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.
Beyond the region, Azani urges renewed outreach to Western allies and a full-court press against disinformation. At home, he anticipates intense Israeli political debate and likely elections in 2026, alongside a nationwide effort to support bereaved families, wounded soldiers, and survivors. Despite the hardship, he closes on hope: Israel and the Jewish world, he says, are already showing post-traumatic growth, with younger generations rediscovering identity and purpose.
Shahar Azani is a veteran Israeli diplomat, passionate advocate for Israel and a frequent contributor to various media outlets focusing on Israel, Jewish issues and the Middle East. He is the CEO of the Book Family Foundation as well as Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI). Azani was formerly Senior Vice President at JBS, Jewish Broadcasting Service, former Executive Director for StandWithUs in New York and served at Israel’s Foreign Ministry for 16 years – including London, Los Angeles, Jerusalem, Nairobi and New York, focusing on international affairs, media affairs and public diplomacy. Before embarking on this career path, he practiced law at Haim Zadok and Company, based in Tel Aviv, focusing on litigation.