Paz Cohen

Yesterday, I took a brief "break" from maternity leave to participate in the Globes Corporate Responsibility and ESG Conference, hosted at @Herzog Fox Neeman. It was a privilege to join an insightful panel with Ira Friedman, a capital market and impact investing expert, and Sagit Lampert, a corporate expert and executive at the Israel-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Our conversation, moderated by Hila Weissberg, delved into how the U.S. election results could influence ESG priorities, especially in climate action. I couldn’t resist opening with a bit of humor, noting the irony of asking three intelligent women to predict Trump’s next moves in these fields! We discussed the first Trump administration’s reversal of previous climate policies, the impact of Biden’s IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) over the past four years, and other global factors like the EU's advanced policies, which are influencing both the U.S. and the international landscape. We also touched on ESG's emerging role as a risk management tool, gaining traction despite the political shifts. For more serious comments and insights, https://lnkd.in/d8xpK4xV Now, it’s back to diapers, breastfeeding, and sleepless nights… The Israeli Forum for Impact Economy GSG Impact

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On the eve of an #Israeli retaliation against #Iran, it is a good moment to realize that PM Netanyahu is looking for a high-intensity regional war and the US content to support one, as long as it does not get involved directly. Major risks include a spike in global oil prices in the-short term, and a nuclear armed Iran in due course. Worse, a Pyrrhic victory threatens as the wholesale destruction that Israel's military campaigns bring about are likely to re-create the very security threats it seeks to defeat today. In spite of all the regional turmoil, we should not let our focus waver from the root cause of today's events: the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Here, the newly minted Saudi-initiated global coalition for a two-state solution could make a difference. But it will have to move fast and, as a first step, put substantial, tangible pressure on Israel to stop the carnage. About the elusive Israeli quest for strategic victory, a 2,000 word read below. Fanack | Chronicle of the Middle East & North Africa, The Clingendael Institute, Josh Paul, Angélique Eijpe, Guusje Korthals Altes, Dirk-Jan Koch

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Professor Steven Windmueller, Ph.D. will be back teaching at Valley Beit Midrash tomorrow (Thursday) on the topic: "One Year After: Reflections on the Impact of October 7th" "The Gaza Conflict has no doubt changed the landscape of the Middle East, redefined Israeli society and culture, and impacted American Jewry. In this presentation, we will be examining these key transformative factors, evaluating what the long-term implications of this moment on Zionism, Jewish history, and the Jewish people." You can register to join us (virtually) here: https://lnkd.in/gKHjR7gt

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Assaf Rappaport, Yinon C., Ami Luttwak and Roy R., we are proud of you! 🤗 💪 We typically don't post exits by founders who are also 8200 graduates. It's partly due to modesty and partly because it's become a recurring Israeli success story. Our focus is on empowering Israeli society through our incredible alumni network. Wiz's remarkable achievement, if finalized soon, is definitely an exception. It reminds us that the tech scene is a space for fulfilling dreams and building a stronger Israel. It also underscores the importance of equal access to the high-tech industry for ALL Israelis. That's exactly what drives our educational programs Aharai TECH | TECH אחריי and TechLift 8200, our professional training initiatives, and the 8200 For Startups platform with its ideation, acceleration, and early-growth programs that are open to every Israeli and not just ex-8200s. This also underscores the enduring value of the 8200 Unit as a cornerstone of the "Startup Nation." It reinforces the immense power and responsibility we, 8200 alumni, hold to continue leading the Israeli tech scene alongside the amazing talent from all walks of Israeli society. Israel tech delivers. Period.🇮🇱 #israeliinnovators #startupnation 🇮🇱#8200alumni Screen shot from CTech by Calcalist

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The 7/10 massacre is not at all different from what we did and are doing to the Palestinians all these years. The myth buster Most of the truth: - The IDF is the most rotten army in the Middle East. - Bibi, Kochavi, Gantz, Galant, Halevi - war criminals who are fully responsible for the situation. - Israel has no "deterrence" and has never had. - Several thousand Hezbollah fighters and several thousand Hamas fighters collapsed the State of Israel. - The IDF started the confrontation with Hezbollah. This time too. - The destruction of the settlements in the north was caused by the IDF. It started with the disturbed evacuation order and ended with the use of the IDF in the settlements themselves, instead of preparing at most in empty areas with perimeter defense! (Hezbollah is careful to attack almost exclusively military forces!). - Hezbollah closes the State of Israel within two days if it wants to. - Hamas won big, and no one will replace such a winning organization. - The 7/10 massacre is not at all different from what we did and are doing to the Palestinians all these years. - The greatest enemy of the State of Israel are the members of the government, the coalition and the army and police commanders, and they are the ones who will "finish" the State of Israel. - Most of the judges are direct or indirect appointments of introverts-Khalat or "a woman who runs away from the gospel" and the narcissists in the districts of Jerusalem, and salvation will not grow from them. - Any vote for Gantz will surely go to Likud. - Only idiots send children to the army today. ** Only adhering to the Saudi initiative will save the State of Israel ** https://lnkd.in/dAeXZ2w5

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"Hezbollah confirms leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrike". Spoke about it with CNBC https://lnkd.in/dsUee7cr Nasrallah's death and the outcomes of 10 days of consecutive Israeli special operations against Hezbollah produce a game-changing moment. For years, Israel regarded Hezbollah as its most significant immediate security threat. Apparently, Israel prepared itself accordingly to counter it, as proven by its decisive strikes against Hezbollah's leadership and capabilities. Till now, Hezbollah's retaliations are less damaging than expected, although they still bring many more Israelis under fire, and can evolve in more escalatory directions.   As the one-year mark of October 7 is approaching, Israel's success against Hezbollah stands in stark contrast to the devastating failure a year ago vis-à-vis Hamas. A sense of accomplishment is now widespread among Israeli society, which has been agonizing for a year. The sense is that Israel's lost deterrence is making an impressive comeback. This is mixed with deep concern for the fate of hostages held by Hamas.   Israel now awaits to see whether Iran will join retaliation on behalf of Hezbollah, leading to an even greater regional escalation. But, recent developments also provide an opportunity for an off-ramp. After diminishing Hezbollah's power, Israel should finally be ready for a ceasefire in Gaza, which will enable the return of the Israeli hostages and may improve the situation in the north. Netanyahu rejected this so far, but the Biden administration should make a genuine effort to change this now.   What happens to Hezbollah will not impact Israel-only. It is likely to have domestic repercussions in Lebanon as well, perhaps eventually changing the internal balance of power, and enabling Lebanon to solve its long-lasting political and economic crisis.

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What is the probability that #Hezbollah will launch a ground offensive against #Israel? Let’s look at the evidence. The Syrian War was last time that Hezbollah operated openly and in significant numbers in military operations outside the Lebanese border. What are the key takeaways from this conflict? 1. When considering the deployment of its military units abroad, Hezbollah prefers low-profile options that minimize the chances of social, sectarian, and political backlash in Lebanon. 2. The Syrian conflict demonstrated that sectarian escalations could undermine longstanding alliances in the region. Therefore, concerning foreign intervention, Hezbollah tends to focus on advisory functions, limited specialized military assistance, training of both regular and irregular units, and the creation of new paramilitary groups. 3. If foreign areas deemed of vital strategic concern are threatened, Hezbollah is willing to employ its elite units to defend them and re-establish control. Military involvement with lower intensity should be expected in support of the Axis of Resistance when the key interests of Hezbollah are not directly threatened. 4. Hezbollah can operate with full-spectrum capabilities, alone or embedded with other conventional or paramilitary units, even realizing combined arms integration and operating weapon systems such as tanks, artillery, and anti-tank missiles. Thus, the probability that Hezbollah will launch a ground offensive against Israel depends on how much its vital interests are threatened. Determining what these interests currently are, both in Lebanon and outside of it, would be a good way to proceed. #MiddleEast #Military #Geopolitics

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My latest piece in the Jerusalem Post, where I discuss the rescue of Qaid Alkadi and its potential to enhance the relationship with Israel’s Bedouin community. It’s a crucial moment for unity and understanding that can and should lead to stronger ties. Will this moment of unity be embraced? Qaid Alkadi: A beacon of unity for Israel https://lnkd.in/dYRN2JmV

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Despite the complex reality during wartime, another social initiative has been launched by the Bokra News Group and the Israeli Institute for Democracy. I want to thank all the participants from the Negev to the North, from various fields and sectors, who came and took part in today's concentrated review session on combating violence in the Arab community. It was an interesting and challenging day, and we emerged with a range of recommendations provided by both women and professionals. #Bokra.net #bokra #Violence #2024 #Democracy

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"Five questions shaping the Middle East in 2024". My contributions to The Oracle report, focusing on Netanyahu's vision for Gaza and Israel's intentions vis-a-vis Hezbollah https://lnkd.in/dMRNcmX2 On Gaza: Netanyahu envisions continued Israeli control in strategic locations within the Gaza Strip, and civilian management of daily affairs in Gaza by non-Hamas – but also non Palestinian Authority – Palestinians. This would serve his strategic goal of blocking prospects for a 2-state solution. Prolonging the war also serves his domestic political goals, but runs in contrast to what the majority of Israelis want. For them, ‘total victory,’ now that Hamas has already been significantly weakened, will be first and foremost – the return home of the Israeli hostages. On Hezbollah: The Israeli leadership has been publicly threatening to take more fierce action against Hezbollah for multiple months, but so far has been reluctant to engage in a full-fledged war, hoping for achievements via US mediation efforts, but refusing to reach the deal in Gaza that is a prerequisite for an arrangement with Hezbollah. If things escalate – e.g. following an upcoming Hezbollah retaliation – Israel will be able to take wider actions against Hezbollah, and has the military capacity to do so, but that will probably come at a heavy price to Israel's home front.

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In light of recent events in Gaza and Israel, it's more important than ever to approach the situation with a commitment to truth, accountability, and the rule of law. Since October 7th, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been meticulous in gathering data and evidence regarding the tragic events that unfolded. This level of detail and fact-based documentation is crucial for ensuring that actions taken by Israel are held to the highest legal standards. Unfortunately on the other side there is no accountability for media releases with exaggerated figures. Even the UN has publicly stated it has had to questions coming from Iranian Proxies about what is going on in that territory. #ISrael #MiddleEast #Iran #UKGovernment #USGovernment #EuropeanUnion #AustraliaGovernment

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Exciting announcement for my American network! I’m launching an initiative to connect Israeli startups to people in the US who can help them with intros to potential customers. It’s called the Pollinate Network 🐝 🤝 What’s in it for you?  - 💸 that you can either pocket or pass along as a donation ♻️ - 📌 A unique and extremely tactical way to support the Israeli economy during its most challenging year People often ask me what the best way is to support Israeli Founders?  THIS IS. 💁‍♀️ I never imagined how valuable my US network was to them until they all started requesting introductions. Your former colleagues. Your college friends. Your family friends. They dream of meeting them. And you can help make that a reality. If you…  🇮🇱 Want to support Israel in a very tactical way  💵 Want to make cash for tapping into your network  🏗️ Want to help Founders build their businesses This is for you. 🙋‍♀️ If you’re interested, comment with a hand raise emoji and I’ll DM you with next steps (30 seconds!) so you can get started.

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Israel GPO: Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 8 October 2024): "This is a message to the people of Lebanon: Do you remember when your country was called the pearl of the Middle East? I do. So, what happened to Lebanon? A gang of tyrants and terrorists destroyed it. That's what happened. Lebanon was once known for its tolerance, for its beauty. Today, it's a place of chaos, a place of war. Israel withdrew from Lebanon 25 years ago. But the country that actually conquered Lebanon is not Israel. It's Iran. Iran, which finances and arms Hezbollah to serve Iran's interests at Lebanon's expense. Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into a stockpile of ammunition weapons and a forward Iranian military base. Just one day after the October 7th massacre a year ago, Hezbollah joined the war against Israel. It launched an unprovoked attack on our cities and on our citizens.It has since fired over 8,000 missiles at Israel, killing civilians without distinction—Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze. Israel has decided to put an end to this. We've decided to do whatever is necessary to return our people safely to their homes. Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel also has a right to win! And Israel will win! We have degraded Hezbollah’s capabilities; we took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself, and Nasrallah’s replacement, and the replacement of his replacement. Today, Hezbollah is weaker than it has been for many many years. Now you, the Lebanese people, you stand at a significant crossroads. It is your choice. You can now take back your country. You can return it to a path of peace and prosperity. If you don’t, Hezbollah will continue to try to fight Israel from densely populated areas at your expense. It doesn't care if Lebanon is dragged into a wider war. Christians, Druze, Muslims—Sunnis and Shiites—all of you are suffering because of Hezbollah's futile war against Israel. Today I ask every mother and every father in Lebanon a simple question: Is it worth it? Because, it doesn't have to be that way. I know you want a better future for your children. So I am speaking to all of you today. There is a better way. A better way for your children, for your cities, for your villages, for your country. You deserve to restore Lebanon to its days of tranquility; you deserve a Lebanon that is different. One Country – One Flag – One People. Don't let these terrorists destroy your future any more than they've already done. Stand up and take your country back. You have an opportunity that hasn't existed in decades. An opportunity to take care of the future of your children and grandchildren. You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza. It doesn't have to be that way. Video: Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound : Ben Peretz (GPO)

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A farewell journey from the Davidson Institute, #3 - about the important question every professional and organization must ask every day: English and Hebrew, on my website www.liatbd.com

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"5,000 Israeli companies will be 'put on ice'" - said an American investor on a Zoom call. And in his words “I am doing a mitzvah." His pitch? Buy them cheap. Scale in the US. "Let" the founders keep some equity. And honestly? That's bullshit. Here's the real story: 🇮🇱 The Israeli tech scene is not just surviving. It's thriving. 🇮🇱 Every single startup I've spoken to has been impacted by the war Our tech scene is the future of Israel's economy. No matter the ecosystem, companies will always fail. Distressed assets exist. But if your "help" means: 🚩 Removing Israeli founders 🚩Hiring American employees 🚩Funding with American dollars 🚩Keeping jobs in the US Don't call it a mitzva. Call it what it is: A business opportunity. Want to actually help Israeli founders? ✅ Introduce them to investors ✅ Connect them to customers ✅ Help them hire top talent That's real support. Americans: Want to make a difference? DM me. I'll add you to a WhatsApp group where I share one Israeli founder's ask every day. You'd be surprised how helpful you can be. Israelis: DM me your asks, I'll send them to the group.

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