Become a fan of the Political Gabfest on Facebook. We post to the Facebook page throughout the week, so keep the conversation going by joining us there. Or follow us @SlateGabfest!

This week’s episode is sponsored by Stamps.com. If you go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the home page and enter GABFEST for a $110 bonus offer, including up to $55 in free postage and a no-risk trial. This episode is also sponsored by Harrys.com, which offers a better shaving experience. Go to harrys.com and enter the coupon code GABFEST for $5 off the starter set, and start shaving smarter today.

To listen to the discussion, use the player below:

Subscribe in iTunes ∙ RSS feed ∙ Download ∙ Play in another tab

For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, the hosts answer questions submitted by listeners on Facebook. Slate Plus members get an ad-free version of this podcast with bonus segments. Visit slate.com/gabfestplus and try it free for two weeks.

On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, special guest Julia Ioffe, of the New York Times Magazine, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the aftermath of Israel’s 2015 Knesset elections, the return of Russian President Vladimir Putin from his mysterious disappearance, and the sudden resignation of Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock amid allegations of ethical and legal violations.

Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Are you All About Eve?
• Bibi Netanyahu surges to victory despite his racist campaign. What does this mean for the Israeli left, has he torpedoed any prospect for peace and a Palestinian state, and how will his victory impact Israel’s strained relationship with the U.S.?
• Peter Beinart argues that the peace process is over, and the pressure process must begin.
• Slate’s Will Saletan explores the new reality of U.S.–Israel relations.
• Vladimir Putin finally returns from his mysterious hiatus. What happened? Was he sick? Did he have a love child with his mistress?
• Fiona Hill explores what might happen if Putin disappeared for real.
• Masha Gessen discusses how Putin’s absence proves chaos will be his only successor.
• Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock abruptly resigned. What happened and why?
• Was it his Downton Abbey–inspired office, his pattern of lavish spending, his undisclosed travel and suspicious trips, and/or his shady real estate deals?
• Chris Cillizza on what Schock’s resignation really means.
• Sample some of Julia Ioffe’s impressive reporting from Russia.

Julia chatters about the new Russian documentary Homeward Bound, the recent Russian celebration marking the first anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, and the fact that Vladimir Putin does not watch Netflix’s House of Cards.

John chatters about ProPublica’s recent article on antebellum data journalism.

David chatters about Erik Larson’s new book Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.

Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest.

Join the discussion of this episode on Facebook.

The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

Podcast production by Mike Vuolo. Links compiled by Tarik Barrett.