Very interesting, but I have two comments and one wish: 1. When Michael Oren says that Bennett rightly should get kudos for realizing the threat 7 years ago, he forgets that Netanyahu has been trying to get the world to stop Iran nuclearizing for much longer but to no avail. 2. He also forgot to mention that Bennett was PM for a year and could have attacked Iran since he saw it as so crucial but did not and subsequently criticized Netanyahu for dallying. Bennett did allow Lapid to sign away Israel's rights to gas reserves to Lebanon without bringing it to the Knesset, ostensibly to gain quiet in the north - and we see how that worked out. 3. Wish the USA would syngergize with Israel on the interceptions of missiles as it did in 2024 and maybe together they would manage to prevent any of them from hitting Israel. That is not declaring war or joining a war, it is protecting civilians from Iranian ICBMs and drones, which they would love to aim at the US too.
Thank you to Bari Weiss, Naftali Bennett, and Michael Oren for these interviews and the in-depth discussions about this fluid situation. I appreciate hearing news and opinions that I feel are honest and worthy of consideration. I'd also like to assure all of you (for whatever it's worth), that Mr. Kim and the others, both right and left, who would prefer that we abandon Israel at this critical juncture, do not speak for all Americans. In fact, I hope that they don't even speak for the majority of us. Many Americans stand firmly with Israel and would prefer that we were actively and clearly backing up Israel's efforts at taking down this serious threat. That's one reason that we elected President Trump. We make no mistake in believing that this foe is an imminent threat to the entire world. People who say that they can't attack the USA have been drinking the Kool-Aid instead of looking around and seeing what's really happening in the world, much of it right here under our noses. Wishing all of you the best and praying for safety for you and your families.
Very, very helpful and illuminating. These are difficult times and the information the Free Press provides is essential to my understanding and peace of mind. Again, thank you, Bari and reporters.
Bari, your last question was not accurate. I am of the right. Most of my friends are of the right. Many are Jewish and others are Christian. There might be differences of opinion on how to execute America's support for Israel's protection. There is ZERO sentiment within the conservative movement to abandon Israel. It is very disappointing you think that and transmitted that opinion to Naftali. Ask people like me before you say what the right thinks. It is the Far Left, the Progressive movement, that has aligned with the enemies of Israel. I know as a progressive that is hard for you to acknowledge, but that is where the antisemitic and anti-Zionist opinion exists.
I was surprised also at the republicans being blamed for wanting to stay away from Israel. I am sure there are some that feel that way but I also remember how many democrates treated Israel in the last administration. It was an embarrassment.
Then why didn’t Trump meet with Natenyahu during his Middle East trip instead of schmoozing with Qatar?? Why did Qatar “gift” him a $400 million dollar plane?? It will come out soon enough!! America must back Israel! We must show solidarity with at least one of our most important allies!!!
Bari, Bari, You're right to worry about the isolationist right, but what about the parts of the left that actively support the destruction of Israel. I don't think there are many Republicans chanting "From the River to Sea".
There are members of the isolationist "right" serving in this administration, while the the anti-Israel left is out in the cold, reduced to shouting in the streets with no real influence. They're not the story. JD and Tulsi amongst others and the degree to which they can influence the administration decision-making are more pressing concerns.
Agreed.... there are "isolationists" on the right, including Pete Hegseth and others who fought in stupid and unwinnable wars like Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam. That is a world apart from not supporting Israel with arms and intelligence to protect itself. This should ALWAYS be the goal of the American military: help our allies defend themselves, but never try for "on the ground" regime change to cultivate democracy when there was never any before. Bari is SO anti-conservative she has to find a boogeyman conservative around every corner. The progressive in her just cannot let go
Great interview and so true. We are so proud of our IDF and IAF and all the Israelis who come together.
This was my early morning tweet about Iran:
My tweet this a.m.:
Nancy Kobrin نانسي ננסי
@nhkobrin
Never forget Iran hung plastic keys around their own children's necks during the Iran-Iraq War and used them as mine sweepers cannon fodder. A culture like that needs to be put in its proper place where it & its proxies can't bully and kill others. Society begins in the home.
Thank you Bari, fantastic piece of journalism. Here in Germany and EU we experience a rising antisemitic atmosphere driven by left wing politicians. I hope they all listen to this piece.
After watching this video, Bari wake up. The most virulent antisemites are on the left. You quoted that nasty clown Andy Kim, Democrat. Don't worry about Marco Rubio.
Bari clearly showed her hand with Oren and Bennett, with continuously using language against "the right". Both men countered her leading questioning. Can she not admit that there are a huge facet in America siding with Isreal and President Trump.
Bari pretends to be an objective journalist, calling her outfit "The Free Press". There is nothing free about Bari and most of her journalist buddies. This publication is well left of center
When I first came across The Free Press well over a year ago, I was impressed that the publication seemed to be centered and neutral in its reporting; just reporting what was occurring and letting us use our brains from there. Refreshing and unusual! I subscribed! Since our election, however, in which the majority of Americans made their choice clearly known, it seems to me that TFP has begun moving away from neutral, centered reporting and is trying to tell us what to think. Some of the columnists have gone way off base, to the point that I don't read them any longer. They're just dumping their opinions without offering anything of substance. Several of the columnists, though, are still offering excellent food for thought. I hope that Bari isn't moving toward the biased side. I did very much enjoy this interview, as I stated in another post; but, as Dmiller and Brian M observed, she wasn't as neutral as could be hoped during it. My subscription runs until this Fall. I'll wait to see which way the drip falls before deciding whether to renew.
All I can say is Bravo Israel. And Bravo Free Press. You're coverage of this historic event is the best around. With this coverage you've truly come into your own
Of course American leadership knew this was coming. You could see the tension in Hegseth when he went before the liberal idiots in the Senate. Trump wasn't going to try and stop it. He knows this is an opportunity to play good cop with Iran to Israel's bad cop. Trump is an idealist in that he thinks every country has its price and he can find a way to broker peace with anyone. That is extremely naive. I consider this Trump's Achille's heel. He promised peace in Ukraine, that he could talk to Putin just like he said Xi and the Mullahs would listen to him. That is crazy talk. Trump has nothing to give them but hollow words and more time to execute their agendas. But I can't fault Trump for wanting global peace. I am much more enthused for a larger defense budget, the Golden Dome and turning loose the Peter Thiel team (Lonsdale, Karp, Palmer, Musk, etc) to find new autonomous ways to conduct war and neutralize America's enemies. This is the Reagan playbook that worked so well against the USSR and broke them. China can be broken this way, too. If you have the biggest stick no one can screw with you. Let's keep it that way
This would imply that Trump has principles; he has only one: that which works for Trump, limited by his adolescent ego. He prides himself on the idea that he can make a deal-any deal, as long as he is the center of attention. Knowing this helps in understanding his waffling around numerous issues, while creating a wake of chaos.
Just stating the obvious, while knowing that any criticism of Trump=TDS.
Quoting a poster from another TFP essay:
"Criticizing Trump is no more indicative of TDS than calling out Biden's senility and woke-capture makes you a fascist or whatever. But blind loyalty to either side, always twisting mistakes into victories, anything not to give the other "team" a win, just makes you a simp."
Actually, I agree, but if 90% of your thoughts, comments, and making derogatory statements Itswithout even mentioning a situation, fact, action, etc. is simply knee-jerk, trained, response which, if done incessantly, is evidence of a very real AFFLICTION: TDS.
I've witnessed a ton of it- far beyond this comment section, and it's easily identifiable. It's a cop out to simply state:" both sides do it," because your stereotyping is reckless.
Example? I'm a longtime registered independent whose last campaign contribution was to a Democrat. Want more?
Out of 3 Presidential elections I voted for Trump ONCE. To me, the very real TDS transcends party politics, it's a condition popularized by slanted media who have a decade long vendetta from the moment Trump walked down that stsircase: how DARE he switch parties? lol.
Finally, notice my pinpoint reply doesn't stoop to simply calling people "simps:" when people stoop to insults they're out of thoughts.
I guess we need to define "US Involvement". Did The US Know beforehand? Yes. Did The US Give The Go Ahead (ie Have Fun)? Yes. Is This US Involvement? Maybe.
"Trump has nothing to give them but hollow words and more time to execute their agendas."
True...BUT he will reach a point. If he gets to the pointt where he believes he's being played for a chump....
"The hardliners in Iran who rejected the chance to reach a nuclear deal with the United States are "all dead now," US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday amid Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
"I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest terms, to 'just do it,' but no matter how hard they tried, how close they got, they just could not get it done," the US president wrote.
"Certain Iranian hardliners spoke barely, but they did not know what was about to happen. They are all dead now, and it will only get worse," he warned."
The reason this could happen now is that the threat from Hizbullah was removed. This could not have happened until then, because as soon as Israel would have attacked Iran 150,000 missiles would come in from Lebanon. So this is essentially a continuation and was totally dependent on the pager mission.
Very interesting, but I have two comments and one wish: 1. When Michael Oren says that Bennett rightly should get kudos for realizing the threat 7 years ago, he forgets that Netanyahu has been trying to get the world to stop Iran nuclearizing for much longer but to no avail. 2. He also forgot to mention that Bennett was PM for a year and could have attacked Iran since he saw it as so crucial but did not and subsequently criticized Netanyahu for dallying. Bennett did allow Lapid to sign away Israel's rights to gas reserves to Lebanon without bringing it to the Knesset, ostensibly to gain quiet in the north - and we see how that worked out. 3. Wish the USA would syngergize with Israel on the interceptions of missiles as it did in 2024 and maybe together they would manage to prevent any of them from hitting Israel. That is not declaring war or joining a war, it is protecting civilians from Iranian ICBMs and drones, which they would love to aim at the US too.
Thank you to Bari Weiss, Naftali Bennett, and Michael Oren for these interviews and the in-depth discussions about this fluid situation. I appreciate hearing news and opinions that I feel are honest and worthy of consideration. I'd also like to assure all of you (for whatever it's worth), that Mr. Kim and the others, both right and left, who would prefer that we abandon Israel at this critical juncture, do not speak for all Americans. In fact, I hope that they don't even speak for the majority of us. Many Americans stand firmly with Israel and would prefer that we were actively and clearly backing up Israel's efforts at taking down this serious threat. That's one reason that we elected President Trump. We make no mistake in believing that this foe is an imminent threat to the entire world. People who say that they can't attack the USA have been drinking the Kool-Aid instead of looking around and seeing what's really happening in the world, much of it right here under our noses. Wishing all of you the best and praying for safety for you and your families.
Very, very helpful and illuminating. These are difficult times and the information the Free Press provides is essential to my understanding and peace of mind. Again, thank you, Bari and reporters.
I stand with Israel forever and ever
Bari, why the need to attempt to throw shade at the Trump administration? Asking if Trump is angered by Israel's action? Really?
Bari, your last question was not accurate. I am of the right. Most of my friends are of the right. Many are Jewish and others are Christian. There might be differences of opinion on how to execute America's support for Israel's protection. There is ZERO sentiment within the conservative movement to abandon Israel. It is very disappointing you think that and transmitted that opinion to Naftali. Ask people like me before you say what the right thinks. It is the Far Left, the Progressive movement, that has aligned with the enemies of Israel. I know as a progressive that is hard for you to acknowledge, but that is where the antisemitic and anti-Zionist opinion exists.
I was surprised also at the republicans being blamed for wanting to stay away from Israel. I am sure there are some that feel that way but I also remember how many democrates treated Israel in the last administration. It was an embarrassment.
Oh, and I did really like the two interviews…so, thank you.
100%
Then why didn’t Trump meet with Natenyahu during his Middle East trip instead of schmoozing with Qatar?? Why did Qatar “gift” him a $400 million dollar plane?? It will come out soon enough!! America must back Israel! We must show solidarity with at least one of our most important allies!!!
It seems to me Trump has been supporting Israel, albeit, somewhat surreptitiously.
The point of your question?
Perhaps she had Tucker Carlson (maybe Candice Owens) in mind??
Bari, Bari, You're right to worry about the isolationist right, but what about the parts of the left that actively support the destruction of Israel. I don't think there are many Republicans chanting "From the River to Sea".
Thanks for all your work.
There are members of the isolationist "right" serving in this administration, while the the anti-Israel left is out in the cold, reduced to shouting in the streets with no real influence. They're not the story. JD and Tulsi amongst others and the degree to which they can influence the administration decision-making are more pressing concerns.
Agreed.... there are "isolationists" on the right, including Pete Hegseth and others who fought in stupid and unwinnable wars like Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam. That is a world apart from not supporting Israel with arms and intelligence to protect itself. This should ALWAYS be the goal of the American military: help our allies defend themselves, but never try for "on the ground" regime change to cultivate democracy when there was never any before. Bari is SO anti-conservative she has to find a boogeyman conservative around every corner. The progressive in her just cannot let go
Great interview and so true. We are so proud of our IDF and IAF and all the Israelis who come together.
This was my early morning tweet about Iran:
My tweet this a.m.:
Nancy Kobrin نانسي ננסי
@nhkobrin
Never forget Iran hung plastic keys around their own children's necks during the Iran-Iraq War and used them as mine sweepers cannon fodder. A culture like that needs to be put in its proper place where it & its proxies can't bully and kill others. Society begins in the home.
7:26 AM · Jun 13, 2025
Thank you Bari, fantastic piece of journalism. Here in Germany and EU we experience a rising antisemitic atmosphere driven by left wing politicians. I hope they all listen to this piece.
After watching this video, Bari wake up. The most virulent antisemites are on the left. You quoted that nasty clown Andy Kim, Democrat. Don't worry about Marco Rubio.
Yes but the anti-semites on the left aren't in power, and have no influence on the decisions of this administration.
Bari clearly showed her hand with Oren and Bennett, with continuously using language against "the right". Both men countered her leading questioning. Can she not admit that there are a huge facet in America siding with Isreal and President Trump.
Bari pretends to be an objective journalist, calling her outfit "The Free Press". There is nothing free about Bari and most of her journalist buddies. This publication is well left of center
When I first came across The Free Press well over a year ago, I was impressed that the publication seemed to be centered and neutral in its reporting; just reporting what was occurring and letting us use our brains from there. Refreshing and unusual! I subscribed! Since our election, however, in which the majority of Americans made their choice clearly known, it seems to me that TFP has begun moving away from neutral, centered reporting and is trying to tell us what to think. Some of the columnists have gone way off base, to the point that I don't read them any longer. They're just dumping their opinions without offering anything of substance. Several of the columnists, though, are still offering excellent food for thought. I hope that Bari isn't moving toward the biased side. I did very much enjoy this interview, as I stated in another post; but, as Dmiller and Brian M observed, she wasn't as neutral as could be hoped during it. My subscription runs until this Fall. I'll wait to see which way the drip falls before deciding whether to renew.
1000% agreed -
Verdict With Ted Cruz
War in the Middle East: Israel Strikes Iran-What's Next?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDWrYy1RNYc
June 13 2025
All I can say is Bravo Israel. And Bravo Free Press. You're coverage of this historic event is the best around. With this coverage you've truly come into your own
Excellent, informative interviews! Let's hope that the Iranian people overthrow the regime. Kudos to Bari's amazing interviewing skills as usual.
Trump. Will defend Israel if attacked
Source: The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com
https://share.google/fwjMeBHrF112yObRI
I have read Israel did this on its own, America didn't know. have My Doubts. Particularly the latter.
Ordering civilians out of Bahrain a few days ago gives it away.
Of course American leadership knew this was coming. You could see the tension in Hegseth when he went before the liberal idiots in the Senate. Trump wasn't going to try and stop it. He knows this is an opportunity to play good cop with Iran to Israel's bad cop. Trump is an idealist in that he thinks every country has its price and he can find a way to broker peace with anyone. That is extremely naive. I consider this Trump's Achille's heel. He promised peace in Ukraine, that he could talk to Putin just like he said Xi and the Mullahs would listen to him. That is crazy talk. Trump has nothing to give them but hollow words and more time to execute their agendas. But I can't fault Trump for wanting global peace. I am much more enthused for a larger defense budget, the Golden Dome and turning loose the Peter Thiel team (Lonsdale, Karp, Palmer, Musk, etc) to find new autonomous ways to conduct war and neutralize America's enemies. This is the Reagan playbook that worked so well against the USSR and broke them. China can be broken this way, too. If you have the biggest stick no one can screw with you. Let's keep it that way
Re: "Trump is an idealist".
This would imply that Trump has principles; he has only one: that which works for Trump, limited by his adolescent ego. He prides himself on the idea that he can make a deal-any deal, as long as he is the center of attention. Knowing this helps in understanding his waffling around numerous issues, while creating a wake of chaos.
Criticism with zero facts = TDS.
Just stating the obvious, while knowing that any criticism of Trump=TDS.
Quoting a poster from another TFP essay:
"Criticizing Trump is no more indicative of TDS than calling out Biden's senility and woke-capture makes you a fascist or whatever. But blind loyalty to either side, always twisting mistakes into victories, anything not to give the other "team" a win, just makes you a simp."
Actually, I agree, but if 90% of your thoughts, comments, and making derogatory statements Itswithout even mentioning a situation, fact, action, etc. is simply knee-jerk, trained, response which, if done incessantly, is evidence of a very real AFFLICTION: TDS.
I've witnessed a ton of it- far beyond this comment section, and it's easily identifiable. It's a cop out to simply state:" both sides do it," because your stereotyping is reckless.
Example? I'm a longtime registered independent whose last campaign contribution was to a Democrat. Want more?
Out of 3 Presidential elections I voted for Trump ONCE. To me, the very real TDS transcends party politics, it's a condition popularized by slanted media who have a decade long vendetta from the moment Trump walked down that stsircase: how DARE he switch parties? lol.
Finally, notice my pinpoint reply doesn't stoop to simply calling people "simps:" when people stoop to insults they're out of thoughts.
I guess we need to define "US Involvement". Did The US Know beforehand? Yes. Did The US Give The Go Ahead (ie Have Fun)? Yes. Is This US Involvement? Maybe.
"Trump has nothing to give them but hollow words and more time to execute their agendas."
True...BUT he will reach a point. If he gets to the pointt where he believes he's being played for a chump....
Christopher Walken The Lion Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KB2xignE6c
Just one mans thoughts.
"The hardliners in Iran who rejected the chance to reach a nuclear deal with the United States are "all dead now," US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday amid Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
"I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest terms, to 'just do it,' but no matter how hard they tried, how close they got, they just could not get it done," the US president wrote.
"Certain Iranian hardliners spoke barely, but they did not know what was about to happen. They are all dead now, and it will only get worse," he warned."
The reason this could happen now is that the threat from Hizbullah was removed. This could not have happened until then, because as soon as Israel would have attacked Iran 150,000 missiles would come in from Lebanon. So this is essentially a continuation and was totally dependent on the pager mission.
4 Thumbs Up For This!