The War of Narratives in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – with Rachel Fish & Miri Eisen

Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas

In this episode of Boundless Insights, Dr. Rachel Fish sits down with retired Colonel Miri Eisen, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism at Reichman University and a former Israeli intelligence officer.
They dive into how language influences the way we understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the impact of words like “oppressor-oppressed,” “David and Goliath,” and “victimhood.” These terms, while powerful, can often oversimplify deeply complex realities and create greater divisions between peoples.
Rachel and Miri also explore the different lenses through which people view war—some emphasizing humanitarian concerns, others prioritizing security—and why these perspectives are so important. Along the way, they share practical tips for having clear, empathetic, and fact-based conversations about Israel, terrorism, and the broader regional challenges.
Guest Bio:
Retired Colonel Miri Eisin is a senior fellow at the International Institute for Counterterrorism (ICT) at Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel. With a 20-year career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), she held roles, including intelligence officer for a regional border brigade, the airborne division, and Deputy Head of the Combat Intelligence Corps—the first woman to serve in each of these positions. After retiring from the IDF, Miri served as the Israeli government spokesperson during the 2006 Second Lebanon War and as international press secretary to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. She is a frequent media commentator on intelligence, security, and diplomacy.