, what the accords mean for Middle East security, what the accord means for the Palestinians, Netanyahu’s response to the pandemic and the second Covid-19 wave facing Israel, the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, growing tensions with Iran, and alleged Israeli financing of Hamas in the past and alleged Israeli support for ISIS. Barak ended the interview early, claiming host Afshin Rattansi incorrectly framed the politics of the Middle East. Finally, we speak to Yaakov Katz, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post. He discusses the Abraham Accords and whether they strengthen Israel’s security or weaken it, tensions with Iran over the signing of the accords, Netanyahu’s recent performance as prime minister amid his upcoming corruption trial, the assassination of Soleimani, and much more!
