In this special episode, Noam Weissman sits down with Middle East expert and former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed to unpack the forces driving the Israel–Iran–U.S. confrontation. From the Sunni–Shiite split to Iran’s 1979 Islamic takeover, Avi explains how theology, grievance, and ideology shaped the Islamic Republic. He explores how Tehran’s proxy network, from Hezbollah to the Houthis, turned the Israeli–Palestinian conflict into a driver of regional escalation. They also confront the urgent question: What happens next?
The New York Times article:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/02/25/opinion/iran-protests-doctors.html
Inside the Middle East:
https://insidethemiddle-east.com/intelligence-experiences-meet-avi-melamed/
This episode of Unpacking Israeli History is sponsored by Jean Lindenbaum and her children, Felice, Amiel, and Ariel.
Visit jewishlives.org to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.
Check out this episode on Youtube. This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand
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Visit jewishlives.org/ to explore and buy books from the Jewish Lives book series. Use the discount code JLIFE to get a discount.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Jewish History Nerds
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold