HEATED DEBATE: Why I Changed My Mind About Israel Ep. 260

On this episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland hosts Alan Shebaro, a former Green Beret sniper, 5th-degree jiu-jitsu black belt, and We Defy Foundation founder, supporting veterans with jiu-jitsu scholarships. Alan opens with a fiery take, branding Israel a "terrorist state" for displacing Palestinians and dismissing the "unprovoked" October attack narrative as a cover for decades of occupation. He challenges theological land claims, arguing ancient entitlements don’t justify modern evictions, reflecting on both sides’ fierce convictions.

Alan shares his journey from a military brat in Europe and the Middle East to enlisting post-9/11, surviving the grueling SF Q-course, and enduring three intense Iraq deployments. His initial pride in "liberating the oppressed" soured as he questioned the trillions spent and lives lost for little gain, paralleling his critique of colonial conflicts like Israel-Palestine. Now in Vietnam, he’s the top-ranked jiu-jitsu practitioner, finding solace on the mat.

Expect raw, unfiltered takes as Alan and Mike explore geopolitics, stoicism, and hypotheticals like facing ancient warriors. From blind patriotism to brutal honesty, Alan exposes the thin line between duty and delusion, shaped by a life of combat and reflection.

If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.

----------

Support Alan Shebaro

----------

SPONSORS

NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING

Train like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience.

Beam

Here’s the deal: Beam is giving my listeners the ultimate patriot discount of UP TO 40% off.

Try their best‑selling Dream Powder and get UP TO 40% off for a limited time.

Go to and use code MIKEDROP at checkout.

BUBS Naturals

BUBS Naturals products are rooted in sustainably sourced ingredients and controlled consistency to provide our customers with the highest quality Collagen Protein & MCT Oil Powder that help you feel amazing and live a fuller life.

Fitbod

Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at

TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS

Be Your Dog’s Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog’s health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise.

TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING

Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike’s bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog.

SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS

Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog

CHAPTERS

#TheMikeDropPodcast #MikeRitland #Veteran #Military #Geopolitics #MikeRitlandPodcast #AlanShebaro #GreenBeret #WeDefy #IsraelPalestine #OctoberAttack #MilitaryBrat #SFQcourse #IraqDeployments #ColonialConflict #GeopoliticsDebate #AncientWarriors #VeteranStories #MilitaryInsight #MiddleEast #Post911 #TerroristState #MilitaryExperience #WeDefyFoundation #AlanShebaro #Netanyahu #Israel #Gaza #DonaldTrump #Iran #Palestine #Shebaro #TerrorState