In this powerful episode of the J100 podcast, Consul General Ofir Akunis joins host David M. Cohen for an unfiltered conversation on the historic joint U.S.-Israel strike against Iran’s nuclear program and its seismic implications for global security. Akunis reflects on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decades-long mission to neutralize the Iranian threat, the enduring alliance between Israel and America, and the dangerous rise of antisemitism and anti-Western sentiment.
From his decades-long relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu to his passionate defense of Israeli and American values on the streets of New York, Akunis frames the current conflict not as a regional dispute — but as a global ideological battle. He speaks candidly about Hamas, Hezbollah, and Qatar’s double game, and he warns Americans: “Don’t be naïve. They want our heads — and then they want yours.”
Condensed Transcript
David M. Cohen: We’re honored to be joined by Consul General Ofir Akunis. Let’s begin with this historic moment—the U.S. strike on Iran, Israel’s collaboration, and President Trump’s emphatic praise for Prime Minister Netanyahu. What did this moment represent for you?
Ofir Akunis: This is a pivotal moment in world history—a clear battle between Western civilization and radical Islamist regimes like Iran’s. The Ayatollahs have been calling for the destruction of America and Israel since 1979. History teaches us: when tyrants say they want to destroy you, believe them. Fortunately, we have two leaders—Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump—who took action when it mattered most.
David M. Cohen: You’ve worked with Netanyahu for decades. What makes him uniquely suited to lead through this?
Ofir Akunis: I’ve worked with him since 1996. From day one, he’s been singularly focused on stopping a nuclear Iran. He’s brave, visionary, and understands the stakes. That courage comes from his father, Professor Benzion Netanyahu, and his ideological mentor, Ze’ev Jabotinsky—who warned in 1938 that time was running out for European Jewry. Netanyahu carries that same clarity of purpose.
David M. Cohen: Is the Iranian nuclear threat now behind us?
Ofir Akunis: Significant facilities like Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz were destroyed. That’s a major blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. But we must remain vigilant. Even critics of Israel will quietly acknowledge the world is safer now.
David M. Cohen: Here in New York, we’re seeing disturbing trends—anti-Israel figures rising in politics, campuses in chaos. How do you cope with representing Israel in such an environment?
Ofir Akunis: The anti-Israel mobs are loud but small. Most New Yorkers support Israel—they just don’t scream in the streets. The protests are heavily funded by Iran and Qatar. Many chanting “intifada” have no clue what it means—it’s a call for destruction. Americans must wake up. Those who want Israel destroyed won’t stop there. They’ll come for America next.
David M. Cohen: What’s your view of Qatar’s complicated role?
Ofir Akunis: Qatar plays a dangerous double game. They fund Hamas, finance Gaza’s tunnels, then host hostage negotiations. They want to be seen as part of the West while fueling its enemies. That must end. They need to choose sides.
David M. Cohen: Are we nearing the end of the war in Gaza?
Ofir Akunis: We’re closer than ever. Hamas still controls 70% of its tunnel network, and thousands of terrorists remain. But after what the world saw Israel do to Iran, our enemies are recalibrating. Hezbollah is more cautious now. The balance is shifting.
David M. Cohen: Is peace with other Arab nations possible?
Ofir Akunis: Absolutely—especially with Lebanon, if Hezbollah is removed. Lebanon was once a Christian-majority state. There’s enormous potential for peace. Imagine a train from Beirut to Haifa in under an hour. But Hezbollah must go.
David M. Cohen: And what about the hostages still in Gaza?
Ofir Akunis: We must increase pressure—military and diplomatic. Qatar must be pushed to pressure Hamas. These are innocent lives. We won’t rest until they’re freed.
David M. Cohen: Israelis remain incredibly resilient. How do you explain it?
Ofir Akunis: It’s our spirit. Israelis fly home even during war. They want to be in their homes, in their safe rooms, with their people. That tells you everything.
David M. Cohen: On a personal note, how do you unwind?
Ofir Akunis: Music. I brought hundreds of Israeli records with me. Every Friday before Shabbat, I play them—especially artists like Naomi Shemer. It connects me to home. But above all, I’m here on a mission—a shlichut.
David M. Cohen: Final question: Your favorite U.S. presidents?
Ofir Akunis: I avoid domestic politics, but I’ll say two historic figures: President Truman—who recognized Israel just 11 minutes after its declaration—and President Nixon, who saved Israel during the Yom Kippur War. We’ll never forget what they did for the Jewish people.
David M. Cohen: Thank you, Consul General, for your strength, service, and voice.
Ofir Akunis: Thank you. It’s an honor to serve. And we must never forget—peace is only possible through strength.
