Ronen Bergman in Conversation with David Sanger: Israeli Intelligence, Reshaping of the Middle East, and Future of the Israel/US Alliance

Join us for a riveting evening with acclaimed Israeli investigative journalist Ronen Bergman and David E. Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent for the New York Times.

Bergman’s groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of the secret world of Israeli intelligence. Sanger is one of the leading correspondents on U.S. foreign policy and national security, and has been on three Times teams that have won the Pulitzer Prize. Both are the authors of critically acclaimed New York Times bestsellers: Bergman most recently for Rise and Kill First,’ and Sanger for New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion and America’s Struggle to Defend the West.

As a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, historian, and staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, Bergman has established himself as a trusted insider, uniquely positioned to offer unparalleled insights into one of the world’s most complex and secretive military-intelligence landscapes. In this timely and eye-opening conversation with Sanger, Bergman will draw on his extensive network of high-level sources to examine both the recent failures and long-standing successes of Israeli intelligence operations. He will explain the shocking intelligence lapses of October 7 — which left security experts and governments worldwide scrambling for answers — and contrast it with Israel’s success at dismantling the leadership and arsenals of adversaries like Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Sanger covered the same events from Washington, where he has served as Chief Washington Correspondent and White House Correspondent, among others posts, for 30 years. Prior to that he was a Times foreign correspondent and bureau chief in Asia. He will delve into the question of whether Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks was proportional, and the tense dynamic between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden.

Together the two correspondents will look ahead to the next critical issue: Dealing with Iran and its nuclear program, a topic both have written about for years.

Both men have appeared at The 92nd Street Y before, but this is their first appearance together since the events of the past 15 months. Whether you are a seasoned follower of Middle Eastern affairs or new to the subject, this event promises to challenge preconceptions, spark thoughtful debate, and provide a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Israel and the United States.