Israel’s strategic challenges 2026

On the very first week of 2026 a major event took place which was hardly predictable when annual assessments were published at the turn of the year - the American operation in Venezuela. While not necessarily affecting Israel directly, it speaks to the difficulty in outlining strategic challenges throughout the year. In January of 2023, and indeed in September of that year, there was no forewarning of October 7. Having said all of that, it makes sense to try a freeze frame of Israel’s strategic landscape, as far as the eye can see.

Host : Jonathan Hessen : TV7 Editor in Chief and Host of TV7 Israel News - Analyst : Amir Oren : TV7 Editor at Large - BG (Ret.) Dr. Amnon Sofrin: former Mossad Intelligence Directorate Chief, Powers in Play Panelis - Col. (Ret.) Dr. Eran Lerman: VP of JISS and Lecturer at Shalem College; Co-Host of Middle East Review.

Jerusalem Studio

The program offers the viewer deeper understanding about current events in Israel. The topics vary from domestic and foreign policy to social changes, archaelogy and religion.

The program is hosted by TV7 Israel News anchor Jonathan Hessen.

  • First broadcast: January 13, 2026, TV7 World
  • Episode number: 989
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Spoken languages:
  • English, Swedish
  • Subtitles:
  • Finnish