In this special episode of Boots on the Ground, recorded from afar with Shaun still on reserve duty and Ari travelling in the U.S., we unpack the growing talk of new elections in Israel. What scenarios could actually trigger them? From the ongoing Haredi draft debate and Ben Gvir’s political threats, to the looming Knesset budget vote and the government’s paralysis on appointing an investigation committee into the failures of October 7th, we explore the pressures shaping Israel’s political future.
We also revisit the lingering sense of incompletion around the Trump peace plan and what it means for Israel today.
And as always, we end with a message of hope a reminder that despite the challenges, Israel’s continues to inspire us all.

Host Ari Kalker sits down with Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Van Buren, founder of Nikra’im LaDegel (“Called to the Flag”), for a powerful and deeply inspiring conversation on free speech, democracy, and service — and what they mean for Israel’s future.

Together, they explore how Israel can rebuild unity, restore integrity in leadership, and shape a shared vision rooted in purpose and responsibility.

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Hope fills the air as hostages finally return home and families are reunited in scenes of profound relief and joy. Across Israel, there is a sense of celebration, songs, tears, and gratitude after months of anguish. Yet even as the ceasefire brings a brief calm, uncertainty looms. Is this a step toward lasting peace or just another pause before the next challenge?

Shaun and Ari reflect on the powerful contrast between devastation and celebration.
And on President Trump’s visit and speech in Israel, a moment that signals renewed engagement but also raises the question: was this a missed opportunity or the start of something new? Hamas still exists, the threats remain, and the mission is not complete.

Still, hope endures. The courage and unity of the Israeli people, and the homecoming of our hostages, remind us that even in the face of uncertainty, we continue to believe in and fight for a better future for Israel.

Also:
Ari will soon be speaking in the US. If you would like to hear him in person, please contact arispeaks4il@gmail.com.

In this episode, we break down the latest developments on Israel’s borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. We also dive into the recent meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump,what it means, the possible outcomes, and how it could reshape the regional dynamic. We’ll close by looking at world opinion and why, despite the challenges, there are real reasons for optimism about Israel’s future.

Plus Ari will be traveling and speaking in the U.S. soon. If you’d like to hear him, please reach out at arispeaks4il@gmail.com.

Ari sits down with Master Sergeant (Res.) Haim Brenner to explore the realities of life as a combat soldier in the IDF and how military service shapes the professional and personal paths of young Israelis. They dive into the ongoing challenges of continuing combat service as a reservist, discussing how commando training prepares soldiers for life after the army — and what we can expect from the next generation of warriors.

Ari sits down with Yoni Glatt to share the moving story of Aryeh Adventures, a camp founded in memory of Yoni’s uncle, who was tragically murdered in the 9/11 attacks.
The camp’s mission is to make inclusion a lived reality by bringing together children with learning and mental disabilities and their mainstream peers, creating bonds of friendship, understanding, and acceptance. More than just fun and recreation, Aryeh Adventures is a place where barriers are broken, differences are embraced, and lifelong connections are formed.
In recent summers, the camp has also opened its arms to the children of Israeli reservists, offering them a joyful refuge and the chance to simply be kids in the midst of war. Through resilience, compassion, and adventure, Aryeh Adventures continues to honor a legacy of love while building hope and strength for the future.

You can support Aryeh Adventures here: Www.aryehadventures.org/donate

In this powerful episode, Ari sits down with Colonel Hezi Nehama, a legendary IDF commander whose service began in Sayeret Matkal, the army’s most elite unit. From his early days in Israel’s top special forces to commanding positions across the IDF, including the Alexandroni Brigade and extensive combat experience in Gaza, Hezi shares hard-earned lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of Israel’s soldiers. Speaking with the candor of a seasoned commander, he praises the bravery of those on the front lines while offering sharp criticism of the political and strategic failures at the top. Together, Ari and Hezi discuss his vision for Israel’s future, what victory truly means, and how that vision can be achieved.

https://hamefakdim-bemiluim.org/en/home-page/

Ari and Shaun pull no punches in dissecting the gap between Israel’s brave soldiers, who continue to dominate tactically on the battlefield in Gaza, and the failures of senior military brass and political leaders, who squander these victories and leave Israel strategically stuck.
They tackle the absence of vision at the top, the cynical politicization of the hostage protests, and the dangerous cost of leadership paralysis.
Yet, even amid frustration and anger, they end with a call to hope, reminding listeners that Israel’s strength lies in its people and the possibility of a new direction.