Oct 16, 2025
Host Steven Shalowitz speaks with veteran Israeli diplomat
Shahar Azani in a
special IsraelCast episode recorded on October
13, 2025—just hours after the final 20 hostages were released from
Hamas captivity. Framing the moment as a “miracle” and the start of
a long national healing, Azani underscores the medical, emotional,
and spiritual recovery ahead for the freed hostages and for
Israelis still processing the trauma of October 7.
Azani credits the release to relentless IDF pressure combined with
President Trump’s hard-edged diplomacy, which he says aligned the
U.S., Israel, and key Arab states to isolate Hamas and weaken Iran.
Looking forward, he argues that Gaza must be demilitarized and
undergo sustained deradicalization, with reform of incitement-laden
curricula—particularly in UNRWA schools—placed at the top of the
diplomatic agenda. He and Steven also survey the resilience of the
Abraham Accords, citing durable ties through the war and hinting at
future breakthroughs with countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia,
and even Lebanon.