June 13, 2025
Facing an Existential Threat: Why Israel Struck Iran Now with Yaakov Katz
Wondering Jews with Mijal and NoamAbout this episode
In this urgent crossover episode of Wondering Jews and Unpacking Israeli History , Noam Weissman is joined by military analyst and author Yaakov Katz to break down Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military targets. As events unfold in real time, they explore the historical roots, strategic timing, and existential stakes of the operation—drawing connections to Israel’s past strikes in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007). From Mossad tactics to regional geopolitics, this episode offers crucial insight into a defining moment for Israel, Zionism, and Jewish survival. Update: War with Iran is ongoing, including a wave of ballistic missiles launched at Israel following this recording. Click here to read more about Yaakov Katz and his work. Yaakov Katz is the author of books, including: Shadow Strike, Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power and While Israel Slept with Amir Bohbot. Correction: Ayatollah Khomeini was the revolutionary founder of Iran. Please get in touch at WonderingJews@unpacked.media. And please follow Wondering Jews on Instagram! instagram.com/wonderingjews Get in touch at our new email address: WonderingJews@unpacked.media and call us, 1-833-WON-Jews. ------------ This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Unpacking Israeli History Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold