Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses Mossad chief David Barnea heading to Doha again for hostage negotiations, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahyu's recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The negotiations are the first in two months, and follow the death last week of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. He also talks about the effects of a possible Donald Trump win in the upcoming US election, a victory that would offer Netanyahu more leeway in maintaining his hardline government and in the ongoing war in Gaza, but there is also a possible clash as Trump keeps saying, "End the war very quickly." Magid reviews the latest proposal for getting aid into Gaza through an Israeli-American businessman who hopes his company will be chosen for the subcontracting job, with a plan for constructing gated communities in Gaza run by outside security forces. Magid reviews the October 31 deadline for renewing the bank agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, a process that involves Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Mossad chief heads to Qatar Sunday to try to restart Gaza talks; Hamas team in Cairo Blinken pushes Israel to publicly say it’s not aiming to besiege north Gaza; PM demurs If Trump wins, Israeli officials fear clash over inability to quickly end Gaza war As Israel weighs subcontracting Gaza aid delivery, a philanthropist makes his pitch US official: PA has met Israeli requirements for Smotrich to extend banking deal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Demonstrators calling for the release of Israeli hostages outside the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on October 24, 2024. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. In this special Simhat Torah holiday episode, host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with Rabbi Avi Poupko, who is currently serving in reserve duty as part of the IDF rabbinate along the northern border. Simhat Torah is an annual celebration of the completion -- and restarting -- of the Shabbat Torah-reading cycle. Usually a day of joyous prayer, singing and dancing, the observance of this holiday is forever intertwined with last year's Hamas massacre of 1,200 and the hostage-taking of another 251 to Gaza. Poupko talks about observing the Sukkot holiday while listening to rocket fire overhead and gives historical context to how Jews have always adapted to tragedy and carried on "doing Jewish." For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: How Israeli Jews face the Simhat Torah holiday, forever marred by Oct. 7 massacre Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. Illustrative image: A Jewish man carries a Torah scroll during Simhat Torah celebrations at Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, on October 21, 2019. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Reporters Sue Surkes and Diana Bletter join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Surkes discusses the funerals of Druze commander Ehsan Daqsa, one of the most senior officers killed in Gaza, and Elishai Young, 19, a combat soldier from the Hebrew Israelites community in Dimona, both members of minority populations in Israel that grapple with societal acceptance yet gave their lives to Israel. Bletter speaks about recent scientific research that looks at the effects of alcohol intake as opposed to psychedelics on Nova survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from the rave massacre on October 7. She also talks about a visit to Klil, a northern hippie hamlet that isn't connected to the country's electricity grid, and therefore doesn't hear sirens warning of incoming rocket attacks. Surkes reviews her report on planned budget cuts to the Agriculture Ministry, even as the ministry had plans to invest in Israel's food security, as war has exposed need for food independence without reliance on imports. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Druze IDF colonel Ehsan Daqsa, slain in Gaza, remembered as a ‘natural leader’ Death of soldier reopens debate about citizenship for non-Jewish Hebrew Israelites Study: Nova survivors who drank alcohol before Hamas attack more likely to suffer PTSD An off-the-grid hippie hamlet in Israel’s north struggles for survival under rocket fire Plans to ensure food security threatened by Treasury bid to slash agriculture funds Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: The funeral of Colonel Ehsan Daqsa in Druze community Daliyat al-Karmel on October 21, 2024 (Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in ToI's Jerusalem office for today's episode. Yesterday, prosecutors announced that seven Israeli citizens were arrested last month on suspicion of spying for Iran for as long as two years, carrying out hundreds of tasks at the behest of the Islamic Republic. This morning, another Iranian espionage case was announced in which seven East Jerusalem residents have been arrested on suspicion of planning attacks in Israel, including the assassination of an Israeli nuclear scientist and a mayor in central Israel. Horovitz discusses these incidents and other similar Iranian efforts. The IDFs on Monday declassified intelligence on the Hezbollah terror group’s finance hub, including a bunker hidden underneath a hospital in south Beirut that it said contains hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold. We observe the way this cynical use of a hospital played out in international media. The Israel Aviation Authority briefly halted and then resumed takeoffs at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport yesterday around the time in which the IDF said that helicopters and fighter jets intercepted and shot down five drones over the Mediterranean Sea, before they entered Israeli airspace. Horovitz speaks about Israel's increased isolation during this time of war. Almost a week after the elimination of Hamas head Yahya Sinwar, Horovitz weighs in on leaders' predictions that this is a turning point in the war. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Seven Jewish Israelis arrested for spying for Iran on security figures, IDF bases Air Force pounds Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold after civilians told to evacuate area IDF: Hezbollah hiding $500 million in gold, cash in bunker under Beirut hospital Ben Gurion briefly halts takeoffs as drones downed over sea; rocket lands near Tel Aviv British Airways suspends all Israel flights until March 2025 amid escalation fears Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. Illustrative image: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei listens to a speaker in a meeting in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in ToI's Jerusalem office for today's episode. The commander of the Israel Defense Force’s 401st Armored Brigade, Col. Ehsan Daqsa, was killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday. We hear about Daqsa, 41, from the Druze town of Daliyat al-Karmel, who was one of the most senior officers to have been killed in the fighting in Gaza. Yesterday, Fabian spent several hours in Rafah, where he was debriefed by Col. Sivan Bloch -- the head of Bislamach, the School for Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commanders -- who stressed that the elimination of Yahya Sinwar by a patrol under his command was “not a stroke of luck.” We hear why. The IDF said jets hit dozens of sites overnight that are linked to an organization that funds the Hezbollah terror group in Beirut and south Lebanon. We learn about the strikes' targets: branches of an unlicensed gray-market bank seen as one of the group’s main sources of cash. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Commander of IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade killed in battle in northern Gaza At site of Sinwar’s slaying, IDF commander says incident was ‘not a fluke’ Blasts rock Beirut as Israeli sorties target financial group helping fund Hezbollah Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: The house where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by troops, in southern Gaza’s Rafah, October 20, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in ToI's Jerusalem office for today's episode. The elimination of Hamas’s most dominant figure could open a small window of opportunity to achieve Israel’s elusive war aims, none of which have yet been secured, believe senior world figures, however, on Friday, Hamas released a statement saying the 101 hostages still held in Gaza would not be freed until the war ends and Israel fully withdraws from the enclave. Berman discusses this weighty moment. In mid-March, US officials told the Politico news site that US President Joe Biden would consider limiting future military aid to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went ahead with an offensive against Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, which eventually occurred in May. Does this vindication of the Rafah operation affect the diplomatic balance between the US and Israel in any way? Israel’s military chief said Friday that at least 1,500 Hezbollah operatives are believed to have been killed in Lebanon since the start of the conflict there. According to IDF chief Herzi Halevi, Hezbollah forces are often surrendering. Berman describes Iran's role in an attempt at diplomacy, as well as the differences between the Hamas and Hezbollah fighting forces. Two gunmen claimed by the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan breached the border from Jordan into Israel Friday morning, south of the Dead Sea. They were killed shortly after crossing the border by troops who scrambled to intercept them, in a clash that also injured two soldiers. Should we expect more attacks from this direction now? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: PM sees opportunity in Sinwar’s death. Does that mean escalation in fighting or a deal? Confirming Sinwar’s death, Hamas insists hostages won’t be freed unless war ends After Sinwar killing, Netanyahu sees vindication in his Rafah approach IDF says Hezbollah toll at 1,500; Lebanese PM: A lesson to stay out of regional conflicts IDF troops kill two gunmen who breached Jordanian border; 2 soldiers injured Keen to avoid all-out war after attacking Israel, Iran tries both diplomacy and threats Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Illustrative: A woman holds a Palestinian flag, with the image of the Dome of Rock on it, during an anti-Israel protest to honor Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Wednesday, in Istanbul, Turkey, Octember 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today, we bring you a bonus episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World hosted by deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan. This week we speak with the editors of a new prayerbook -- "Az Nashir - We Will Sing Again: Women’s Prayers for Our Time of Need" --  written by women, for women, in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught on southern Israel. The anthology was compiled and edited by Shira Lankin Sheps, Anne Gordon and Rachel Sharansky Danziger, and it was published by The Layers Press, an imprint of The SHVILLI Center. The three editors join Borschel-Dan in The Times of Israel's Jerusalem office this week and explain their impetus to tackle such an ambitious project and the decisions they made while putting it together, such as the inclusion of "visual prayer" -- 30 colorful illustrations by female artists. According to the editors, the Hebrew-English tome is a prayer book companion that emulates a long tradition of Jewish women writing prayers, supplications and liturgical poems in their own mother tongues. So this week, we ask Shira Lankin Sheps, Anne Gordon and Rachel Sharansky Danziger what matters now. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: The editors of 'Az Nashir - We Will Sing Again: Women’s Prayers for Our Time of Need,' (from left to right): Anne Gordon, Rachel Sharansky Danziger and Shira Lankin Sheps. (courtesy): See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's podcast. Magid discusses the different methods used to identify Sinwar's body and what can be seen about Sinwar in the drone footage taken at the scene just prior to the strike that killed him. He reviews some of the reactions from the Biden administration, including calls made to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and various leaders in Qatar and Egypt in the hopes that Sinwar's death can shift the dynamic in the stalled hostage negotiations. Magid talks about who could be the new Hamas leader with Sinwar gone and how extreme or hardline some of those successors could be compared to the Hamas leader killed in Gaza by IDF troops on Wednesday. Magid also discusses the possibility of a more dialed-back response to the Iran attack on Israel on October 1, and looks at Israel letting aid into northern Gaza, with shipments from Jordan and other crossings reopened to allow aid to flow in more easily, after threats from the US administration to withhold arms deliveries. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: World leaders welcome Sinwar’s death, hope it will precipitate hostage deal, end to war Oct. 17: Footage shows Sinwar hurling stick at IDF drone moments before he was killed Israel lets 50 aid trucks into northern Gaza after US threat to curb arms deliveries US gives Israel 30 days to address Gaza aid crisis, threatens to curb weapons supply Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: IDF soldiers carry the body of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar from the building where he was killed in Rafah, Gaza on October 17, 2024. (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's special report. Tonight, Israel announced that IDF troops had killed Hamas terror chief Yahya Sinwar in Gaza on Wednesday in a firefight in Rafah, in southern Gaza. Sinwar, the architect of the October 7 Hamas invasion and slaughter in southern Israel, was shot dead along with two other terrorists by a force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade. The terror chief became leader of Hamas after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran blast in July, when he was selected by Hamas’s 50-strong Shura Council, a consultative body composed of officials elected by Hamas members in four chapters: Gaza, the West Bank, the diaspora and security prisoners in Israeli jails. Horovitz describes what we currently know about Sinwar's killing and the identification of his remains. We learn how Israeli top leadership is responding to Sinwar's death and whether this could be a turning point in the war with Hamas. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas leader and Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF troops in Gaza Yahya Sinwar: Radical Islamist ideologue utterly committed to Israel’s destruction Full text of Netanyahu’s address after killing of Hamas terror chief Yahya Sinwar Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's leader in Gaza, gestures on stage during a rally in Gaza City, on May 24, 2021. (Mahmud Hams/ AFP/ File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today, for the Sukkot holiday, we are bringing you a special extended episode from our partner podcast, Israel Story. Israel Story writes: This is an episode we never wanted to air. One that marks a year of war and a year of pain. A year since a day of ghastly violence, which led us into a nightmare that still has no end in sight. A year has passed, but the trauma is still fresh. With all that has gone on since October 7, 2023, we haven’t really had time, or opportunity, to pause. So our commemorative episode today is an attempt to step back and reflect. It’s not a news hour, and doesn’t follow the roller-coaster of events we’ve experienced since October 7th. Instead, it’s a collage of the dozens and dozens of people we’ve heard from throughout the year, alongside others whose episodes haven't aired yet. It will, we hope, offer an emotional journey, and paint a picture of what it has been like to be here this year. May the year ahead be a quieter and calmer one. A year with less pain and suffering and more peace and hope. May the hostages return home, and may we all know better days to come. Amen. The end song is B'Shana Haba'ah ("In the Next Year") by Shiri Maimon. (Licensed by Israel Story through Acum.) Produced in partnership with The Times of Israel. Subscribe to Israel Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. In a letter to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, obtained by our US bureau chief Jacob Magid on Tuesday, the White House warned Israel it has one month to implement significant improvements to the humanitarian situation in Gaza or jeopardize the continued supply of US weapons, noting that humanitarian assistance entering the Strip has plummeted in recent months. Rettig Gur weighs in on how serious the US is on its demands and how this jibes with the announcement this week that it is deploying the THAAD missile defense system, along with some 100 US soldiers, to Israeli soil. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US gives Israel 30 days to address Gaza aid crisis, threatens to curb weapons supply Israel faces potential shortage of interceptor missiles — report Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Children sift through waste at a landfill in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 15, 2024. (Bashar Taleb / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and Arab Affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg in today's episode. Sokol discusses the government decision to set another memorial day for October 7 by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, held a few days after the holiday of Simhat Torah, the Hebrew date for October 7. Regev went ahead with a plan to memorialize fallen soldiers and civilians killed, in two separate events and will not have any bereaved family members at the events. He also looks at the plans laid out by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to raise taxes, cut ministries and tax certain savings funds in order to continue funding the ongoing war. Pacchiani looks at UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon since 1978, but lacking any real ability to stave off Hezbollah in the region. He also talks about IDF efforts to dismantle Iranian weapons labs in Syria, including a daring mission in September, but one that needs to be happen more broadly in order to curb Hezbollah. Finally, Pacchiani talks about his ongoing conversations with an Iranian dissident, and Iranian concerns over the impending Israeli attack, in response to the October 1 launch of missiles from Iran. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: No representative of Oct. 7 bereaved families asked to speak at 2nd government ceremony Government sets second national day of mourning for October 7 Treasury proposes tax hikes for lowest earners, benefit cuts to fund war The force that isn’t keeping the peace in Lebanon: 4 scenarios for the future of UNIFIL A dissident in Iran awaits Israeli reprisal: ‘There’s a very real fear of all-out war’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Transportation Minister Miri Regev attends ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 7, 2024. (Photo by Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Four IDF soldiers were killed and 58 others were wounded by a Hezbollah drone strike on a military base near Binyamina in north-central Israel last night. Forty-one soldiers of the 58 soldiers wounded in a Hezbollah drone strike on an army training base last night remain hospitalized, with eight in serious or critical condition, medical officials said this morning. Goren takes us through what happened in the strike and why it was so deadly. The Pentagon on Sunday confirmed that Washington will send an advanced air defense battery to Israel to protect the country in case of an Iranian reaction to an expected Israeli reprisal attack, along with American soldiers to operate it, as Tehran appeared to threaten the US troops to be stationed in the region. Goren takes us through the brief history of US deployment in Israel and what makes this American bear hug so unique. The Tekuma Authority, tasked with rehabilitating the Gaza border communities overrun by Hamas terrorists a year ago, will spend NIS 6.4 billion ($1.7 billion) during 2024, equivalent to 90 percent of the budget approved by the government, according to its first six-month report, covering April to September. While the budget is large, Surkes explains that parts are already being held up. Ahead of Rosh Hashana, a holiday associated with eating honey, Surkes visited Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, some 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of Ashkelon, where the majority of Israel's honey is produced. She reports back. To end with, we hear about an 18-month pilot project to test the effectiveness and popularity of eco-toilets at the IDF’s Nitzanim training base in southern Israel. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Four soldiers killed, seven seriously hurt in Hezbollah drone strike on military base US confirms it’s sending missile defense battery, 100 troops to operate it, to Israel Tekuma Administration reports spending NIS 6.4b on Gaza border reconstruction this year Despite the war, no shortage of honey for Jewish New Year Army cleans up its act with eco-toilets Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi talks to soldiers at a Golani base in northern Israel after a deadly Hezbollah drone attack on October 14, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Hezbollah rocket fire continues to rain on Israel’s north as the IDF warns southern Lebanon residents not to return to their homes among ongoing air strikes and ground operations. In the last 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force has struck around 200 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and deeper into the country. We speak about weapons caches that were presumably stashed for an October 7-like invasion and other news from the conflict on the north. There are reports IDF tanks have reached the outskirts of Gaza City among a renewed IDF push in the northern Gaza Strip. Over the past day in the Gaza Strip, the 162nd Division continued fighting in Jabaliya in northern Gaza. Berman explains the current fighting and puts it into a larger context. There are reports that the US is considering sending Israel an advanced anti-ballistic missile defense system operated by American troops to protect the country in case of an Iranian reaction to an expected Israeli reprisal attack. Berman discusses how the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) air defense batteries would beef up Israel’s ability to fend off ballistic missiles and what it would mean to have US soldiers stationed in Israel at this time. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL posts as cover in his conversation last night with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, according to the Israeli readout, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu releasing similar statements today. Who makes up the forces of UNIFIL?  On Thursday, the IDF for the first time brought Israeli journalists into a village in southern Lebanon. Berman suggests this is a clear indication that it feels it has asserted operational control over the area. We hear about his time in Lebanon. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Security chiefs: Israel will stop terror groups reestablishing presence near Lebanon border US may send Israel THAAD missile defense, as Iran seeks to ward off Israeli retaliation 40 countries contributing to UN’s Lebanon peacekeeping force condemn ‘attacks’ Finally on the offensive, IDF’s 91st Division slices through Hezbollah’s front lines Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Illustrative: Destroyed buildings at a commercial street that was hit October 12, 2024, by Israeli airstrikes, are seen in Nabatiyeh town, south Lebanon, October 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today, we bring you a bonus episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World hosted by deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan. Shortly after October 7, when the murderous Hamas onslaught on southern Israel sparked the war in Gaza, Israel was pulled into defending itself and fighting Iran or its proxies on seven fronts: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the West Bank and, of course, Iran. But there is an eighth front that has emerged and is no less pernicious: the battle for public opinion and legitimacy. Since war broke out, Israel advocate Aviva Klompas has used her robust social media platforms to provide a counter to the onslaught of anti-Israel hate. As co-founder and CEO of Boundless, Aviva says she aims to reshape Israel education and confront antisemitism head-on. This war is affording her a great opportunity. We speak about this advocacy work and her new book, “Stand-Up Nation.” So this week we ask Aviva Klompas, what matters now. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Author and Israel advocate Aviva Klompas. (Zev Fisher)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It’s been one year since October 7, 2023. To honor this day, we’ve produced "October’s Wake," a podcast mini-series, exclusively for ToI Community members. In this first episode, host Amanda Borschel-Dan brings together editor David Horovitz, senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman to answer your questions on the major issues from all fronts of the war — both in Israel and abroad. We zoom out and discuss how Israelis live with the knowledge that their homeland was invaded, and whether rallies in support of hostage families have helped torpedo a release deal. We hear whether Israel has a grand vision and possible ways to end the cycle of Iranian proxy warfare. And finally, we learn, what, if anything, gives these journalists hope. To hear the other two episodes, "October’s Wake: The waging of war" and "October’s Wake: The political quagmire" please join The Times of Israel Community. As a member of the ToI Community, you will have access to "October’s Wake" and other exclusive content that enable critical discussions about the future of Israel and its people. Your support helps us continue delivering quality journalism and insightful content. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Zev Levi.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid reviews the nearly one-hour-long call held between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden on Wednesday, about Israel's plans to attack Iran, although that was only discussed briefly. He discusses the US "walking away" from its initial push for a 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah, and US support of IDF raids into Lebanon. Magid looks at the clear frustrations the US administration has with Netanyahu, the continuing lack of a ceasefire and negotiations, and the blame game with the Israeli leader as well as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. He also discusses comments made by former Biden aide Andrew Miller about how Israel approaches military actions in civilian areas, how the US administration had to change its approach in influencing Israel and the ongoing war, and the need to plan for the day after in Gaza. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: One year since Oct. 7, US resigned to limits of its influence over Netanyahu US official: Sinwar likely alive in Gaza tunnel ‘with hostages in his vicinity’ Ex-Biden aide claims Israel has more tolerance for causing civilian casualties than US Biden and Netanyahu hold ‘direct and productive’ call in wake of Iranian attack Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: This combination image shows, from left; President Joe Biden, on March 12, 2020, in Wilmington, Del., and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Oct. 28, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. According to a Channel 12 news report on Tuesday night, the United States and Arab states have launched covert talks with Iran for a comprehensive ceasefire aimed at calming all war fronts at once. Berman discusses what influence Iran may still have with its proxies. Ahead of the planned phone call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, the apparently unease between the two leaders was writ large in headlines about an upcoming book by US journalist Bob Woodward. They haven’t spoken for over 50 days and last night the Defense Ministry on Tuesday informed the Pentagon that it is postponing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s planned trip to the United States -- reportedly because the two leaders have not yet spoken. Berman weighs in. Netanyahu seemed to confirm on Tuesday evening that Israel had successfully assassinated projected new Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine, who was targeted in an airstrike in Beirut last Thursday, and claimed Israel has also killed the next in line for the job, however the IDF’s follow up statement was much less conclusive. Berman parses this out. During a press conference in Jerusalem on Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot doubled down on French President Emmanuel Macron’s call last week for a partial arms embargo on Israel. Berman gives context and historical background to this new statement. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hezbollah rains rockets on Haifa as deputy leader claims capabilities intact US and Arab states reportedly in talks with Iran for ceasefire on all war fronts Netanyahu and Biden expected to hold call on Iran Wednesday after weeks of silence Biden said to call Netanyahu ‘a f**king liar’ after Israeli troops entered Rafah Netanyahu: Israel killed ‘Nasrallah’s replacement, and his replacement’s replacement’ Gallant’s trip to US delayed, reportedly after Netanyahu sets last-minute obstacles French FM backs Macron’s calls for arms ban, argues it’s for Israel’s security Macron speaks with Netanyahu, but doesn’t retract his call for arms embargo Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel. IMAGE: IDF forces on the ground in southern Lebanon, October 9, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The UN special coordinator for Lebanon and the head of the peacekeeping force deployed along the border with Israel said this morning that a negotiated solution is the only way to restore stability. They added that Hezbollah’s attacks starting on October 8, 2023, were in violation of the UN Security Council resolution that ended the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006. Horovitz weighs in on whether Israel currently believes the path of diplomacy is still viable. This morning, former prime minister Naftali Bennett called for Israel to strike the Iranian nuclear program which, he said, “casts a dark shadow over our futures,” amid reports military or intelligence targets could be hit in response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack last week. Horovitz explores Bennett's motivations and discusses the current window of opportunity.  Steinberg reports on yesterday's commemoration ceremonies and discusses what the "alternative" and "official" productions show about Israeli society and its healing process.  For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: On anniversary of start of Hezbollah attacks on Israel, UN officials call for diplomatic solution Bennett urges Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program: ‘A one-time window of opportunity’ At separate memorials, families demand accountability as PM touts Israeli ‘strength’ ‘We will rise from the ruins’: A bereaved audience pays homage on Oct. 7 anniversary Still under fire, Israel remembers Oct. 7 victims while grappling with ongoing nightmare Paramedic Amit Mann, 22: Sacrificed herself to protect patients Guy Illouz, 26: Soundman for Hayehudim with ‘a huge heart’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel. IMAGE: Kibbutz Beeri residents take part in a march and a ceremony marking one year since Hamas's October 7 massacre in Kibbutz Beeri and other locations in southern Israel, October 7, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Incoming rocket sirens sounded in central Israel following rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. The alerts are activated in some areas of Tel Aviv, as well as Holon, Rishon Lezion, Bat Yam, and other central towns. At the same time, the IDF said it thwarted a large barrage of rockets Hamas planned to launch at Israel this morning on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre. We hear what came out of the Strip this morning. Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces said that troops had encircled Jabaliya amid a new ground operation targeting efforts by Hamas to reestablish itself in northern Gaza. Fabian speaks of other new developments in the Strip. Five people were wounded in Haifa on Sunday when Israel’s air defenses failed to intercept a barrage of five rockets launched from Lebanon, allowing at least one rocket to strike a busy urban area. What do we know about the air defense failure? The IDF announced that its 91st “Galilee” Regional Division began ground operations last night in southern Lebanon, joining two other divisions already operating there against Hezbollah. We hear about the ground operation and the airstrikes being conducted in tandem. A Border Police officer was killed and at least 10 others were wounded when a terrorist opened fire in the Beersheba bus station on Sunday afternoon. The victim was identified as Sgt. Shira Suslik, 19, a Border Police officer from Beersheba. Fabian talks about the site of the attack and its history. As the country marked one year since the onset of the war on October 7, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces on Monday published new data on its operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Lebanon, from the number of rockets fired at Israel to the number of sites struck by the Israeli Air Force. Fabian brings highlights. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF launches new ground op in north Gaza’s Jabaliya to foil Hamas efforts to regroup IDF preparing for possible long-range rocket attacks from Gaza on Oct. 7 anniversary Five injured in Haifa after air defenses fail to intercept Hezbollah rocket barrage Border cop killed, 10 wounded in terror shooting attack at Beersheba central bus station IDF says hostage Idan Shtivi was declared dead based on new intelligence A year of war: IDF data shows 728 troops killed, over 26,000 rockets fired at Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: Israelis hold hands at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, next to photographs of Israelis killed in the October 7 massacre, on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack, October 7, 2024. (Tomer Neubergi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Sokol discusses the latest brouhaha with Transportation Minister Miri Regev, as reservists called up for duty over the holiday lacked public transportation during the Rosh Hashanah holiday, a year into the ongoing war. Sokol also reviews the first week at work for Minister without Portfolio Gideon Sa'ar, once the prime minister's foe on the right, now part of his inner circle. Sharon looks at the latest with Justice Minister Yariv Levin, as he endeavors to drag out the appointment of a left-leaning Supreme Court president by imposing candidacies on all standing justices. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Shutdown of public transport hampers reservists called up over long holiday weekend Israel seeks to reverse EU’s advice to avoid its skies as foreign carriers nix flights As he officially rejoins government, Sa’ar blasts opposition for ‘living in Oct. 6’ Vogelman retires as Supreme Court president in shadow of severe judiciary-gov’t clash Judiciary adviser: Levin’s tactic to delay Supreme Court president vote ‘ridiculous’ 10 Supreme Court justices seek to retract their imposed candidacies for president Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Siegal. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers near Israel's northern border with Lebanon on October 2, 2024 (Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Those We Have Lost project coordinator Amy Spiro joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Today, we’re dedicating the daily podcast’s time to stories of civilians and soldiers who have fallen since October 7. We’ve each chosen 9 individuals to focus on and we’ll explain why they moved us. We also hear updates from Spiro on how many of the over 1,600 individuals who were killed on or after October 7 during this war with Hamas and Hezbollah that we have been able to write memorials for. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Cpt. Alina Pravosudova, 23: ‘Gingit’ loved ballet, volunteered for MDA Staff Sgt. Omri Peretz, 20: Squad commander ‘surrounded by friends’ Sujith Nissanka, 48: Dedicated Sri Lankan carer slain with his patient Mayana and Noah Hershkovitz, 65 & 68: Couple shared a love of art Sivan Shaarbany, 21: Curly-haired partygoer who loved salt & pepper Alon Toledano, 54: Sensitive man who aimed to help others Ilan Fiorentino, 38: Kibbutz security chief who was a ‘200% dad’ Ronen Daichman, 49: Physics teacher was ‘the coolest guy in the school’ Chief Supt. Martin Kyzmickas, 46: Cop who had ‘warrior blood’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Family and friends of Israeli soldier Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster attend his funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on October 2, 2024. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The IDF is calling on Lebanese civilians in 37 villages and towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, and head north of the Awali River. The overnight heavy airstrikes in Beirut targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, according to the IDF. We begin with the tragic incidents in which 6 members of the elite Egoz unit, two Golani soldiers and one paratrooper were killed inside Lebanon. As rocket sirens continue to sound all along Israel’s north, some 100 Hezbollah operatives have been killed during Israeli operations in southern Lebanon in the past day, according to IDF assessments. Fabian fills us in about the potential targeting of former Hezbollah head Hassan Nasrallah’s successor and other operations in the north. The head of a Hamas terror network in Tulkarem, along with several other operatives, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the West Bank this evening. According to the military, the airstrike carried out by a fighter jet in Tulkarem targeted Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, a top Hamas commander in Tulkarem who was planning a terror attack “in the immediate time frame.” Fabian weighs in. Senior Hamas official Rawhi Mushtaha, the de facto prime minister of the Gaza Strip, was killed in an Israeli strike several months ago, as well as two other high ranking Hamas operatives, the IDF and Shin Bet said Thursday. Likewise, the security forces said in a statement Thursday that they had killed Aziz Salha, a Palestinian man infamous for his role in the lynching of two Israeli soldiers in Ramallah in 2000, in an airstrike in Gaza. Fabian explains who these men were and how significant. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Nasrallah’s presumed successor said to be target of heavy Israeli strike in Beirut Officer killed in Lebanon; strike hits Hezbollah commander behind rocket attack on kids In first fatalities of Lebanon ground op, 8 IDF soldiers killed in battles with Hezbollah At least 18 said killed in Tulkarem airstrike on head of local Hamas terror network IDF says it killed Hamas de facto PM – Sinwar’s right-hand man – in strike 3 months ago Palestinian infamous for 2000 lynching of soldiers in Ramallah killed in Gaza strike Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Adina Karpuj. IMAGE: Troops of the 188th Armored Brigade are seen operating in southern Lebanon, in handout image published October 4, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. For nearly a year, Israel has been forced to fight a war on seven fronts: against Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza; Hezbollah in Lebanon; the Houthis in Yemen; various Iran-backed militias in Iraq, and also in Syria; against Iranian efforts to arm Palestinian militants in the West Bank; and against Iran itself, which first attacked Israel in April and then again on Tuesday night. Rettig Gur examines how Israel has moved to a more offensive position this week, and how far it may go before the United States's bear hug becomes a restraint. And to close out this holiday episode, Rettig Gur speaks about what makes the Jewish New Year different from every other major holiday. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Biden: US opposes Israel hitting Iran nuclear sites, response should be ‘proportional’ A nervous Iran wanted to restore old regional order, but Israel is on the offensive Iranian regime’s missile assault underlines that Israel, with US, must expedite its demise Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Podwaves. IMAGE: Israelis stand on top of the remains of an Iranian missile in the Negev desert near Arad, on October 2, 2024, in the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel. (Menahem KAHANA / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz, US bureau chief Jacob Magid and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Horovitz, Magid and Fabian discuss Tuesday evening's Iranian attack on Israel, as Iran launched 181 missiles at Israel, sending millions of Israelis into sealed rooms and bomb shelters on the eve of the three-day Rosh Hashanah holiday. Israel's Air Force, along with the US and Jordan, intercepted most of the projectiles, showing close coordination and alliance, said Magid. The US also vowed severe consequences for Iran, stressing the US-Israel coordination, without efforts to hold back Israel. Fabian updates the latest in the front with Lebanon, including Tuesday's discovery that the IDF has been conducting small raids into Lebanon since last October, with special forces operating for a day or three to four days at a time, uncovering Hezbollah sites and tunnels, weapons depots, thwarting Hezbollah intentions to conduct another kind of October 7 attack. Fabian comments that now the IDF has an entire division operating in Lebanon for a much larger scale operation but with similar goals, including the army's intention to demolish Hezbollah tunnels. Horovitz remarks that Iran insisted on portraying the Tuesday night missile attack as a great success. He notes that Israel has changed course dramatically in the last two and a half weeks, beginning with the pager attack not yet officially claimed by Israel, and the elimination of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and other leadership, all showing a different course by Israel and the expectation that Israel will hit back hard at Iran, with US support. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Iran fires 181 missiles at Israel; PM: They made a ‘big mistake’ and ‘will pay for it’ Shrapnel from Iranian missile kills Palestinian man near Jericho US: We will help Israel exact ‘severe consequences’ from Iran for missile attack Seven people killed in shooting, stabbing terror attack in Jaffa IDF: Hezbollah was ready to invade en masse after Oct. 7; we covertly raided 1,000 sites IDF says strike kills head of Hezbollah unit charged with smuggling arms from Iran Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Podwaves. IMAGE: Israelis take cover inside a bomb shelter at Ben Gurion airport as a siren alert is sounded in Tel Aviv, October 1, 2024 (Photo by Dor Pazuelo/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode from the Jerusalem office. The IDF announced the launch of limited raids into southern Lebanon late on Monday night against Hezbollah forces and infrastructure positioned along Israel’s northern border. We discuss the strategy here and whether this is a formal declaration of war even as the IDF’s 98th Division, an elite formation of paratrooper and commando units, conducted an overnight ground operation. Yesterday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the Lebanese government is ready to fully implement a UN resolution that had aimed to end Hezbollah’s armed presence south of the Litani River. We ask, what does it mean for Israel to have a weak state on its border and is it time for the west to bolster it? The Biden administration appears to express its support for the raids that the IDF began conducting late Monday night during a call between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Berman weighs in. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF announces launch of limited ground raids on Hezbollah sites across Lebanon border Israel says ‘next phase’ beginning in Lebanon, amid global pleas against a ground op Lebanese PM says willing to deploy army south of Litani River, fully implement UN resolution Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers work on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, October 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode from the Jerusalem office. Yesterday, the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes Sunday against infrastructure in western Yemen that the military said was used by the Houthis, in a response to recent ballistic missile attacks on the Jewish state carried out by the Iran-backed group. Fabian explains how logistically complicated this mission is, what was struck and the messaging top Israeli officials released following the strikes. At least three terror operatives were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a Beirut apartment building after midnight on Monday, the first such raid in the heart of the Lebanese capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said three of its fighters were killed in the strike. Likewise, the Palestinian terror group Hamas said that its leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, was killed in an Israeli strike in the south of the country. We hear about these strikes, as well as the Saturday strike that killed senior Hezbollah official Nabil Qaouk. The body of Hezbollah terror chief Hassan Nasrallah was recovered from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, alongside some 20 other top Hezbollah operatives. Fabian names those who have been identified and explains how resonant this strike was to the terror group's organizational structure. The Israel Defense Forces may have begun or is about to begin small operations across the Lebanon border to take out nearby Hezbollah positions, according to two US reports. This is not yet the approved ground incursion, says Fabian, which is not off the table. And finally, we learn about targeted airstrikes on two former schools in the Gaza Strip, as well as a kilometer-long tunnel that was discovered and destroyed. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Dozens of Israeli planes strike port, power plants in Yemen after Houthi missile attacks IDF intercepts ballistic missile that Houthis claim aimed at PM’s plane at Ben Gurion Hamas leader, PFLP fighters killed in strikes on southern Lebanon, central Beirut IDF kills another senior Hezbollah official in Beirut; fresh barrages target north Nasrallah’s body retrieved from ruins as IDF names 20 more terrorists killed in blast IDF may have already begun small raids on Hezbollah in south Lebanon – reports Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel. IMAGE: A large fire and plume of smoke is visible in the port city of Hodeida, Yemen, September 29, 2024, after Israeli strikes on the Houthi-controlled city. (AP Photo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode from the Jerusalem office. Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first public comments since a massive Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in his southern Beirut headquarters on Friday. We hear about how the Israeli leader framed the decision and his view of its repercussions. We compare those remarks to Netanyahu's statements at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, just prior to the strike. We discuss how Nasrallah was in many ways became the "archetypical" enemy of Israel. Is it possible that his assassination could reshape the balance of power in the region? Finally, we hear if this strike could shift Israelis' perceptions of their own army's competence as the country prepares to mark the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas massacre of 1,200 and abduction of 251 hostages to the Gaza Strip. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Touting Nasrallah killing, Netanyahu warns Iran: Israel can reach anywhere In blistering UN speech, Netanyahu says Israel seeks peace but will fight until victory Israel knew of Nasrallah’s location for months, some ministers opposed hit — reports Killing of Nasrallah shows the IDF reasserting primacy, gradually restoring public trust Nasrallah’s elimination is a direct blow to Iran, and a revival of Israeli deterrence Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel. IMAGE: A portrait of Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah hangs on a street in Baghdad on September 29, 2024, after Iraq officially declared a three-day national mourning period following Israel's killing of the Lebanese leader. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today, we bring you a bonus episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This episode features host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with best-selling author Dr. Micah Goodman in a conversation recorded on September 25, 2024, ahead of the IDF's targetted assassination of Hezbollah head Hassan Nasrallah.  Best-selling author Goodman revisits a theory he discussed with Borschel-Dan on October 9, mere days after Hamas infiltrated Israel’s south and slaughtered 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages to Gaza. We hear about Goodman’s idea of the “zero-sum game” that Israel must play to restore deterrence and maintain legitimacy and its results so far. Now, a year into this ongoing war, we learn how the Israeli narrative of the war is shifting away from perceiving it through the prism of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Today, two other narratives are increasingly gaining steam: One states that October 7 was the opening salvo to a regional war and the other zooms out even further and places it in the context of a realignment of the global axis. We hear how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “right” in warning against Iran, but his coalition just may obstruct efforts to solve the conflict once and for all. “We need new politics in order to defeat Iran,” said Goodman. So this week, we ask Dr. Micah Goodman, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Philosopher and public intellectual Dr. Micah Goodman. (Yonit Schiller)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Israeli Air Force carried out massive targeted airstrikes in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Friday evening, with the military saying it had struck Hezbollah’s main headquarters. This morning, the IDF confirmed Nasrallah’s death and later Hezbollah also announced the targeted assassination of its leader. We hear about the timeline of the strike, as well as others who may have been killed alongside Nasrallah. Since the strike on Friday, rockets have continued to be shot from Lebanon over the border. Fabian speaks about their inefficient guidance systems and what this may indicate. On Thursday, the chief of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar said that preventing all weapon transfers from Iran to Hezbollah is now a top priority. We hear about the efforts to prevent Hezbollah's rearmament as well as the potential for a ground incursion into Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces assessed on Friday that Hamas has been largely defeated militarily in the entire Gaza Strip, and it is now effectively a guerrilla terror group that will take some more time to dismantle. Fabian breaks this down. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF says Hezbollah terror chief Nasrallah, other top commanders killed in Beirut strike Israel targets Nasrallah in bombing of Hezbollah HQ; increasingly believes it killed him Hassan Nasrallah: Terror chief made Hezbollah a regional force, ignored Israeli warnings Official: With strike on Nasrallah, Israel hopes to avoid ground-op in Lebanon IAF chief: Preventing all weapon transfers from Iran to Hezbollah now a top priority IDF assesses Hamas defeated militarily in all of Gaza, is now a guerrilla terror group Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Adina Karpuj. IMAGE: Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, speaks during a ceremony in Beirut on July 24, 1994. (AP Photo/Ahmed Azakir, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid reviews the breakdown of the proposed 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the air, flying to the US to speak at the UN General Assembly after his far-right government partners threatened to bolt the coalition. He also discusses the speech given by US President Joe Biden at the UN General Assembly earlier in the week, specifically his comments about the Middle East and the need to work on global alliances, as well as an emphasis on the October 7 atrocities, making a point of the horrors of that day and of the continuing war. Magid also relates to Biden's possible plans during his lame duck period following the November elections and before the January inauguration and the steps his administration wants to take regarding a two-state solution. US, frustrated, says ceasefire plan rejected by Netanyahu had been coordinated with him At UNGA, Biden describes horrors of Oct. 7 and Gaza war, urging sides to accept deal US officials weighing steps Biden could take to preserve two-states after election Abbas, in UN speech, blasts Israeli ‘genocide’ in Gaza, sets out 12-point ‘day after’ plan For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Palestinian supporters march with a cutout depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near the United Nations headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The United States, France, and some of their allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah while also expressing support for a truce in Gaza, according to a joint statement of the countries released by the White House Wednesday following an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Lebanon. We begin by speaking about the apparent IDF achievements of the stepped-up airstrikes over the past week and then turn to the truce proposal and reactions to it. Alongside the massacre of 1,200 and abduction of 251 hostages on October 7, Hamas head Yihya Sinwar attempted to launch a regional war. As such a war appears increasingly realistic, Borschel-Dan asks Horovitz if Israel is playing into Sinwar's hands. We end today's episode by discussing this past year of journalism and how complicated responsible reporting is in this region. Horovitz explains some of the challenges facing news outlets and how some respected news sources are not rising to them. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: A fateful, devastating year; a little about ToI’s work; a thank you to ToI Community US, France lead joint call for immediate 21-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah Drone from Iraq hits Eilat port, causing damage and lightly injuring two Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati speaks during a meeting of the Security Council, September 25, 2024, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Hezbollah took responsibility for the missile attack on central Israel this morning, claiming to have targeted the Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv with a “Qader 1” ballistic missile in response to the pager and walkie-talkie explosions and the assassinations of top commanders in the terror group. Fabian analyzes the relatively restrained Hezbollah response even as Israel continues to target Hezbollah leadership and infrastructure. Hezbollah confirmed that Ibrahim Qubaisi, the commander of the terror group’s rocket and missile division, was killed in an Israeli strike yesterday in Beirut. Who was he and how important of a target is he? This morning, the IDF issued a message in Arabic to Lebanese civilians who have evacuated their homes due to the presence of Hezbollah weapons, warning them it is not yet safe to go back. And on Monday, Israel published what it said was evidence of these Hezbollah munitions being placed in homes. What was this proof the IDF published? Several drones launched from Iraq overnight struck open areas in the northern Golan Heights and the Arava, according to the IDF. The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq took responsibility. Fabian weighs in on when the IDF may respond more forcefully to these increasing attacks. We close the program with a brief update on what is happening on the ground in Gaza as the war against Hamas continues. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: In first, Hezbollah fires missile at Tel Aviv area; no injuries as IDF intercepts it IDF strike in Beirut kills Hezbollah missile chief, as rockets pummel Israel Missile in the attic: IDF releases photos of Hezbollah munitions in Lebanese homes Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Hezbollah members march during a funeral procession in the southern suburb of Beirut, September 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and health reporter Diana Bletter join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses latest with MK Gideon Sa'ar, who officially announced he would not consider replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant given the escalating situation in the north. Sokol also looks at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's consideration of an IDF plan to lay siege in northern Gaza, and comments made by opposition members of the government regarding the current war situation in the north. Bletter talks about how residents of the north have been handling the ongoing war, speaking with a regional council head, hospital directors and residents about the escalating rocket attacks, and how they're dealing with the daily realities. She also discusses a therapeutic visit by Israeli alternative care practitioners to the Druze village of Majdal Shams, where a Hezbollah rocket attack recently wiped out 12 of their children and teens. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Sa’ar abandons pursuit of defense minister role as Lebanon fighting escalates PM says weighing plan for siege on Hamas in north Gaza; believes half of hostages alive North under siege: Rockets cause hospitals to nix procedures, schools and beaches to close Fear and uncertainty: As war escalates, northern residents feel there’s nowhere to go A northern kibbutz on the edge of the evacuated zone is Israel’s new de facto border Women travel to Majdal Shams to help mothers of children killed in Hezbollah attack Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Smoke rises after an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon, as seen from Israel, September 23, 2024 (Photo by David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Since this morning, the Israeli Air Force has struck more than 300 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Berman discusses Hezbollah's strategies and capabilities to threaten the IDF on land, air and sea. As it increasingly appears that Israel is on the brink of another war in Lebanon, Lazar gives insight into how the IDF has changed since the 2006 war and how this could shift the balance toward Israel's favor in another ground operation. A drone launched at Israel by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq in the early hours of Monday morning was shot down by Israeli fighter jets, the sixth attack from Iraq within 24 hours. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq took responsibility for the incident, saying on Monday morning that the group had targeted an Israeli observation base in northern Israel with drones. What is the Islamic Resistance in Iraq? Biden Administration officials in the past few days sent the draft text of a new hostage release-ceasefire proposal to Israel and, via Qatari and Egyptian mediators, to Hamas. What are the current proposals on the table and what are we hearing from Hamas? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: String of IDF successes might cause Nasrallah to back down, but won’t lead to victory IDF launches over 300 strikes on Hezbollah after stark warnings to Lebanese civilians Army says drone launched at Israel by Iran-backed militia in Iraq shot down by jets Reports: Hamas chief incommunicado, Israel checking longshot possibility he’s dead Israel offers to end war, let Sinwar leave if all hostages freed at once, Gaza disarmed PM says weighing plan for siege on Hamas in north Gaza; believes half of hostages alive Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Illustrative: Hezbollah fighters raise their fists and shout slogans during the funeral of their senior commander Ali Dibs who was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Nabatiyeh town, south Lebanon, February 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. After a series of sharp escalations in the almost year-long tit-for-tat conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, some 2 million Israelis are in areas that are currently affected by Hezbollah rocket fire. This deeper Hezbollah retaliation comes after the IDF assassination of some dozen top commanders of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in the Friday strike in Beirut that killed Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah’s military operations. We begin the program by hearing how significant was Aqil and how much of a blow this mass assassination was. We hear about the scope of Hezbollah's fighting force and learn about a new kind of missile being used in the deeper attacks today. Is the IDF prepping the ground for an incursion? The IDF carried out an airstrike this morning and on Saturday against a group of Hamas operatives at command rooms embedded within former school in Gaza. With most of Gaza under IDF control, when will it move into the small pockets in central Gaza that have not yet been touched. Two terrorists who likely murdered six Israeli hostages in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip last month were killed by Israeli troops, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday. How did the IDF tie the terrorists to the hostages? A Jewish Israeli civilian was arrested last month after he was allegedly recruited by Iran to advance an assassination plot of Israel’s prime minister, defense minister, or the head of the Shin Bet, authorities announced on Thursday. The suspect, named as 73-year-old Moti Maman from the southern city of Ashkelon, was indicted on Thursday, after which the Shin Bet revealed details of the investigation. What do we know? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hezbollah fires 100 rockets at north, wounding 3; teen killed in crash during siren IDF confirms eliminating multiple top Hezbollah commanders in Friday’s Beirut strike IDF says it struck Hamas operatives at inactive Gaza school; 21 reported killed Army says it killed 2 Hamas terrorists who likely murdered 6 Israeli hostages in tunnel Israeli Jew recruited by Iran in plot to kill Netanyahu, Gallant or Shin Bet head Bar Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin on September 22, 2024. (Kawnat Haju / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today, we bring you a bonus episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This episode features host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with ToI senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur. Last week, three women were arrested after distributing flyers with six hostages’ faces in MK Yuli Edelstein’s synagogue in Herzliya, including a picture of him as a Prisoner of Zion alongside and the famous “Let My People Go” slogan used to support the refuseniks in the Soviet Union before being allowed to emigrate to Israel in 1987. After a week of backlash to their arrests and his apparent support for them, Edelstein clarified that while he understands the hostage families’ protests, he does “not forgive people who turn the hostages into currency to promote goals that have nothing to do with them.” At the same time, there already are efforts inside most — if not all — synagogues throughout Israel to release the hostages: the longstanding prayer for the release of hostages that is found in most standard prayerbooks. Rettig Gur and Borschel-Dan discuss the two sides’ stances and question whether they are all that far apart on the issue of the hostages. The two then turn to the question of whether or not Israel is basically experiencing an undeclared, low-burn regional war after a week in which a ballistic missile from the Yemenite Houthis reached Tel Aviv, a drone from Iraq was downed over the Sea of Galilee, along with the “usual” rockets from Gaza and Lebanon. Rettig Gur argues that even if Israel isn’t currently in a regional war, it’s time for one, but with one specific target. And so this week we ask Haviv Rettig Gur, what matters now? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, center, meets with Iraqi community members during his visit to Basra, Iraq, September 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jourani)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid discusses the latest US administration comments regarding the uptick in Israeli strikes against Hezbollah, noting the carefully couched understanding of the escalation, given the continual Hezbollah missile attacks against Israel over the last year. He also reviews comments made by US officials to the Wall Street Journal about the lack of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, and expectations that none would be forthcoming before the end of the Biden administration. Magid then talks about two talks given by former President Donald Trump to two Jewish groups in the US, and Trump's stance that he is the only candidate who can save Israel from the destruction that he says would take place under a Kamala Harris administration. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Blinken warns against ‘escalatory actions’ in Mideast, cites risk to Gaza deal US: ‘Additional military ops’ not the best way to prevent Israel-Hezbollah escalation US says it wasn’t involved in or tipped off about Hezbollah pager detonations Senior US officials think Gaza ceasefire unlikely by end of Biden’s term — report Trump: If I lose election, Jewish people will ‘have a lot to do with’ it Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE; US Secretary of State Antony Blinken exits a vehicle as he departs Egypt, taking off from Cairo, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, for meetings in Paris, France. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Horovitz discusses the latest escalation in the north, following two waves of Hezbollah device explosions this week, and the decision by the government and IDF to send more troops to the northern border. He also describes the Shin Bet arrest of an older Israeli man, discovered to have traveled to Iran in a plot to kill the prime minister, defense minister or the head of the Shin Bet. Horovitz reviews the Wednesday night Channel 12 report alleging that the prime minister had been working since December to torpedo a possible hostage deal for political reasons, and also delves into the collapse of the end-of-November hostage deal. He also discusses why Netanyahu would want to swap his current defense minister, Yoav Gallant, during a war, for another political foe, MK Gideon Sa'ar, who has no specific defense background. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Gallant says IDF diverting resources to northern border in ‘new phase’ of war 20 killed, 450 wounded as Lebanon hit by 2nd wave of Hezbollah device explosions Hungary: Exploding pagers weren’t made here, linked firm acted as trade intermediary Will the pager operation deter Hezbollah and Iran, and is Israel prepared for war if not? Israeli recruited by Iran in plot to kill Netanyahu, Gallant or Shin Bet head Bar Ex-defense minister Ya’alon was target of Hezbollah bomb attack in Tel Aviv last year Report: Nov. truce collapsed because Hamas falsely claimed women set for release were dead Netanyahu, don’t fire Gallant again: The first was a tragedy, the second could be worse Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: IDF evacuates civilians injured by missile fired from Lebanon, in the Ramim Cliff area on September 19, 2024 (Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Four IDF soldiers fell in the Gaza Strip yesterday: Cpt. Daniel Mimon Toaff, 23; Staff Sgt. Agam Naim, 20; Staff Sgt. Amit Bakri, 21; and Staff Sgt. Dotan Shimon, 21. We discuss how the death of Naim, a paramedic, marks the first female soldier to be killed in the ground offensive. A massive attack against Hezbollah operatives that is being attributed to Israel saw the explosion of thousands of pagers yesterday a few hours after Israel declared getting residents of the north back to their homes. Fabian fills us in on what we're hearing from foreign reports and the possibility of retaliation. The Shin Bet foiled a recent attempt by Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior Israeli security official using a remotely detonated explosive device, the security agency announced on Tuesday. Fabian explains how Hezbollah likely has recruits in Israel to carry out such attacks. The Israeli military clarified on Sunday that there was no evacuation recommendation given for civilians in southern Lebanon, and that flyers dropped in the southern village of Wazzani calling on residents to leave had been distributed by a brigade commander without permission. How could this have happened? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 4 IDF troops killed, several hurt during fighting in southern Gaza’s Rafah 9 killed, almost 3,000 injured as vast wave of pager explosions strikes Hezbollah Analysts say Mossad likely hid explosives in pagers before they reached Hezbollah IDF urges vigilance as defense chiefs meet amid Hezbollah retaliation threat Shin Bet says it foiled Hezbollah attempt to kill former top Israeli security official After unauthorized flyers dropped, IDF says there’s no south Lebanon evacuation order Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Lebanese first responders carry a man who was wounded after his handheld pager exploded in an attack blamed on Israel targeting Hezbollah, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, September 17, 2024. (AP Photo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The security cabinet updated its official goals for the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza to include the objective of allowing residents of the north to return safely to their homes after being displaced by attacks by the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, the Prime Minister’s Office announced this morning. Does this change anything? There are reports circulating right now about an emerging deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New Hope chairman Gideon Sa’ar. Sa’ar is reportedly expected to be appointed defense minister if Netanyahu fires current defense chief Yoav Gallant and other reports say the two have agreed to jointly choose a new IDF chief of staff. Could it be detrimental to the war to switch leadership now? Four years ago, the Bahraini and Emirati foreign ministers stood on either side of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump to sign the Abraham Accords. Since then, the accords were slightly expanded to include Morocco. We hear how the war has affected the participating countries and whether the accords could be expanded again soon. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Return of displaced northern residents to their homes becomes an official war goal In deal to join cabinet, Sa’ar may get veto over judicial overhaul, choice of IDF chief Four years on, Abraham Accords are strained by Gaza war — but prove resilient Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: The scene where a Hezbollah missile fired from Lebanon hit a home in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, September 4, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political reporter Tal Schneider and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. In a phone conversation overnight, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin the time for a diplomatic solution to clashes with Hezbollah on the northern border is passing. At the same time, US special envoy Amos Hochstein is set to meet with Israel’s leadership today in an attempt to avoid further escalation between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon. Schneider describes what could be on the table. Three women who on Thursday distributed flyers on behalf of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza at the Ohel Moshe synagogue in Herzliya were arrested a day later for alleged breaking and entering. The flyers distributed last week featured the images of six hostages believed to be held captive in Gaza as well as an image of a young Likud MK Yuli Edelstein — who was a refusenik and prisoner of Zion before being allowed to emigrate to Israel in 1987 — with the words “Let my people go” across the top. Schneider puts the contentious arrests into perspective and describes Edelstein's response. As the new school year approached, the Israel Democracy Institute's Education Policy Program, in collaboration with the IDI's Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, conducted an online survey from August 21 to 27, 2024. Fiske delves into the poll, which looks at how Israelis think the war should be taught in schools. Recent research by a team of Tel Aviv University archaeologists may upend the Masada legend by asserting that the Roman siege on the mountain fortress likely lasted just a few weeks and not years. We hear highlights of Fiske's conversation with the lead researcher, Dr. Guy Stiebel, a senior lecturer in Tel Aviv University’s Department of Archaeology and Near Eastern Cultures. The Hecht Museum in Haifa officially returned a repaired 3,500-year-old ceramic jug to its accustomed place next to the museum entrance on Wednesday, after it had been accidentally shattered last month by a curious four-year-old visitor in a viral incident that made headlines all over the world. Fiske visited the museum last week. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Months after bodies recovered, IDF says 3 hostages were killed as ‘byproduct’ of strike Gallant tells US counterpart time passing for deal with Hezbollah, ‘direction is clear’ Edelstein’s synagogue denies calling police on women who distributed hostage flyers Masada legend upended: ‘The Romans came, saw and conquered, quickly and brutally’ 3,500-year-old jug smashed by 4-year-old is back on display — still not behind a barrier Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Troops of the Yiftah Brigade carry out a drill in northern Israel, in a handout photo published September 6, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. A surface-to-surface missile launched from Yemen set off sirens across central Israel this morning. Fabian gives us an update. A barrage of some 40 rockets was fired from Lebanon at the Galilee Panhandle and Golan Heights this morning. We hear how these rockets are wreaking damage and how they compare to the missile shot by Yemen this morning. On Saturday, the IDF called on Palestinians in parts of the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahiya to evacuate, after two rockets were fired from the area aimed at the southern coastal city of Ashkelon. The IDF in recent months has repeatedly issued evacuation orders for areas from which terrorists launched rockets at Israel, but that wasn’t always the case. What changed? Fabian reports back from Rafah where he learned last week that the Hamas terror group’s Rafah Brigade has been decimated, at least 2,308 of its operatives have been killed by the Israel Defense Forces and over 13 kilometers (8 miles) worth of tunnels have been destroyed. What did he see on the ground? According to a number of unconfirmed foreign reports last week, Israeli special forces carried out a raid on an Iranian weapons facility in Syria. The reports claim Israeli troops operated on the ground at Masyaf, which lies about 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Israel, only about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Syria’s western coastline. The IDF has not confirmed these reports, but Fabian describes what we are hearing. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Ballistic missile fired from Yemen triggers sirens across central Israel IDF orders evacuations in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya after rocket attack on Israel IDF declares Hamas’s Rafah Brigade defeated; no active cross-border tunnels found Reports: Israeli troops raided IRGC weapons facility in Syria, took equipment, documents Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Police near the remains of a ballistic missile fired by the Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen, near Moshav Kfar Daniel, September 15, 2024. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today, we bring you a bonus episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This episode features host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove. Cosgrove is a leading voice in Conservative Judaism, who has served as head rabbi of New York’s Park Avenue Synagogue since 2008. We speak about his soon-to-be-published book, "For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today" (Harper Collins), which was written after the October 7 Hamas massacre of 1,200 and abduction of 251. The book is a blend of memoir, Torah study and reflection on what it means to be a Jew in the Diaspora today even as Israel continues its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Using the October 7 onslaught as a touchstone, the book is roughly divided into past, present and future and examines the connection between American Jewry and Israel throughout the decades. Cosgrove addresses concerns such as a new generation of young Jewish Americans who are proud of their religious heritage, but repudiate the nationalism exhibited by the Jewish state. So this week, we ask Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, what matters now. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, head rabbi of New York’s Park Avenue Synagogue, holding his new book, 'For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today,' September 11, 2024. (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, Rettig Gur and Borschel-Dan attended a joint press conference for the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research and Tel Aviv University, where they heard the findings of the latest Palestine-Israel Pulse survey. They heard eye-opening perspectives of massive distrust in the other and how that influences any kind of vision of the future. They also learned that there is one sector -- Arab Israelis -- that is still optimistic and still thinks that peace can be achieved. The survey was conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) in Ramallah and the International Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation at Tel Aviv University with funding from the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah and the Representative Office of Japan to Palestine through UNDP/PAPP. The lead authors were Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, Dr. Khalil Shikaki and Dr. Nimrod Rosler. It polled 1200± Palestinians — over 800 from the West Bank and over 400 from Gaza in person — and 900 Israeli adults online, in the last half of July. Among other things, its findings addressed the impact of October 7 and the ongoing war on support for the two-state solution and support for various alternatives to the two-state solution, including one democratic state, one undemocratic state, a two-state confederation.We hear about attitudes toward the war and massive distrust of the other, extreme perceptions of the other and each side’s sense of victimization. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Palestinian-Israeli Pulse: A Joint Poll Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Displaced Palestinians live in shelter tents in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, September 12, 2024. (Ali Hassan/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and Arab Affairs correspondent Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Sharon discusses the latest attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through Israel's Attorney General to stave off the International Criminal Court from issuing arrest warrants for him and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He also reviews what Justice Minister Yariv Levin may do to circumvent the court order he was given this week to finally appoint a new president of Israel's Supreme Court. Pacchiani talks about the insights offered by an exiled Egyptian analyst regarding Gaza's Philadelphi Corridor, and Egypt's longstanding involvement with that stretch of land. Sharon looks at what is happening with a Hebron Hills Palestinian enclave whose residents could finally return to their homes following Jewish settler violence, only to be told by Israel's civil administration that they may have to leave again. Pacchiani discusses a Middle East confab in Baku, Azerbaijan where academics and high-tech types came together to discuss cooperation in the region. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu said to ask AG to probe him and Gallant in bid to avert ICC arrest warrant High Court orders Levin to appoint new court president; he calls its ruling undemocratic Egypt is embarrassed to admit failure to control Philadelphi, says exiled analyst Israel warns Palestinian village will be demolished if residents refuse to relocate In Baku, emerging Israeli and Arab leaders prepare for a post-conflict Middle East Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: A large billboard depicting an image of Benjamin Netanyhau with the words 'You're the head, you're guilty' in Tel Aviv, February 14, 2024 (Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and political reporter Tal Schneider join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Late yesterday, the IDF released a video filmed in the tunnel where hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi were executed by their captors on August 29 before being discovered by the IDF on August 31. Fabian explains what we learned from the video about the hostages’ conditions. An American peace activist who was shot dead in the West Bank last week had “with high probability” been hit by IDF troops’ mistaken gunfire, the army said Tuesday, expressing regret for the killing. What further steps are being taken? Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told foreign journalists on Monday that Hamas is no longer an organized military force in the Gaza Strip after Israel’s 11-month ongoing military campaign, sparked by the terror group’s October 7 massacre. We hear about Gallant’s assessment of Hamas’s capabilities and the need for the continued quenching of its guerrilla operations. How does that square with the IDF’s projections for the war against Hamas? On Tuesday, Gallant told troops that the IDF was shifting its focus from Gaza to the northern front and that they should prepare for a ground offensive there. Fabian describes how Gallant delivered this news to a group of soldiers. US Vice President Kamala Harris asserted that Israel has the right to defend itself after Hamas’s October 7 massacre, as Republican candidate Donald Trump accused her of “hating” the Jewish state. Schneider describes what else the two said about Israel. After the official echelons decided not to pursue a widespread investigation into the failures of October 7, an independent civilian commission of inquiry was launched. Schneider explains who and how this got off the ground and what we're hearing so far. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF video shows ‘horrific conditions’ in tunnel where 6 hostages were held, executed IDF regrets ‘indirect and unintended’ fire that likely killed US woman in West Bank Gallant: Hamas as ‘military formation’ in Gaza is gone, IDF focus shifting to north IDF hits Hezbollah launchers after rocket fire; Gallant to troops: Prepare for ground op At debate, Harris backs Israel’s right to self defense; Trump says she ‘hates Israel’ Witness: For years before Oct. 7, ‘PM told me he’d never order IDF to topple Hamas’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: This image released by the IDF on September 10, 2024, shows bottles filled with urine and a makeshift toilet inside of a tunnel in southern Gaza's Rafah where six Israeli hostages were murdered by Hamas terrorists (Israel Defense Forces) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Horovitz discusses the latest Hezbollah attack in the northern coastal town of Nahariya, and the mounting concerns regarding the terrorist organization in Lebanon, and whether the threat can be contained by diplomatic means. Horovitz then describes the anguished but clear comments made to the prime minister by the bereaved father Rabbi Elhanan Danino, whose son, Ori Danino, was one of the six hostages killed in Hamas captivity ten days ago. During a condolence call visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Danino told Netanyahu that it was his policies that led to the death of his eldest son. Horovitz also reviews the latest machinations on the part of Justice Minister Yariv Levin regarding the appointment of a new High Court president. He also speaks about the Toronto Film Festival screening of 'Bibi Files,' the documentary about the Netanyahu graft trials, and the prime minister's attempts to stop the Canadian screening. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hezbollah drone hits Nahariya high-rise, as over 20 rockets fired at north After Hezbollah strike on Nahariya, residents say government abandoned them Gantz says military focus should shift from Gaza to Lebanon: ‘We’re late on this’ Top US official warns of ‘catastrophic consequences’ to war in Lebanon – reports Bereaved father of hostage to Netanyahu: ‘My son was murdered in a tunnel you built’ Levin mulls legislation to change majority for appointing Supreme Court president ‘Bibi Files’ Canada premiere puts PM interrogation footage on screen for first time Court denies Netanyahu bid to block Canadian screening of leaked interrogation footage Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walking outside his office at the Knesset in Jerusalem on September 9, 2024. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Reports came out last night that the chances of a phased hostage-ceasefire agreement being achieved on the basis of Israel’s May proposal are “close to zero” and there is “very broad pessimism.” The US, which had indicated it was planning to present a new bridging proposal in the next two or three days, is now regarded as unlikely to do so, it added. Berman brings an update. Amid public criticism from top Israeli officials last week, Egypt’s army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Fathy Khalifa made a surprise visit on Thursday to the country’s border with the Gaza Strip to inspect the security situation. At around the same time, the Egyptian leader, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made a first Egyptian presidential visit to Turkey in 12 years, where he discussed the Gaza war and ways to further repair the long-frozen ties between the regional powers during talks in Ankara. How is the growing daylight between Israel and Egypt affecting the region? Israel wrapped up its time at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Sunday with 10 medals, including four gold, its best showing at the Games in 20 years. In this year’s games, only three of the 28 Paralympians representing Israel this year were wounded during military service. One of the sad byproducts of the war is a sharp uptick in other potential candidates. We hear about the highlights of the games and how the organization is working towards using the 2028 games as a goal for this war's wounded warriors. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Slain hostages struggled with their killers in final moments, IDF probe said to find Negotiators said to believe chance of hostage deal ‘close to zero’; US also pessimistic Erdogan seeks Islamic alliance against Israel, says its ‘expansionism’ won’t stop in Gaza Egypt’s army chief visits Gaza border after Israel says Sissi failed on smuggling Israel celebrates its best Paralympic showing in 20 years with 10-medal haul From Gaza to LA: Can Paralympics dream help wounded soldiers get back their fighting spirit? Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. Illustrative: Mossad chief David Barnea attends a farewell ceremony in his honor, at the National Police Academy in Beit Shemesh, on July 14, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Three Israeli men were shot dead by a terrorist at the Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank. The assailant, reportedly a truck driver from Jordan, arrived at the terminal and opened fire at the crossing’s employees. One of the three victims of the terror shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge Crossing this morning is named as Yohanan Shchori, 61, from the West Bank settlement of Ma’ale Efraim. The second victim of the shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge crossing is named as Yuri Birnbaum, 65, from the West Bank settlement of Na’ama. An American woman was shot and killed by IDF troops during a protest near Nablus in the northern West Bank on Friday. Separately, a 13-year-old Palestinian girl was reported shot dead when extremist settlers stormed a village near Nablus and clashed with villagers. We learn about both incidents. Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad battalion commanders were killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. Also on Saturday, the IDF said it had carried out airstrikes on command rooms operating from two former schools in Gaza City. We learn first about the strikes in the school compounds and then hear about a strike in the humanitarian zone near a hospital that killed the two PIJ commanders. More than 50 rockets were launched from Lebanon at the Galilee Panhandle and Kiryat Shmona area overnight, some of which impacted Kiryat Shmona, causing damage. On Friday, during a tour of the Golan Heights, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the IDF is “very focused” on fighting Hezbollah and preparing offensive actions in Lebanon against the Iran-backed terror group. What is offensive is Halevi referring to? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 3 Israelis killed in terror shooting at crossing between West Bank and Jordan US activist said shot dead by IDF at W. Bank protest; girl killed as settlers storm village Two PIJ commanders killed in IDF strike in central Gaza, IDF and Shin Bet say IDF says over 50 rockets fired at north overnight; some damage, no injuries Military ‘very focused’ on fighting Hezbollah, prepping offensive, IDF chief says Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Police at the scene where three Israelis were killed in a terror shooting attack at Allenby Bridge, a crossing between West Bank and Jordan, September 8, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur. This week, Israel was shattered by the news that six hostages, all previously thought alive, were discovered dead in a Gaza tunnel. The six hostages whose bodies were recovered over the weekend — Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi — were killed just days before troops found them, according to autopsies and the IDF. They were all buried this week and hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets on Sunday demanding a hostage release deal, now. Rettig Gur and Borschel-Dan have an open, painful conversation about what may be the two sides of Israel’s Sophie’s Choice: between live hostages and, potentially, the military deterrence to prevent more Israelis from being taken. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: A display of 27 coffins of the hostages who were killed while in captivity in Gaza set up at Habima Square in Tel Aviv. (Zohar Ben Yehuda)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Magid says the Biden administration has a slightly more positive outlook regarding the hostage negotiations, indicating that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on some 90% of the issues in the potential hostage deal. The two thorniest remaining issues are the Philadelphi corridor and which Palestinian prisoners would be released, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said are two major issues. He also comments on Israeli negotiators telling mediators they still support a complete withdrawal of the IDF from the Philadelphi Corridor, and the prime minister's "wishywashy" comments and double-speak on that topic to the Israeli press, foreign press and Fox News in the last week, as the prime minister wants to "appear tougher." Magid turns to the US elections, and remarks made by presidential candidate Donald Trump questioning the continued existence of the state of Israel if Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, is elected. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘It must serve as wakeup call’: Hersh’s family okays release of Hamas propaganda clip Blinken indicates mediators will present updated hostage deal offer to Israel, Hamas ‘in coming days’ US: 2 issues holding up deal, Netanyahu comments on Philadelphi make things ‘difficult’ Israel assured Qatar IDF would fully pull out of Philadelphi in ceasefire’s 2nd phase Vote for me or Israel will be annihilated, Trump says in pitch to Republican Jews Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gives a press conference at the end of his one-day visit to Haiti, at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/Pool photo via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. At a press conference to the foreign press last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his positions on the state of the war in Gaza, and particularly his focus on the Strip’s border with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, and his refusal to remove Israeli troops from there for a potential ceasefire-and-hostage release deal. Horovitz assesses whether there was different messaging coming out of the two languages and speaks about the Philadelphi sticking point and how other Israeli officials view it. August saw the most rockets fired from Lebanon amid the ongoing war, according to new data published by the Shin Bet security agency this morning. There are some 68,000 displaced people from the northern district from 43 settlements and their return is now a stated war goal. But, has Netanyahu given any indication of when? The first phase of a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has concluded successfully, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday, providing nearly 200,000 children in the center of the Strip with their initial dose. More than 500 teams, consisting of nearly 2,200 health and community outreach workers, took part in the campaign. Horovitz weighs in on what this cooperation may indicate. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Under Netanyahu, Israel is in existential danger ‘A step away from victory’? Netanyahu says his April claim was not intended literally Top Netanyahu aide doesn’t rule out pullout from Gaza-Egypt border in deal’s 2nd phase Hezbollah pounds Galilee with over 100 rockets, causing heavy damage but no injuries WHO hails success of polio 1st phase vaccination campaign in Gaza Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands before a map during a press conference at the Government Press Office in Jerusalem, Sept. 4, 2024. (Abir Sultan/Pool via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Fabian reports on the latest from the West Bank city of Jenin, where IDF troops have been operating in the major terror hotspot since last week, an operation dubbed Summer Camps by the IDF, ripping up explosive devices and enabling the army to be able to return to the area more easily in the future. He also discusses a strike that killed Hamas Nukhba force company commander Ahmed Fawzi Nasser Muhammad Wadiyya, who led the invasion of Netiv Ha’asara on October 7 that killed 22 people. Surkes speaks about the start of the school year in Sderot, where parents uneasily welcomed the return to their hometown. She also reports about Kibbutz Re'im, where families are slowly returning, unsure if they feel ready to return home yet. Surkes also relates some research about vultures, and the uncanny resemblance in some of the bird's personality traits to humans. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: In longest West Bank raid in 20 years, IDF aims to set stage for future, smaller ops IDF says it killed Hamas commander who murdered father in front of his kids on Oct. 7 While Israeli kids near Gaza rejoice at return to school, parents remain ambivalent While young vultures gad about, older ones prefer to stay home – study Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Idit Dayan (center, wearing yellow), the principal of the Gil Rabin School in Sderot, southern Israel, welcomes children back for the new school year, on September 1, 2024. (Sue Surkes/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Jerusalem on Monday to bid a final farewell to slain American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the best-known faces among those seized by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7. Steinberg, a family friend, talks about Hersh and brings the overriding messages from the funeral. After many many months in which Israelis have called upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to spell out his vision of a hostage release deal, he finally held a rare press conference in Jerusalem after a day of massive strikes and protests throughout the country. What were the salient points Netanyahu tried to make last night? US President Joe Biden on Monday said Netanyahu was not doing enough to secure a deal for the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, while revealing that his administration was “very close” to presenting a final hostage deal offer later this week. How does this overt chastisement affect the talks? Britain said Monday it would immediately suspend dozens of arms export licenses with Israel because there is a risk the equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, drawing rebuke from Israeli officials. But this morning, Britain’s defense minister John Healey said the country’s suspension of 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel will not threaten Israel’s ability to defend itself. Berman discusses the mixed message the UK is sending. Speaking to the Israel Bar Association this morning, President Isaac Herzog issued a strident call for unity, insisting that "the soul and future of the nation are at stake.” What else did he say in the aftermath of days of country-wide turmoil? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘We all failed you’: Heartbreak at funeral for Hersh Goldberg-Polin in Jerusalem ‘My sweet boy Hersh, we tried so desperately to save you’ Netanyahu: If we leave Philadelphi, Hamas will be able to rearm, revive, repeat Oct. 7 Biden says US close to presenting final ceasefire offer, PM not doing enough for deal Court shuts down Histadrut strike, accepting government claim it was political UK suspends 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, insists it’s not an embargo ‘Don’t you dare’: Herzog warns against reviving judicial overhaul, pleads for unity Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Mourners and family members gather to bury executed US-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin whose body was recovered with five other hostages in Gaza, during the funeral at Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem on September 2, 2024. (Gil Cohen-Magen / POOL / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Last night, mass demonstrations were held throughout Israel after news came out that the bodies of six executed hostages were found, with protesters demanding the government reach a deal for the release of all hostages. Rettig Gur unpacks the protesters' frustrations and motivations. On Thursday, the security cabinet voted to back Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position in favor of maintaining Israeli military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border as part of any potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. In a security cabinet meeting Sunday evening, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly called the demand “an unnecessary constraint that we’ve placed on ourselves.” But can a deal be approved without this line item now? During a press conference in Tel Aviv on Sunday, the head of the major labor union Arnon Bar-David said that the strike would start at 6 a.m. Monday and an official in the Histadrut Labor Federation told Channel 12 this morning that the organization is considering extending the general strike to tomorrow. Rettig Gur weighs in on the tactic of using a strike to pressure the government as it faces a Sophie's choice of a decision. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Autopsy finds 6 hostages were shot multiple times at close range in last 48-72 hours Masses protest across Israel in flood of grief, anger after Hamas executes 6 hostages Gallant said to call Philadelphi demand a ‘disgrace,’ drawing fury from PM, ministers Ministers back Netanyahu’s demand for IDF to stay in Philadelphi Corridor in any deal Striking unions join protest as thousands take to streets for hostage deal Histadrut labor union announces nationwide strike, over failure to release hostages Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Zev Levi. IMAGE: In Tel Aviv, protesters demanding a hostage release deal block the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, September 2, 2024. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The bodies of six hostages abducted alive by Hamas on October 7 were recovered from a tunnel in southern Gaza’s Rafah a few days ago, shortly after they were murdered by terrorists, the Israel Defense Forces announced Sunday. They were named as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Ori Danino, 25, Alex Lubnov, 32, Carmel Gat, 40, and Almog Sarusi, 27. We learn about the operation to recover their bodies and what we know about the killings of the six. Late last week, the IDF announced it had wrapped up a three-week operation in the southern Gaza Strip and also that the Hamas terror group’s Rafah Brigade had “collapsed” as a result of the Israel Defense Forces’s ongoing offensive in the city. What is the current status of the Hamas brigades and the location of the fighting on the ground? A health official said Saturday that a polio vaccination campaign had begun in Gaza after the war-torn territory recorded its first case of the disease in a quarter of a century. The campaign involves two doses and aims to cover over 640,000 children under age 10. How are these temporary pauses in fighting being carried out? Three Israeli police officers were killed in a shooting attack in the southern West Bank on Sunday morning. The attack came after terrorists on Saturday detonated two car bombs in the southern West Bank’s Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Two soldiers were lightly and one moderately hurt in the explosions. Fabian describes the two terror incidents. Last week, the military launched an ongoing counterterrorism operation in several West Bank cities. Fabian updates us on the operation's achievements so far and describes what cooperation the IDF is seeing with the Palestinian Authority. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Bodies of 6 hostages, murdered by Hamas just days ago, found in Rafah – IDF IDF wraps up 3-week raid in south Gaza; 250 gunmen killed, 6 km of tunnels destroyed IDF: Hamas’s Rafah Brigade has collapsed, 80% of border tunnels neutralized Polio vaccination campaign begins in Gaza, health officials say 3 cops killed in southern West Bank shooting attack; IDF pursuing gunmen 2 car bombs detonate in coordinated West Bank attacks; terrorists killed by troops Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Zev Levi. IMAGE: Pictures of 107 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are displayed by their families and friends as they protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, Auguest 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. The New York Times op-ed columnist Bret Stephens joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode, a bonus reply of our weekly What Matters Now podcast. This week, campuses across North America opened their doors for their fall semester. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Stephens recently wrote a column called, “What I Want a University President to Say About Campus Protests,” in which he channels a university president presenting his foundational principles, including, “the spirit of inquiry.” In this week’s episode, we hear Stephens’s take on concepts that have evolved and flourished on campuses in the past several decades, including how critical theory has shifted faculties and the role of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). So this week, as students return to campuses, we ask Bret Stephens, what matters now? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves and Adina Karpuj. IMAGE: New York Times op-ed columnist Bret Stephens. (Jason Smith via JTA)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Vice President Kamala Harris was again heckled by an anti-Israel protester, this time during a rally in Savannah, Georgia, on Thursday. The Democratic presidential nominee responded by stressing her support for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Berman describes this incident and points out a gaping omission in her stated support for Israel. The WHO and UN children’s fund UNICEF are hoping to provide oral vaccines against type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2) to more than 640,000 children in the Strip after a baby contracted the first confirmed case in 25 years in the Palestinian territory. Berman updates on the partial pauses in fighting in the Strip. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday reportedly presented the security cabinet with a document he drew up in recent days urging a hostage-ceasefire deal and detailing the potentially dire consequences for Israel of a failure to finalize such an agreement. We discuss the domino effect that potentially could allow the 68,000 displaced people from the northern district from 43 settlements return home while still maintaining Israel's deterrence. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Harris says she won’t change US policy on arming Israel, stresses need for hostage deal Israel agrees to localized ‘humanitarian pauses’ in Gaza for polio vaccination, WHO says Gallant said to warn ministers multi-front war dangerously close sans hostage deal Ministers vote to back PM’s stance in favor of IDF staying in Philadelphi Corridor Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Zev Levi. IMAGE: IDF troops are seen operating in the Gaza Strip in this handout photo published on August 29, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Israeli military has launched a large-scale counterterrorism operation in the wake of last week’s attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv that is expected to last at least several days, military sources said yesterday. At the same time, top Hamas official Khaled Mashal in Turkey yesterday called for a resumption of suicide bombings. What is the Biden administration saying about the IDF's operation in the West Bank so far? The Biden administration issued its sixth batch of sanctions targeting Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, blacklisting a group that provides volunteer guards for illegal outposts and a civilian security guard for a flashpoint settlement who has allegedly engaged in attacks against Palestinians. Magid gives nuance to who was -- and what wasn't -- including in this batch of sanctions. After a summit of high-level hostage release negotiations that took place last weekend in Cairo, the result was an agreement to hold another round of lower-level talks this week in Doha. Magid spoke with White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby who is an unapologetic optimist. We hear what he said. Last week, a five-year-old child accidentally broke a rare Bronze Age clay vessel on display at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, but ended up being invited back, along with his family, for a special tour of the museum. After a few days of staycation, Borschel-Dan can definitely identify with this family's plight. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 11 Palestinians killed as IDF launches major anti-terror raid in West Bank Top Hamas official Mashaal urges resumption of suicide bombings against Israel ‘This is a war’: FM urges Gaza-style temporary evacuation of Palestinians in West Bank US issues new batch of sanctions targeting West Bank settlers amid rampant violence ‘We failed’: IDF finds it didn’t act sufficiently to prevent deadly settler rampage Unapologetic optimism: How US approaches its messaging around hostage negotiations Kid shatters 3,500-year-old jar in Haifa museum, gets invited back Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Adina Karpuj. IMAGE: Troops of the Kfir Brigade's Haruv Reconnaissance Unit are seen operating in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, August 28, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Arab affairs correspondent Gianluca Pacchiani and political reporter Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Pacchiani discusses the Bedouin background of rescued hostage Farhan al-Qadi, and the little known about his family, who didn't speak to the press over the last eleven months of his captivity, preferring their privacy and given concerns about how Hamas would treat a Bedouin hostage. He also speaks about his recent analysis of the Hamas propaganda machine, and the psychology behind their extensive advertising and public relations, which always aligns with one message. Sokol talks about the latest brouhaha with Transportation Minister Miri Regev who was tapped to handle the government's official October 7 ceremony but is seen as the wrong person for the job because of her political leanings. Sokol also expands on the interview he and founding ToI editor David Horovitz conducted with opposition leader Yair Lapid, and Lapid's thoughts about how and when the Netanyahu government will come to an end. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Better than a baby: ‘Surprise’ hostage rescue gives way to joy as family reunites In Rahat, a Bedouin community mourns its October 7 losses away from the public eye Terrorize Israelis while eliciting sympathy abroad: Inside Hamas’s propaganda strategy Huge alternative Oct. 7 memorial ceremony to be held in Tel Aviv; state event in Ofakim ‘He lost his soul’: Lapid sees ‘sacred cause’ in toppling Netanyahu’s government Lapid: Netanyahu was briefed on dangers ahead of Oct. 7, ignored ‘all red flags,’ must go Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: Rescued hostage Farhan al-Qadi at Beersheba's Soroka Hospital on August 27, 2024 (Courtesy Yossi Ifergan/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and political writer Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Fabian discusses the timing of Sunday's visit of Airforce General Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to Israel, hours after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel, that were mostly thwarted.  He mentions a military probe into the death of one Navy soldier and two injured soldiers on a Navy vessel, as a result of the Sunday Hezbollah rocket and drone attack. Fabian also speaks about the IDF drone strike in the West Bank that killed five people situated in a terror command room — including a Hamas member released by Israel in the November 2023 hostage-release deal. Schneider takes another look at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and the latest in his recent, incendiary statements regarding Jewish prayer at the Temple Mount, causing an ultra-Orthodox newspaper to call him out for his actions. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Top US general says risk of broader war ‘somewhat’ abated after Israel-Hezbollah clash Israeli Navy sailor killed, two hurt by interceptor missile amid Hezbollah attack Halevi: IDF working to return displaced northern residents ‘as quickly as possible’ IDF says it carried out drone strike on West Bank terror cell; 5 reported killed Haredi newspaper calls Ben Gvir ‘pyromaniac politician’ over Temple Mount remarks Ben Gvir says Jews can pray on Temple Mount; Netanyahu insists status quo unchanged Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halev and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr, August 26, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Horovitz discusses the comments made by Hezbollah terror leader Hassan Nasrallah in the wake of the extensive rocket attack against Israel early Sunday morning, in which Nasrallah claimed victory for the attack mostly thwarted by the IDF. He then looks at the latest in the ceasefire and hostage deal talks, currently ongoing in Cairo and Doha, with the US pressing hard for a deal. Horovitz also speaks about the latest comments made Monday morning by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding the right for Jews to pray on the Temple Mount, long seen as a flashpoint in local political and security tensions. Ben Gvir's statements feed into the letter recently sent by Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to Netanyahu and government ministers, regarding fears for Ben Gvir's actions on the Temple Mount and growing Jewish terror. He also delves more deeply into his interview last week with opposition leader Yair Lapid, who expressed optimism about Israel's future and what needs to be done going forward. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Nasrallah asserts Hezbollah attack was success, reserves right to strike again PM says strikes on Hezbollah ‘not end of story’ as allies warn against escalation No breakthroughs in Cairo talks as US says mediators pushing ‘feverishly’ for deal Defense minister says national security being sapped by Ben Gvir’s moves Shin Bet chief warns Netanyahu, ministers that Jewish terror endangering Israel ‘He lost his soul’: Lapid sees ‘sacred cause’ in toppling Netanyahu’s government Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, after his visit to the Temple Mount on August 13, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. According to the IDF, some 210 rockets and some 20 drones were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel in Hezbollah’s attack this morning. Some of the projectiles were intercepted, while others struck Israel, causing damage and injuries. But also according to the IDF, potentially thousands of launchers were preemptively struck. Fabian gives us a timeline of events. US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began his trip in Jordan and said he will also travel to Egypt and Israel in the coming days to hear the perspectives of military leaders. What does his presence in the region signal? Five soldiers were killed during fighting against the Hamas terror group in the central Gaza Strip over the weekend. We hear about the deadly incidents and also learn about a lengthy tunnel attributed to Palestinian Islamic Jihad that was recently uncovered. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF hits Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon to thwart major attack on central, north Israel IDF bracing for ‘significant week,’ as Hezbollah strike expected within days Top US general makes surprise trip to Middle East as threatened Iranian attack looms Travel chaos as Ben Gurion Airport briefly shut, foreign airlines nix flights IDF says soldier killed in Gaza yesterday, raising toll of op to 339 3 reservists killed in central Gaza fighting, bringing IDF’s weekend toll to 4 IDF reservist killed, others wounded by explosive device in Gaza City Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: In this combination of pictures created on August 25, 2024, photos taken from a position in northern Israel show Hezbollah UAVs being intercepted by the Israeli air force over northern Israel on August 25, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Those We Have Lost project coordinator Amy Spiro joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Today, we’re dedicating the daily podcast's time to stories of civilians and soldiers who have fallen since October 7. We’ve each chosen eight individuals to focus on and we’ll explain why they moved us. We also hear updates from Spiro on how many of the over 1,600 individuals who were killed on or after October 7 during this war with Hamas that we have been able to write memorials for. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Michal Zarbailov, 60: Daycare worker was on her way to Dead Sea Hava Ben Ami, 78: Walked to pre-state Israel by foot from Syria Kobi Shmaya, 47 & Sgt. Osher Shmaya, 19: Father & son slain together Sgt. 1st Class Shay Pizem, 23: Had only 2 weeks with his daughter Roland and Ronit Sultan, 68 & 55: Immigrant couple built kibbutz life Staff Sgt. Adi Baruch, 23: Boyfriend proposed to her at her funeral Bnayahu Bitton, 22: Musician who always had a guitar at hand Maj. Sagi Golan, 30: Killed 13 days before wedding to his boyfriend Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by The Pod Waves.  IMAGE: Illustrative: Friends and family members mourn near graves of Israeli soldiers killed on October 7, at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, on May 9, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US Vice President Kamala Harris just accepted the presidential nomination and she addressed the war in Gaza very directly and clearly in her speech from the podium. Magid reports from Chicago on this and other aspects of Jewish or Israeli interest, including the moving speech by Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, at the Democratic National Convention. Chances for an immediate breakthrough appear increasingly remote even as Israel sends a team headed by Mossad chief David Barnea, and including Maj. Gen. Eliezer Toledano, head of the IDF General Staff Strategy and Third-Circle Directorate. Berman assesses the status of the talks and weighs in on the role the US has played in bringing them to this point. The bodies of the six hostages recovered by the IDF from southern Gaza’s Khan Younis this week all have signs of gunshot wounds, according to initial autopsy findings released Thursday. What does it potentially mean that Alex Dancyg, Yagev Buchshtav, Chaim Peri, Yoram Metzger, Nadav Popplewell, and Avraham Munder were killed by gunfire? Sgt. Ori Ashkenazi Nechemya, 19, was killed during fighting in southern Gaza on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces announced, as troops pressed on with operations across the Strip. Berman lays out where the fighting is currently, and where it may be going. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israeli negotiators fly to Cairo amid deep disagreements over Philadelphi Corridor Bullet wounds in bodies of all 6 hostages from Gaza suggest they were killed by captors Soldier killed by anti-tank fire in Rafah, as IDF presses on with operations in Gaza Emhoff pledges to continue fighting against antisemitism ‘when I’m first gentleman’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel.  IMAGE: US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her husband US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff wave from the stage on the fourth and last day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 22, 2024. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Four Israeli settlers, including one minor, were detained overnight by police over their suspected involvement in an attack on the Palestinian West Bank village of Jit last week. According to a joint statement issued by police and the Shin Bet, the four are suspected of terrorism against Palestinians in several incidents, including the attack on Jit. We explore how rare this accusation is. The army announced it was operating at “peak readiness” three weeks ago, following the dual assassinations in Teheran and Beirut, and was able to immediately pivot to try to avert any attack from Iran and Hezbollah. Fabian assesses whether this is still the case amid the continuing conflict along the northern border. More than 150 tunnels have been demolished along Gaza’s southern border, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Wednesday while speaking with soldiers at the Philadelphi Corridor, as the army said it destroyed some 30 terror sites and killed dozens of gunmen in airstrikes across the enclave over the past day. We hear what else is happening on the ground. Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, in his last speech as head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, said Wednesday that he was responsible for not providing a warning ahead of Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught. He also seemed to indicate that others who are responsible for the failure should likewise take responsibility and leave the IDF. But where would he stop? Amid a persistent manpower shortage caused by the ongoing war in Gaza, the defense establishment has started recalling to duty some 15,000 previously exempted reservists. We hear who is affected by this recall to reserves even as only seven ultra-Orthodox men report for duty yesterday -- and 70 in the past month -- amid riots. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Gallant: IDF razed 150 tunnels on Egypt-Gaza border, defeated Hamas’s Rafah Brigade Israeli hurt in rocket barrage on Golan; Fatah official tied to Iran killed in Sidon strike Outgoing IDF intel chief Haliva says he failed to warn of Oct. 7, urges state probe Amid troop shortage, IDF begins calling up 15,000 previously released reservists IDF: Only some 70 Haredi men have reported to induction centers since High Court ruling Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: A man stands in front of burnt cars, a day after an attack by Jewish settlers on the village of Jit near Nablus in the occupied West Bank that left a 23-year-old man dead and others with critical gunshot wounds, on August 16, 2024. (Jaafar Ashtiyeh / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan from Chicago for today's episode. Talks to bring about a ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners are “on the brink of collapsing,” according to a Politico report, citing two unnamed US officials and one unnamed Israeli official. Magid explains the significance of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's nixed audience with Qatar’s Emir Tamim Al-Thani after sitting down with top leaders in Israel and Egypt and weighs in on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's mixed messaging with the families of slain soldiers and Hamas hostages. The Democratic National Convention began Monday in Chicago. After his speech, US President Joe Biden made a statement regarding the hostage release negotiations in which he accused Hamas of “backing away” from a hostage deal with Israel that would halt the ongoing fighting in Gaza. We hear of the statement's strategic purpose, as well as disturbances during Biden's speech. The first two days of the convention spotlighted a number of well-known Jews. Magid highlights their speeches and discusses the Hostage Square exhibit set up near the convention center. Finally, we learn about what anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place so far -- and what may be on the horizon. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Blinken urges ‘maximum flexibility’ from Israel and Hamas in hostage-ceasefire talks Biden says Hamas ‘backing away’ from hostage-ceasefire deal, as Blinken heads to Egypt Israel activists erect ‘Hostage Square’ in Chicago on sidelines of Democratic convention Anti-Israel protests fail to overshadow first day of Democratic Party confab Pro-Palestinian demonstrators charge police line outside Israeli consulate in Chicago Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention August 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces confirms that it has recovered the bodies of six Israeli hostages during an overnight operation in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The hostages are Alex Dancyg, 75, Yagev Buchshtav, 35, Chaim Peri, 79, Yoram Metzger, 80, Nadav Popplewell, 51, and Avraham Munder, 78. Fabian debriefs us on what we know so far. An Israeli officer was killed and several others were wounded by a failed airstrike in southern Gaza on Monday morning, the military said, as troops pressed on with operations across the Strip. The soldier was named as Lt. Shahar Ben Nun, 21, a team commander in the Paratroopers Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Petah Tikva. We learn about the tragic technical failure and are updated on the number of soldiers killed in accidents and "friendly fire" during the war in Gaza. A noncommissioned officer in the IDF was killed and another soldier was seriously wounded in a Hezbollah explosive drone attack in northern Israel on Monday morning. The slain NCO was named as Chief Warrant Officer Mahmood Amaria, 45, a tracker in the 300th “Baram” Regional Brigade, from the northern Bedouin village of Ibtin. Fabian fills us in on the continued deadly tit-for-tat conflict along the northern border. The Hamas terror group on Monday claimed responsibility for an explosion in Tel Aviv the day before, saying it was a suicide bombing conducted as a joint operation with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and vowing further such attacks. Fabian explains what we know -- and don't -- about the incident. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF recovers bodies of 6 hostages from Gaza, including one previously presumed alive IDF officer killed in failed Israeli airstrike in Gaza’s Khan Younis Soldier killed, another seriously hurt in Hezbollah drone attack on Western Galilee IDF strikes Hezbollah weapons depots deep in Lebanon after deadly drone attack Hezbollah fires 75 rockets at Israel after IDF hits weapons depots in eastern Lebanon Police, Shin Bet said to believe Iran, Hezbollah may be behind failed Tel Aviv attack Hamas claims Tel Aviv blast as attempted suicide bombing, vows to carry out more Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: IDF troops seen operating in the Gaza Strip in this handout photo published on August 19, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem offices for today's episode. As Hamas again rejects the current hostage-release deal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the region to try to bridge gaps. Horovitz weighs in on where negotiations stand now and what is at stake with them in terms of the broader regional picture. He also compares the current process with the 2011 Gilad Schalit release deal. State Attorney Amit Aisman announced on Sunday that he will oversee an investigation into Thursday’s rioting by extremist settlers in the Palestinian village of Jit during which 23-year-old Rasheed Seda was killed and homes and vehicles were set ablaze. No suspects have been arrested yet over Jit yet, however, police detained two more Israeli settlers suspected of assaulting four Arab Israeli women, including a three-year-old, in the West Bank outpost of Givat Ronen earlier this month. Are these signs that official Israel is taking these incidents seriously? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas rejects US hostage-ceasefire proposal as PM said to warn chance for deal ‘not high’ A hostage deal that also averts regional war should be a no-brainer for Netanyahu. But… State Attorney Amit Aisman to oversee investigation into Jit settler rampage Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) shakes hands with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a meeting in Jerusalem, August 19, 2024. (Haim Zach/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that more than 50 tunnels discovered along the Philadelphi Corridor, along the Egypt-Gaza border area, have been demolished by combat engineers over the past week. Fabian drills down into the strategic importance of the corridor, one of the sticking points in the hostage negotiations currently being conducted in Cairo. Two Israeli reservists were killed by a roadside bomb in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon, the IDF announced, as fighting continued across the Strip. We hear about the deadly incident and about the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, which has turned into IDF staging grounds and the launch pad for humanitarian aid. Hezbollah launched a barrage of some 55 rockets at a northern Israeli kibbutz on Saturday in what it said was a response to an Israeli airstrike overnight that killed at least 10 people and wounded five others. We learn about the incident that prompted this barrage as well as other strikes on both sides of the northern border. Two senior Hamas terrorists were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the West Bank city of Jenin on Saturday evening, the IDF and Shin Bet security agency said. The pair of Hamas operatives were involved in planning a shooting attack in the Jordan Valley last week, in which 23-year-old Yonatan Deutsch was killed and another civilian was wounded. Fabian explains the unusual way in which the IDF announced how their whereabouts were discovered. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF: Dozens of tunnels razed on Gaza-Egypt border, 17,000 terror operatives killed in war 2 IDF reservists killed by bomb during logistics supply mission in central Gaza 55 rockets launched at north after IDF strike on Hezbollah arms depot said to kill 10 Two senior Hamas operatives killed in IDF drone strike in West Bank city of Jenin Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: View of the Philadelphi Corridor between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt, on July 15, 2024. (Oren Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Author Yossi Klein Halevi joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode, a bonus replay of our What Matters Now weekly podcast. This week, we turn to Klein Halevi for a deeply intense probe into what it means to be part of the existential Israeli struggle. We discuss how, as the war in Gaza continues, the different forces in Israeli society are caught up in a destructive push-pull dance even as Israel is losing its moral capital during this long war. During this time of existential schism in the Jewish state, we also hear how to weave threads of unity. So this week, we ask best-selling author Yossi Klein Halevi, what matters now. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: Author Yossi Klein Halevi. (Shalom Hartman Institute)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. As potentially fateful talks for a hostage and ceasefire deal are underway in Qatar, 10 hardliners from the ruling Likud party issued a public letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, detailing four “red lines as members of the Likud movement and as members of the coalition.” Magid fills us in on what are we hearing after the first day of talks, including communications from Qatar to Iran. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday that he would travel to the Gaza Strip as a statement of solidarity with his people under war. Magid weighs in on some potential obstacles to the visit. Dozens of masked settlers participated in the riot through the northern West Bank village of Jit, with the Palestinian Authority health ministry reporting that a 23-year-old local was killed by “settlers’ bullets.” Israeli security sources said it was unclear who shot him. Magid explores the forces in the coalition that have ties to these extremist elements. Former US president Donald Trump said yesterday that he counseled Netanyahu when they met last month to swiftly “get your victory” because the “killing has to stop” in Gaza. Magid unpacks Trump's statements on this and about a potential future Democrat State Department. Magid recounts how Biden’s big hostage-release deal speech from the White House State Dining Room on May 31 was initially supposed to be a different speech altogether. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Gaza truce talks in Doha get off to ‘promising start,’ set to continue Friday In Turkey, Abbas declares he’ll go to Gaza ‘even if it costs my life,’ mourns Haniyeh Palestinian killed as settlers torch homes and cars in West Bank village Trump: I told Netanyahu ‘get your victory quickly’ because ‘the killing has to stop’ A Biden speech urging national Israeli reckoning was shelved at the last minute. Here’s why Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: A car torched by masked settlers in the Palestinian town of Jit in the West Bank, August 15, 2024. (Screenshot: X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and Arab Affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, and Netanyahu adviser Ophir Falk were sent to Doha to participate in two days of hostage release negotiations. We hear how the Arab press is covering their chances of success. On Tuesday, Hamas launched rockets toward Tel Aviv for the first time in months. Fabian discusses what we know about the conflict on the ground as well as what this recent rocket attack could symbolize. And as Hezbollah projectiles continue to batter the north, Fabian updates. Yesterday, five Palestinian gunmen were killed in a 12-hour Israeli counter-terrorism raid in the northern West Bank and four soldiers were also wounded during the operation after a roadside bomb hit their vehicle. Fabian debriefs on how the IDF is carrying out a long-term strategy with this type of operation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken okayed the sale of fighter jets and other arms to Israel in deals worth over $20 billion, the Pentagon said Tuesday. What is expected and when? On April 13, Amina Hassouna, a 7-year old Bedouin girl, was the sole victim of the Iran attack and was seriously wounded in the head by shrapnel from an intercepted ballistic missile. We hear how her unrecognized Bedouin community in the Negev, Al-Fura, and many others still lack basic infrastructure, but also sirens, rocket shelters and cover from the Iron Dome missile defense system. As Israelis wait in uncertainty and trepidation for an Iranian attack that may or may not materialize in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, some media outlets in the Arab world have begun to ridicule Tehran’s perceived empty threats and grandstanding. Pacchiani describes a few. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israel sending high-level team to Doha talks, seen as possible last chance for deal Hamas fires rockets at Tel Aviv, a first since May, as IDF advances in Khan Younis 5 Palestinian gunmen killed, four troops hurt in West Bank raid US approves $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel, including 50 fighter jets As Iranian retaliation looms, thousands of Bedouins still vulnerable to rockets  Satirical cartoons in the Arab press lampoon Iran for delaying attack on Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: Jordanian cartoonist Emad Hajjaj, who regularly publishes in the Qatari-owned Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, draws an Iranian tank carries a gigantic missile launcher, which only ends up ejecting a small drone carrying a miniature rocket, August 10, 2024. (screenshot, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political reporter Tal Schneider and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal are scheduled to resume in Qatar on Thursday, with US mediators touting the summit as possibly the final opportunity to release the hostages captured by Hamas on October 7, end the 10-month-long war in Gaza. Schneider tells us what we’re hearing about how the negotiations could also avert the possibility of an all-out regional war with the involvement of Iran. The influential newspaper aligned with the United Torah Judaism political party Yated Ne’eman blasted National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for “endangering Jewish lives” by visiting Temple Mount on the solemn Jewish fast day of Tisha B’av and insisting that Jewish prayer was permitted at the site, in direct contradiction to the status quo upheld by the Israeli government. Sharon weighs in on the ideology guiding Ben Gvir and then Schneider discusses the political fallout. Schneider brings a report about a petition to the High Court that was brought by dozens of parents of IDF fighters who have been in battle for most of the 313 days of the war against Hamas. They claim that the IDF has no regulations in place to handle this long-term situation and as a result, their children are being denied really basic things, such as basic hygiene or the right to even take their boots off for over 80 days. What do the parents hope to accomplish? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Biden: Iran expected to push off attacking Israel if Gaza ceasefire deal clinched US leads international condemnations of Ben Gvir’s ‘provocations’ at Temple Mount Ben Gvir scorns PM’s objections as Jews seen praying on Temple Mount: ‘It’s my policy’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Relatives and supporters of Israelis held hostage by Hamas since the October 7 attacks lift flags and placards as they demonstrate calling for their release in Tel Aviv on August 10, 2024. (Oren Ziv / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi held an assessment and approved battle plans for “the various fronts,” the military said yesterday, as the country braced for an attack from Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah. How is the IDF ramping up its preparations for "peak alertness"? The military wing of Hamas on Monday said that members of the terror group assigned to guard Israeli hostages killed a male captive and seriously wounded another two female hostages. The Israel Defense Forces said it could neither confirm nor deny the claim. Fabian tells us what little we know. The United Nations Security Council is set to meet today to discuss Gaza in the wake of this weekend’s Israeli airstrike on what it says was a terror HQ inside a school that was being used as a shelter. Fabian updates with new numbers of terrorists killed during Saturday's strike. In a petition filed Sunday to the Tel Aviv District Court, 14 Tel Aviv residents and the Rosh Yehudi group accused the municipality of facilitating sex-segregated prayers on public grounds by Muslims on their holidays, while preventing similar activities by Jews on Yom Kippur and beyond. Lidor gives background to this tinderbox issue. Today is the annual Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av. Lidor notes a sad new addition to the lamentations traditionally recited today. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF on ‘peak alert’ for Iran, Hezbollah attacks; US expects it may happen this week IDF chief approves multi-front battle plans as Israel girds for Iran, Hezbollah attack Hamas says its guards killed a hostage, wounded two others; IDF investigating claim IDF names another 12 Hamas, Islamic Jihad terrorists killed in Gaza school strike Sidelined by war, fight over gender-segregated prayer in Tel Aviv resumes in court October 7 trauma reconnects Israelis with a 2,000-year-old Jewish day of mourning Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Jewish men pray during Tisha B'Av, at the Wall Western, in the Old City of Jerusalem, August 13, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Lebanese media is reporting that in recent days Hezbollah has entirely evacuated its headquarters in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh and last night AXIOS reported that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke last night with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and told him Iran’s military preparations suggest Iran is getting ready for a large-scale attack on Israel. What are we hearing about Israel's preparedness? On Saturday morning, after the IDF struck a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command room at the Taba’een school in Gaza City, international media was aflame with damning headlines. Horovitz weighs in. The widely endorsed ceasefire and hostage release deal presented to Israel and Hamas earlier this year is still viable, according to US President Joe Biden, despite the Palestinian terror group’s announcement that it would not be sending a delegation to the August 15 confab. During Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Justice Minister Yariv Levin reportedly pushed for the renewal of the government’s legal overhaul, which has been frozen since October 7. We hear how the judicial overhaul influenced the country last year, leading Borschel-Dan to ask, why make this push now? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: In reversal, Israel said to now believe Iran plans to attack in next few days Hamas says it won’t attend Thursday’s ‘last opportunity’ talks for hostage-truce deal In cabinet meeting, justice minister said to call to revive judicial overhaul plan Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Vehicles drive past a huge billboard depicting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) and slain Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at Tehran's Valiasr Square on August 12, 2024. (Atta Kenare/ AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The IDF ordered an airstrike Saturday morning on a Hamas and Islamic Jihad command room at the Taba’een school in Gaza City, killing some 19 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror operatives. Fabian debriefs us on the controversial operation and what else is happening on the ground in the Strip. Amid a Hezbollah drone attack on northern Israel, a treatment and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities was hit and severely damaged after a likely Iron Dome interceptor landed in the center’s indoor pool and wreaked havoc -- without causing casualties. We learn about other drone strikes and how the IDF is combatting them. Iranian spies created fake online profiles impersonating Israeli users as part of a scheme to recruit Israeli civilians to carry out missions for Tehran, Israeli authorities said Thursday. Fabian explains how this wasn't the first time -- and won't be the last. In the event of an emergency, the IDF Home Front Command can announce restrictions on gatherings, the education system, and workplaces in specific areas, or across the country. We hear why it is still business as usual across the country, even as an expected reprisal attack from Iran and/or Hezbollah could be imminent. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Amid global criticism, Israel names 19 it says it killed in terror HQ at Gaza school Hezbollah launches drones at north after IDF kills Hamas commander in Lebanon IDF launches new offensive in Khan Younis; officer seriously hurt in Rafah Iranian operatives have been posing as Israelis to try to recruit them, Shin Bet says As Iran and Hezbollah attacks loom, why hasn’t the IDF adjusted civilian guidelines? Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: An Israeli anti-missile system intercepts drones fired from Lebanon over the Upper Galilee, on August 10, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode, a bonus replay of our What Matters Now weekly podcast. Israel awaits an expected retaliatory attack from Iran and Hezbollah for the assassinations of Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh in Teheran and Hezbollah chief of staff Fuad Shukr in Beirut. We don’t know what’s going to happen: The potential strike could be tonight, could be tomorrow — or could be never. During this period of uncertainty, we discuss with good humor, “How do you prepare for a potential ‘Armageddon’ — both physically and metaphysically?” So this week we ask Haviv Rettig Gur, what matters now? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: A bomb shelter in Nahariya painted by Lidia and Igor Katliarski (Lidia Katliarski)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid discusses conversations he had in Qatar this week, regarding the Israeli negotiating team and their sense of a lack of credibility as they make commitments during the negotiations, and then fail to get final approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon their return to Israel, impacting the hostage talks and looking at the Israeli leader as the obstacle to a deal. He also talks about the Arab countries that don't want to participate in peacekeeping forces in Gaza after a ceasefire is approved, although there could be pressures and leverage that would allow them to change their minds. Magid speaks about Vice President Kamala Harris' comments at a rally in Detroit, where an offhand comment she made to a far-left group about an arms embargo for Israel was taken out of context. He also discusses Harris' recently chosen running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, his strong record with the Jewish community and Israel, which he supported without question after October 7. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hostage deal won’t happen unless Biden squeezes Netanyahu harder, Arab officials say Netanyahu accused of undercutting Israeli credibility in Gaza truce talks Jordan, Qatar, Saudis hesitant to join US-driven postwar peacekeeping force in Gaza Harris tells anti-Israel hecklers to be quiet unless they ‘want Donald Trump to win’ Aide says Harris opposes Israel arms embargo, after far-left group claims she may not Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Demonstrators protest for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, August 7, 2024. (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in the Jerusalem office on today's episode. Back in April, Iran directly targeted Israel with some 500 projectiles, including drones, missiles and rockets. Since the assassination in Teheran of Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh, which Israel has not taken credit for, paired with the overt assassination of Hezbollah chief of staff Fuad Shukr, Israelis have been waiting for a retaliatory strike. Horovitz weighs in on how this is playing out on the diplomatic stage and at home. According to the IDF, only 48 out of 900 Haredi men who received call-up notices last month showed up at the army’s induction center over the past several days for an initial evaluation. Horovitz and Borschel-Dan discuss some of the implications of the lack of manpower on the IDF and how this thorny problem must be solved through dialogue. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: The waiting Israel said to believe Hezbollah will respond before Iran to deaths of terror chiefs Western ambassadors pull out of Nagasaki memorial after Israel not invited Harris tells anti-Israel hecklers to be quiet unless they ‘want Donald Trump to win’ IDF claims violent enlistment protests scaring off ultra-Orthodox draftees Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  Check out yesterday's Daily Briefing episode here: https://omny.fm/shows/the-daily-briefing/day-306-resolute-christian-israelis-stay-put-near IMAGE: Iran's acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri (L) welcomes his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi ahead of their meeting in Tehran on August 4, 2024. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political reporter Tal Schneider and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, the Hamas terror group named Yahya Sinwar as the new head of its “political bureau,” the highest-ranking position in the organization, following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. Schneider explains what message Hamas is bringing with this appointment. A Washington Post columnist wrote this morning that the United States’ diplomatic efforts to temper Iran’s retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh might be working and that Iran may yet rethink its plans after the US rushed its forces to the region and passed along messages to Iran warning of serious consequences for the new government of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Schneider delves in. If hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah escalate, the northern port city of Haifa is likely to get hammered with dozens, if not hundreds, of rockets a day, possibly for weeks on end. Lidor was there on Sunday and reports back. Dozens of ultra-Orthodox extremist protesters breached the Tel Hashomer army base on Tuesday, jumping over the fence in an attempt to disrupt the enlistment of yeshiva students to the Israel Defense Forces. Schneider and Lidor discuss the ongoing efforts of the IDF to conscript this population and the extreme pushback. Several thousand residents of the Aramean Christian village of Jish, situated about 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) from the border, have not evacuated and are indeed hunkering down. Lidor illuminates this inspiring community. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar chosen to replace Haniyeh as Hamas leader 19 injured, one critically, as Hezbollah drones strike near northern city of Nahariya In Haifa, locals meet the prospect of imminent war with calm resolve Extremist Haredim storm IDF recruitment base to protest drafting of yeshiva students In Jish, an indigenous Christian minority defiantly stays in Hezbollah’s crosshairs Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Christian worshippers attend church in the Jish village in northern Israel near the Lebanon border on January 17, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian, US bureau chief Jacob Magid and Olympics correspondent Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Fabian updates us on what he knows about the IDF’s preparations for a multitude of scenarios for a retaliatory strike from Iran and its proxies over the assassinations of Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah chief of staff Fuad Shukr last week. He speaks about the Homefront Command's new system to send location-based public warning messages, following successful trials. Seven reservists were wounded, including four seriously, during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday morning. Also yesterday, an Israeli truck driver was lightly injured by a rocket impact near Kibbutz Re’ím, as terrorists in the Gaza Strip launched a barrage at southern Israel. Fabian debriefs on the current fighting in Gaza. Early this morning, an anti-tank missile hit the backyard of a home in the evacuated northern community of Avivim, without causing casualties. But, as Fabian describes, just yesterday there were attacks that left IDF soldiers wounded. We hear how the IDF retaliated. IMAGE: Sharon Kantor of Israel celebrates her women's iQFOiL windsurfing class silver medal win among the waves during the 2024 Summer Olympics, August 3, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Magid reports on his way to the US from Doha about what he heard in Qatar about the hostage release negotiations. Spiro fills us in on all the excitement surrounding a so-far unprecedented six medals garnered by Team Israel at the Olympics and we hear what else may be in store. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: At command center, Gallant says IAF preparing for ‘quick transition to offense’ IDF can now send location-based alerts to phones in case of large-scale attacks 7 IDF reservists wounded, 4 of them seriously, in blast in southern Gaza CNN: Hamas central Gaza battalions still effective, may hold hostages; IDF denies claims Two IDF soldiers moderately wounded in Hezbollah drone attack on north Hostage talks on hold until after Iran response, replacement of Haniyeh — officials Double medalist Dolgopyat wants to inspire young athletes to ‘believe in themselves’ Judo Olympic medalists return home: ‘Our goal was to raise the flag of Israel high’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told counterparts from G7 countries that Washington believes an Iranian attack on Israel could begin within the next day or two, according to an Axios report. According to a Kan broadcaster report, unnamed Western diplomats estimate that the same regional coalition that helped repel Iran’s direct drone and missile attack in April can be put together again to thwart another potential attack. Rettig Gur zooms out to look at Iran's options versus those who will support it over Israel. Three soldiers suspected of the sexual abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention facility in southern Israel were released from custody on Sunday following new information brought into the case. A week after the arrests of 10 reservists and a mob of far-right activists and lawmakers that broke into two IDF bases, Rettig Gur gives some perspective. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US said to believe Iran attack on Israel imminent, Biden to hold situation room meeting Diplomats said optimistic coalition that foiled Iran’s April attack can be reassembled 3 suspects in Sde Teiman abuse case released after new evidence presented Torture, abuse, unfit conditions: The allegations over Sde Teiman and its guards Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: A portrait of slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is displayed during a demonstration denouncing his killing and that of Hezbollah's senior commander Fuad Shukr, in the Lebanese coastal city of Sidon, on August 2, 2024. (Mahmoud Zayyat / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Two Israeli civilians were killed and two others were wounded in a terror stabbing attack in the central city of Holon on Sunday morning, police and medics said. Fabian debriefs. An Israeli drone strike Saturday morning in the southern Lebanon town of Bazourieh, near Tyre, killed Ali Abd Ali, a prominent operative in the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror group, continuing the tit-for-tat conflict along the northern border since October 8. Who was Abd Ali? Officials in Washington and Jerusalem expect Iran and its proxies could attack Israel as early as tomorrow, according to the Axios news site, in retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh last week. Fabian takes us through several potential scenarios of attack and what Israel could do to counter. Nine Palestinian gunmen were killed in two Israeli drone strikes near the West Bank city of Tulkarem on Saturday morning. We hear how Hamas is alive and well in the West Bank. The largest rocket barrages in months were sent from the Gaza Strip over the past several days. What is happening on the ground in Gaza? Residents of central Israel report disruptions to navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze and other systems that use GPS with some Tel Aviv motorists being shown that they were in Beirut. We hear how this ties in with any potential incoming attacks from Iran and its proxies. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Two dead, 2 hurt in terror stabbing spree in Holon; Palestinian attacker shot by police Israel kills ‘central’ Hezbollah operative in Lebanon, strikes Hamas targets in Gaza Iran warns Hezbollah will strike civilian targets deeper in Israel as war fears heighten Hamas commander, eight other gunmen killed in IDF drone strikes near Tulkarem At least 19 rockets fired at Israel from southern Gaza, the largest barrage in weeks Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Ultra-Orthodox Jews shop at the Yesh Chesed Supermarket in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat, August 1, 2024. (David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Rabbi Menachem Creditor, the Pearl and Ira Meyer Scholar in Residence at UJA-Federation New York, joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in The Times of Israel's Jerusalem offices for today's special Shabbat episode. Ten months into the war with Hamas, it is easy for Israelis to lose heart and focus on the struggle rather than the beauty and purpose of the Jewish state. Creditor brings words of strength and shares moving experiences from his short support mission to Israel this week. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Rabbi Menachem Creditor, the Pearl and Ira Meyer Scholar in Residence at UJA-Federation New York (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and Arab affairs correspondent Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Sharon speaks about the legal aspects of the case against the nine reservists, accused of alleged abuses against Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman military base. The proceedings have gone ahead, as the government, attorney general and high court moved quickly, despite the heated protests by right-wing activists earlier this week, at Sde Teiman. He also talks about Palestinian villagers, victims of a spike in violence in the West Bank after October 7, carried out by extremist settlers against Palestinian herding communities, forcing some out of their homes for months. Now the High Court is critical of the Israel Police for their lack of control against the violence and protection. Pacchiani looks at the public statement of mourning by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, surprising given that they are bitter rivals, but Hamas is popular among Palestinians and Abbas had no choice but to offer his condolences. He also discusses public comments of dissent made by some Lebanese individuals against Hezbollah, showing how the terrorist organization has hijacked the country but emphasizing the publics' inability to rally in the streets. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Far-right MK: Justice officials who go after soldiers will be ‘prosecuted as traitors’ Torture, abuse, unfit conditions: The allegations over Sde Teiman and its guards Court: Israel must enable return of displaced Palestinians to West Bank villages Abbas declares day of mourning for Haniyeh as he blasts ‘cowardly’ killing Majdal Shams massacre highlights Solomonic predicament of Golan’s Druze community Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Supreme Court justice Uzi Vogelman at Supreme Court in Jerusalem for a petition asking the state to close the detention facility at the Sde Teiman military base, June 5, 2024 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem office on today's episode. Iran’s supreme leader and representatives of Palestinian terror groups prayed over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard in Tehran earlier today. We begin by speaking about the symbolism of a strike on the head of an Iranian proxy in its capital. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke after a three-hour security cabinet meeting last night and said Israel was facing threats from across the region following the killing of Fuad Shukr, whom he called “Hezbollah’s chief of staff,” in Beirut on Tuesday night. “We are ready for every scenario,” he promised, “and will stand united and determined against every threat.” He added: “Israel will exact a very heavy price for any aggression against us.” We discuss the assassination of Shukr, a relatively little-known figure until his death. Earlier in the week, two far-right mobs rampaged into two IDF bases -- at Sde Teiman and Beit Lid. Horovitz weighs in on the continual lack of imagination on the part of the IDF to stave off "unthinkable" attacks. On this, the 300th day of the war, protesters and relatives of hostages blocked the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, calling for a deal to free the hostages held in Gaza. Egypt and Qatar warned that strikes on terror leaders this week have undermined efforts made by mediators to reach an agreement for hostages to be released and a ceasefire. How likely is it that the potential deal was taken into consideration when ordering this assassination? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: With two strikes in enemy capitals, the war enters uncharted territory Khamenei said to order direct strike on Israel after Haniyeh killed in Tehran Netanyahu: ‘Challenging days ahead,’ Israel will exact heavy price for any attack Lufthansa flight to Tel Aviv lands in Cyprus, returns to Munich amid Iran tensions Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Iranians follow a truck, center, carrying the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem offices on today's episode. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the early hours of the morning in Iran, hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian. No nation has taken credit for the attack. Fabian fills us in on what we know about the means of the attack. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Washington will help defend Israel if it is attacked, while the White House will also work to reduce tension in the region following Haniyeh's assassination. Berman speaks about the possibilities of a wider war in the Middle East and how other countries are condemning Israel. This morning, Hezbollah issued its first statement on Israel’s assassination of the terror group’s top military commander Fuad Shukr last night, saying he was present in the building in Beirut when it was struck, but does not confirm his death, which the IDF announced last night. Fabian debriefs on this strike. Berman discusses how these two attacks are an "elegant" solution to the need for respond to the Iranian-made Hezbollah bomb that killed 12 children in Magdal Shams on Saturday afternoon. Is there any speculation that there will be further reprisal? Fabian clarifies that as yet there are no changes to Homefront Command guidelines following the two strikes. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Tehran missile strike IDF kills top Hezbollah commander in Beirut in response to deadly Majdal Shams attack Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: People hold up the Palestinian flag and a portrait of assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, during a rally at Tehran University, in the Iranian capital on July 31, 2024, as Iran declares three days of mourning. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and Olympics correspondent Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem offices on today's episode. Far-right activists on Monday evening broke into a military base where soldiers detained on suspicion of abusing a Palestinian detainee were taken for questioning, hours after a separate base was stormed by a right-wing mob fuming over the arrests. Magid discusses who were among the mob and its affects on the IDF. Yesterday, a diplomatic Israeli source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that “the estimation is that the response will not lead to an all-out war… That would not be in our interest at this point.” We hear what the US is doing to try to clamp down a regional war. Hamas accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday of preventing a ceasefire in Gaza by adding new conditions and demands to a US-backed Israeli truce proposal, charges the prime minister later denied. Magid weighs in. Yesterday, the third day of sporting competitions at the Paris Olympics, saw weather-related frustrations for Israel’s windsurfers, a disappointment in swimming, and an achievement in surfing thousands of miles away in Tahiti. Spiro dives in on this and other sports that Team Israel is competing in and shares what we should look out for in the near future. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘Bordering on anarchy’: IDF chief sounds alarm after right-wing mob overruns 2nd base Military Police raid IDF detention facility, 9 held, over ‘serious abuse of a detainee’ As diplomats scramble, Israel says response to Hezbollah to be ‘harsh’ but contained Hamas, Israel accuse each other of stalling hostage deal with new demands Sailing frustrations, surfing triumphs and tough judo battles for Israel in Paris In the pool, on the mat and in the river, Israeli Olympians seek gold and national pride Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Far-right activists protest against the detention of nine Israeli reserve soldiers suspected of assaulting a Hamas terrorist, at the Sde Teiman military base near Beersheba, July 29, 2024. (Dudu Greenspan/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political reporter Tal Schneider and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The funeral for the 12th boy killed in a Hezbollah rocket strike on a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams on Saturday took place this morning. Yesterday afternoon, Israeli ministers authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense chief to decide on the “manner and timing” of a response to the rocket strike. Schneider fills us in on what we know about the security cabinet meeting. Yesterday, Lidor traveled to the town of Majdal Shams, where 10 of the 12 children had just been buried. We discuss the townsfolks' reactions as well as their special status in Israel. Mossad director David Barnea met in Rome on Sunday with top negotiators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar for talks on the updated proposal for a hostage release deal with Hamas that Israel relayed to the White House on Saturday. What are the next steps -- if any? Although 47 Ofakim residents were slaughtered by Hamas on October 7, until recently, the small city some 21 km from the border with Gaza was not included in the government’s broader rehabilitation plan for affected communities. Lidor explains what was the holdup for the community to receive funds. The Knesset is now officially on recess. What did we see as this summer session wound down for the next three months and how does the country view its lawmakers' long break? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Ministers authorize Netanyahu, Gallant to order retaliation for deadly Golan strike Anger and grief mix as Majdal Shams buries 10 children killed in rocket strike Government ministers shouted down at funeral for children killed by Hezbollah attack Mossad chief meets negotiators in Rome after Israel submits new hostage deal draft Ofakim gets NIS 229m after Oct. 7 massacre, but kept off national recovery plan Knesset’s summer session ends but parliamentary activity continues Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Elders and mourners attend the funeral of Gevara Ebraheem, 11, killed in a Hezbollah strike from Lebanon two days earlier, in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan on July 29, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. At least 12 people were killed Saturday, mostly children and teens, and dozens more were wounded when a rocket fired from Lebanon hit a soccer field in the northern Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights. We hear about the attack and Fabian discusses IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi's statements about the IDF's readiness in case of an increased escalation along the border. A Hezbollah drone launched from Lebanon and believed to be heading toward offshore gas infrastructure in northern Israel was shot down by the Israeli Navy over Israel’s territorial waters on Saturday morning, the military said. How is the IDF protecting this vulnerable site? On Saturday morning, the IDF issued fresh evacuation orders to Palestinians in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, including in sections of the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone, citing intelligence that Hamas terrorists were operating in the area. What new area of Gaza is the IDF operating in now? In a dangerous operation on Wednesday, the bodies of Ravid Katz, 51, Oren Goldin, 33, Maya Goren, 56, Sgt. Kiril Brodski, 19, and Staff Sgt. Tomer Yaakov Ahimas, 20, were recovered by IDF special forces and members of the Shin Bet security agency. Fabian explains how the interrogation of a Hamas prisoner led to the bodies' location. On Friday, the coastal city of Ashkelon was targetted by rockets in an attack claimed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. What do we know about this terror group’s capabilities almost 10 months into the war? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 12 killed, all aged 10-20, as Hezbollah rocket hits soccer field, sparking wider war fears Hezbollah will pay ‘heavy price,’ PM vows after strike on Druze town kills 12 youngsters IDF has killed 500 terrorists in Lebanon since beginning of war, says senior officer Hezbollah drone apparently heading for offshore gas rig downed by Israeli Navy IDF orders new evacuations for humanitarian zone, hits Hamas HQ in central Gaza school Bodies of 5 hostages were found in tunnel in Gaza’s Israeli-designated humanitarian zone Ashkelon targeted by rocket fire from Gaza for first time in a month Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: Mourners carry the coffin of a child killed in a Hezbollah rocket strike from Lebanon a day earlier, during a mass funeral in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, on July 28, 2024. (Jalaa Marey / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Head of ToI's Those We Have Lost project Amy Spiro joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The XXXIII Olympics opened officially in Paris last night and Team Israel is well represented with 88 athletes this year. Since the October 7 massacre, The Times of Israel has published hundreds of memorial posts about the Hamas victims and fallen soldiers. In the course of the project, we noted a trend of serious athletes among those killed. On this Olympics weekend, we share nine of their stories. Discussed articles include: Lt. Yonatan Goutin, 20: Star judoka who chose combat in IDF Cpt. Eden Nimri, 22: Professional swimmer, led all-female IDF team Roni Petrovski, 24: Youth soccer coach with a ‘heart of gold’ Lior Asulin, 43: Ex-soccer player killed celebrating his birthday Kobi Paryante, 43: Dedicated family man and accomplished athlete Naomi Shitrit Azulay, 52: Personal trainer and one of 10 siblings Lior Waitzman, 32: Netflix soundman was training for Ironman Mor Cohen, 24: Talented athlete was a pioneer in Israel’s lacrosse scene Haim Bennaim, 55: Landscape architect and avid cyclist Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Top row, left-to-right: Naomi Shitrit Azulay, Mor Cohen, Lior Waitzman; Middle: Roni Petrovski, Haim Bennaim, Lt. Yonatan Goutin; Bottom: Lior Asulin, Kobi Paryante, Cpt. Eden Nimri. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday, as well as the talks the two leaders held with families of US hostages, who expressed some hope for the first time in months, regarding the possibility for an imminent hostage deal. Magid also reviews the prime minister's meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and her remarks to the press afterwards, during which she emphasized the suffering in Gaza, comments that the Prime Minister's Office said could harm chances for a deal. Wrobel talks about Israeli software platform Cyabra, which tracks fake users and accounts on social media to root out disinformation, and plans to list its shares on Nasdaq. Wrobel also discusses new defense technologies that have emerged during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and the group of Texas-based and Israeli entrepreneurs that raised funds to invest in Israeli early-stage defense tech startups, particularly from Texas, a US state that remains friendly toward Israel. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Biden, Harris tell Netanyahu it’s time to seal hostage deal as families turn hopeful Ahead of Netanyahu-Trump meet, official says they spoke July 4 for 1st time in years Harris: I won’t stay silent on Gaza suffering; Israel: Her words harm chances for deal Harris blasts ‘hate-fueled’ anti-Israel protests where US flag and PM effigy burned, Hamas hailed Israeli AI startup tracking fake news plans to list on Nasdaq at $70 million valuation New $50 million Texas fund to scout for battle-tested Israeli defense tech Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Jonathan Dekel-Chen, center, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, along with other families of hostages in Gaza, speaks with reporters following their meeting with President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress yesterday. We discuss what was said — and unsaid -- in the hour-long speech and hear about who was in the room in support (or dissent) of the premier. We learn about other meetings of note on Netanyahu's agenda and finally, we get a first-hand account of flying on the newly broken in the premier's Wings of Zion airplane. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: We’re protecting you: Full text of Netanyahu’s address to Congress In address to both Republicans and Democrats, Netanyahu’s real audience never came up Addressing Congress, Netanyahu lays out vision for postwar Gaza, anti-Iran alliance Families pan Netanyahu for leaving hostage deal out of address to Congress Israeli negotiating team postpones departure to Qatar for hostage talks As Wing of Zion finally takes off, a less than soaring adventure for press corps Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol on July 24, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Saul Loeb / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, Einav Zangauker, the mother of a hostage held by Hamas, published a short video filmed in the Gaza Strip after the October 7 attack, but recently discovered. Horovitz speaks about her decision to release the video now. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address Congress this afternoon and will meet United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday at the White House, and former president Donald Trump on Friday in Miami. We hear the potential points Netanyahu is likely to make. Rescued hostage Noa Argamani tearfully told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting Monday that her most difficult experience during her eight months of captivity was hearing the premier declare that the war was going to be long. Argamani’s comments came even as she and her father faced virulent criticism from some left-wing journalists and others for agreeing to accompany Netanyahu on his visit to the US, leading to condemnations by both coalition and opposition lawmakers. Horovitz weighs in. Education Minister Yoav Kisch on Tuesday told the heads of local authorities that students from northern communities evacuated because of the war would not be able to return to school in their hometowns in September and would instead continue to attend schools elsewhere in Israel. While the Knesset is set to break for recess this week, we hear how there is much more work MKs could be doing for their nation at war. The National Security Council on Sunday told Israelis traveling to Paris for the Olympics to exercise increased caution, warning that it believes that global jihadist and Iran-backed terror organizations “are seeking to carry out attacks on Israeli/Jewish targets around the Olympics.” Horovitz speaks about the increasing perception that Israel is a pariah nation. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hostage Matan Zangauker’s mom publishes clip showing him in Gaza after Oct. 7 attack Netanyahu to meet Biden and Harris on Thursday, Trump on Friday Tearful Noa Argamani tells Netanyahu his vow of long war broke her in captivity Education minister: Students won’t start school year in displaced northern towns Israel urges citizens attending Olympics to be cautious, warning of terror threats Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: People hold pictures of Israeli hostages during a vigil on the National Mall on July 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Justin Sullivan/ GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, the IDF announced that it had confirmed the deaths of two additional hostages in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, Alex Dancyg, 75, and Yagev Buchshtav, 35, after obtaining new intelligence information. Fabian discusses the ongoing IDF investigation into their deaths. The IDF said it was adjusting the boundaries of the Israel-designated humanitarian zone in the Gaza Strip to better target Hamas following numerous rocket attacks on southern Israel in recent weeks. How does this tie into the renewed fighting in the Khan Younis area? An empty school and preschool were hit in rocket barrages fired from southern Lebanon toward Israeli communities on Sunday, as several fires sparked by Hezbollah missile attacks raged in the north of the country. What are the Air Force’s assessments for all-out war there? The Shin Bet security agency announced on Monday that it recently foiled plans by a West Bank terror cell from the Aqabat Jaber camp to carry out a kidnapping attack against Israelis. What do we know about the members of this terror cell? Fabian reports on a Canadian man attempted a terror stabbing on Monday morning at the entrance to Netiv Ha’asara, a moshav in southern Israel close to the Gaza border. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF announces deaths of hostages Alex Dancyg and Yagev Buchshtav in Hamas captivity IDF orders evacuation of part of Gaza safe zone, says Hamas deeply embedded in area Rockets hit empty school, preschool in north after IDF strikes arms depot in Lebanon West Bank terror cell indicted over plot to attack, kidnap Israelis Canadian citizen attempts terror stabbing at moshav near Gaza, is shot dead Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Israeli Air Force released footage showing missiles launched by IAF fighter jets striking four large container cranes at the port used to unload shipments. The symbolism — and pragmatism of course — behind that move can’t missed after all these months of shipping interference, which is part of a larger strategy, posits Rettig Gur. Israeli public figures on Sunday expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his backing of Israel throughout his long career after the Democratic incumbent announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential election. Some US leaders have placed Biden's announcement in stark contrast with the conduct of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rettig Gur weighs in. US Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who is Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate, will not attend Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress on Thursday. Is this more than mere logistics? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IAF issues footage of strike on Houthi-controlled port, says it’s girding for reprisal Israeli leaders thank Biden for ‘steadfast support’ after he quits presidential race Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows a view of burning oil tanks in the port of Yemen's Houthi-held city of Hodeida on July 21, 2024, a day after Israeli strikes. (Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.Earlier this morning, the IDF said a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen was intercepted by Israel’s long-range Arrow 3 defense system. Berman weighs in on how this conflict could spiral into a regional war. A public fight broke out between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday after Gallant announced on Wednesday that a field hospital for children would be established by the IDF in Israel, near the Gaza border, due to the extended closure of Gaza’s Rafah Crossing into Egypt. We hear what were the prime minister’s objections to this humanitarian aid. In a conclusive and unambiguous decision, the International Court of Justice declared in a non-binding ruling Friday that Israel’s 56-year long rule in “the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967” is “illegal,” and that it is obligated to bring its presence in that territory to an end “as rapidly as possible.” But does this ruling have any teeth? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet the Israeli negotiating team today before flying to the United States as efforts are being made to approve the Israeli response to the potential hostage-ceasefire deal, according to a Kan public broadcaster report. Berman explains potential complications.  For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF shoots down missile heading to Israel in 1st Houthi attack since Yemen port strike Two senior ministers boycotted vote to approve Yemen strike, protesting belated update PM vetoes Gallant’s field hospital for Gaza kids; defense officials: He’s playing politics World Court: Israeli presence in East Jerusalem, West Bank is illegal and must end Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Houthi supporters attend a rally against the US and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed it carried out airstrikes in Yemen Saturday afternoon after an explosives-laden drone sent by the Houthis struck Tel Aviv yesterday at 3:14 a.m. and killed 50-year-old Yevgeny Ferder. We hear about the human error that eliminated any warning of the attack in Tel Aviv and about the drone's unusual flight path. Fighter jets struck military targets of the Houthi terror regime in the area of the Al Hudaydah Port in Yemen in what is Israel's farthest known attack in recent history. Fabian updates us on what we currently know. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israel strikes Houthi-controlled port in Yemen after deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv IAF tracked drone that hit Tel Aviv for 6 minutes, but failed to classify it as threat Explosive drone from Yemen hits Tel Aviv apartment, killing one man, wounding others Houthis’ deadly Tel Aviv drone strike: ‘Lucky shot’ or strategic threat? ToI Original Video: Drone strike in Tel Aviv Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree speaks at a rally against the US and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Magid reports from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he has been attending the Republican National Convention. He describes the scene there and discusses what remarks from former president Donald Trump's hour-plus speech are of note for Israel or the Jewish community at large. Trump’s selection of JD Vance as his running mate has seen a lot of worried responses from Jewish organizations, but Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog indicated Thursday that he is not overly concerned. We hear why. Wednesday night, the parents of US-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra spoke to the convention. Magid speaks about their message in this forum. And finally, we hear a little more about who Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is definitely going to meet next week in Washington, DC -- and who he'd like to. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israeli envoy: GOP’s isolationist wing more likely to impact Ukraine than Israel Father of Hamas captive at RNC: Trump told me he ‘stands with the American hostages’ US-Israeli hostage’s family fights to keep American public interested in fellow citizen Netanyahu said seeking sit-down with Trump during trip to US; will meet Kamala Harris Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Republican presidential candidate former president Donald Trump stands on stage with former first lady Melania Trump during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Early today, the Knesset voted not to establish a Palestinian state through a resolution co-sponsored by parties in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition together with right-wing parties from the opposition. Why now? In the name of not meddling in the American presidential elections, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has suggested to security cabinet ministers that a hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas should be delayed. Horovitz weighs in. Mossad chief David Barnea told a security cabinet meeting Tuesday that young female hostages held by Hamas don’t have time to wait for a new hostage deal framework, according to unsourced leaks from the gathering that were widely reported by Hebrew media outlets Wednesday. We hear about some of the voices from within the coalition supporting the deal. Aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are optimistic that some progress has been made in his yearslong effort to re-ingratiate himself with Donald Trump, after the former president reposted Netanyahu’s video condemning Saturday’s assassination attempt, according to a Wednesday report. Could the two meet up during Netanyahu’s upcoming trip? The IDF is set to begin sending initial draft orders on Sunday, summoning haredi men to the induction center to begin their physical and other testing ahead of their draft. Horovitz discusses the hot-button issue. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas is weakened, but there’s no room for complacency Knesset votes overwhelmingly against Palestinian statehood, days before PM’s US trip Report: Ben Gvir urging hostage deal to be held up to avoid helping Biden vs Trump Netanyahu aides said to see hope of mending fences with Trump after assassination attempt Urging deal, Mossad chief said to warn time running out for young female hostages Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ministers and MKs at the plenum hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 17, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces is increasingly convinced that Muhammad Deif, the commander of Hamas’s military wing, was killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday. We hear what additional information has been released about the strike. Over the past day, more than 25 targets were struck by Israeli fighter jets and other aircraft in the Gaza Strip, the IDF says. Fabian notes an uptick in strikes on schools as Hamas is increasing leaving the tunnels and embedding itself with civilians. Where does this leave the Hamas hostages? Around 100 Hezbollah rockets targeted several different areas of northern Israel in four separate waves on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, as the Israel Defense Forces responded with strikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. We hear that while this barrage isn't unprecedented in number,  the impetus behind the rocket fire is less clear than in previous large volleys. Yesterday, the IDFs announced it will begin to send out initial draft orders to members of the Haredi community on Sunday. What is the expected procedure and how long will it take to see more ultra-Orthodox soldiers in uniform? The Finance Ministry has warned that enlisting working ultra-Orthodox men into the army will damage efforts to integrate this group of the population into the labor market. Wrobel explains what else we are hearing out of the Finance Ministry. Many aspects of Israel’s cost of living have just been going up during this war. We focus on housing prices. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Google is nearing a record-breaking deal to purchase Israeli-founded cybersecurity startup Wiz for $23 billion. How sure are we this deal will go through and what does it mean for Israel? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF increasingly certain Deif died in strike, says Hamas fighters in ‘survival mode’ 100 rockets target northern Israel as IDF strikes in Lebanon said to kill 5 Syrians IDF says it will begin drafting ultra-Orthodox from Sunday; protesters block road Finance Ministry warns enlisting Haredim to IDF will damage efforts to integrate them into workforce Inflation edges higher, bolstered by uptick in housing prices Google said nearing record-breaking $23 billion buy of Israeli-founded cyber startup Could Google’s $23b bid for Israel-founded cyber unicorn boost local tech outlook? Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israel Defense Forces operate in Gaza, July 17, 2024, in this handout image. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. During a heated debate in the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice committee yesterday, bereaved parents echoed statements made last week by some lawmakers over the state funding the legal defense of Hamas terrorists. The committee is debating a bill to prohibit the Public Defender’s Office from providing legal representation to those defined by law as illegal combatants. What does the current law require? Also yesterday, the High Court of Justice issued a provisional order against the state over the controversial Sde Teiman detention facility, where allegations have been made that camp guards severely abused captured unlawful Palestinian combatants held at the site, giving the state just 10 days to respond to petitions demanding it be closed. Sharon weighs in. Ultra-nationalist politician and former MK Michael Ben Ari was indicted on charges of incitement to racism for “dozens” of public statements during the years 2017 to 2023, in which he incited against Arab Israelis, the State Attorney’s Office announced Sunday. What makes this case so resonant? Goren discusses what she sees as a concerted effort from the Prime Minister’s Office to shift the narrative of the blame for October 7, including several members of the Netanyahu administration. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Outcry at Knesset as bereaved parents protest plans to fund legal defense of Hamas terrorists Justice and finance ministers refuse to fund legal defense for Hamas terrorists High Court gives state 10 days to answer petitions to close Sde Teiman detention site State attorney indicts former hard-right MK for incitement to racism against Arabs ‘A crybaby and a coward’: Lapid slams Netanyahu for complaining about incitement Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: This undated photo taken in the winter 2023 and provided by Breaking the Silence, a whistleblower group of former Israeli soldiers, shows blindfolded Palestinians captured in the Gaza Strip in a detention facility on the Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel. (Breaking The Silence via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Former US president Donald Trump called on Americans on Sunday to stand united after he was injured in an assassination attempt on Saturday and said that “God alone” saved him. In the shooting’s wake, international leaders, especially those who consider themselves Trump allies, drew parallels to other assassination attempts. Berman weighs in. Likewise, in Jerusalem, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs screened a compilation of video clips showing critics of the government engaging in “incitement against the prime minister” during the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. The discussion was not on the cabinet’s original agenda but was added after the attempt on Trump’s life as a warning for what could arise in Israel. Over the weekend, the IDF conducted a strike targeting leading Hamas terrorist Muhammad Deif and his deputy, Rafa’a Salameh. What are any repercussions in the hostage negotiations so far, as well as the way in which the IDF is conducting the war? In his first trip to Israel as UK foreign secretary, David Lammy called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to include the release of all hostages in Gaza. Who did he meet with during his two days in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and what else did he say? Last week, Berman joined 23 European ambassadors, consuls, and attachés to tour emptied-out areas along Israel’s northern border, as well as the IDF Northern Command headquarters in Safed. What was the point of the trip and what did he experience there? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Trump says ‘God alone’ saved him from assassination, urges Americans to unite After attempt on Trump, cabinet watches video of alleged incitement against Netanyahu IDF chief says military is creating all the pressure needed on Hamas for hostage deal Biden to meet with Netanyahu at White House on July 22 Visiting UK foreign secretary urges immediate ceasefire including release of all hostages Decision on Hezbollah must come ‘very soon’, senior MK tells European diplomats Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Then-President Donald Trump arrives before a dinner with then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago, March 7, 2020, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Muhammad Deif, together with his deputy Rafa’a Salameh, were targeted in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday morning as they were reportedly present in an above-ground building between the al-Mawasi designated humanitarian zone and the city of Khan Younis. Before we turn to the operation, we hear about its targets? Four IDF soldiers were wounded, one seriously, during a rocket attack Saturday on the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, as cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continued to flare. Fabian updates us on the conflict in the north. The Israel Defense Forces said Sunday it struck facilities belonging to the Syrian Army overnight in response to the launch of two drones from Syria at Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat the day before. What do we know about the group behind the drones? The government will vote today on extending mandatory service for male Israel Defense Forces soldiers to three years, as well as women who serve in combat and some roles. Fabian explains the changes and talks about how the Defense Ministry is beginning to work on conscripting haredi men -- starting next month. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu says ‘not absolutely certain’ Deif killed, ‘cracks’ appearing in Hamas IDF strike targets Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif; group claims at least 90 killed 4 IDF troops hurt, including 1 seriously, as north peppered with rockets and drones IDF says it hit Syrian military facilities in response to drones targeting Eilat Ministers to vote Sunday on extending male mandatory IDF service to 3 years Defense minister says IDF will start drafting ultra-Orthodox men next month Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Palestinians inspect the damage at a site hit by an Israeli operation targeting Hamas's shadowy military commander Mohammad Deif in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on this bonus episode of The Times of Israel's weekly What Matters Now podcast. Family members of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, along with hundreds of supporters, are marching today in the final leg of a four-day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, calling for a deal with Hamas to secure the release of their loved ones. The organizers are a group of around a dozen hostage families operating under the name “Kulanu Hatufim” (“We are all hostages”). They are known for their fiery protests outside IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv and for blocking the Ayalon Highway every Saturday night. The small march began Wednesday in Tel Aviv at Israel Defense Forces headquarters. It will culminate tonight after Shabbat in a protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital. Rettig Gur discusses the historical efficacy of protests and whether this time, they just might succeed. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hostage families continue four-day trek from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, demanding deal Calling for deal, hostage families continue four-day march to Jerusalem Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Families and friends of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza call for their return as they begin a four-day march from Tel Aviv to the Prime Minister's house in Jerusalem, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The long-awaited Israel Defense Forces probe into the events of October 7 on Kibbutz Be’eri was published last night, citing the army’s colossal errors in judgment and the residents’ bravery. While hundreds of Hamas fighters infiltrated Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 101 civilians and 31 security personnel were killed from a community of around 1,000 residents. A further 30 residents and two more civilians were taken hostage by the Hamas terrorists, 11 of whom still remain in Gaza. At least 125 homes in the community were damaged and destroyed amid the fighting that finally ended only on October 9. The probe found that for seven hours, only 26 armed Israelis were present in Be’eri, facing down around 340 terrorists. The Be’eri probe is aimed at drawing specific operational conclusions for the military. Fabian describes specific battles and the timeline of events, how detailed the investigation is -- and whether the IDF is implementing lessons learned. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Failure and slaughter: IDF’s Be’eri probe shows army’s colossal errors, residents’ bravery Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Part of a house destroyed in the October 7 Hamas infiltration of Kibbutz Be'eri near the Israeli-Gaza border, October 25, 2023. (Edi Israel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said Wednesday his Lebanese terror group would accept Palestinian ally Hamas’s decision on Gaza hostage negotiations and would stop cross-border attacks on Israel if a ceasefire were reached. But would Israel also back down from the conflict on the north? This week marks a decade to Operation Protective Edge, which took place from July 8-August 26, 2014. Horovitz was on the ground in Gaza’s Shejaiyiya neighborhood earlier this week and saw a location that one of the IDF officers he met with, Lt. Col. Ron Sayag, called a "closing of a circle" from that operation 10 years ago. What did Horovitz see inside the Strip? The results of an Israel Defense Forces probe into the onslaught and battle on October 7 in the border community of Kibbutz Be’eri, during which tanks shelled a house where Hamas was holding hostages, was presented to Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi on Monday and were given to residents of Be’eri this morning. Borschel-Dan and Horovitz were in Kibbutz Be'eri and Kfar Aza yesterday. They discuss their impressions. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Nasrallah: If Hamas agrees to ceasefire with Israel, Hezbollah will also halt attacks Shejaiya is at least partly uninhabitable, but troops here say Hamas will return if it can IDF chief shown results of probe into October 7 fighting at Kibbutz Be’eri Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: This handout picture released on July 11, 2024 shows an Israeli soldiers during operations in the Gaza Strip. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid discusses the latest regarding the hostage talks taking place in Doha, and the possible sticking points for Israel and Hamas with regard to the proposed three phases of the deal that would take place over the course of three, six-week blocks. Magid looks at the timing of the deal, which will require several more weeks of mediation, and how that timing could coincide with aspects of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit to Washington, DC to address Congress on July 24. He also discusses statements and details about Israel, antisemitism and campus protests in the 16-page document from the Republican Party ahead of their upcoming convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Finally, Magid reviews the ongoing "freakout" by Democrats after President Joe Biden's dismal debate with former President Donald Trump, and how Biden is pushing forward with his campaign. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas accuses Netanyahu of placing ‘obstacles’ to truce-hostage negotiations Netanyahu issues list of 4 ‘nonnegotiable’ demands as hostage talks slated to restart Optimism in truce-hostage talks: Mossad chief goes to and from Doha, Hamas briefs Hezbollah GOP platform pledges to stand with Israel, deport ‘pro-Hamas radicals’ from US In interview, Biden says only ‘the Lord Almighty’ could make him drop out of race ‘Not Biden’s policy’: Official says Democrats’ Israel plank won’t include aid cutoff Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Thousands of protesters on Begin Road in Tel Aviv on July 7, 2024 in calls for a deal now! (Credit: Danor Aharon)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Knesset reporter Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Sokol reviews the Knesset on Monday, as hostage brother Danny Elgarat was thrown out of a committee meeting by committee chair Simcha Rothman after a disagreement with the brother of another hostage about the hostage deal under discussion.  Sokol discusses the comments and images that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich offered as he voiced his disapproval for the hostage deal, and his underlying threat to bolt the coalition if the government agrees to the deal, along with other Knesset members' recent remarks that this government may not last much longer. Smotrich's ultra-right ally, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, then threatened ultra-Orthodox party Shas that he would not support their narrowed bill for community rabbis, calling Shas "a lapdog of the left," while Shas Knesset member Aryeh Deri retorted, by calling Ben Gvir "an inflated balloon." Sokol also mentions the statement made by Knesset member Gideon Sa'ar hinting that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is considering a return to politics. Steinberg talks about some recent projects for hostage families, the bereaved and survivors, including free tattoos for about 120 Israelis, and a hostage family project called "Week of Goodness." For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘Shame!’: Knesset ushers drag brother of hostage out of meeting for interrupting Some in coalition threaten its demise as Ben Gvir blocks key Shas bill, slams PM and Deri Holding a Sinwar victory pic, Smotrich pans hostage deal; Lapid to PM: We’ll back it Gideon Sa’ar says former PM Bennett planning a return to politics Beauty through the pain: Survivors of October 7 inked by visiting tattoo artists Parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin launch ‘Week of Goodness’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Hostage mothers, activists and Knesset members protest at the Knesset, marking nine months of their captivity, on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Last night, ahead of the Israeli negotiating team’s departure for further hostage deal talks in Cairo and Doha later this week, Netanyahu presented a list of what he said were nonnegotiable Israeli demands. What was included in this list? Marking nine months since the October 7 Hamas massacre, President Isaac Herzog on Sunday asserted that a majority of the public is in favor of a deal to free hostages taken by Hamas terrorists during the brutal assault. What does this statement represent? Gaza City residents say that they are seeing some of the heaviest fighting since the start of the war and the Israeli military sent columns of tanks into the city from different directions. At the same time, an Israeli military pilot to create “humanitarian enclaves” for Gazan civilians unaffiliated with Hamas is reportedly set to be rolled out in two northern Gaza cities, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahi. Berman weighs in. Keir Starmer, the United Kingdom’s newly elected prime minister, told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Sunday morning call that he looks forward to “further deepening the close relationship between the two countries.” What else was discussed, according to 10 Downing Street? The so-called moderate candidate won Iran’s runoff elections this weekend. Under Masoud Pezeshkian, could Iran be more prone to conduct nuclear talks? Haaretz newspaper reported yesterday that during the first hours of the October 7 Hamas terror onslaught in southern Israel, IDF troops on the ground were instructed to prevent the kidnapping of soldiers into Gaza by whatever means necessary, or the controversial “Hannibal Protocol.” Berman discusses this morally problematic directive that was rescinded in 2016. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu issues list of ‘nonnegotiable’ demands as hostage talks slated to restart Herzog: An ‘absolute majority’ of the nation supports a hostage deal IDF launches new operation in Gaza City, troops raid UNRWA compound used by Hamas Israel to reportedly try creating Hamas-free ‘bubble’ zones in northern Gaza UK’s Starmer to Netanyahu: There is ‘urgent need’ for Gaza ceasefire Election of Iran’s Pezeshkian raises prospects of new nuclear talks with the West IDF officers invoked defunct ‘Hannibal Protocol’ during Oct. 7 fighting – report Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas, in Jerusalem, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode marking nine months of war. A 28-year-old Israeli man was seriously wounded this morning as Hezbollah fired some 20 rockets at Lower Galilee. The attack was in response to the killing of a prominent member of the Hezbollah terror group’s air defense unit, who was targeted in an Israeli drone strike in northeastern Lebanon on Saturday. Fabian fills us in. Seven Palestinian gunmen, including members of a cell behind a deadly roadside bombing attack last week, were killed in a drone strike and in clashes with troops in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Friday morning, the Israeli military said. Fabian describes new tactics being used in the West Bank over the past year. Fabian describes an upswing in Hamas use of "civilian buildings" that are targeted by the IDF: The Khan Younis municipality building in the southern Gaza Strip was hit by a drone strike overnight. This comes after The IDF yesterday confirmed carrying out an airstrike at a United Nations-run school in the central Gaza Strip, saying the facility was used by Hamas operatives as a command center. Nine months into the war, anti-government protesters blocked highways and gathered at interchanges across the country in a call for elections and hostage deal as part of a “day of disruption.” Fabian breaks down what are the IDF's achievements during the war and describes the struggle facing Israelis who don't want the hundreds of lives lost to be in vain. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF kills key member of Hezbollah air defense in strike deep inside Lebanon IDF says it struck UNRWA school in Gaza used by Hamas as command center IDF: 7 Palestinian gunmen killed, including cell behind roadside bomb, in Jenin raid Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: IDF soldiers operate in Gaza in a handout photo published July 7, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. In a special episode, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Rick Jacobs joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in The Times of Israel's Jerusalem offices. Life for most Jews around the world shifted after the October 7 Hamas massacre. Jacobs speaks about the sharply rising antisemitism versus the rise of Jews who are reaching out and strengthening their affiliations and connections to organized Judaism. We hear about what Jacobs has witnessed on college campuses in the past nine months and his thoughts on how progressive Judaism may need a rebalancing between the values of universalism and particularism. He sees the young anti-Zionist Jews taking part in the anti-Israel protests and an opportunity for engagement, but worries about the safety of their visibly Jewish colleagues who are increasingly uncomfortable on campuses. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: President of the Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Rick Jacobs at The Times of Israel's Jerusalem office, July 4, 2024. (Amanda Borschel-Dan/ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Magid discusses the late Thursday phone call between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and what is being discussed regarding certain clauses in the hostage deal and possible ceasefire under discussion between Israel, Hamas and their mediators, with movement from a first ceasefire into another over the course of at least six weeks. He talks about the currently hardline Israeli government and cabinet and how Netanyahu's coalition partners will demand more in response to the hostage deal and the prime minister may be hampering the negotiations because he has to pay more attention to his hardline base. Magid also looks at the discussions about the 'day after' in Gaza, and the fact that Netanyahu is quietly considering allowing lower-level Palestinian Authority employees, vetted by the Shin Bet and PA intelligence agencies as a civil administration for the Gaza Strip, the solution that the Biden administration has been hoping for throughout the last months. Finally, Magid talks about Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who finally released three months of funding to the Palestinian Authority that he has been withholding while demanding more settlements or outposts legalized and more steps against the Palestinian Authority, which he has said he would like to collapse. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israel sends delegation to renewed hostage-truce talks in Doha on Hamas proposal Israel says it’s studying latest Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal Netanyahu privately showing openness to PA involvement in postwar Gaza — officials US nods at Smotrich’s steps to ease PA financial crisis, but calls them insufficient THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Demonstrators call for the release of Hamas hostages outside Tel Aviv's Defense Ministry compound on July 4, 2024. (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. A source in Hezbollah tells Al Jazeera that the terror group launched more than 200 rockets and some 20 drones at military bases in northern Israel on Thursday midday. What do we know about any damage? Israel said Wednesday evening that it had received Hamas’s response to the latest truce-hostage deal outline, and would evaluate the document before replying. What do we know about any new changes or shifts in position? The Shin Bet security service has reportedly reprimanded the senior official who was responsible for signing off on the release of Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya from Israeli prison earlier this week. Horovitz unravels this knotty situation. It’s an election long weekend with the UK, France and Iran going to the polls. Horovitz discusses each nation separately. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Senior Hezbollah commander killed in IDF strike in southern Lebanon Israel says it’s studying latest Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal Shin Bet said to reprimand agent who signed off on Shifa director’s release to Gaza Dangerous incompetents at the heart of government are subverting Israel’s war on Hamas Labour tipped for historic win as UK voters head to the polls THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria arrive to cast their votes at a polling station in London on July 4, 2024, as Britain holds a general election. (Paul Ellis / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Monday, the IDF called on Palestinians in eastern neighborhoods of Khan Younis to evacuate the area and head toward the designated “humanitarian zone,” likely preceding a renewed ground offensive in the southern Gaza city. What moves has the IDF taken since? Yesterday, work began on an Israeli-Palestinian cooperative project to boost electric power to a desalination plant in the Gaza Strip to allow it to produce more water for civilians in a designated “humanitarian zone” where the vast majority of the Gazan population is residing. Which Israeli official was pushing for this and why does he feel it is crucial? The military carried out a drone strike late Tuesday against a cell of terror operatives in the West Bank’s Nur Shams, with the Palestinians reporting four killed in the attack. This use of underground explosives is a tactic we’ve recently seen against IDF troops. Fabian tells us more. Over the weekend Lidor witnessed hundreds of residents of Avdon, a Western Galilee moshav, returning after a months-long absence from their homes, situated about 3.5 kilometers (two miles) from the border with Lebanon. Why didn't the government evacuate them along with their neighbors? For the first time in over a century, Israel’s Jews officially have no chief rabbi after the terms of both ended on Monday. There are delays in the succession process, in part due to alleged nepotism and internal power struggles, but also due to the role of women in the state religious authorities. We hear what is -- and isn't -- going on. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF tells Gazans to evacuate some Khan Younis neighborhoods in wake of rocket attack Israel boosts power to Gaza desalination plant in bid to avert humanitarian crisis IDF drone hits cell planting roadside bomb in West Bank, killing 4 terror operatives Israelis from town 2 miles from Lebanon forced to return home after running out of funds THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Boys walk with jerrycans to fill up from a water truck in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on June 25, 2024. (Eyad Baba / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sharon first discusses how the IDF will go about recruiting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students following the High Court ruling ordering the state to begin conscripting tens of thousands of eligible young men. He lists the various possibilities, including a more random lottery, or the option of the IDF following up with what he terms "the low-hanging fruit," those young Haredi men who do not attend the more elite yeshivas but have received some secular academic education and whose parents are part of the workforce. Sharon then speaks about a High Court ban of the Jordan Valley settlement council from seizing stray Palestinian livestock, as part of an ongoing situation in which the court aims to avoid a de facto annexation of land belonging to the local Palestinian population. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: The army must soon begin enlisting ultra-Orthodox men. How will that work? High Court bans settlement council from seizing stray Palestinian livestock THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Police clash with ultra-Orthodox demonstrators during a protest against the recruitment of Haredim to the IDF, in Jerusalem, June 30, 2024. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted during a visit to southern Gaza’s Rafah on Sunday that Hamas is unable to recover from the pressure applied by Israeli operations and, choked off from its weapons supply, is a broken force running out of time. At the same time, we’re seeing a large rocket barrage and other fighting on the ground. Fabian weighs in. The director of Shifa Hospital, Mohammad Abu Salmiya, who was arrested by IDF troops in November on suspicion of allowing the hospital to be used by Hamas as an operations center, was released. Fabian delves into some potential reasons why and the backlash to Abu Salmiya's release. Eighteen Israeli soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, in a Hezbollah drone attack in northern Israel on Sunday. We learn about this attack and discuss the asymmetrical nature of the fighting in the north and the lack of clear goals. An Israeli drone strike on Sunday killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander and wounded five in the Nur Shams camp in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. Fabian explains the significance of this commander. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Gallant: IDF’s Rafah campaign choking Hamas by blocking crossing, destroying tunnels IDF says at least 40 Hamas operatives killed as it advances in Gaza’s Shejaiya 18 troops hurt, one seriously, in Hezbollah drone strike in north Islamic Jihad commander killed, 5 hurt in Israeli drone strike in Tulkarem THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: The Israel Defense Forces operate in Gaza, in a handout photo published June 30, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan from ToI's Jerusalem offices. Iran’s mission to the United Nations said on Friday that if Israel embarks on a “full-scale military aggression” in Lebanon against Hezbollah, “an obliterating war will ensue.” This came a day before Iran’s sole reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili qualified for a runoff presidential election, which will be held on Friday. Who are these two candidates and what does either candidate mean for Israel and the region? US President Joe Biden’s halting debate performance has led some in his own party to question whether he should be replaced on the ballot before November. At the same time, many in Israel began to wonder, is Biden really up to being the man holding the wheel on the war in Gaza? Berman weighs in. Even while IDF drones struck dozens of Hamas sites in Gaza City’s Shejaiya over the past day and troops located weapons, raided Hamas combat complexes — some of which were booby-trapped — and killed several gunmen, Berman proposes that the IDF is still far from reaching its two war goals. What does this mean for the ongoing Gaza War -- and a looming war in the north. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hardliner, moderate to face off in 2nd-ever Iranian runoff, after record low turnout Iran’s UN mission threatens ‘obliterating war’ if Israel launches Lebanon offensive PM warns visiting former US officers Iran seeks to conquer Jordan, Saudi Arabia As poor debate showing roils Democrats, Bidens implore donors to stay course Rafah operation and Gaza war are winding down; Israel is no closer to its goals THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: US President Joe Biden speaks about the protests over Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza that have roiled US college campuses, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 2, 2024. (Drew Angerer / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. ToI senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's special episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. Ultra-Orthodox men of military age have been able to avoid being conscripted to the IDF for decades by enrolling in yeshivas for Torah study and obtaining repeated one-year service deferrals until they reach the age of military exemption. This week, a historic High Court ruling — which found that there is no legal basis for excluding Haredi men from the military draft -- brought the need for a true Haredi draft law into focus.  So when Likud MK and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein delayed a vote on a Defense Ministry-backed “draft Security Service Law” due to what he said was a failure to reach a “broad consensus” on the matter, political pundits paid attention. Likewise, polls indicated this week that a "fantasy" political party of former prime minister Naftali Bennett, Yisrael Beytenu party leader Avigdor Liberman, New Hope head Gideon Sa’ar and former Mossad director Yossi Cohen would be the largest faction in the Knesset if elections were held today, winning 25 seats. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Illustrative image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves to his supporters after the first exit poll results for the Israeli parliamentary elections at his Likud party's headquarters in Jerusalem, March. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Magid first tackles the first debate between US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump in a faceoff that included Trump's statements about not having let Hamas attack if he was in office, while Biden defended his actions since October 7. Both countered one another on antisemitism regarding the 2017 Charlottesville rally versus the campus protests of last spring. Magid also reviews Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's trip to Washington this week, in which Gallant tackled the arms shipment brouhaha that heated up with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's involvement. The meetings were very effective, said Magid, with the shipments ironed out for arms shipments that could be more effective against Hezbollah, if needed. Magid refers to another topic discussed during Gallant's visit, regarding whether fighting with Hezbollah could be halted as battles in Rafah slow down as an "off-ramp" to avoid war. He discusses the post-war Gaza plan discussed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his meetings in the region last week, with possible participation by future Palestinian Authority security forces, and peacekeeping forces from the UAE and Egypt amid a future pathway to a Palestinian state. Magid concludes with an in-depth look at the Jamal Bowman race against George Latimer in the New York Democratic primary as Bowman's views on Israel which brought strong AIPAC financial support for Latimer, ultimately helping him sweep the election. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Trump calls Biden ‘a bad Palestinian’ as president’s halting debate showing rattles Dems Gallant, US declare progress on expediting arms delivery, but bomb shipment still frozen US, Israel see easing of Gaza fighting as Hezbollah ‘off-ramp’ to avoid war Egypt, UAE prepared to participate in postwar Gaza security force — officials THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: This combination of photos shows Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during a presidential debate hosted by CNN, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP/Gerald Herbert)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Following Tuesday morning’s landmark High Court ruling which found that there is no legal basis for excluding Haredi men from the military draft, yesterday, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein delayed a vote on a Defense Ministry-backed “draft Security Service Law” due to what he said was a failure to reach a “broad consensus” on the matter. What should we make of this breaking of Likud party ranks? Yesterday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US President Joe Biden’s administration announced that progress had been made toward resolving what Jerusalem considers to be an insufficient flow of arms from the United States to Israel. Horovitz breaks down the situation as we know it and describes how this may affect a potential war with Hezbollah. Tonight, US President Joe Biden and former US president Donald Trump will meet in Atlanta for a debate moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. What could be on the table? Horovitz weighs in on the upcoming July 4 British elections in which Labour leader Keir Starmer is projected to win a vast parliamentary majority. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Edelstein delays IDF reservists law amidst growing coalition tensions over draft PM meets Edelstein over remarks on Haredi draft bill seen as imperiling coalition Gallant, US declare progress on expediting arms delivery, but bomb shipment still frozen Evading national service in the Jewish state is the opposite of authentic Judaism From antisemitism to Israel: The Jewish topics to watch for in the Biden-Trump debate 10 contests for Israel supporters to watch in the UK’s July 4 general election THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Likud MK Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on June 26, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sharon discusses the landmark decision by the High Court Tuesday determining that ultra-Orthodox men are obligated to perform military service, and the immediate draft of 3,000 yeshiva students starting July 1, as he looks at the legal issues that led to the decision. He also talks about the new report by the United Nations-linked Integrated Food Security Phase Classification organization, showing that there is no famine in Gaza, despite previous predictions to the contrary. Surkes explains the latest concerns about Israel’s power grid and its susceptibility to a possible attack by Hezbollah, with Israel's electricity companies taking a more urgent look at what can be done to offset an all-out blackout in case of war. She also mentions a high-tech, AI-powered 'weed wacker,' designed to bypass pricey human labor for crops and agricultural fields. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: After court ruling, AG tells IDF to immediately start drafting 3,000 Haredi students In historic ruling, High Court says government must draft Haredi men into IDF Key food security org finds no famine in Gaza, says previous assumptions wrong As war with Hezbollah looms, concerns over vulnerability of power grid generate unease Confab shows off startups, from AI-driven weeders and tree tubes to alternative fats THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: An Israeli soldier and ultra-Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall on June 25, 2024. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses what led to the fierce debate in the Knesset Monday, after a commission that was looking into earlier defense purchases, sent letters of inquiry to several officials, including Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu. Opposition leader Yair Lapid used the opportunity to attack the prime minister in his faction's weekly meeting, joined by New Hope party leader Gideon Sa'ar as the prime minister defended his actions. Sokol notes that the debate concluded with a first vote on legislation regarding extending reservists' age while legislation is still pending regarding lowering the ages of exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students. Pacchiani talks about an interview with Palestinian laborers who have been mostly out of work for the last eight months, part of the work force of some 200,000 people who work mostly in construction and agriculture. He says it appears to be more of a political decision to push the Palestinian Authority toward bankruptcy, along with higher unemployment. He also mentions press reports about a "fishy" organized foreign press tour of the Beirut airport, as the Lebanese government attempted to prove they're not hiding weapons imported from Iran. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘Submarine affair’ inquiry finds Netanyahu’s decisions compromised national security Knesset to vote this week on bill extending retirement age for IDF reservists West Bank Palestinian laborers in despair after eight months without jobs in Israel Reporters denied access to Beirut airport area where weapons suspected to be stored THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a debate in the Knesset on June 24, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Berman discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first Hebrew-language media interview since October 7 on the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 network, in which the prime minister spoke about the end of intense fighting in Gaza, his willingness to agree to a partial hostage deal, while insisting that battles would continue. He also speaks about Netanyahu's comments regarding the north and the prime minister's hopes for a diplomatic solution, as well as how the prime minister deftly pointed fingers at his opponents in the government in order to firmly position himself as the country's ultimate leader. Berman turns to the Biden administration and its ongoing spat with Netanyahu over what the prime minister's claims regarding a slowdown in shipments of US arms. Berman suggests the low-level disagreement may all be about politics as the prime minister does not want Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, currently visiting in DC, to lay claim on any diplomatic successes during his visit. Berman concludes with a look at the terror attack in two communities in Russia's Dagestan, bordering Azerbaijan, a mostly Moslem region that has experienced Moslem Jihadist terrorism in the past and was the focal point of a near-pogrom after October 7, when locals attempted to target Israeli passengers on a flight. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: PM says open to partial pause and hostage deal but war won’t end until Hamas destroyed EU’s Borrell warns war in Middle East on the brink of expanding Netanyahu says US arms supplies fell away 4 months ago; he went public as last resort US hasn’t withheld weapons for Israel, but it’s done fast-tracking them — official Over 15 Russian cops, civilians killed in attacks on synagogues, churches in Dagestan THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Channel 14 in the first interview he's given to an Israeli news outlet since October 7, on June 23, 2024. (Screenshot, Channel 14, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant headed to Washington this morning for a meeting that he calls “critical for the future of the war.” What are the main goals? The IDF confirmed that it shot down an apparent Hezbollah drone over the Lower Galilee. It was shot down by air defenses in an area that houses a major factory belonging to the Rafael defense contractor. Also overnight, Israeli fighter jets shot down a drone heading toward Israel from the eastern direction. The announcement comes after the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed to have launched a drone at Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat early this morning. On Saturday, the IDF struck several targets, including a Hamas military site in Gaza City’s Shati neighborhood. Reports in Hebrew and Arabic media said the Shati attack targeted senior Hamas commander Raad Saad, head of Hamas operations. We hear who he is and the status of the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Also on Saturday, Israel said it had killed a top Hamas operative in Lebanon, Ayman Ghatma, who was responsible for supplying weapons to Hamas in Lebanon as well as to the al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya terror group. We hear about the tangled Lebanon-based overlap between Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. An Israeli civilian Amnon Muchtar, 67, of Petah Tikva was shot in his vehicle by unknown gunmen in the West Bank city of Qalqilya on Saturday and later died of his wounds. Fabian describes the incident, which is being labeled as a terror attack, and puts it into context with other recent conflicts in the area. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Heading to US, Gallant says meetings ‘critical for the future of the war’ Israeli strike said to target Hamas operations chief Raad Saad in Gaza; unclear if he died IDF kills top Hamas man in Lebanon; US said to promise Israel full support if war erupts Israeli man shot and killed in his car in West Bank’s Qalqilya in apparent terror IDF says it is investigating soldiers who tied Palestinian detainee to hood of car THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israel Defense Forces operating in Gaza, June 22, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. In this special episode, host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with news editor Amy Spiro, who heads up our Those We Have Lost project. Since a few days after the October 7 murderous Hamas onslaught on southern Israel that massacred some 1,200 people -- mostly civilians -- and saw 251 hostages taken to Gaza, Spiro has worked to memorialize the slain individuals by bringing their stories to the English-speaking world. Spiro imbues each post with the individual's character and life from publically available information, including funeral eulogies, social media posts, and memorial websites. In this episode, Spiro and Borschel-Dan share the stories of eight of the fallen, including lone soldiers, a newly pregnant couple, a beloved grandmother and a Thai worker who never got to meet his child. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Staff Sgt. Shlomo Reshetnikov, 20: Lone soldier from Russia Raz Mizrahi, 21: Wounded in 2021 attack, recovered and slain at party Keshet Casarotti-Kalfa, 21: Pirate-loving partygoer ‘a ball of light’ Sgt. David Mittelman, 20: Ex-Haredi who hovered between worlds Yehudit Itzchaki, 76: Doting grandma, child of Holocaust survivors Lidor Levi and Nitzan Rahoum, 28: Slain couple were expecting first baby Nitikorn Sae Wang, 26: Thai worker who never got to meet his son Staff Sgt. Yonatan Chaim, 25: Lone soldier who converted, made aliyah THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Family and friends of Israeli soldier Sergeant Almog Shalom attend his funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on June 11, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US  bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Magid discusses the latest visit to the US by National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, amid the current kerfuffle between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US administration. Dermer and Hanegbi were meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken , and "received an earful" from US officials regarding the video that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made earlier in the week with accusations about the delay of US arms shipments to Israel. Magid discusses whether Netanyahu is making comments now because Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is going to DC next week and perhaps doesn't want him receiving the credit for solving any issues regarding arms during his trip. Magid also talks about the ongoing US consideration to set sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, given his longtime efforst to withhold funds from the Palestinian Authority, thereby destabilizing the Palestinian government. Magid also looks at the possibility of US sanctions against the far-right Tzav 9 group, which has organized efforts to halt and wreak havoc with US aid convoys making their way into Gaza. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US hosts PM’s aides amid concern full-on war with Hezbollah would overwhelm Iron Dome US vexed, disappointed by Netanyahu claim of arms holdup: ‘No one has done more for him’ US sanctions far-right Israeli group behind attacks on aid convoys bound for Gaza Is the US poised to sanction an Israeli minister for the first time? THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message issued June 19, 2024. (Screenshot/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in the Jerusalem offices for today's episode. Facing a growing number of high-profile spats involving members of his coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Wednesday for his political partners to “get a grip” and abandon “petty politics.” Horovitz unwinds the insults and accusations that were thrown about yesterday and assesses the stability of the coalition even as some members of Likud are showing signs of discontent. IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told Channel 13 last night, “This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear — it’s simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public.” Horovitz discusses how Israel's internal political strife may be affecting its prosecution of the war. The Wall Street Journal reported today that US officials estimate that of the 116 hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, just 50 are still alive. The assessment is based on a combination of Israeli and US intelligence and puts the number of deceased hostages at 66, a far higher number than Israel has publicly confirmed. As hostage negotiation talks seem to be at a stalemate, Horovitz speaks to the international pressure being placed on Hamas and why it's likely not enough. Last night the head of Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group Hasan Nasrallah commented on the escalating conflict with the Jewish state, and said the Shiite terror group does not want “total war,” is only acting in support of Hamas, but in the case of full-blown war, “The enemy knows well that we have prepared ourselves for the worst… and that no place… will be spared from our rockets.” Why this announcement right now? For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: As war winds down, diplomacy is paramount, but Netanyahu has other priorities Amid multiplying spats, Netanyahu urges coalition partners to ‘get a grip’ IDF spokesman says Hamas can’t be destroyed, drawing retort from PM: ‘That’s war’s goal’ Nasrallah says ‘no place’ in Israel would be safe in war, threatens to target Cyprus THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Economy Minister Nir Barkat attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem on May 29, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Fabian is just back from the Yabna neighborhood of Rafah in the Gaza Strip where he was embedded with troops from the Givati Infantry Brigade. We hear what he saw and then dive into the current status of fighting in the Strip. Just after Hezbollah brazenly published aerial drone footage of Israel yesterday, top IDF generals approved plans for war in Lebanon. What do we know about the plans and what is happening along the border now? Annual Israeli arms sales reached a new record in 2023, for the third consecutive year, amounting to nearly double the value of exports compared to five years ago, according to Defense Ministry figures released Monday. How can war-time Israel be exporting so many arms?For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: In Rafah, IDF focuses on tunnels, with aim of destroying Hamas brigade within a month IDF says half of Hamas’s forces in Rafah dismantled, at least 550 gunmen killed Top Israeli generals approve Lebanon offensive battle plans, army says In open threat, Hezbollah publishes drone footage of sites in northern Israel IDF kills Hezbollah rocket specialist amid rare 3-day lull in terror group’s fire Israeli arms sales break record for 3rd year in row, reaching $13 billion in 2023 THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Troops of the IDF's Givati Brigade operate in the Yabna camp of southern Gaza's Rafah, June 18, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. After last week’s escalation along the northern border, US special envoy Amos Hochstein is in the country to try to head off a war with Hezbollah and advance efforts to rein in hostilities along the “Blue Line” between Israel and Lebanon. What are his chances? An unnamed senior Israeli negotiator told AFP yesterday that dozens of hostages are still alive and that the Israeli negotiating team had green-lit the Biden plan and is waiting for Hamas's answer. Berman brings up an idea that is slowly gaining support, that Israel must change the paradigm of the war in Gaza and consider it as just a first step in taking on all the Iranian proxies that make up the hydra-like monster that is Iran.   A document by the IDF’s Gaza Division warning of a potential attack by Hamas and en masse hostage-taking that was internally circulated on September 19 and reportedly brought to the attention of at least some senior intelligence officials, was ignored. Berman explores the report and discusses some reasons why -- tragically -- this intel wasn't acted upon. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Top Biden aide in Israel to try to head off war with Hezbollah Gantz tells visiting US envoy ‘time is running out’ for deal to calm northern border Dozens of hostages are alive ‘with certainty’ — top Israeli negotiator Netanyahu officially disbands war cabinet after Gantz’s departure from government 3 weeks before Oct. 7, IDF Gaza Division warned of Hamas plan to attack, take 250 hostages THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.  IMAGE: Relatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas terrorists since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, take part in a demonstration calling for their release in Tel Aviv on June 15, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol speaks about the Knesset voting on a bill to extend reservists' service, in order to keep reservists keep serving because of exigencies of the war, and an ongoing manpower shortage. Sokol discusses how this bill feeds into the ongoing ultra-Orthodox draft issue, generating a backlash of anger as it backs into what is sometimes called an evasion law for the ultra-Orthodox draft, allowing exemptions for young yeshiva students while the burden falls on other parts of Israeli society. He also looks at another bill that would allow the government to appoint hundreds of new state-funded rabbinical posts in towns and local councils, creating a kind of jobs program for members of the coalition's religious parties. The bill was stalled during the earlier months of the war, is now being pushed by the coalition partners and Sokol said that a major political scrap could emerge from these two controversial issues on the docket. Surkes talks about a pilot program for the children of migrants and refugees that integrates them into mixed classes in other neighborhoods, offering more hope for the future but not solving the many issues facing  this beleaguered population. She also describes the rescue of a Nubian ibex that fell into a deep sinkhole near Kibbutz Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Far-right ministers blast ‘delusional’ daily pauses in fighting to secure Gaza aid Knesset revives bill expanding Chief Rabbinate’s influence over local authorities Government backs new extension to IDF reservists’ service despite backlash Nubian ibex rescued from 10-meter-deep sinkhole THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.   IMAGE: Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest against the drafting of Haredim to the IDF, June 2, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The deaths of 11 soldiers were announced over the past day. We begin with the group of 8 who were killed in Rafah in the IDF’s deadliest incident in the past six months. Two reservists were killed when their tank came under attack in northern Gaza over the weekend, the military also announced Sunday. And finally, Fabian describes the incident involving a further soldier, Sgt. Yair Roitman, 19, of the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Karnei Shomron, who succumbed to his wounds from Monday over the weekend. The IDF announced this morning a new daily 11-hour tactical pause of military activity along a key road in the southern Gaza Strip. What is the purpose of this? At the same time, the United States military is preparing to temporarily remove its humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza because of anticipated sea conditions, a US official said on Friday. And finally, footage circulating on social media on Thursday showed Israeli soldiers using a kind of a catapult to launch incendiaries at Lebanon, to spark fires on the other side of the border. What was the official IDF response to this? For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Eight troops killed in Rafah explosion, in deadliest incident for IDF in 6 months Two reservists killed in north Gaza, as soldiers slain in Rafah blast named IDF announces daily pause in fighting along key south Gaza road to increase aid flow US to temporarily remove aid pier from Gaza coast again due to bad weather Troops use trebuchet to launch incendiaries at Lebanon THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Troops of the Commando Brigade operate in southern Gaza's Rafah, in a handout photo published June 15, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 251 of the war with Hamas. ToI senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's special episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This week, host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur. On Tuesday, the United Nations published an annual report on children in armed conflict, which for the first time added the Israeli military, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to its list of worst offenders. The decision to add the IDF to what has become known as “the list of shame” was due to what the report said was its killing and maiming of children and attacking schools and hospitals. Israel asserts that it operates according to international law, taking steps to avoid civilian casualties. And on Wednesday, a UN inquiry alleged both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes in the early stages of the Gaza war, saying Israel’s actions also constituted crimes against humanity because of the immense civilian losses, and that they included acts of “extermination.” This week, we discuss the use of international bodies to delegitimize Israel and how international law -- developed in part by Jews -- no longer protects the little guys. Discussed articles include: UN reports accuse Israel of ‘extermination,’ crimes against humanity; Hamas of war crimes UN publishes report with IDF, Hamas, PIJ added to ‘list of shame’ for first time THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israel's legal team waits to hear the arguments of South Africa's legal team as part of South Africa case against Israel over Rafah offensive at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, on May 16, 2024. (Nick Gammon/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 251 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told CNN that nobody in the organization knows how many of the 116 remaining hostages kidnapped on October 7 are still alive. Magid dives into what else he said, including Hamas's stance on the ongoing hostage release negotiations. US President Joe Biden said Thursday said he doesn’t expect a ceasefire and hostage release deal for Gaza to be reached in the near future, saying Hamas needs to shift its position closer to Israel’s US-backed proposal on the table. Is the US losing patience? On Thursday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tweeted that he signed an order to transfer some NIS 130 million ($35 million) of tax funds Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority to victims of terror. The issue of the PA frozen funds apparently came up during Sect. of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week. Magid explains potential fallout of a West Bank pushed over the brink. A poll released Wednesday found rising support for the Hamas terror group among Palestinians, both in the West Bank and in Gaza. Magid delves into the poll, which was conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) between May 26 and June 1. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Top Hamas official: Nobody has any clue how many hostages still alive Biden says Hamas needs ‘to move’ on truce deal, blaming terror group for hold-up Smotrich says he transferred $35 million in PA funds to terror victims US official: Netanyahu refusal to release PA tax funds due to pressure from right Poll: Support for Hamas on the rise among Palestinians, now double Fatah’s THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Students of Birzeit University in the West Bank chant slogans during a protest in support of Gaza on June 10, 2024. (Zain Jaafar / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 251 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, Hezbollah launched some 215 rockets and several more missiles and drones at northern Israel. The barrages marked the largest attack carried out by Hezbollah during ongoing fighting on the Lebanon border amid the war in the Gaza Strip. This came after the Israel Air Force struck southern Lebanon and killed Hezbollah top commander Taleb Abdullah on Tuesday night. Fabian fills us in. After the past several days of conflict along the northern border -- due to an escalation from both side -- Berman examines what a war between Israel and Hezbollah would not look like. The IDF said Wednesday it would recognize a reservist with post-traumatic stress disorder who took his own life as a fallen soldier, and he will receive a military burial as his family had requested. Fabian tells us more about the case of combat engineer Sgt. Maj. (res.) Eliran Mizrahi. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said today while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G7) meeting of leaders in southern Italy that Israel is standing behind a ceasefire proposal for the eight-month-old war in the Gaza Strip, and the goal is to bridge gaps with Hamas and get to a deal soon. Berman examines Hamas's statements and the ability to carry on negotiations. A UN Commission of Inquiry alleged on Wednesday that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes in the early stages of the Gaza war, saying Israel’s actions also constituted crimes against humanity because of the immense civilian losses, and that they included acts of “extermination.” What happens next? For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 215 rockets fired at north after IDF killing of ‘most senior’ Hezbollah officer yet IDF to recognize reservist with PTSD who took own life as a fallen soldier Blinken pans Hamas response to Israeli offer, says some of its changes ‘not workable’ UN reports accuse Israel of ‘extermination,’ crimes against humanity; Hamas of war crimes THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: The coffin of Taleb Abdallah, known as Abu Taleb, a senior field commander of Hezbollah who was killed in what security forces say was an Israel strike, is carried during his funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs on June 12, 2024. (Anwar Amro / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 250 of the war with Hamas. Political psychologist Nimrod Nir joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's special episode. Since mere days after the October 7 Hamas onslaught on southern Israel, in which some 1,200 were killed, mostly civilians, and 250 taken hostage to Gaza, Nir has been consistently taking the temperature of Israelis’ feelings about the ensuing war. Working with a massive pool of some 5,000 people, Nimrod has collected vast amounts of data and published some of it in a War Omnibus. Nir is a fellow at The Hebrew University’s Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and also the CEO of Agam Labs, a multi-disciplinary research facility that aims to aid decision-makers in understanding the Israeli psyche. The findings from the past eight months of war include how people view the zero-sum equation of hostages or war, how conspiracy theories affect public opinion and whether or not the Israeli people will be “together” in victory. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Nimrod Nir, a fellow at The Hebrew University’s Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and the CEO of Agam Labs, a multi-disciplinary research facility. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 249 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider discusses latest regarding hostage deal, including Channel 12 release of details regarding permanent ceasefire, countering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing statements about not ending the war. She also speaks about the US proposal for a hostage deal for captives with US citizenship, and what could be discussed regarding that possibility with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Israel Tuesday. Schneider then looks at discussions in the Knesset on Monday, following Knesset member Benny Gantz's resignation from the coalition and war cabinet, and how that could affect the rest of the Netanyahu coalition. She speaks about the vote and Knesset approval to revive an ultra-Orthodox enlistment bill that would lower the current age of exemption from service for Haredi yeshiva students from 26 to 21. The only coalition member to vote against the bill was Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a brave political move for him, says Schneider, but unclear how that will affect the bill or coalition going forward. Steinberg mentions the Shavuot cookbook put together by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, with recipes and stories about hostages from their families and loved ones, as they move forward into another holiday. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israel’s full offer said to provide for ‘permanent’ truce before all hostages return Blinken discusses hostage proposal, ‘day after’ Gaza war in meeting with Netanyahu Knesset approves revival of ultra-Orthodox enlistment bill; Gallant votes against Gantz quits war government, says PM preventing ‘true victory’ over Hamas, urges elections Hostages’ families share favorite Shavuot recipes as they hold out hope for loved ones THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Hostage families wait outside Tel Aviv's Kempinski Hotel on June 11, 2024 to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Credit Yael Gadot)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 248 of the war with Hamas. Zman Israel editor Biranit Goren and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Fabian fills us in on more details of the rescue operation that freed four Israelis — Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv -- including who held the latter three. What do we know about Palestinian journalist Abdallah Aljamal? A cell of Hezbollah operatives launched anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli fighter jets over southern Lebanon on Sunday, the military said, amid intensifying cross-border skirmishes between Israel and the Iran-backed terror organization. How serious was this threat? Last night, National Unity head Benny Gantz quit the wartime coalition that he joined shortly after the launch of the war. Goren speaks about the reasons he gave for leaving and where that leaves the war cabinet. The Knesset is set to vote today on whether to renew the legislative process of a controversial draft law first proposed in the previous Knesset. We learn about the background of this proposed law, what it includes -- and what it symbolizes. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF: Hamas terrorist and journalist was holding 3 hostages in home alongside family Freed hostage Andrey Kozlov reunites with family after rescue from Gaza In first, Hezbollah tries to down fighter jets as border fighting further ratchets up Gantz quits war government, says PM preventing ‘true victory’ over Hamas, urges elections Ben Gvir’s party resumes coalition support, demands more power on war issues Knesset to vote on reviving Haredi IDF bill in bid to put off High Court intervention THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Former Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz announces his resignation during a televised address in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, on June 9, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 247 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israel celebrated yesterday after the IDF announced that it had rescued Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv from eight months of Hamas captivity in Gaza. Horovitz shares his impressions of the mood of the country. Protesters at rallies in Tel Aviv and across the country on Saturday night called for new elections and the return of the hostages held in captivity in Gaza. The protests at the same time as war cabinet minister Benny Gantz was meant to give a statement at the deadline of his self-imposed ultimatum of whether or not to stay in the government. We hear what may be some of Gantz's considerations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region starting tomorrow, even as Israel awaits Hamas’s response to the hostage deal proposal pushed by US President Joe Biden. Could the rescue operation reframe the negotiations in any way? On Friday, Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were added to the United Nations’ so-called “list of shame,” which is attached to an annual report released by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s office that documents alleged rights violations against children in armed conflict, sparking outrage in Jerusalem. Horovitz weighs in. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Rescue brings rare cause for Israeli joy, before hearts return to 116 hostages still held Father of hostage Almog Meir Jan died hours before son’s rescue: ‘He died of grief’ Protesters nationwide hail hostage rescue, urge deal to free the rest; 33 arrested Israelis rejoice over news of successful mission to rescue 4 hostages from Gaza Blinken to return to Israel next week, as US pushes Hamas to take hostage deal offer Israel livid as it’s added to UN ‘list of shame’ for wartime children’s rights violations THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: An Israel Air Force CH-53 Sea Stallion military helicopter flies over as people gather with Israeli national flags outside Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Centre in Ramat Gan on June 8, 2024, where Israeli hostages were transferred after being rescued from captivity in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 attacks. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 246 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. After eight months in captivity, four Israeli hostages -- Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41 -- were rescued alive in a minutely planned IDF operation from Hamas captivity Saturday in a daring daylight operation in the central Gaza Strip. Fabian fills us in. The IDF said Friday that they had carried out an airstrike on a Hamas command center that had been set up in a United Nations school in Gaza City’s Shati neighborhood, killing several members of the cell. The strike comes a day after the IDF hit another UN school in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, which was housing what it said was a compound used by dozens of terror operatives, 17 of which have so far been identified. Fabian discusses what we know about both strikes. A drone launched from Lebanon impacted in an open area in the Jezreel Valley, near Nazareth, in northern Israel on Friday afternoon, in what is potentially the deepest drone strike during this conflict. Fabian describes why the use of drones is on the rise. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF rescues 4 hostages from 8 months’ captivity in daytime operation in central Gaza IDF says strike hit Hamas command room housed in container at Gaza City UN school In apparent deepest attack of war, drone launched from Lebanon strikes near Nazareth THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: An image depicting Noa Argamani, one of four Israeli hostages rescued by the Israeli army, is held up as Israeli activists rally during an anti-government demonstration, calling for the return of Israeli hostages being held in the Gaza Strip following their kidnapping by Palestinian Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attacks, in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, on June 8, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 246 of the war with Hamas. Host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with archaeologist Prof. Jodi Magness for today's bonus episode from our What Matters Now weekly podcast series. This Wednesday, Israel marked Jerusalem Day, which celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem following the 1967 Six-Day War. But the capital has a rich and fascinating history of rulership changes since its foundation circa 1000 BCE. Magness just published her latest book, "Jerusalem Through the Ages: From Its Beginnings to the Crusades," through Oxford University Press. She stopped by The Times of Israel's Jerusalem offices to speak about the ancient eternal city's rulerships and populations throughout the eras. “Jerusalem Through the Ages” is a 700-page weighty tome that delves into the city’s history through archaeological evidence and also texts, including the Bible and extra-biblical material such as the Egyptian Amarna Letters. Magness is Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the author of 11 books, including "Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth," "Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus," and "The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls." From 2011 until 2023, Magness directed excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee and uncovered its breathtaking mosaics. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Prof. Jodi Magness in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, on April 11, 2022. (Amanda Borschel-Dan/The Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 245 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress on July 24, top US lawmakers announced on Thursday. Will this truly be a bipartisan event? Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan informed his US counterpart Linda Thomas-Greenfield yesterday that Jerusalem opposes the Security Council resolution being advanced by the Biden administration that expresses support for the hostage-ceasefire proposal Israel made last week. Why is Israel opposing an Israeli proposal? The United States warned Thursday that Israel will see a "massive" negative impact if the Palestinian Authority collapses as Washington again pressed Israel to let revenue flow. Who is holding up the money and on what grounds? The US State Department announced on Thursday sanctions against the Lions’ Den terror group that was established over two years ago in the northern West Bank. Why now? In a new interview with ABC News, US President Joe Biden said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has listened to his warnings against a major military offensive in Rafah and that Biden believes Netanyahu supports the hostage deal Israel submitted last week. What else did you hear? For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘Falling for Hamas tactics’: IDF names 9 terrorists killed in school strike, slams media Netanyahu to defend ‘just war’ in July 24 speech to joint session of US Congress Israel rejects Security Council resolution in support of its own hostage deal offer US announces sanctions on largely dormant West Bank terror group Lions’ Den THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Troops of the Givati Brigade operate in southern Gaza's Rafah, in a handout photo published June 6, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 244 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem offices for today's episode. A Saudi outlet reported this morning that Hamas officials rejected the Israeli-driven proposal for a hostage-ceasefire deal, claiming it was fundamentally different from the deal presented by US President Joe Biden. How credible should we consider this Saudi report? An Israel Defense Forces reserve soldier was killed and 10 other people were wounded in a Hezbollah-claimed attack with explosive-laden drones on northern Israel on Wednesday. The IDF announced the death of the soldier on Thursday morning, naming him as Staff Sgt. (res.) Refael Kauders, 39, a father of five young children from Tzur Hadassah, just outside Jerusalem. Is the IDF prepared for an all-out war in the north? Police arrested 18 suspects for violent offenses on Wednesday as clashes broke out during the Jerusalem Day Flag March, in which tens of thousands of mostly national religious Israelis marched through the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City to celebrate the capital’s reunification in 1967. Horovitz addresses incendiary statements made by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and describes the scene at the march. Yesterday a report by the FakeReporter organization and The New York Times was published alleging that the Israeli government has been waging a months-long campaign to covertly influence American lawmakers through AI-generated social media posts by fake users with the help of a $2million contract with an Israeli firm called Stoic. Horovitz weighs in on several of the disturbing aspects of this report. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Saudi report: Hamas rejects hostage-ceasefire deal proposal without clear guarantee war will end Why Israel needs the hostage-ceasefire deal, and must be wary if Sinwar takes it Reserve soldier killed, 10 hurt, in Hezbollah drone attack on northern town Far-right violence, chants of ‘Death to Arabs,’ at Jerusalem Day Flag March in Old City Ben Gvir boasts of letting Jews pray on Temple Mount; Netanyahu: Status quo unchanged Diaspora Ministry funded fake social media posts to spread pro-Israel content — NYT THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Jewish men hold Israeli flags as they dance at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, during Jerusalem Day celebrations, June 5, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 243 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and political reporter Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Berman discusses the diplomatic discussions between the various counterparts in the push for a hostage agreement, as the Biden administration pushes for a first phase of a deal, and waits for the first stages of agreement from Hamas via Qatar. He notes that Israel has agreed to move forward on the deal, and that the government is doing more than he expected to get the hostages out. That said, Israel is insisting on toppling Hamas militarily, getting all hostages out and ensuring that Gaza will not be a future platform for terrorist attacks. Berman also discusses Netanyahu's conversation with French prime minister Emmanuel Macron who reemphasized French support for Israel and the hostages. Sokol looks at the reactions of far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to the hostage talks, as they have threatened to bring down the government if Netanyahu signs what they consider a reckless deal. He also notes that the ultra-Orthodox are in favor of the deal, given their long-time support of Netanyahu. The Haredi parties generally don't weigh in on security issues, given that their communities don't serve in the army. Finally, Sokol offers a quick preview of the upcoming Jerusalem Day flag march into the Old City, an often controversial event particularly given the presence of Ben Gvir at the march. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: PM says Biden version of deal ‘incomplete’; US: It accurately reflects Israeli offer Macron tells Netanyahu Gaza war must end, is mum on freeing hostages as condition Biden’s ‘Israeli’ proposal for a hostage deal leaves key questions unanswered Far-right ministers accuse Netanyahu of ‘whitewashing’ hostage deal, hiding details THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Demonstrators call for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip outside Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, June 4, 2024. (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 242 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and diaspora reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider discusses the IDF's discovery of four hostages pronounced dead in Gaza, including three octogenarian Kibbutz Oz founders Chaim Peri, Amiram Cooper and Yoram Metzger and Kibbutz Nirim's Nadav Popplewell, and how that finding enrages the hostage families in their push for a deal. She also looks at the politics of the current hostage deal on the table, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walks a narrow line of trying to keep his coalition intact while honing to the requests of US President Joe Biden who wants to see a deal on the table. Lidor talks about the presidential election in Mexico, won by candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, who describes herself as having Jewish roots, and what it could mean for Mexico and the US. He also describes a recent conference of representatives of the Jewish communities of the European Union, who practiced tactics of fighting off antisemitic attacks and discussed at what point they will tell their communities to leave Europe. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israel announces the deaths of four hostages in Hamas captivity Protesters block Tel Aviv highway, urging hostage deal after 4 captives declared dead Biden says Israel ready to advance deal, urges Qatari pressure on Hamas to agree PM says Biden version of deal ‘incomplete’; US: It accurately reflects Israeli offer Claudia Sheinbaum wins election to become Mexico’s 1st woman, 1st Jewish president Quietly Jewish scientist poised to win Sunday’s Mexican presidential election THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Protests on Tel Aviv's Begin Road on Monday night as hostage family members make desperate plea for a deal (Courtesy Gilad Furst)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 241 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Dolev Yehud, 35, initially thought to have been taken hostage to the Gaza Strip by Hamas terrorists on October 7, was declared dead after his body was identified in Israel, the military said. Why now and what do we know about his death? The IDF said on Sunday that troops had recently begun to operate in the Yabna camp in central Rafah, adjacent to the border with Egypt. We earlier had reported that there are four Hamas battalions in Rafah. Fabian explains what we know about the operations as well as Hamas's capabilities right now. The IDF said it intercepted a surface-to-surface missile heading toward Israel from the direction of the Red Sea. We hear how the ballistic missile, apparently launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, affected Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat. The Nahariya municipality announced that schools and educational institutions opened as usual, a day after a drone strike hit the city for the first time. Fabian dives into how these drones are more accurate than missiles and appears to be Hezbollah's weapon of choice for the moment. The war cabinet convened Sunday evening to discuss the proposal and its possible implementation, given international and domestic pressure to accept the deal aimed at securing the release of 120 hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza since being kidnapped on October 7. Would the IDF welcome a temporary ceasefire? For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Presumed hostage Dolev Yehud declared dead as remains identified in Israel Apparent Houthi ballistic missile fired at Eilat downed by Arrow system — IDF Gallant vows war won’t end until Hamas is destroyed; IDF advances further in Rafah Determination and grit at a somber NYC Israel Day parade, led by families of hostages Claudia Sheinbaum wins election to become Mexico’s 1st woman, 1st Jewish president Quietly Jewish scientist poised to win Sunday’s Mexican presidential election THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip in a photo released for publication on June 3, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 240 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Friday afternoon in Washington DC, US President Joe Biden declared it’s “time for this war to end,” and presented what he said was the latest Israeli proposal for a hostage deal and ceasefire to end the Israel-Hamas war. He also repeatedly called on both sides to accept the offer. According to Biden, the Israeli proposal was submitted on Thursday to Hamas via Qatar. Biden said the offer would “bring all the hostages home, ensure Israel’s security, create a better day after in Gaza without Hamas in power, and set the stage for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” We devote the entire episode to an attempt to unravel Biden's speech and sift for more details about the proposal. We hear how Israeli and American politicians are receiving the speech -- as well as the world. And finally, we hear whether this speech will help Biden win voters, or bleed them. For more updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘Time for this war to end’: Biden tells Hamas to accept Israel’s hostage-ceasefire offer Full text of Biden’s speech laying out hostage and ceasefire deal for Israel-Hamas war Far-right parties vow to bring down government if PM backs hostage-ceasefire deal ‘Non-starter’: Netanyahu says no permanent Gaza ceasefire until Hamas destroyed Netanyahu accepts invitation to address joint session of Congress 120,000 said to rally in Tel Aviv to demand hostage deal, denounce government THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: US President Joe Biden speaks about the situation in the Middle East, in the State Dining Room of the White House on May 31, 2024 (Brendan Smialowski / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 239 of the war with Hamas. In this special deep-dive episode, Anti-Defamation League head Jonathan Greenblatt joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in The Times of Israel's Jerusalem offices. The ADL was founded over a 100 years ago at a time in which antisemitism was on the rise in the United States. As Greenblatt shares, those days are not over and in the past decade, he's marked a 900% rise in antisemitic incidents in the United States alone. While headquartered in New York, the organization has dozens of regional offices throughout the US and is now partnering with international organizations and institutions, such as Tel Aviv University in its endeavor to document antisemitic incidents worldwide and in as real-time as possible. This spring was marked with a new crop of threats against Jewish students as pro-Palestinian encampments sprung up on campuses. We discuss when freedom of expression crosses the line into dehumanization and how, with every new social media platform, there is a rapidly changing buffet of opportunities for hate speech. Discussed articles include: THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: ADL head Jonathan Greenblatt at the Never is Now conference in New York, March 5, 2024. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 238 of the war with Hamas. US correspondent Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Former US president Donald Trump was convicted by a Manhattan Criminal Court jury of felony crimes for falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election. And, of course, there’s an alleged Jewish connection. Magid explains. Israel and Egypt have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to reopen the Rafah Border Crossing in southern Gaza to humanitarian aid for the first time since the Israel Defense Forces took control of the Gazan side of the crossing in early May. But there are still several wrinkles to iron out, says Magid. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi reportedly said Thursday that the current government will not agree to end its war against Hamas in exchange for the release of all the remaining hostages held by the terror group. The leaked message was made during a heated meeting during which Hanegbi reportedly rebuked and insulted the relatives of several hostages. With all the leaks, are officials now purposefully stating out loud what they want to get to the press? On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Biden administration’s recent announcement that it won’t support sanctions against the International Criminal Court after its top prosecutor asked the tribunal to issue arrest warrants against the premier and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Magid describes how this lack of sanctions is in line with previous Biden administration decisions. Fifty percent of Israeli Jews support Israel maintaining control of the Gaza Strip after the war against the Hamas terror group ends, according to a Pew Research Center survey published Thursday. What else did it show? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: ‘Real verdict’ will be November 5 election, Trump says, blasting ‘Soros-backed DA’ Israel, Egypt said moving toward reopening Rafah Crossing amid US pressure Blinken: In the absence of Israeli plan for day after, there won’t be a day after Israel won’t end war for deal to free all hostages, PM’s aide said to tell families Netanyahu ‘surprised, disappointed’ by US refusal to sanction ICC over warrants Poll: Half of Jewish Israelis say Israel should run Gaza after the war; 0% say Hamas THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds up a fist as he arrives back at Trump Tower after being convicted in his criminal trial in New York City, on May 30, 2024. (Timothy A. Clary / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 237 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Two soldiers seriously hurt in a car-ramming attack near the West Bank city of Nablus on Wednesday night have died of their wounds, the military announced. An initial investigation into a ramming attack has found that the incident unfolded in a matter of seconds and that soldiers did not have time to open fire to attempt to stop the attack. Hebrew media reports said the suspect turned himself over to the Palestinian Authority’s security forces, after fleeing into Nablus. Berman was recently in Nablus with the IDF unit in charge of the region. What did he learn? According to early results from South Africa’s elections yesterday, the African National Congress appears set to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years. Could Israel see any real change in agenda, for example at the International Court of Justice case alleging Israel is committing genocide in Gaza? Brazil has reportedly formally recalled its ambassador to Israel and will not immediately appoint a replacement. Is this move as particularly harmful to Israel? Yesterday National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in an interview with Kan public radio that “this year, we expect another seven months of combat, in order to deepen our achievement and achieve what we define as the destruction of the military and governing capabilities of both Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.” Berman gives an overview of the IDF's recent achievements, including the operational control of the Philadelphi Corridor. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Two soldiers killed in car-ramming attack outside West Bank city of Nablus Israel watches as South Africa’s hostile ANC set to lose support but remain in power Brazil said to withdraw ambassador from Israel, no plans to appoint new envoy 3 soldiers killed in blast in booby-trapped building in Gaza’s Rafah IDF takes control of key Gaza-Egypt border road, locating at least 20 tunnels Top Israeli official says fighting in Gaza likely to last at least another 7 months Reports: In Rafah strike, IDF used US bombs designed to reduce casualties Under a rug in Gazan home, IDF troops found shaft leading to bodies of 4 hostages THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israel Defense Forces operations in Nablus following October 7, 2023. (IDF Spokesperson)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 236 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses an upcoming meeting on Wednesday of right-wing party leaders Gideon Sa'ar and Avigdor Liberman with opposition leader Yair Lapid, as they look to create a wider, right-wing alliance to oppose the current government, representing a constellation of hawkish parties that believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition is damaging the country. He also talks about the landslide victory of former Meretz Knesset member and IDF general Yair Golan in Wednesday's Labor party primaries, and Golan's plan to unite all left-wing parties and protest movements into one bloc, aiming to reignite the Israeli left. Sokol mentions the visit of former American UN envoy Nikki Haley to Israel's southern region on Tuesday, where she asserted that Russian intelligence and Chinese funds directly facilitated the devastating October 7 Hamas attacks. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Sa’ar willing to make ‘concessions’ to create right-wing bloc opposing Netanyahu Yair Golan wins landslide victory in Labor primary with promise to unite the left Visiting southern Israel, Nikki Haley blames Iran, Russia and China for October 7 THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Former IDF general and former Meretz MK Yair Golan attended a protest outside of Jerusalem on May 4, 2024 (Photo by Yossi Zamir/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 235 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Berman comments about Israel's operation in Rafah and reactions to Sunday night's strike on two senior Hamas commanders that resulted in a fire that killed Gazans sheltering nearby. He notes that the US response has been muted compared with other countries, because the Israeli operation has been limited, as requested by the Biden administration. He also looks at a shooting incident between Egyptian forces and Israel, in which an Egyptian soldier was killed. With Egypt positioning itself as a mediator in hostage talks, it is continuing to engage with Israel and appears to be more interested in brushing this incident aside. Berman talks about the push to restart hostage talks and the leaked comments made by leading IDF hostage negotiator, Major General Nitzan Alon, who remarked that the current government will never sign on a deal. That said, Berman says it isn't clear if talks would take place in Egypt or Qatar, and who is Israel's preferred mediator right now. Berman also speaks about Spain, Ireland and Norway planning to formally recognize Palestine as a state, which he believes is "a shameful move" that strengthens Hamas, offering them another small political victory by way of liberal Western states. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US laments ‘devastating’ Rafah strike, urges Israel to better protect civilians Shrapnel from Israeli strike may have ignited fuel tank near Rafah tents — report ‘No longer justifiable’: Israel faces international condemnation for strike in Rafah Egyptian soldier killed in clash with Israeli troops at Rafah Crossing Netanyahu denies claim he’s blocking hostage deal, calls Rafah strike ‘tragic mishap’ IDF negotiator said to pan PM’s handling of hostage talks as they’re set to resume THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at debate in the Knesset on May 27, 2024 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 234 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The commander of Hamas’s so-called "West Bank headquarters" and another top official in the terror group were killed in last night’s Israeli airstrike in Rafah, according to the IDF. The strike, according to Hamas health officials, killed some 35 people. In the strike’s wake, Hamas said that Palestinians must “rise up and march” against the Israeli army’s “massacre” in Gaza’s far-southern city of Rafah. How seriously we should take this call to march from Hamas? Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said this morning that he will ask the other 26 European Union member states to issue official backing to the International Court of Justice and take steps to ensure Israel respects its decisions. What other international reactions are we seeing in light of last night's strike. Hamas fired eight rockets at central Israel yesterday afternoon, marking the most significant attack out of the Gaza Strip in some four months and underscoring some of the challenges remaining for the Israeli military as it seeks to oust the Palestinian group from its last major stronghold. While some MKs call for the chief of staff's ouster, Horovitz explains what these rockets from Rafah may represent. National Unity leader and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz submitted Sunday morning to the cabinet secretariat a proposal for a government resolution to establish a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the October 7 Hamas invasion and massacre and the subsequent, ongoing war in Gaza. Too soon? The Israeli military’s envoy to negotiations aimed at freeing hostages held in Gaza expressed hopelessness over the chances of reaching a deal with the current government at the helm, according to a report on Sunday, the latest in a series of apparently leaked statements broadcasting the IDF general’s frustration with Jerusalem’s refusal to move closer to Hamas’s position in negotiations. What agenda is this leak serving? The B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem gave awards to two Israeli journalists on Sunday evening at an annual ceremony recognizing excellence in reporting on Diaspora Jewry. The two reporters recognized were Canaan Lidor, The Times of Israel’s Jewish World reporter, and Channel 12’s Europe correspondent Elad Simchayoff. Former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy gave a keynote address at the event, calling to create an elite unit of professional spokespeople in all languages and all time zones. If you will it, it is no dream? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF says it targeted Hamas as Palestinians claim 35 dead in strike on Gaza’s Rafah Rafah rocket volley targets Tel Aviv area, in first such attack in 4 months IDF negotiator said to pan PM’s handling of hostage talks as they’re set to resume Gantz submits proposal for state investigation into October 7 invasion and Gaza war ToI’s Lidor, Channel 12’s Simchayoff receive B’nai B’rith Diaspora coverage awards The stunning rise, curious suspension and insistent return of Israel’s star spokesman THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike near where displaced people were staying in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 233 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces recovered the bodies of three more hostages from the northern Gaza Strip in an overnight operation, the military announced Friday morning. Orión Hernández Radoux, 30, Hanan Yablonka, 42, and Michel Nisenbaum, 59, were all killed on October 7, according to “reliable intelligence.” Fabian debriefs on what we know of this risky operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received four communiques from the Military Intelligence Directorate in the spring and summer of 2023 warning him about how the country’s enemies were viewing the upheaval in Israeli society at the time. Why did the IDF reveal these letters now and what did they contain? The Friday publication of a video of an apparent Israel Defense Forces reservist threatening mutiny if the government doesn’t pursue “complete victory” over Hamas has sparked strong condemnations. How is the prime minister's son involved and what is happening now with the alleged reservist? There are a spate of rumors being reported by some media outlets about an alleged kidnapping of an IDF soldier. Fabian attempts to bring clarity. Following the International Court of Justice ruling on Friday, has fighting changed in Rafah? The US-built aid pier was meant to be a game-changer in bringing hundreds of trucks of humanitarian aid to Gazan residents. We hear about some recent growing pains. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF recovers bodies of three hostages from north Gaza; all were killed on October 7 IDF says Netanyahu was warned 4 times in 2023 about how enemies saw internal discord Politicians slam pro-Netanyahu reservist’s ‘dangerous’ call for mutiny; suspect held IDF denies Hamas claim terror group captured soldiers during Gaza fighting IDF presses ahead with Rafah offensive after World Court’s ambiguous halt order US naval vessels disconnect from Gaza aid pier, wash up on Israeli beaches THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Smoke billows following Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 25, 2024. (Eyad Baba / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 232 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The International Court of Justice issued an order yesterday late afternoon saying, “Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part,” the ruling stated. Horovitz parses that key sentences and explains what the five of 15 justices who wrote opinions stated. We also hear how some international media and some politicians interpreted the court order as well as Israel's response. Tonight, as every Saturday night for the past many months, there are protests around the country, both in support of the hostages’ families, and against the government. Horovitz delves into some of the treatment afforded family members there and updates us on the new start to hostage negotiations. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Confused by the ICJ’s decision on Gaza? Blame the judges’ deliberate ambiguity ICJ orders Israel to halt Rafah operations that risk destruction of civilian population After ICJ ruling, Israel says it ‘has not and will not’ destroy Rafah’s civilian population Four ICJ judges argue court order does not require IDF to stop all Rafah operations A fateful road not taken: Netanyahu seems set to spurn Saudi normalization After Mossad chief’s trip, Israeli official says hostage talks to resume next week THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Troops of the Givati Brigade operate in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in a handout image published May 23, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 231 of the war with Hamas. Political reporter Tal Schneider and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will "soon" give an address to a joint session of Congress. Schneider wonders at Netanyahu's motivations for this speech and compares it to his previous House address. Likud members and members of Knesset are taking note of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's recent challenge to Netanyahu's decision-making during the war. What is Schneider seeing about their “pragmatism”? In the first three months of the war, activity was at a low in the Knesset. But Schneider points out that with the declaration of war, the government was automatically accorded broad authorities with very little oversight. She brings us new research. About a year ago, a research team led by Tel Aviv University’s Omri Bronstein found that the entire Black Sea urchin population living on coral reefs off the southern city of Eilat had been wiped out in weeks. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Surkes brings the full story. The State of Nature 2023, the tenth report of the National Ecosystem Assessment Program (“Maarag” in Hebrew), was published in the run-up to Wednesday’s World Biodiversity Day. There’s good news -- and a lot of bad news.  For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF recovers bodies of three hostages from north Gaza, who were killed on October 7 Netanyahu will ‘soon’ address joint session of US Congress, House speaker announces Deadly pathogen that wiped out Eilat’s sea urchins reaches Indian Ocean World Biodiversity Day report: Israel’s butterflies, birds, reptiles in serious decline THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks against the US-led international nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 before a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 3, 2015. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 230 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabina joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Last night the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a heavily redacted 3-minute video showing the October 7 abduction of Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, all soldiers. All five are still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. As the mother of a female fighter, this is a nightmare scenario for me. We hear what was included in the footage and why it is being released now. The Kfir Brigade’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion and other forces under the Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade began a new pinpoint raid in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun in recent days and three Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting. We hear about the ongoing operations there. The Rafah operation appears to be broadening as residents are increasingly leaving the city for the humanitarian zone and Israeli tanks have advanced nearer to the heart of Rafah. Fabian updates us on fighting in the city and along the Philadelphi Corridor. Twelve Palestinians were killed as the military launched what it said was a counter-terrorism operation in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday morning. What was the stated reason for the operation? In the north, the commander of Hezbollah’s rocket and missile unit in the terror group’s coastal division was killed in an airstrike Monday. We hear updates. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was presented on Tuesday with a lengthy report laying out how the country could effectively recruit and integrate members of the ultra-Orthodox community into the Israel Defense Forces.We learn about several of the recommendations from the 49-page document. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hostage families release clip of 5 female troops’ abduction to push for their freedom After release of hostage video, war cabinet okays resumption of stalled truce talks 3 soldiers killed in north Gaza; IDF advances in Rafah, locates rocket launchers Palestinians say 7 killed, 9 wounded as IDF launches counter-terror op in Jenin IDF says Hezbollah’s coastal rocket commander killed in drone strike Gallant given report on ‘practical, applicable’ ways to draft Haredi men into IDF THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Large images of hostages Naama Levy and Liri Albag are held above the crowd as protesters in Tel Aviv call for a hostage deal, April 11, 2024. (Danor Aharon/ Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 229 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The leaders of Norway, Ireland and Spain announced Wednesday that their countries will recognize a Palestinian state within days, sparking a diplomatic row with Israel. Berman dives in. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged for the first time on Tuesday that Israel might not be willing to embrace a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia if it means agreeing to clear progress toward a Palestinian state. Goren and Berman weigh in on whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be open to such a deal, and if so, under which US president? Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on Tuesday night backtracked on his order to confiscate equipment from the Associated Press news agency that was broadcasting a live feed from southern Israel of adjacent northern Gaza and said the equipment would be returned. Goren explains what happened here and tries to make some sense of it. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Norway, Ireland, Spain move to recognize Palestinian state, drawing Israeli fury Blinken acknowledges Israel may reject Saudi deal if pathway to Palestinian state required US indicates initial satisfaction with changes to Israeli military plans for Rafah Karhi reverses decision to seize AP equipment that broadcasts live feed of Gaza Brief block of AP live feed shows how ambiguity in law can restrict war coverage THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: FILE - A boy waves a Palestinian flag as demonstrators march during a protest in support of Palestinians and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on Jan. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 228 of the war with Hamas. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.Official Israel was shocked yesterday by the televised announcement by the International Criminal Court’s Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan that he has applied for arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In parallel, Khan is seeking arrest warrants for Hamas’s senior leadership -- Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. Sharon explains the court's remit and dives into what may happen next. South Africa alleged at the International Court of Justice at special hearings on Thursday and Friday that Israel’s current limited offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah is Jerusalem’s “end game” in its effort to commit genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, by destroying what the South African team described as the last habitable area of the coastal enclave. It has asked the court to order Israel to halt its military operation. Sharon explains how facts on the ground may sway the court's view. Bands of extremist youths halted trucks in several places around the country Sunday night in what appeared to be the continuation of a coordinated, often-violent campaign to halt the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza for as long as Israeli hostages are still held captive by Hamas in Gaza. We hear about one such instance that Borschel-Dan witnessed and Sharon delves into the group that is thought to be behind the obstructions. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Legal earthquake: ICC charges against Netanyahu would be unprecedented in court’s history Full text of ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s application for arrest warrants Israel pans Gaza ‘distortions’ at World Court, says Pretoria aims to keep Hamas in power Ultranationalist youths persist with coordinated campaign to block Gaza aid trucks THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) at the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, May 5, 2024. (Kobi Gideon/ GPO) and Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar speaks during a rally marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day, in Gaza City, April 14, 2023. (Mohammed Abed / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 227 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Police and anti-government demonstrators clashed this morning near the Sha’ar Hagai Junction on the main Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway as demonstrators from the Brothers in Arms group calling for a hostage release deal tried to block the highway and were dispersed by police. Several groups are heading to Jerusalem to demonstrate outside the Knesset as it resumes today. Berman explains what we know about hostage talks.  The Iranian Red Crescent said this morning that the bodies of President Ebrahim Raisi and others who died in a helicopter crash have been recovered, and search operations have ended. What happens now for Iran? Visiting US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan laid out to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday the opportunity currently available for Israel to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia if Jerusalem agrees to a pathway to a future Palestinian state. Berman weighs whether there is a realistic chance for normalization during the ongoing war. Last week, all eyes were on the Israel-Egypt relationship as the country sounded fury when the IDF continued pinpoint operations in Rafah. What's happening now? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu said to reject negotiators’ bid to formulate new hostage deal proposal Iran’s Raisi confirmed dead in helicopter crash near Azerbaijan border Raisi’s death doesn’t change Iranian policy, but will spark fight for power Saudi ties in reach but hinge on path to Palestinian state, Sullivan tells reluctant PM THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: A woman reads a newspaper with a front-page report on the crash of the Iranian president's helicopter outside a kiosk in Tehran on May 20, 2024. (Atta Kenare / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 226 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Last night, the Israel Defense Forces announced that soldiers had recovered the body of an additional hostage from the Gaza Strip, after the announcement the previous day that three slain captives had been returned in a special mission. Fabian describes the mission that brought back the remains of Ron Benjamin, Amit Buskila, Itzhak Gelerenter and Shani Louk. The IDF announced the deaths of two soldiers killed during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday. Fabian describes the current battles in Gaza, from the north to the south. On Friday, the IDF confirmed carrying out an airstrike in eastern Lebanon close to the border with Syria, killing a top al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya operative who worked alongside Hamas. We hear how widespread Hamas is inside Lebanon and how the attacks from Hezbollah are increasingly escalating. An Israeli airstrike in the West Bank city of Jenin late Friday night targeted a command room belonging to a local terror network and killed a terrorist behind the murder of an Israeli in May 2023. Fabian describes the use of a fighter jet in this strike. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF announces recovery of body of Ron Benjamin from Gaza, says he was killed on Oct. 7 IDF says 2 soldiers killed, 4 seriously wounded during fighting in southern Gaza IDF strike kills Hamas-linked senior operative near Lebanon’s border with Syria IDF: Terrorist involved in 2023 murder of Israeli killed in rare West Bank airstrike Trucks carrying 300 pallets of humanitarian aid roll into Gaza across new US pier THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Troops of the 401st Armored Brigade operate in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in a handout image published May 18, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 225 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Biden administration is looking into sanctioning the extremist Israelis involved in the recent spate of attacks targeting humanitarian aid convoys for Gaza civilians. Magid tells us about how widespread of a disturbance this is and what these potential sanctions would mean. On May 13, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan again set out a 10-point list of the Biden Administration’s views on the ongoing war in Gaza. He later announced that he would visit Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss the long-shot US effort to broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. What does Magid make of the timing of these events and how realistic is this normalization effort? Magid also speaks about the dissonance between the US's goals of stopping Hamas and ending the war. Magid explains why we recently saw a flurry of Hamas leaders meeting with Turkey's leadership. He also discusses where, if anywhere, they could be rehoused if truly thrown out from Qatar. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US looking to sanction extremist Israelis for attacks on Gaza aid convoys, officials tell ToI Top Biden aide Sullivan to visit Israel for talks on Saudi ties, Rafah — official The US aims to wrap up Gaza war. How does that square with its goal of toppling Hamas? Qatar briefly kicked out Hamas leaders as hostage talks stalled in April — officials THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Palestinians carry boxes of humanitarian aid after rushing the trucks transporting the international aid from the US-built Trident Pier near Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on May 18, 2024. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 224 of the war with Hamas. Political reporter Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposing pressures this week between his coalition and cabinet regarding governance in Gaza after the war, as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is pushing for some decisions. The disagreement has created another looming coalition crisis, as some far-right politicians call for Gallant's ouster, and not for the first time in this government. He then looks at the other pressure playing out for the prime minister, as Netanyahu attempted this week to revive an older piece of legislation regarding the ultra-Orthodox draft, in a political scramble to find some degree of enlistment while keeping his coalition intact.  For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Far-right politicians demand Gallant be fired for challenging PM on Gaza’s future Gallant to PM: Reject Israeli military, civil rule of Gaza after Hamas; I won’t allow it Netanyahu says he’ll advance Haredi IDF enlistment bill that lowers exemption age Ministerial pushback may have nixed cabinet discussion on Haredi enlistment bill Diverse backgrounds give way to shared fate as Gaza friendly-fire victims eulogized THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a state memorial ceremony for victims of terror at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, May 13, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 223 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem offices for today's episode. Five Israeli soldiers were killed and another seven were wounded, including three seriously, in an incident of so-called friendly fire in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya on Wednesday evening, the military announced today. Prior to the official announcement of the soldiers' deaths, last night Defense Minister Yoav Gallant sounded the alarm to force the hand of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take steps and promote a reasonable option for governance of the strip -- in part to prevent more soldiers’ and civilians’ deaths. Horovitz puts the speech into perspective. Yesterday, Netanyahu revived a 2022 proposal by cabinet minister Benny Gantz to lower yeshiva students’ age of exemption from military service from 26 to 21. Today, the Attorney General weighed in and stated the Gantz bill is based on outdated data and therefore opposes it because it doesn’t reflect today’s reality. The bill has since been approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation this morning. But are there really any winners if this bill moves forward? The official date for the next elections are October 2026. Horovitz explains why Netanyahu must move the date forward and call for a new democratically validated mandate of his leadership -- or cede the throne. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 5 soldiers killed, 7 hurt in ‘friendly fire’ incident in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya Gallant to PM: Reject Israeli military, civil rule of Gaza after Hamas; I won’t allow it Full text: Gallant demands PM rule out Israeli military, civil control of post-Hamas Gaza Netanyahu says he’ll advance Haredi IDF enlistment bill that lowers exemption age To save and heal Israel, Netanyahu must quit or at least face the electorate ICJ’s urgent hearings over IDF’s Rafah operation spell more trouble for Israel THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: This handout picture released by the Israeli army on May 7, 2024 shows Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant standing with soldiers by a self-propelled artillery howitzer during a visit to a position along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel near Rafah. (Israeli Army / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 222 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and Diaspora and Jewish world reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Fabian discusses the latest updates in the Gaza Strip, as more IDF tanks move into Rafah and the first IDF fatality was announced Tuesday. He describes the different areas where the IDF is currently operating in Gaza and the larger number of troops involved once again in the region. He also talks about the Hezbollah attack in the north on Tuesday, when a civilian was killed and several IDF soldiers injured as three separate rocket attacks targeted a surveillance balloon. The IDF appears to have retaliated with a drone attack on a Hezbollah commander who was killed in the operation. Lidor discusses the alternative Yom Ha'atzmaut Independence Day ceremony held in the northern suburb of Binyamina on Monday night, during which bereaved parents, hostage family members and evacuees doused torches rather than lighting them, as they spoke about the failures and losses of the last seven months. He also speaks about an antisemitic incident at the University of Amsterdam, emblematic of the ongoing protests and attacks that are taking place across European campuses. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Soldier killed in south Gaza fighting, in first Israeli fatality of Rafah offensive Israeli tanks move deeper into Rafah, Palestinians say, as 450,000 flee Civilian killed, 5 troops hurt by Hezbollah missile; northern residents protest inaction Top Hezbollah field commander killed in IDF drone strike in south Lebanon In foil to official state event, those hit hardest by Oct. 7 lead torch-dousing ceremony On Europe’s campuses, explosions of violent antisemitism have become de rigueur THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: At the alternative Independence Day ceremony held by hostage family members in Binyamina on the eve of Israel's 76th Independence Day, May 13, 2024 (Photo by Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 221 of the war with Hamas. In this special Independence Day episode, host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with Rabbi Avi Poupko, an immigrant from North America who, at age 43, joined the IDF following the massacre on October 7. Through his early 20s, Poupko was raised in a "haredi-leaning" milieu and he came to Israel in 1999 to study at the Mir Yeshiva, arguably the largest yeshiva in the world. He returned as an immigrant in 2007, but did not then get called to the IDF. Poupko discusses what led him to enlist at this time and his experiences during his service so far. We also hear his thoughts on the chances of a more universal conscription that would include at least parts of the haredi community. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Government may submit Haredi draft proposal to cabinet next week THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: At 43 years old, Rabbi Avi Poupko joined the IDF following the October 7 massacres and serves in the north in a reserves unit. Pictured here in Kiryat Shemona, May 2024. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 220 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. As the IDF operation in Rafah appears poised for expansion, Egypt announced Sunday it would support South Africa’s ongoing lawsuit in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Is it a warning shot or something more serious? In an Israeli Channel 12 interview last night, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew insisted that “fundamentally, nothing has changed in the basic relationship” between Israel and the US — despite the decision last week by US President Joe Biden’s administration to delay a shipment of high-payload bombs to Israel, and Biden’s declaration that he would not supply offensive weapons to Israel for a major IDF offensive affecting population centers in southern Gaza’s Rafah. What is the significance of Lew's rare Israeli media appearance? Speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday night, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said he is responsible for providing answers to the families of slain troops. While his remarks were not new, Berman talks about their importance on this day. Following October 7, The Times of Israel has been working nonstop to bring readers the personal stories of those who were killed through our Those We Have Lost project, a dedicated page to share the names, faces and stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Project coordinator Spiro describes the process behind these memorials and shares the story of Mark Mordechai Peretz, 51, from Rishon Lezion, who was murdered on October 7 while trying to save his daughter from the Supernova music festival. Borschel-Dan speaks about Cpt. Amir Zur, 23, a paramedic in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, fell in battle while attempting to “save and free” Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. Borschel-Dan describes Zur, her husband's cousin, and talks about the last time she and her family spent time with him. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Egypt joins ICJ case against Israel as one official warns Rafah op puts peace at risk US envoy denies ties with Israel have changed: Only ‘1 set of munitions’ held back ‘A tear in the heart of Israel’: Nation marks a visceral post-October 7 Memorial Day Mark Peretz, 51: Father slain while trying to rescue his daughter Cpt. Amir Zur, 23: ‘You will always be our guardian angel’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Bereaved families, friends and Israeli soldiers visit the graves of fallen soldier during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on May 13, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 219 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Palestinian media reported this morning that there is renewed fighting in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya. Fabian describes fighting in all parts of Gaza, from north to south, including parts that were previously declared taken. In the initial evacuation zone and other areas of Rafah, around 300,000 Palestinians have evacuated to a designated “humanitarian zone,” according to IDF assessments. The IDF announced yesterday that it had successfully coordinated the opening of a field hospital in this area. Who is running this hospital and what other facilities are there? This morning an explosion was seen on northern Israel’s coast near the community of Rosh Hanikra, after sirens warned of an incoming drone launched from Lebanon. This is after a weekend of barrages that sparked fires. We hear what has happened on the northern border over the past several days. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant slammed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Friday for continuing to hold up approving the purchase of two fighter jet squadrons for the Israeli Air Force amid the war. Fabian explains the consequences of the delay-causing power play. Israel is readying to mark Memorial Day for the first time since the October 7 onslaught and the ensuing war. As of this recording, 25,040 have died during service to the country since 1860. Fabian delves into the categories of the fallen and describes a schoolmate, Sgt. First Class Yosef Malachi Guedalia, who was killed on October 7 while defending Kibbutz Kfar Aza. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF calls on Gazans to leave additional Rafah neighborhoods as it presses operation Gallant blasts Smotrich for mid-war holdup of fighter jet procurement A dark year: 766 soldiers, 834 civilians killed since last Memorial Day Sgt. First Class Yosef Malachi Guedalia, 22: ‘A very gentle, sweet person’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: IDF troops operate in the Gaza City neighborhood of Zeitoun, in a handout image released May 11, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 218 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Berman discusses the expansion of the targeted, moderate operation in Rafah, the US reactions to the operation so far and what that means for US-Israel relations. He also updates what's happening with talks for a hostage deal and ceasefire, as well as the release of a Hamas propaganda videos of hostage Nadav Popplewell, which Berman believes is meant to put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sharon looks at an interview with the recent past president of the International Court of Justice, and her comments about the 'plausibility' term with regard to the court case about whether Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US: Ongoing IDF op in Rafah doesn’t amount to major offensive we’ve warned against ‘Plausibility’ in the South African genocide case against Israel is not what it seemed THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israelis taking part in a protest calling for the end of the war and the release of the hostages, as they march through the streets of Tel Aviv. on May 9, 2024. (Photo by Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 216 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to deliver a report to Congress this week that will criticize Israel but ultimately conclude that the Biden administration has accepted assurances from Jerusalem that the IDF is using American weapons in accordance with international law. How could this shift the contentious US-Israel relationship -- or would it? The conceptual dissonance over the Gaza war between Israel and the US was highlighted Thursday with statements by White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby who stated, “Any kind of major Rafah ground operation would actually strengthen Hamas’s hands at the negotiating table, not Israel’s. That’s our view." Magid looks into the differing stances. Israel’s Eden Golan advanced to the grand final of the Eurovision on Thursday night in Malmo, Sweden, qualifying with her song “Hurricane” despite months of anti-Israel protests against her participation. Spiro gives the full picture. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Report: State Department set to confirm Israel not breaking international law in Gaza Despite Biden’s pause, billions of dollars in US arms for Israel still in pipeline ‘Didn’t fall from the sky’: Biden threat follows months of feeling PM ignored his warnings US says it’s not abandoning Israel, asserts Rafah offensive would embolden Hamas Defying haters, Israel’s Eden Golan advances to the Eurovision grand final on Saturday THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Israeli soldiers at a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza Border, southern Israel, May 9, 2024. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 216 of the war with Hamas. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Horovitz discusses US President Joe Biden's "bombshell" series of comments regarding withholding weaponry for Israel to attack Rafah in Gaza, and how the Israeli mainstream and right-wing politicians are reacting. He talks about Israeli dependence on American weaponry and how Israel and the US need to find a way to resolve this latest issue. Horovitz then tackles Hamas' counter-proposal to the hostage situation, calling it a "deceitful" offer that will not bring home most of the hostages, and which aims to free many of their high-level security prisoners, bringing some home to the West Bank, in order to inflame that region and open a second front. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Biden accused of helping Hamas as Israel outraged by threatened weapons freeze Biden: I won’t give Israel offensive weapons to attack in populated parts of Rafah Sinister Hamas terms would let it keep most hostages, win the war, inflame the West Bank Visiting CIA chief said to tell Netanyahu he still sees chance for deal with Hamas THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: President Joe Biden meets with campaign volunteers at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Racine, Wis. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 215 of the war with Hamas. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Biden administration on Tuesday night confirmed reports that it had recently held up a large shipment of 2,000- and 500-pound bombs that it feared Israel might use in a major ground operation in the densely populated southern Gaza city of Rafah. But it also appeared to signal its initial approval of the operation launched by Israel early Tuesday morning to take over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Rettig Gur weighs in on these push-pull announcements. According to polling by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) that was released yesterday, a majority of Israelis believe that reaching a hostage deal with Hamas should be the country’s top national priority — more important than launching a military operation against the terror group in Rafah. We hear whether this accurately reflects Israeli thinking and what the numbers truly mean. The Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, officially began Tuesday evening with the first live semifinal. Israel’s contestant is set to take the stage only on Thursday, but there’s plenty to talk about in the meantime. Spiro fills us in. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US confirms holding up sale of heavy bombs it feared Israel would use in Rafah US signals backing for ‘limited op’ after IDF takes over Gazan side of Rafah crossing US completes construction of Gaza aid pier, but weather preventing installation Poll: Majority of Israelis support prioritizing hostage deal over Rafah operation Hostage families urge US, other countries to press Israel to reach deal with Hamas Eurovision organizers rebuke performer who wore keffiyeh during first semifinal show THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Einav Zangauker holds a sign identifying her son Matan (24), one of the hostages taken captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during the October 7 massacre, as she stands on the roof of a car during a demonstration by hostages' relatives and supporters in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on May 6, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 214 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Diaspora reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Israeli military confirmed that its 401st Armored Brigade captured the Gazan side of Rafah Crossing on the Egyptian border this morning. Israel is now in control of all above-ground crossings into Gaza. The crossing was captured amid a “pinpoint operation” against Hamas in “limited areas of eastern Rafah,” the IDF said. Goren weighs in on whether this is a one-and-done operation or the start of the much-talked-about Rafah op. The New York Times reported this morning that Hamas intends to include the remains of several dead hostages among the 33 captives it says it will release in the first phase of a hostage and truce deal it proposed. Israel has previously insisted that the first stage include only living hostages and had reduced its demand from 40 hostages, with the understanding that not all those in that category were still alive. After Hamas said yesterday it had accepted a deal put forward by mediators, Israel stated that what Hamas put forward was significantly different from what Israel had agreed to.Where does this leave us? Lidor has reported from the annual March of the Living in Auschwitz for many years. He talks about why this year, in the shadow of the October 7 massacre by Hamas, it felt so different. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Army announces two reserves troops killed in Hezbollah drone attack Monday Hamas claims to accept ceasefire, hostage deal; Israel: This isn’t what we agreed to Specifics of a deal Hamas says it accepts, and that Israel says does not meet its terms Protesters block roads to demand Israel accept ceasefire-hostage deal, halt Rafah push At Auschwitz, Holocaust survivors scarred by October 7 march in a show of resilience At Auschwitz march, participants rally around concern over hostages and antisemitism THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: This image grab taken from footage released by the Israeli army on May 7, 2024, shows the 401st Brigade's combat team tanks entering the Gazan side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip on May 7, 2024. (Fayez Nureldine / Israeli Army / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 213 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told his American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in a phone call overnight that Israel was left with no choice but to launch its offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah. Fabian reports on the IDF's evacuation order for Palestinians living in the eastern part of the city, along the border with Egypt. This potential operation comes after four Israeli soldiers were killed and 11 more were wounded in a Hamas-claimed rocket attack on a staging ground near the Gaza Strip on Sunday. We hear what was and was not targeted in the barrage. Berman weighs in on whether the timing of the barrage -- during a particularly sensitive moment in hostage negotiations -- was coincidental. We hear updates from the past several days and why Berman thinks the talks are potentially still ongoing. A siren sounded throughout Israel at 10 am, marking Yom Hashoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. We learn about Holocaust survivor and partisan Dr. Hanan Karshai, who recently died in Jerusalem, aged 98. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF calls on Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah ahead of planned offensive Gallant to US defense chief Austin: Israel has ‘no choice’ over Rafah operation after deadly Hamas barrage 3 soldiers killed, 11 hurt inside Israel by Hamas rocket attack from Rafah THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Palestinians hold leaflets dropped by Israeli planes calling on them to evacuate ahead of an Israeli military operation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 211 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Iman Zareb, a senior figure in the Iran-backed group’s Rafah Brigade, was killed along with two other Islamic Jihad fighters in an Israeli bombardment on a “hideout apartment” in Rafah, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet Security Service said yesterday in a joint statement. We hear more about Zareb and what his terrorist organization's role was on October 7 and until now. An officer in police’s elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit was seriously wounded and five Palestinian gunmen, members of a terror cell, were killed Saturday during a 12-hour raid in the West Bank town of Dayr al-Ghusun. Fabian explains the goals of the raid and how it was carried out. Elyakim Libman, 23, an Israeli who was thought to have been abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, was declared dead Friday after his body was found in Israel. We learn how this identification was made, and what led to his murder. The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday announced the promotion of five generals as part of a series of appointments in the General Staff — a forum of senior commanders responsible for the various branches and departments of the military — including the next head of intelligence. As expected, there has been a lot of blowback, both from families of victims and hostages and from politicians. On Wednesday, Channel 12 news reported that nearly all of the army’s posts along the border with the Gaza Strip failed a routine inspection carried out just three days before Hamas’s October 7 onslaught. Fabian weighs in on why this is troubling, but not exactly a comparable test of the base's readiness that October 7 proved to be. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Islamic Jihad commander who led Oct. 7 assault on Sufa killed in Rafah strike — IDF 5 Palestinian gunmen killed, Israeli officer seriously hurt in 12-hour West Bank op Remains of Elyakim Libman, presumed a hostage since Oct. 7, found in Israel IDF appoints new intel chief, promotes 4 other generals, despite far-right opposition Father of soldier killed on Oct. 7 to petition appointment of new IDF intel chief Report: Many IDF posts on Gaza border failed inspections in days before Oct. 7 THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Elyakim Libman, security guard at the Supernova desert rave who was murdered on October 7, 2023 (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 211 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. After a day filled with a flurry of optimistic headlines surrounding the proposed hostage release deal, Taher Nunu, a Hamas official and advisor to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, said meetings in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators have begun and Hamas is dealing with their proposals “with full seriousness and responsibility.” However, he reiterated the terror group’s demand that any deal should include an Israeli pullout from Gaza and an end to the war, conditions that Israel has previously rejected. With no real movement on either side, why the media storm? Qatar is prepared to accept a request from the US for it to expel Hamas’s leaders from Doha and is anticipating one could be made soon, a source familiar with the matter told Magid. If expelled, to where is the terror organization expected to relocate? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a DC event that whatever one thinks of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or the current government, “what’s important to understand is that much of what he’s doing is not simply a reflection of his politics or his policies; it’s actually a reflection of where a large majority of Israelis are in this moment.” We discuss how this stance is starkly different than previous takes by the Biden administration. Magid reported onsite from anti-Israel protests at several Chicago area high schools and universities this week. We hear what shocked him. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas indicates it may agree to deal; Israeli official insists truce won’t end the war Qatar anticipating US request to expel Hamas leaders, is open to doing so — source Blinken says Netanyahu’s handling of war reflects views of ‘a large majority of Israelis’ Gaza campus protests spread to Chicago high schools, alarming Jewish students THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Campus police stand between demonstrators at a pro-Palestinian, abti-Israel encampment on the campus of the University of Chicago and counter demonstrators after a brief skirmish between the groups on May 3, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 210 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and archaeology reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider discusses the latest regarding aid for Gaza, brought in Thursday through Israel's Erez Crossing, rebuilt for trucks after being destroyed by Hamas on October 7, followed by the seizure of the aid by Hamas terrorists. She also describes the temporary floating pier being built by US troops on the Gaza shores for the transfer of additional aid. Schneider looks at Turkey's decision to halt all trade with Israel, a major blow for both countries given the annual $7 billion turnover in commercial trade, as Turkey erases all traces of Israel from its import and export systems after 75 years of trade. Fiske explains the complicated science of carbon-dating techniques utilized by a team at the Weizmann Institute who examined the rings of trees and other organic matter to determine the size and breadth of ancient Jerusalem. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: US says Hamas seized first aid shipment that entered Gaza via reopened Erez crossing Turkey halts all trade with Israel; Jerusalem denounces ‘dictator’ Erdogan New carbon-dating techniques enable ‘absolute chronology’ of First Temple-era Jerusalem THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A ship of Freedom Flotilla Coalition anchors at Tuzla seaport in Istanbul, Turkey on April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 209 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz and diplomacy reporter Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Hamas terror group was reportedly slated to submit on Thursday an amended proposal to the one crafted by Qatari, Egyptian and American brokers. It is a proposal that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called "generous" during his recent lightning visit to Israel yesterday. Berman updates us on reports of a deal and Horovitz discusses the optics of Blinken's support.  During Blinken's visit, he clarified that the US still doesn't believe Israel should carry out a wide-scale Rafah operation. Israel has refused to commit to ending the war, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Blinken on Wednesday that the IDF would launch a mass invasion of Rafah to dismantle Hamas’s remaining battalions in Gaza’s southernmost city regardless of whether or not there is a hostage deal, according to an Israeli official. Horovitz weighs in. The ongoing protests on university campuses have spread across the globe. Horovitz discusses the phenomenon. Finally, we hear about Israel's frayed ties with Colombia.  For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: All eyes, still, on Hamas Hamas indicates it will snub latest hostage deal offer, but says talks to continue Netanyahu tells Blinken he will not agree to end war on Hamas as part of hostage deal Colombia to sever ties after months of panning Israel as ‘genocidal’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives for a meeting with the Israeli president in Tel Aviv, on May 1, 2024. (Abir Sultan / POOL / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrobel talks about the market's reaction to the proposed ceasefire, with a rise in the shekel and slight gains in shares, although there is a negative outlook from Standard and Poor's because of increased war spending and concerns over an escalation in the north. She also speaks about the potential deal with US gaming giant Nvidia, which is looking at a billion-dollar deal to purchase two Israeli start-ups, showing its belief in Israeli technology and a vote of confidence in local talent. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Far-right minister claims hostage deal throws war goals in ‘trash’ to save hostages Smotrich threatens to quit gov’t over hostage deal; Eisenkot slams far-right ‘blackmail’ Israeli shares rise and shekel gains as investors watch truce, hostage deal efforts US chip giant Nvidia snaps up Israeli AI workload management startup THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with Israelis calling for the release of Hamas hostages held in Gaza, on May 1, 2024 in Tel Aviv (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 207 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Reports about a potential hostage release deal are, as ever, a rollercoaster of emotions: Yesterday, headlines were filled with positive signs, but today we’re hearing that Israel has decided it will not be sending a delegation to Cairo for hostage talks yet. Berman gives us a sense of where things stand now. US Congress members from both parties have reportedly warned of retaliation from Washington, amid fears that the International Criminal Court may issue warrants against Israelis, concerned that the move could sink the hostages-for-truce agreement in the works between Israel and Hamas. We hear why the court may suddenly issue these warrants for alleged war crimes perpetrated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi -- or at least, why the issue is suddenly in the news again. Several European member states are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood by the end of May, the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday at the sidelines of a World Economic Forum special meeting in Riyadh. Which states and what could this mean for Israel on the international stage? An overwhelming majority of Americans believe Israel should go ahead with an offensive in Rafah to end the war against Hamas, according to a new Harvard CAPS Harris poll. Berman shares his experience of overwhelming support for Israel while he was recently in the US. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Blinken hopes Hamas takes Israel’s ‘extraordinarily generous’ truce offer US lawmakers threaten retaliation against UN court over potential Israel arrest warrants What is the International Criminal Court and why does it worry Israeli leaders? Israel working to block feared ICC arrest warrants against PM, others over Gaza war EU top diplomat: At least 5 countries expected to recognize Palestinian state in May Over 70% of US voters back Israeli offensive in Rafah to defeat Hamas — poll THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A protester with a zipper over her mouth holds a poster showing pictures of Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza during the October 7 attacks, during a demonstration calling for their release in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on April 27, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 206 of the war with Hamas. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In today's in-depth discussion, we step away from Israeli domestic news and delve into the spate of campus protests taking place across the United States. How seriously should we be taking them? What could be their lingering effects? And should be the lessons learned for Israel? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Anti-Israel protesters dig in as some US schools clamp down on encampments Newsweek: Message From a Gazan to Campus Protesters: You're Hurting the Palestinian Cause THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Students demand their university divests from Israel at George Washington University in Washington, April 27, 2024 (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 205 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In the past several days, Hamas has released two disturbing videos with Israeli hostages. Israelis await Hamas’s response to the government’s latest proposal for an accord following intense Egyptian mediation but the government has said it won’t wait too long before the expected Rafah operation commences. Fabian puts the pieces together. We hear about the spread of IDF troops throughout the country and in the West Bank and Gaza as an indication of current hotspots in the ongoing conflict against Hamas and Hezbollah. Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem warned Saturday that full-scale war will not bring residents of northern Israel home, but rather end their presence there “once and for all,” as Hezbollah attacks on the north and Israel strikes in Lebanon continued. Fabian explains what are some of Hezbollah’s capabilities and how Israel can counter them. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hamas airs clip of 2 hostages, as FM says Israel would delay Rafah op for a deal Hezbollah warns full-scale war may end Israeli presence in north ‘once and for all’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Illustrative: An Iranian domestically built missile is displayed in front of the portrait of the Lebanese Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah during a rally of Iran's Basij paramilitary force in support of the Palestinians in Tehran, Iran, November 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 204 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Hamas said Saturday it was reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a truce and hostage deal, amid intensified efforts to broker an agreement. At the same time, Israel told a top-level Egyptian delegation that it will give Hamas "once last chance" before launching the Rafah operation. Magid updates us on what we know so far.US troops have begun constructing a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza with the aim of speeding up the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave when it becomes operational in May. With the pier already suffering mortar fire, where will the troops be housed?  On Thursday, Magid paid a visit to the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois, and was witness to the set-up of its ongoing pro-Palestine protests. He reports back.  For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Avigail Idan’s meeting with Biden was ‘something special,’ family says Hamas says it will study Israel’s latest response in truce, hostage deal negotiations Israel tells Egypt it’s giving hostage deal ‘last chance’ before launching Rafah op US troops begin constructing Gaza pier, aiming to have it operational by early May Gaza ‘solidarity encampment’ shakes up Northwestern campus but leaves no clear winners THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: People rally on the campus of Northwestern University demanding the school divest from Israel, on April 25, 2024 in Evanston, Illinois. (Scott Olson/ GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 203 of the war with Hamas. Yeshiva University president Rabbi Ari Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's special in-depth interview episode. Berman was in Israel when Hamas invaded Israel's south on October 7, slaughtering 1,200 and taking 253 individuals hostage to Gaza. He told The Times of Israel this week that he felt called to return to New York, where he heads Modern Orthodoxy's flagship institution, and began immediately call on his university head peers to form a broad coalition to condemn the massacre and ensuing suffering. More than 100 institutions of higher education, including public and private, faith-based, and historically Black colleges and universities, signed onto a a statement saying that they stood "with Israel, the Palestinians who suffer under Hamas' cruel rule in Gaza and all people of moral conscience." Today, as violent anti-Israel protests are erupting on campuses throughout the United States, Berman shares his insights into the failings of the educators who allowed them to proliferate. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hundreds arrested across US campuses as police clamp down on anti-Israel protests US Catholic universities offer campuses as refuge for ‘harassed’ Jewish students THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Yeshiva University head Rabbi Ari Berman (Yeshiva University)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 202 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. So-called pro-Palestinian rallies have sprouted up on US campuses, from Columbia University in New York -- where in-person classes have been canceled -- to the University of Southern California on Wednesday, just hours after police at a Texas university aggressively detained dozens of protesters. Horovitz describes what he believes are the protesters’ goals. A senior Israeli defense official said Wednesday that the Israel Defense Forces has conducted all necessary preparations to take Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah and can launch an operation the moment it gets government approval. But will the IDF also wait for US approval? Thirty years after the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina has asked Pakistan and Sri Lanka to arrest Iran’s interior minister Ahmad Vahidi who is a lead suspect in planning the attacks. Why is Argentina again interested in seeking justice for the bombing? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: The goal of the campus Jew-haters: To render Israel indefensible, in both senses of the word At heart of protests sweeping US universities is demand they divest from Israel Dozens arrested at U of Texas, USC as anti-Israel protests spread to more US campuses As anti-Israel encampment at Columbia endures, Jewish students lament ‘Judenrein’ campus IDF ready to conquer Gaza’s Rafah, awaiting government okay, says senior official Argentina asks host countries to arrest visiting Iranian minister over 1994 bombing THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Students attend a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel rally against the Israel-Hamas war on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, on April 24, 2024. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 201 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces intensified its operations against Hamas terrorists in the central and northern Gaza Strip, as the war reached its 200th day. Fabian explains what is happening on the ground and where the Gazan citizens are meant to be evacuating. Hamas officials in Gaza claimed on Saturday to discover a mass grave with more than 200 bodies at a hospital in Khan Younis that was recently the target of a military raid. How exactly was the IDF involved? Overnight, IAF fighter jets carried out a wave of strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, following repeated attacks by the terror group on northern Israel. Fabian speaks about the unusual drone attack that came deep into civilian Israel over the holiday. Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, chief of the Israel Defense Forces’s Military Intelligence Directorate, announced his resignation on Monday. Why now?  Police on Monday detained 13 people suspected of attempting to smuggle goats onto the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to sacrifice the animals in honor of Passover, in line with ancient Jewish tradition. What was different this year?  For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: On war’s 200th day, Israel intensifies Gaza operations; soldier killed in action IDF rejects ‘baseless’ claim it dug mass graves at Gaza hospital; analysts also doubt charge ‘I will always carry the pain’: IDF intel chief Aharon Haliva resigns over Oct. 7 failure Police detain 13 trying to smuggle goats onto Temple Mount for sacrifice ritual THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Troops of the Kfir Brigade's Netzah Yehuda Battalion operate in northern Gaza's Beit Hanoun, in a handout image published April 23, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 200 of the war with Hamas. Host Jessica Steinberg speaks with Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin in a pre-recorded interview. The couple speaks about the painful realities of marking the holiday of Passover, the holiday of freedom, when their only son is still held captive by terror organization Hamas. Goldberg and Polin discuss their latest trip to the US, which included meetings with members of Congress and the Biden administration, and the hostage deal that was under discussion at the time, and later rejected. Polin views the most recent proposal as Hamas’s opportunity to accept the ceasefire and end the suffering of the Gazans. They both speak about the palpable shift in US attitudes, and then the subsequent Iranian attack, when Israel was backed by the global community. Polin discusses that moment as a real opportunity for Israel to say it wouldn't respond until all the hostages come home. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents contemplate Passover with their son in captivity Passover celebrants urged to set a seat for a hostage, use a Haggadah of hope THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, parents of Hamas hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 199 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Following days of unrest and anti-Israel action at Columbia University in New York City, the university’s Orthodox rabbi sent a message to Jewish students urging them to stay away from campus until it is deemed safe again. The situation has spiraled so out of control that President Isaac Herzog and President Joe Biden are publicly denouncing the situation. Berman weighs in. Two US sources told The Times of Israel yesterday that in addition to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion -- which the Biden administration is reportedly slated to sanction this week -- Washington is reportedly considering sanctions against other Israeli military and police units alleged to have committed human rights violations against Palestinians. Berman explains the 1997 Leahy law that is being enacted and how it was applied in the past on other countries' militaries. In a pre-Passover video, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “land additional and painful blows” on Hamas over the holiday to increase pressure on the terror group to free the hostages it has held in the Gaza Strip for over six months. Berman explores what is missing today versus in November when the sides successfully freed over 100 hostages. What would it take for Sinwar to unharden his heart and let our people go? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Biden blasts ‘alarming surge of antisemitism’ amid anti-Israel protests at Columbia Columbia rabbi urges Jewish students to stay home until campus deemed safe US mulling sanctions against other IDF units for alleged rights violations – sources Netanyahu vows imminent ‘painful blows,’ diplomatic pressure on Hamas to free hostages THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: File - Yahia al-Sinwar, the Gaza Strip chief of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, greets supporters as he arrives to attend a rally marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day, April 14, 2023. (Mohammed Abed / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 198 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider discusses the current nature of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's relationship with Turkey as Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Haniyeh over the weekend and as Qatar discusses possibility of expelling Hamas leadership from Doha. She also looks at the latest in the US-Israel relationship, as the Biden administration considers sanctioning an IDF battalion known as Netzah Yehuda, largely made up of soldiers from more extremist backgrounds, known for alleged human rights abuse against Palestinians. Schneider considers this possible step by the US against the backdrop of the approved $17 billion US military aid package, and as the US continues to look carefully at how the IDF is handling some of its actions in Gaza. Sharon talks about the latest efforts by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who is starting the process of legalizing 68 illegal outposts, part of his coalition agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has to satisfy the demands of this far-right political partner. Steinberg speaks about preparations for Passover among the hostage families, including a seder for 500 members of Kibbutz Be'eri at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, and other efforts in order to mark this complicated season and holiday. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 21, 2024 Hamas leaders said looking at leaving Qatar amid growing pressure in hostage talks To punish Israel for Gaza war, Turkey’s citizens will gladly suffer the economic cost House okays $17 billion in military aid for Israel under major spending package Israel aghast as US said poised to sanction IDF unit with history of abuses Smotrich said pushing to start legalization process for 68 illegal West Bank outposts Passover celebrants urged to set a seat for a hostage, use a Haggadah of hope THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A sign reading 'Happy Freedom holiday' refers to Passover, with the words 'Happy' and 'Freedom' crossed out, in Tel Aviv, April 16, 2024 (Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 197 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode in the Jerusalem office. The alleged Israeli strike in Iran overnight Thursday-Friday went beyond the scope of several small drones described by Tehran. The strike reportedly included at least one missile launched by Israeli Air Force warplanes that targeted an air defense radar site near Isfahan that was part of an array defending the nearby top-secret Natanz nuclear site. What are we hearing from the US so far about the attack on Iranian soil? White House Mideast czar Brett McGurk said on Friday that the regional cooperation that took place in the thwarting of Iran’s attack on Israel last weekend is something that the Biden administration has been working to bolster for the past several years. What else did he say? The Biden administration has managed to continue holding high-level discussions with Saudi Arabia in recent weeks aimed at brokering a normalization agreement between the leading Gulf kingdom and the Jewish state, three US officials told Magid last week. What does this information signal? The Palestinian Authority said on Saturday that it will reconsider bilateral relations with the US after Washington vetoed a Palestinian request for full United Nations membership. Magid dives into the meaning of the vote. Magid describes Benzi Gopstein, a far-right Israeli activist and close ally to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who was targeted in the third round of sanctions imposed by the Biden administration, aimed at clamping down on settler violence in the West Bank. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 20, 2024 In ‘message,’ IDF said to fire missiles at radar defense for secret Iran nuclear site US vetoes Security Council resolution recognizing Palestinians as full UN member state PA’s Abbas threatens to reconsider ties with US after veto of UN membership bid Top Ben Gvir ally, former MK aide among targets of latest US and EU settler sanctions THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Illustrative - Demonstrators burn a US and an Israeli flag during the funeral for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel, in Tehran on April 5, 2024. (Atta Kenare / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 196 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military reporter Emanuel Fabian host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode in the Jerusalem office. Explosions were reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan early Friday in what some international media is claiming was Israel’s launch of the heavily anticipated reprisal strike for the Iranian attack on Israel Saturday night. Fabian briefs us on what is being reported and gives us updates on the conflict along Israel's northern and Gaza border. Goren weighs in on the immediate consequences of the alleged attack on Iran. Ahead of next week’s Passover holiday, Jerusalem Affairs Minister Meir Porush wrote to United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland and demanded that he work to provide the hostages in Gaza with matzah and wine for the Seder night. Goren dives into their ongoing captivity and how it is a consequence of decisions made by the Israeli government on October 7. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 18, 2024 Iranian air base reportedly attacked in ‘limited’ Israeli reprisal strike Minister demands UN envoy ensures Gaza hostages have matzah, wine for Seder night THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A man walks past a banner depicting missiles along a street in Tehran on April 19, 2024. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 195 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode in the Jerusalem office. The United States led a group of 48 countries at the United Nations in condemning Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel last weekend. Horovitz weighs in. Egyptian officials tell a Qatari outlet that the US has accepted Israel’s plan for an operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in return for not carrying out a large strike in Iran in response to Tehran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack. Horovitz postulates that Israel may have missed its chance for true retaliation for the Iran strike. The New York Times is reporting that “multiple American officials” think that Israeli officials miscalculated the severity of Iran’s response to the April 1 strike on a building in Damascus in which several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders were killed. Based on previous targeted killings of key Iranian players, should Israel have anticipated Iran's large-scale potentially devastating strike? Horovitz conducted an interview with Giora Eiland, a former IDF planning and operations chief and the former head of the National Security Council under prime minister Ariel Sharon. We hear highlights of their discussion. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 18, 2024 PM shelved pre-approved plans for immediate Iran reprisal after Biden call — report A top ex-general’s radical strategy for tackling Iran, saving the hostages, calming the north THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Check out yesterday's Daily Briefing episode: https://omny.fm/shows/the-daily-briefing/day-194-tension-on-3-fronts-knesset-passes-1st-rea IMAGE: An Iranian military truck carries parts of a Sayad 4-B missile past a portrait of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a military parade as part of a ceremony marking the country's annual army day in Tehran on April 17, 2024. (Atta Kenare / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 194 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Fabian discusses the latest in Gaza, as Israeli tanks pushed back into parts of the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, with two brigades joining ongoing missions in Gaza while other troops are situated outside Gaza, on the border, preparing themselves to enter for the expected large-scale strike on Rafah. He also talks about the latest in the north, as two Hezbollah commanders were killed in IDF strikes following attack drones that injured three Israelis in the Beit Hillel community in the north and no sense of when 60,000 evacuated Israelis can return home. Fabian also speaks about ongoing clashes in the West Bank, where violence has broken out between Israeli settlers and Palestinians following the Friday killing of 14-year-old shepherd Benjamin Achimeir, near Ramallah. There are considerable troops located in the West Bank, says Fabian, but it is complicated to contain three fronts simultaneously. Surkes turns to the passage of the first reading of the climate bill, long-discussed but narrow in terms of planned targets, and largely controlled by budgetary expectations from the Finance Ministry. She also discusses the long-awaited shipment of livestock from Australia, turned around in the fall because of maritime attacks by the Houthis, then relaunched again in March, and noted for the crowded conditions of the lambs and cows. Surkes then describes several building developments in Jerusalem, the planned Burj Jerusalem near Yad Vashem and Har Herzl, along with a long-debated expansion of a city police station on the city's Lupine Hill, both fiercely opposed by several community groups. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 17, 2024 Commando seriously hurt as Israeli tanks said to push back into northern Gaza 2 Hezbollah commanders killed in IDF strikes as attack drones injure 3 in north Two Palestinians shot dead by settlers in clashes near West Bank village Knesset passes 1st reading of climate bill without any clear budgeting Controversial shipment of livestock reaches Israel from Australia after months-long odyssey Planned ‘Jerusalem Burj’ skyscraper draws opposition over proximity to landmarks Police revive plan to build complex on beloved Jerusalem hill, angering residents THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown IMAGE: Members of the emergency squad of Safed take part in a drill on April 5, 2024. (Photo by David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 193 of the war with Hamas. Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani and political reporter Sam Sokol join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Today, Israel reassured Arab countries in the region that its response to Iran’s attack will not place them in danger. One neighboring country, Jordan, which was a player in foiling the Iran strike Saturday night, is presented with an even more complicated situation with its large Palestinian population. Pacchiani weighs in. On Sunday, far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government issued strident calls for Israel to react to Iran’s attack on Israel with a show of force, while other moderate members of the coalition, including war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, urged a balanced approach aimed at avoiding a spiraling escalation. Sokol explains who is currently calling for what. Yesterday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit party said that it was no longer bound by coalition discipline, following opposition by ultra-Orthodox coalition parties to an expansion of his authority. We hear what this expansion is and how the Haredim are play quid pro quo. We hear impressions from a long interview Pacchiani conducted with Gazan journalist Sami Obeid, who brings his thoughts on who should run the Gaza Strip after the war and life on the ground in Rafah right now. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 16, 2024 Jordan’s help against Iran shows relationship with Israel still strong, despite Gaza Shaken by daily mass protests on Gaza, Jordan accuses ‘infiltrators’ of stoking unrest Should Israel launch an immediate retaliatory attack on Iran? Lawmakers are divided Ben Gvir says no longer bound by coalition discipline, in spat with Haredi factions Gazan journalist to ToI: We, the people of Gaza, are also living like hostages of Hamas THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Illustrative - Jordan's King Abdullah II speaks during a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, February 16, 2024 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 192 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. To start Berman, who is currently in the United States shares how American media has depicted the foiled Iran strike. Berman wrote an analysis following the Iran strike that examined the roles played by Israel's neighbors and Centcom partners. He analyzes how this teamwork developed and where it can go from here. Neighboring Arab countries played greater and lesser roles in foiling the Iranian projectiles, including Jordan, but also Saudi Arabia. In an interview with the Israeli Kan broadcaster, a Saudi official criticized Iran for having engineered a war in Gaza in order to destroy the progress it was making in normalizing relations with Israel. Berman weighs in. After over three hours of deliberations on Sunday afternoon, Israel’s five-person war cabinet did not reach a decision as to how the country would respond to Iran’s massive missile and drone barrage on Saturday night. Berman describes the United States' point of view as well as some potential strike options on Israel's table. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 15, 2024 With its aerial attack, Iran could break Israel’s isolation and reframe the Gaza war ‘Not seeking war’: White House stresses US won’t join Israeli counterstrike on Iran War cabinet said to favor hitting back at Iran but divided over when and how Should Israel launch an immediate retaliatory attack on Iran? Lawmakers are divided US House to vote on Israel aid package following Iran attack THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: In this photo obtained from the US Department of Defense, the US Navy's aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) transits the Strait of Hormuz on November 26, 2023. (Ruskin Naval / US Department of Defense / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 191 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Late Saturday night, Iran launched a large wave of some 300 attack drones and missiles from its territory toward the Jewish state, in the first-ever direct attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic, triggering air raid sirens throughout the country early Sunday as the military worked to intercept the Iranian projectiles. Fabian walks us through the timeline of the Iranian attack and explains what appears to have been Iran's goal. We hear which allies helped out in foiling the attack and how the long-range Arrow air defense system managed to knock down the “vast majority” of the 120 ballistic missiles, according to the IDF, although some penetrated Israel’s defenses and struck the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel. We hear about some sense of the IDF's next steps and how it may retaliate. The United States took one of the lead roles in staving off the attack on Israel. Horovitz weighs in on what this means for the reportedly fraying Israel-US relationship, as well as that with Israel's other allies, including Jordan. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 14, 2024 Waiting for the drones and the missiles, at the opening of a regional conflict Iran fires some 300 drones, missiles at Israel in first-ever direct attack; 99% downed As Israel waits for potential attack, what are Iran’s missile and drone capabilities? THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Demonstrators wave Iran's flag and Palestinian flags as they gather at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel. (Atta Kenare / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 190 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday found the body of a 14-year-old Jerusalem resident Benjamin Achimeir who went missing while shepherding in the West Bank northeast of Ramallah a day earlier. Achimeir was murdered in a terror attack, the IDF and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement and clashes were reported between settlers and Palestinians on both Friday and today, leaving at least one Palestinian dead. Magid gives us a fuller picture. Commandos from Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rappelled down from a helicopter onto an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the vessel Saturday. We hear what has been the US security assessment prior to this attack and how President Joe Biden has responded to the reportedly imminent threat. Despite huge steps taken by Israel to increase humanitarian aid following a contentious phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a week ago, the Biden administration’s Gaza humanitarian envoy warned Wednesday that “there is an imminent risk of famine for the majority, if not all, the 2.2 million population of Gaza.” What else did David Satterfield say during a virtual event hosted by the American Jewish Committee? On Wednesday, former president Donald Trump said bluntly, “Any Jewish person who votes for a Democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined.” Magid weighs in on whether these statements may sway some Jewish voters. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 13, 2024 Settlers riot in West Bank after Israeli teen murdered; Palestinian killed, others hurt Body of Israeli teen found in West Bank; IDF says he was murdered in terror attack Despite Hamas’s hopes and Biden’s fears, Ramadan didn’t spread Gaza war to Jerusalem Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seizes Israeli-linked ship with 25 crew near Strait of Hormuz Biden predicts Iran attack on Israel ‘sooner than later,’ renews warning: ‘Don’t’ ‘It’s an established fact’: US envoy says most Gazans at risk of imminent famine Trump: Jewish Biden voters ‘should have their head examined’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A Palestinian inspects the damage to his belongings in the village of Mughayir near Ramallah in the West Bank on April 13, 2024, after an alleged attack by Israeli settlers on the village. (Jaafar Ashtiyeh / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 189 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Arab Affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider speaks about the latest headlines regarding Iran, which could strike Israeli soil within the next 48 hours according to intelligence from the US. She discusses the differences between previous attacks carried out by Iranian proxies on Israeli embassies and the threat posed by one possibly pointed toward Israel. Schneider also discusses the information recently shared by the US administration in The Wall Street Journal regarding the number of hostages still presumed alive, and how six months of starvation, difficult conditions and lack of medications along with IDF missile hits may have left fewer hostages alive than expected. Pacchiani talks about Hamas and Hezbollah operatives living and working in European countries, opening dozens of non-profit organizations in order to work with Palestinian loyalists and make inroads into local societies, often under the noses of security forces. He also mentions an interfaith iftar meal at the end of Ramadan, held in west Jerusalem, where food, music and conversation were the cornerstone of the event after months of war. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 12, 2024 US intel said to indicate Iran could strike ‘Israeli soil’ in next 24 to 48 hours US, Israeli officials fear most hostages held by Hamas are dead — report Empty seder tables at Nir Oz as survivors mark an unhappy Passover without hostages Europe turning blind eye to Hamas and Hezbollah networks in its territory, experts say At interfaith Ramadan iftar in Jerusalem, breaking fast under the shadow of war THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Participants in the Let My People Go march hold posters of all the dates that the hostages have been held in captivity by Hamas in Gaza, on April 12, 2024 (Courtesy Tanya Zion-Waldoks)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 188 of the war with Hamas. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday that Israel will open a new land crossing into the Gaza Strip designed mainly to facilitate deliveries to Palestinians of aid from overseas or from neighboring Jordan. Sharon updates us on a High Court of Justice petition from Israeli NGOs that would go much further than that to bring humanitarian aid into the strip. A group of Canadian citizens and residents whose children and parents were murdered by Hamas during the October 7 atrocities has filed an application in the Canadian Federal Court to the country’s attorney general demanding the annulment of the Canadian government’s decision in March to resume funding to UNRWA, the UN agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Sharon explains the issues at hand in this case. Ghert-Zand recently spoke with Dr. Raquel C. Gardner, director of clinical research of the Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center at Sheba Medical Center, who is an expert in the "invisible" side-effect of war, traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hear what it is and how she is raising awareness in Israel. During a site visit to Beit Halohem, a center for rehabilitating former soldiers, Ghert-Zand viewed a ceramics exhibit and was struck by the pieces created by Amnon Sharon, who was taken captive during a fierce tank battle on the Golan Heights on October 6, 1973, the first day of the Yom Kippur War. He was held and tortured for eight months and is now bringing this experience into the open through this unique PTSD treatment. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 11, 2024 High Court gives government six days to submit answers on Gaza humanitarian crisis Gallant says Israel plans to ‘flood Gaza with aid’ via new crossing into Strip’s north Relatives of October 7 victims file suit against Canadian resumption of UNRWA funding Invisible traumatic brain injuries in wounded IDF soldiers may have devastating effects Israeli survivor of captivity and torture in Syria exorcises his demons by sculpting clay THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Masked members of the so-called 'People's Protection Committees' guard a humanitarian aid truck in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on April 3, 2024. (Said Khatib / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 187 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Joe Biden told Spanish television in an interview that he’s urging “the Israelis to just call for” a six-to-eight-week ceasefire. Since most other demands made by the US last week in a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been implemented, is this one-sided pause also on the horizon? This week, Netanyahu said that he has circled a date in his calendar for the Rafah operation. But, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told US counterpart Lloyd Austin during a call on Monday that Israel has not set a date. Why the conflicting information? In a statement marking Eid Al-Fitr, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank alongside Muslims suffering in some of the world’s worst conflicts. And last week, United States Sen. Elizabeth Warren told a Boston mosque that Israel will be found guilty of genocide in the International Court of Justice. Do these remarks painting Israel as the oppressor represent mainstream Democrat thinking today? The IDF said this morning that Nahal Brigade soldiers are still battling Hamas gunmen in the central Gaza corridor. We hear how the massive troop drawdown is playing out on the ground in the Gaza Strip and are updated on large-scale humanitarian aid efforts. Early this morning, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Tehran will retaliate for Israel’s alleged bombing of a building in Damascus earlier this month. Among the threats that Israel is taking seriously are cyberattacks, drone strikes and long-range missiles. Fabian explains. Fabian takes a look at the use of drones in the war so far, as well as a ship-mounted version of the Iron Dome missile defense system that intercepted a drone that entered Israeli airspace near the southernmost city of Eilat shortly before midnight on Monday.For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 10, 2024 Biden urges Israel ‘to just call for’ 6-8 week ceasefire, slams PM’s handling of Gaza war Contradicting Netanyahu, Gallant told Austin no date set for Rafah op — source US Sen. Warren: World Court has ‘ample evidence’ to find Israel guilty of genocide Cyberattacks by Iran, Hezbollah have tripled during the war, says Israel cyber czar In first, IDF says ship-mounted Iron Dome downs hostile drone over Eilat THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Israeli soldiers gather around army tanks stationed in an area along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on April 10, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 186 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Berman speaks about the latest in hostage negotiations, the role that Qatar is currently playing in the talks, the fact that the US is leaning into the talks given its desire to see a post-Hamas future, and the flexibility Israel is showing on certain details. He then looks at the statement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made about a firm date for entering Gaza's Rafah, the last "unconquered city," says Berman. He notes some of the preparations made for evacuating Gazans from that area, but adds that it will be a unit-on-unit fight that "can't be a tiny operation." Berman finishes the podcast with a careful look at how Israel has handled the matter of letting humanitarian aid into Gaza throughout the last six months, the lack of initiative on Israel's part at the start of the war, and now that the aid effort is finally happening, it should offer more latitude from Israel's allies and partners. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 9, 2024 Hamas says it won’t compromise on key demands as US leans into hostage talks Israel has circled date in calendar for repeatedly-pledged Rafah invasion, PM says Israel’s begrudging approach to humanitarian aid could cost it the war in Gaza ‘Proof is in the results’: US cautiously welcomes Israeli moves on Gaza aid THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Armed and masked Palestinians seen on trucks loaded with International humanitarian aid entering Gaza through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing, into the southern Gaza Strip on April 3, 2024 (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 185 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning, Israeli and Palestinian officials have downplayed reports that a truce and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas could be reached as early as this week. But citing a senior Egyptian official involved in the talks, the Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera reported that talks in Cairo have made “significant progress on several contentious points of agreement.” Goren explores how the recent phone call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week is playing a role. Six months after the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel, 70% of those who departed the affected area have returned. The government released data yesterday. Lidor brings us some more numbers. Also yesterday, 18 prominent rabbis associated with the Shas party and the ultra-Orthodox Sephardi movement signed onto a document rejecting any compromise on the conscription of Haredi Jews – including those who are not studying in yeshivas. Lidor explains why this runs counter to perceived notions of Shas. Finally, to mark six months of war, Goren explores how October 7 was Israel's national experience of a solar eclipse. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 8, 2024 IDF chief says withdrawal of troops from Gaza doesn’t mean war is close to end Israel, Hamas downplay report of progress in truce talks amid optimism from Egypt 6 months on, 70% of evacuees from the south are home, but thousands remain in hotels Shas rabbis spurn compromise on Haredi draft following High Court ruling THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A person holds a handful of spent bullet casings above a bigger pile in Khan Yunis on April 7, 2024, after Israel pulled its ground forces out of the southern Gaza Strip, six months into the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attacks on southern Israel. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark six months of war with Hamas, we are releasing on The Daily Briefing this bonus episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, hosted by deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan. In half a year, Israel has systematically broken down Hamas’s battalions in the Gaza Strip. But in achieving terrible success in its aim to defang the terrorist army, the Jewish state is no longer seen on the world stage as the attacked underdog David, but increasingly reviled as a cruel Goliath. According to many in the West, it is up to Israel to immediately stop the war regardless of Hamas’s clear ability to regroup and again attack, just as the terror group has publicly vowed to do. This week, What Matters Now again speaks with public intellectual and philosopher Dr. Micah Goodman. We revisit the raw conversation we held six months ago, mere days after Hamas’s murderous attack, and see just how right Goodman’s predictions were. In our conversation this week, Goodman explains the completely different framings of the war held by the West and Israel, and how they influence both sides’ actions and words. And we hear about how Israelis, forever changed by the war, are now standing at a crossroads. Can civil society regroup and reemerge from this war stronger, saner and more united? Goodman spent the past six months writing his seventh best-selling book, "Hayom Hashmini" ("The Eighth Day"), which was published in late March. He sees the end of this war as an opportunity for restructuring and revitalizing Israelis, as long as they embrace a new paradigm. So this week, six months into the war, we ask Dr. Micah Goodman, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Philosopher and public intellectual Dr. Micah Goodman. (Yonit Schiller)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 184 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On October 7, Hamas led a cross-border attack killing 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducting 253 people to Gaza. Israel responded with a military campaign to topple the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip, destroy the terror group, and free the hostages. The day after the Hamas assault, Lebanon-based terror group Hezbollah began attacks along Israel’s northern border, saying it was acting in support of Gaza. Quickly, other fronts became active, including Houthi strikes on shipping routes in the Red Sea. And the shadowy long arm of Iran colors all. Today on The Daily Briefing, we tour each of Israel's active fronts and look back over the past six months. We hear about successes, lessons learned, and where we may be heading. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 7, 2024 Four soldiers killed fighting in southern Gaza as war on Hamas hits six-month mark Two hurt, one seriously, in West Bank highway terror shooting IDF hits Hezbollah air defenses in northeast Lebanon after terror group downs drone THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: An Israeli army vehicle moves along the Gaza border, March 19, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 183 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. United States President Joe Biden said Friday that Israel was heeding his demand to let aid into Gaza, a day after he warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a sharp shift in policy. What steps has Israel taken so far that we’ve seen on the ground? US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew pushed back against the idea that relations between the White House and Israel were fraying and dismissed accusations that US President Joe Biden was trying to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth published Friday. What else did he say? Hamas refuses to “back down” from its demands for a full ceasefire but agrees to send a delegation for renewed talks in Cairo over the weekend. At the same time, a senior Israeli official told Magid yesterday that the mediators of hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas are failing to exert any pressure on the terror group. Magid gives insight. Magid learned this week that Qatar passed on to Mossad chief David Barnea in a recent meeting that Doha was not inclined help out in the reconstruction of Gaza, given Jerusalem’s treatment of Qatar throughout the war. What's happening here? The Palestinian Authority wants the United Nations Security Council to vote this month to make it a full member of the world body, a move that would be a de facto declaration of statehood. What is the expected outcome of this vote? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 5, 2024 After tense phone call with Netanyahu, Biden says Israel is doing what he asked for ‘Proof is in the results’: US cautiously welcomes Israeli moves on Gaza aid US envoy: Idea Biden trying to topple Netanyahu a ‘misconception’ Israeli official: Mediators putting ‘no pressure’ on Hamas, Sinwar doesn’t want deal Qatar not inclined to assist in post-war Gaza reconstruction due to Israeli treatment Palestinian Authority to push for vote this month on full United Nations membership THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: A woman washes pots outside a tent pitched by a destroyed building in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on April 5, 2024. (Mohammed Abed / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 182 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider first looks at the late Thursday night cabinet decision to open a port and some border crossings in order to get aid into Gaza following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tense conversation with US President Joe Biden. She also discusses the tension felt in Israel Thursday over a potential Iranian response to Israel’s alleged assassination of Iran’s top commander in Syria, as GPS was turned off in the country's center while the IDF told citizens to try and relax. Pacchiani looks at 12 nights of protests in Jordan, concentrated in Amman, some of it spontaneous but talks about strong possibility of persuasive incitement from Hamas leaders abroad and in Jordan. Schneider talks about Israel marking six months since October 7, and how the country has become more secluded diplomatically, because of the humanitarian aid issue and the lack of a plan for the day after the war. Pacchiani speaks about an interview with a Palestinian activist who has lived in the US for years and is furious about the narratives that Palestinian leaders have told for decades. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 5, 2024 After PM’s call with Biden, ministers okay steps to swiftly ramp up aid flow to Gaza Amid fears of Iranian attack, IDF says no need to ‘buy generators, stock food, get cash’ Shaken by daily mass protests on Gaza, Jordan accuses ‘infiltrators’ of stoking unrest THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Illustrative: Activists block the entrance to Ashdod port during a protest against aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip, February 1, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 181 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued an apology for the deadly Israeli strike on three World Central Kitchen cars in an aid convoy in Gaza, adding that it was a result of a “misidentification,” which was being investigated and learned from. Horovitz delves into some of the diplomatic and political fallout. The IDF said yesterday that it has bolstered its air defense array and had called up reservists and today we hear that the IDF has canceled home leave for all combat troops, as the country prepares for a potential Iranian response to a strike in Syria on Monday. What are some of the assessments? Yesterday, for the first time, coalition member and War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz called for Israel to hold early elections by September. Horovitz describes the political atmosphere that may have brought Gantz to this tipping point -- and speaks about other coalition members who perhaps could follow in making this call. The Knesset is going on recess today, but not all of its members agree there should be a vacation at this time. Horovitz weighs in. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 4, 2024 Yet another ‘How could this have happened?’ tragedy prompts deep strategic concerns Amid retaliation threats from Iran, IDF cancels home leave for all combat troops Israel beefs up air defenses, calls up troops as Iran payback for Syria strike looms Gantz calls for early elections in September to ‘renew trust’ in government THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (3rd L) visiting the navy base of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, in a picture released on February 2, 2024. (Iranian Presidency/ AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 180 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses the fourth day of the protests against the Knesset, and what's expected after the furor and violence of Tuesday night's demonstrations. He also talks about the Haredi political parties and their reaction to the carrot-and-stick financial incentives being planned for drafting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students. Surkes talks about the state comptroller's latest report on the environment and the successive governments' lack of action on necessary climate plan changes. She also looks at a soil scientist's groundbreaking work on cocoa plants that could bring a new crop to Israeli fields. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 3, 2024 UTJ’s Roth: ‘No actual benefit’ to Haredim in toppling government over yeshiva funds The High Court’s yeshiva funding ruling goes into effect today. What does it entail? After surviving October 7, Israeli cocoa plants could help stave off world shortage State comptroller chides government, PM for talk but little action on climate change THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Protestors march to the President's Residence in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 179 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and religions reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen organization were killed in a strike on their vehicles in central Gaza late Monday after they helped deliver food and other supplies to northern Gaza that had arrived hours earlier by ship, the charity said Tuesday morning. The source of fire could not be independently confirmed but the IDF, the prime suspect, has expressed "sincere sorrow" and is conducting a probe. What do we now know? Israel is also suspected of carrying out an airstrike on Monday on a building next to Iran’s embassy in Damascus that killed seven members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including the top Iranian commander in Syria. Who was the commander who was killed and what was his role? Early yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces withdrew from the Gaza City complex housing the Shifa Hospital, after a two-week raid in which the military said it detained or killed hundreds of terror suspects. What is the official tally according to the IDF? A drone, apparently launched from Iraq, struck a building in a naval base in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat early Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces said. What role did Iran play? Much of the Christian world observed Easter this past weekend. Lidor attended events in Haifa and Jerusalem and shares a snapshot of the atmospheres at both locations, as well as the state of Christian Israelis in general. Hundreds, if not thousands of protesters, assembled Saturday night in Caesarea outside of the private residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lidor sets the scene. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 2, 2024 Aid organization says 7 workers killed in Israeli strike in northern Gaza Iran’s top commander in Syria killed in airstrike; Tehran blames Israel, vows revenge IDF ends Shifa Hospital raid, says it killed 200 terror operatives, arrested 500 more Eilat naval base damaged by drone apparently launched from Iraq In a still Jerusalem Old City, Easter pilgrims pray for peace amid fears of war Haifa Christians stage solemn Good Friday march in Hezbollah’s crosshairs THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: People gather around the shell of a car used by US-based aid group World Central Kitchen, which was allegedly hit by an Israeli strike the previous day in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, April 2, 2024. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 178 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Tens of thousands of demonstrators packed streets outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Sunday evening in a mass protest demanding the government resign, marking the first day in what is slated to be a four-day event. As protesters accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning hostages in Gaza and mismanaging the war against Hamas, for his part, he insisted on Sunday night at a press conference that he was doing everything in his power to bring the captives home. What else did he say? According to multiple media reports, truce talks to release the hostages were set to resume yesterday in Cairo. Did they? On Friday, Israel contested a recent UN-backed report on the humanitarian situation in Gaza saying that “the report contains multiple factual and methodological flaws, some of them serious.” Berman weighs in. Yesterday, Israel lambasted an interim report that reviewed allegations by Israel against Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA of employing at least a dozen workers who took active roles during the October 7 Hamas massacre of some 1,200. We hear how independent the report really is. Israel’s National Security Council said Thursday that Israelis should avoid traveling to Turkey, Morocco, Jordan and Egypt — including the Sinai peninsula, usually a popular holiday destination for Israelis over Passover — in updated travel warnings it issued for the coming months. What is seen as the risk in these areas and elsewhere? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog April 1, 2024 ‘Can’t go on like this’: Tens of thousands start 4-day anti-gov’t protest outside Knesset As protesters demand he go, Netanyahu argues election would play into Hamas’s hands The stunning rise, curious suspension and insistent return of Israel’s star spokesman Indirect truce talks between Israel and Hamas to resume in Cairo Israel says UN’s interim report on UNRWA allegations a ‘cover up’ of its terror ties ‘Multiple factual flaws’: Israel contests UN-backed report on imminent famine in Gaza Israel warns of travel to Turkey and Arab countries; also notes Eurovision risks THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: This handout picture released by the Jordanian army on March 31, 2024, shows humanitarian aid being airdropped from a military aircraft over the northern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Jordanian army / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 177 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. An off-duty Israel Defense Forces officer was stabbed and lightly wounded in a terror attack at Beersheba’s central bus station this morning. Fabian updates. A gunman who carried out a terror shooting attack in the West Bank near Jericho last week, wounding three Israelis, including a 13-year-old boy, turned himself in to troops, defense sources said Sunday. Fabian takes us through the attack. The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday denied carrying out a strike in southern Lebanon against a vehicle with United Nations peacekeepers, after Lebanese security officials accused it of targeting the car in a Reuters report. What makes the IDF so sure it wasn’t involved? On Friday, the Washington Post reported that a new arms package from the US includes 1,800 MK-84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK-82 500-pound bombs, along with 25 F-35s that were initially approved as part of a larger package by Congress in 2008. What is the timing on delivery and will these bombs likely be used in Gaza, or potentially in Lebanon? The fighting in Gaza's Shifa Hospital has been ongoing for the past two weeks. Instead of being an embarrassment for Israel that hundreds of terrorists regrouped in the semi-notorious medical center, Fabian proposes that Israel intended to lay a trap. A historic High Court of Justice interim order Thursday evening bars the government from providing funds to ultra-Orthodox yeshivas for students eligible for IDF enlistment — as the legal framework for deferring their military service no longer exists as of today at midnight. But is the IDF even remotely ready to begin drafting tens of thousands of haredi youth? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 31, 2024 IDF officer lightly hurt in terror stabbing at Beersheba central bus station Terrorist who fired on vehicles in West Bank last week turns self in IDF denies Lebanese claim it struck vehicle carrying UN peacekeepers US approves transfer of over 2,000 bombs, 25 F-35s to Israel — report IDF, Shin Bet say several senior Hamas terrorists killed as Shifa op continues THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Troops of the Nahal Brigade's reconnaissance unit operate in the area of Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, in a handout image published March 31, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 176 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Magid spent much of last week in Washington with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during his meetings regarding the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. We hear several updates from that reporting trip, including what the atmosphere was like. The Washington Post reported Friday that the United States has authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel even as it publicly expresses concerns about an anticipated military offensive in Rafah. With all the overt criticism against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct, which body made the decision to approve the new arms? The Palestinian Authority is making changes apparently in an effort to become a more viable player to help rule the Gaza Strip the day after the war with Hamas. Magid weighs in, including the new cabinet that was installed last week and the attempts by the US to change the PA's ongoing pay-to-slay policy. The US informed Israel this week that the Biden administration’s sanctions against violent settlers are not intended to compel Israeli banks to close the accounts of targeted individuals. What's the back story behind this unusual letter? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 30, 2024 Gallant seeks to smooth over tensions after PM’s cancellation leaves him alone in DC US approves transfer of over 2,000 bombs, 25 F-35s to Israel — report Integrating PA into Gaza aid efforts offers pilot to post-war governance, say experts PA in final stages of talks with US to reform ‘pay-to-slay’ policy – sources US says Israeli banks don’t have to close accounts of sanctioned settlers THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shake hands during their meeting in the West Bank town of Ramallah, February 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 175 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In response to a new provisional International Court of Justice ruling yesterday, late last night, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the country will continue looking for new ways to facilitate the entry of increased aid into Gaza. Why did the court issue new provisional measures aimed at Israel now? A government resolution from June 2023 instructing the IDF to temporarily not draft Haredi students will expire at midnight on March 31 and the past several weeks has seen the government attempt to come up with a reasonable proposal to stave off this deadline. Last night the High Court of Justice issued an interim order. Sharon explains what the court decided and Goren dives into the political turmoil. Official Israel and the United States appear to believe that there is still a chance to revive hostage deal negotiations with the Hamas terror organization after indirect talks in Qatar broke down earlier in the week. But behind the scenes in political Israel, we’re hearing conflicting reports on willingness to negotiate. Goren explains. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid beat out opponent MK Ram Ben Barak by the skin of his teeth in Thursday afternoon’s Yesh Atid primary, the party’s first leadership contest since it was founded by Lapid in 2012. Goren dives into the real winner of this primary -- and it's neither contender. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 28, 2024 ICJ orders Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, demands report in 30 days In ‘historic’ step, High Court orders halt to yeshiva funds for students eligible for draft In surprise primary result, Lapid holds on to party leadership by a mere 29 votes THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers from the Netzah Yehuda Battalion patrol near the Israeli-Gaza border, October 20, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 174 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider discusses the 11th-hour government request for an extension to the High Court petition to avoid mandatory Haredi conscription that would begin April 1, reporting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holed up in his office with his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners late Wednesday night in a last-minute attempt to find a solution that would appease them. She then looks at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political flip-flopping and political spinning over the last few days, discussing his desperate attempts to save his political base of Likud voters despite a series of adverse reactions from the US administration and fellow politicians to his latest actions. Schneider also talks about the passing of former Senator Joe Lieberman, his friendship with Israel, and his relationships with political conservatives on the other side of the spectrum, and what colleagues are saying about him. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 28, 2024 Government seeks 11th hour-High Court extension to avoid mandatory Haredi conscription Netanyahu desperately seeks to strengthen his base, at the expense of US ties, hostages Former US senator Joe Lieberman, first Jewish VP nominee for major party, dies at 82 THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the current Israeli government, in Tel Aviv, on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Erik Marmor/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 173 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. A 25-year-old man has been declared dead after being pulled out of a building struck by a Hezbollah rocket in Kiryat Shmona’s industrial zone after yesterday, the IDF conducted its deepest strike in Lebanon amid the Israel-Hamas war, some 110 kilometers from Israel’s border. Fabian gives updates. The Israeli Air Force also carried out airstrikes in the predawn hours of Tuesday morning in eastern Syria, targeting Iranian assets and operatives involved in a recent plot to smuggle advanced arms to West Bank terrorists. We learn how members of Iran’s Unit 4000, the Special Operations Division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Intelligence Organization, and the special operations unit of the IRGC’s Quds Force in Syria, known as Unit 18840, were eliminated. The Palestinian death toll in routine overnight clashes with Israeli forces in Jenin has risen to three. Fabian weighs in on how the operations in the West Banks have shifted since the beginning of Operation Breaking the Wave two years ago. This morning the IDF said its raid on Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital is ongoing, with the military saying troops killed dozens of gunmen and captured weapons over the past day. Yesterday, the IDF released video footage of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives detailing how the terror groups used the hospital as a base for terror operations. What else does the IDF hope to learn? The Israel Defense Forces’ top spokesman on Tuesday confirmed that the deputy commander of Hamas’s military wing, Marwan Issa, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip earlier this month. What do we know about the power structure of Hamas now? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 26, 2024 IDF strikes Hezbollah deep in Lebanon after missile fire on base, border community IDF strikes Iran-linked operatives, assets in eastern Syria; more than 15 said killed In interrogations, Hamas, PIJ operatives describe using Shifa hospital as terror hub IDF confirms Marwan Issa, Hamas’s No. 3, was killed in central Gaza strike THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli forces check a building that was hit by a Hezbollah rocket in Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel near the Lebanon border, on March 27, 2024. (Jalaa MAREY / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 172 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, after the United States withheld its veto and abstained from the vote. What is different in the text of this resolution and what it’s calling for? Berman reported yesterday that he was being told the chances of a hostage release deal were at best 50-50. What happened last night to lower those odds even further and where do we stand now? Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked on parts of his proposed Haredi enlistment law and the updated version is expected to be brought to the cabinet on Tuesday. Horovitz weighs in. New Hope chair Gideon Sa’ar announced his four-seat party’s departure from the coalition yesterday, two weeks after dissolving his political alliance with Benny Gantz, after his demands to be appointed to the high-level war cabinet were not met. Anyone care? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 26, 2024 UN Security Council adopts call for Gaza ceasefire, hostage release as US abstains US non-veto at UN, Netanyahu’s response reflect an alliance in crisis, a war slowed Hamas tells mediators it’s ‘sticking to original position’ on demand for full ceasefire Under pressure, PM revises Haredi enlistment plan but fails to satisfy critics Gideon Sa’ar quits coalition after Netanyahu fails to appoint him to war cabinet THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli police stand guard as relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks by Hamas protest during a Purim parade in Jerusalem on March 25, 2024. (Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 171 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israeli officials seem to be giving the hostage release negotiations that are currently underway a 50-50 chance of success, but it sounds like the numbers and nuts and bolts of the potential deal continue to solidify. What is Berman hearing? Late last week, Berman was embedded with the IDF near Khan Younis and Lt. Col. Ofir Caspi made headlines for some of his more controversial remarks. What did Berman see there and what did Caspi say? Yesterday, US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday did not rule out consequences for Israel if it moves forward with a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but US President Joe Biden seems to be on board with targeted operations. How does Berman see that working out? United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Sunday in Cairo that delivering the necessary aid to famine-threatened Gaza “requires Israel removing the remaining obstacles and chokepoints to relief.” Berman speaks about the delicate balance the IDF must take while securing the aid conveys. And finally, Berman puts on his old university chaplain hat and answers some questions about Purim. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 25, 2024 Israel said willing to free some 800 inmates for 40 captives, as talks given 50/50 odds As Rafah waiting game continues, 82nd Battalion expands long fight in Khan Younis Biden’s wished-for targeted operation in Rafah might not be out of the question Kamala Harris doesn’t rule out consequences for Israel if it goes ahead with Rafah op UN chief blames Israeli ‘obstacles, chokepoints’ for looming famine in Gaza Strip THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Smoke plumes billow after Israeli bombardment over Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 20, 2024, during the ongoing war against Hamas. (Said Khatid / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 170 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Fabian offers an update on the continuing Shifa Hospital raid as IDF troops moves through the compound during the week-long operation and should come to an end within the next few days. He looks at the ongoing situation in north that appears to be intensifying as Hezbollah fired a battery of 50 rockets that landed near Kibbutz Kfar Blum. Fabian also discusses the early Friday morning attack in the West Bank with lone sniper who was well prepared, taking several hours of a shootout, including a Duvdevan commado unit and helicopter to locate and take him out. Finally, he speaks about Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's trip to Washington, DC Sunday with several senior defense ministry officials and IDF officials, in order to discuss the Gaza war, ongoing humanitarian situation, weapons deliveries and hostage situation. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 24, 2024 Over 170 gunmen killed, 800 suspects captured in ongoing Shifa Hospital raid — IDF Hezbollah claims it targeted Iron Dome battery near Kfar Blum with armed UAVs IDF names soldier killed in West Bank sniper attack; battalion chief seriously hurt Gallant to leave for Washington Sunday at invitation of US defense chief Jerusalem mayor meets hostages’ families, agrees on changes to Purim parade THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: The fiancee of Ilya Cohen, who is still be held hostage in Gaza, calling for his release at a protest in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv (Courtesy Adar Eyal)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 169 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. What do we now know about a potential address by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress and Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer's response to it? A massive appropriations package the US Congress passed early Saturday included a one-year ban on US funding to UNRWA until 2025. Magid explains what are likely scenarios. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is conducting a tour of the region and he said at the Rafah crossing today that a long line of blocked relief trucks on Egypt’s side of the border with the Gaza Strip where people face starvation is a moral outrage, blaming Israel for the delay. Yesterday, Magid spoke with the UN’s Gaza humanitarian coordinator. What did he learn? The UN Security Council is set to vote on Monday on a resolution demanding a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, but the United States warned the measure could hurt negotiations to pause the Israel-Hamas war. Magid weighs in. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel on the last stop of his sixth diplomatic swing through the region since war erupted on October 7, amid tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the management of the conflict. What are we hearing from Blinken's meetings here? Magid obtained a series of documents that reveal how top Israeli officials sought and expressed their appreciation for the financial support provided by Qatar to stabilize the humanitarian situation in Gaza in the years and months prior to Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 23, 2024 ‘A moral outrage’: At Gaza border, UN chief decries blocked trucks, inadequate aid flow Schumer suggests he’s on board with proposal for Netanyahu to address Congress Israel lauds US ban on UNRWA financing until 2025 under new government funding bill UNSC vote set for Monday on new Gaza ceasefire resolution; US unlikely to back it Blinken warns major Rafah op risks global isolation, long-term security harm for Israel Documents show Israel sought, valued Qatari aid for Gaza in years leading to Oct. 7 THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: File - Jamie McGoldrick, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, visits the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on March 5, 2020. (SAID KHATIB / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 168 of the war with Hamas. Jewish world reporter Canaan Lidor joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Lidor talks about comments made by prominent Reform rabbi Angela Buchdahl about the struggles American Jews are having regarding Israel, the ongoing war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also looks at a Knesset bill regarding the appointment of municipal rabbis, a potentially divisive bill that was postponed due to objections from senior lawmakers. Lidor then discusses evacuees from the Gaza border communities remaining in Dead Sea hotels, because of the sense of trauma and lack of safety they feel in their former hometowns. Steinberg describes the Fast of Esther prayers at different locations around Israel on Thursday, as well as the massive recitation of the Shema prayer at the Western Wall, for the safe return of the hostages. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 22, 2024 Top US rabbi says Gaza’s plight, distrust of Netanyahu make supporting Israel ‘hard’ After protests, coalition refreezes bill hiking number of municipal rabbis At Dead Sea hotels, lasting mental, physical traumas delay homecoming for some evacuees Jerusalem mayor meets hostages’ families, agrees on changes to Purim parade THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Jews attend a prayer for the return of the Israeli hostages at the Western Wall on March 21, 2024. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 167 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. We begin today's episode with more ripples felt since Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer’s 45-minute speech last Thursday calling for new Israeli elections as the war winds down and branding Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace. Yesterday, Netanyahu spoke to a group of Republican senators and US House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that the legislative chamber’s Republican caucus is considering inviting Netanyahu to address Congress. What does it mean as Israel -- or at least Netanyahu -- becomes an increasingly partisan issue? Netanyahu said yesterday he would “soon approve plans to evacuate the civilian population” from Rafah ahead of an expected major operation in the southern Gaza city. At the same time, he acknowledged that preparations for the operation “will take some time,” as Jerusalem continues its dialogue with Washington. What new information do we have on a looking Rafah operation? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Israel on Friday, but yesterday he said that the “gaps are narrowing” between Israel and Hamas on an extended truce and hostage deal. What are we hearing from Israeli hostage families? Though the findings predated the Hamas massacre of October 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza, Israel wis fifth place in the World Happiness rankings for 2024. Horovitz weighs in. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 21, 2024 US speaker says House GOP weighing asking Netanyahu to address Congress Never mind Chuck Schumer’s hopes and fears, what Israel do Israelis want? ‘Gaps closing’ in hostage talks, Blinken says as he begins 6th wartime trip to region Israel drops one place to 5th in global happiness list; Finland retains top spot THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: File: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves following his address to a joint session of the US Congress on March 3, 2015 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (MANDEL NGAN / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 166 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Ops and Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Schneider discusses the Canadian arms embargo that was passed in the Canadian parliament on Tuesday, highlighting the shift of global opinion against Israel and what it could mean in G7 politics. She also talks about the food crisis in the Gaza Strip, the efforts being made by chef José Andrés's organization World Central Kitchen to bring food into the region and what it could mean if the term 'famine' is used to describe the situation in Gaza. Herschlag discusses the Purim debate set out by ToI bloggers, who are discussing how to celebrate and mark the day this year, given the ongoing war, the remaining hostages and the Jewish commandment to celebrate. Schneider briefly mentions the upcoming appearance of former justice minister Tzipi Livni in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 20, 2024 After non-binding motion, Canada to halt arms exports to Israel Report says famine imminent in much of northern Gaza Who’s in the mood for Purim this year? A slightly different Purim for a very different year ‘Agunah Day’ and the Kontseptsia Tzipi Livni arrives in court to testify in Netanyahu corruption trial THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE:  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, talks with Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly during the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 165 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone yesterday. It was their 20th phone call since the outbreak of war following Hamas’s October 7 attack, but their first since February 15. Goren fills us in on the broad strokes points addressed in the conversation, according to both leaders' readouts. The phone call came four days after a scorching speech from longtime pro-Israel stalwart and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer — who is the most senior Jewish lawmaker in Congress -- calling for early elections in Israel to replace Netanyahu. What are the scenarios that could lead to new elections? The United States imposed more sanctions on three Israeli settlers -- and, for the first time, two illegal outposts -- implicated in West Bank violence. What does it mean to sanction an outpost? Six Israeli settler activists were arrested Friday night during a Shabbat dinner next to the Erez Crossing into Gaza, where they were spending a Shabbat dedicated to calling for the resettlement by Israel of the Gaza Strip. Sharon takes a step back and delivers the big picture. More than half of the evacuees from Israel’s south — 32,000 out of the 60,000 people whom the government evacuated from locales within a 7-kilometer radius (4.3 miles) of the border with Gaza — are back in their communities. So the question remains how are they going to be protected? For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 19, 2024 Biden rules out support for major Rafah op, in first call with PM in over a month US targets three settlers, two illegal outposts in second round of sanctions Six settler activists arrested at Erez Crossing after 50 people stage Shabbat event Over half of southern evacuees back home as officials prep massive rehabilitation push THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Settlement activists hold a Shabbat event at the Erez crossing on the Israeli border with northern Gaza, March 16, 2024. (Courtesy Shavei Aza and Back to Home)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 164 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The IDF released footage of what it says are Hamas operatives opening fire at troops from Shifa Hospital in Gaza City this morning as the army carried out a fresh raid on the medical center overnight. Why has the IDF returned to the medical compound now? Israel’s negotiating team is expected in Doha today for some two weeks of indirect negotiations. Berman weighs in on what we possibly can expect. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was in Israel for the second time during the war with Hamas and he expressed concern for protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid. How did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu respond? Thursday’s speech by US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is continuing to see ripples both in Israel and abroad. Berman weighs in with some Israeli responses and how this speech may affect US Jewry at this fraught time. For the latest updates, please review The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 18, 2024 Israeli delegation to head to Doha for hostage talks Monday after security cabinet ok As ministers meet, protesters block roads in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, urge hostage deal ‘We’re not a banana republic’: Netanyahu denounces Schumer’s call for Israeli elections Germany’s Scholz meets PM, calls for hostage deal with ‘longer-lasting ceasefire’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: File: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, meets with Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, March 23, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 163 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Palestinian sources have told a UK-based Saudi newspaper that Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of Hamas’s military wing and the terror group’s third most senior official in Gaza, was at the location targeted in an Israeli strike last week. But Fabian explains that we still don’t know whether he was hit. The Israel Defense Forces says a “suspicious aerial target” was intercepted over night over the maritime space in the area of the coastal northern city of Acre. Fabian suggests three possibilities. The World Central Kitchen NGO offloaded about “200 tons of food” onto a Gaza shore yesterday. That aid now needs to reach civilians. We drill down into the IDF's role in securing its journey, especially after claims by the Hamas terror group that troops had opened fire on crowds of civilians waiting for aid at a square in Gaza City. A Palestinian gunman opened fire Saturday at an Israeli settlement neighborhood in the West Bank city of Hebron, according to the military, before being shot dead by troops. Who was he and where did he shoot from? A Bedouin Israeli man who crossed into the Gaza Strip in 2016 and allegedly joined Hamas before being detained while trying to cross back into Israel during the ongoing war, has died in custody, authorities said Saturday. Fabian tries to put the pieces of his story together. For the latest updates, please review The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 17, 2024 NGO says 1st aid ship to Gaza is unloaded, supplies being readied for distribution IDF probe: Palestinian gunmen killed Gazans waiting for aid, army did not fire Palestinian gunman opens fire at Hebron settlement neighborhood, is killed by troops IDF chief says Israel in ‘multi-front war,’ urges vigilance amid Ramadan tensions Bedouin Israeli said to have joined Hamas in Gaza dies after found unconscious in cell THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. Check out the previous Daily Briefing episode: https://omny.fm/shows/the-daily-briefing/day-162-who-was-senator-schumers-howler-speech-aim IMAGE: A Palestinian woman sits on a cart next to a box of food rations provided by charity World Central Kitchen at a makeshift street market in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 14, 2024. (Mohammed Abed/ AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 162 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning US and Jordanian aircraft dropped food supplies to Palestinian civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip in a joint humanitarian aid operation and the World Central Kitchen NGO has finished unloading its first maritime aid shipment, in a test run for a new aid route by sea from Cyprus. Magid explains what we know so far. Magid spoke with a few officials this week who told him that Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani proposed expelling Hamas’s leaders from Doha during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken days after the terror group’s October 7 onslaught. How was this proposal made — and why was it rebuffed? US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday called on Israel to hold new elections, saying he believed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost his way” and was an obstacle to peace in the region. What was the context for his comments and how were they received both in the US and in Israel? For the latest updates, please review The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 16, 2024 NGO says 1st aid ship to Gaza is unloaded, supplies being readied for distribution First ship to use new sea route arrives in Gaza with 200 tons of humanitarian aid Qatar emir proposed expelling Hamas officials in meet with Blinken days after Oct. 7 Biden hails ‘good speech’ by Schumer criticizing Netanyahu, says many Americans agree Senate leader Schumer urges Israeli election, says Netanyahu ‘has lost his way’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: File - Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, March 12, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 161 of the war with Hamas. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Surkes talks about her interview with one of the founders of Achim LaNeshek, Brothers in Arms, the civilian organization with tremendous organizational skills who are expanding their societal efforts to education and needs in Gaza border communities along with some political aspirations. She discusses the shortage of olive oil in Israel, the rising prices, and the need to import olive oils, sometimes fake olive oils that end up having to be recalled by importers. Surkes also looks at the pause on urban development for Jerusalem's Bible Hill, an urban nature hilltop with plans for a hotel and commercial center, but the discovery of its ownership by a nearby church canceled plans. For the latest updates, please review The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 15, 2024 Impact of olive oil shortage on Israel could have been averted, industry chief says With olives pressed and picked, local farmers hope consumers discover oil in Israel Jerusalem mayor reverses support for large development at Bible Hill nature spot THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Members of the Brothers in Arms movement protest outside the house of minister Yitzchak Goldknopf in Jerusalem on February 26, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 160 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem office for today's episode. Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfus, the commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ 98th Division, went off script yesterday during a briefing near the Gaza border and addressed Israel’s leadership. What did he say and how were his remarks received? The National Unity wing of the coalition is no longer united: On Tuesday evening, MK Gideon Sa’ar, the leader of the right-wing New Hope party, unexpectedly announced he was breaking off from the National Unity faction, dissolving his alliance with Minister Benny Gantz. Horovitz weighs in. Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a a virtual meeting with ministers from Britain, Cyprus, the European Union, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a new maritime corridor for aid into Gaza after which he told reporters that protecting and aiding Palestinian civilians must be “job number one” for Israel in the Gaza Strip. How does this jibe with Israel’s two stated goals of the war — the dismantling of Hamas and bringing home the hostages? The IDF said Wednesday it plans to direct a significant portion of the 1.4 million displaced Gazans in Rafah toward “humanitarian islands” in the center of the territory, ahead of a planned operation in the Gazan city. Horovitz explains what little we know about this plan and the Rafah operation's timing. On Sunday night, Jonathan Glazer won an Oscar -- and lost Horovitz's respect. Glazer used his acceptance speech to deliver a very damning message to the world in which he “misidentified the root cause of the October 7 slaughter and the war.” Horovitz explains. For the latest updates, please review The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 14, 2024 In rare critique, IDF general says politicians must ‘be worthy of us’ Polls show slow start for solo Sa’ar, dramatic impact for Bennett and Cohen parties ‘A statesmanlike right’: Why Gideon Sa’ar has decamped Gantz’s National Unity party Blinken: Protecting civilians must be ‘job number one’ for Israel in Gaza IDF: Civilians in Rafah will be evacuated to ‘humanitarian islands’ before ground op And the Oscar for incendiary misdiagnosis of the cause of a massacre of Jews goes to… THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: The commander of the 98th Division, Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfus, speaks to the press from the Gaza border, March 13, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 159 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning two people are wounded in a stabbing attack at the “tunnels” checkpoint near Gush Etzion on the West Bank’s Route 60 highway, south of Jerusalem. Fabian gives updates. Israelis awoke to optimistic media chatter about the status of hostage release negotiations. Berman fills us in. Earlier in the week, the IDF struck central Gaza strike, targeting Hamas #3 Marwan Issa. We hear about the ongoing uncertainty whether the strike was successful. A ship taking almost 200 tons of food to the Gaza Strip left Cyprus early on Tuesday, according to the World Central Kitchen, in a pilot project to open a new sea route for aid to Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Also yesterday, the United Nations used a new land route to deliver food directly into northern Gaza from an IDF crossing near Kibbutz Be’eri for the first time. And again, on Tuesday, Morocco sent 40 tons of humanitarian supplies for Gaza via Ben Gurion Airport, in another bid to diversify aid routes into Gaza. We discuss the different routes and the IDF's role in securing them, as well as the diplomatic impact the need for aid to the Palestinians is having on Israel's "friendly" neighbors. We also hear about the status of UNRWA funding and which organizations Israel is willing to work with. Finally, Fabian gives us an update on the sharp uptick in the conflict in the north. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 13, 2024 Two lightly injured in stabbing at West Bank checkpoint, assailant shot dead Jammed hostage talks advancing as Hamas softens under Qatari pressure — diplomat IDF airs footage of strike on Hamas’s No. 3, but says still unclear if he was killed UN and Morocco deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via land routes through Israel As first ship sails, Israel to inspect all aid from Cyprus; aid groups will distribute IDF strikes Hezbollah sites deep in Lebanon; 100 rockets fired at north THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Palestinians line up for a meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on March 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 158 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses political reactions to the statement made by Sephardic chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef regarding a mass ultra-Orthodox exit from Israel if yeshiva students are forced to enlist in the army. Wrobel looks at why markets and investors are currently bullish on Israel, a sense of cautious optimism given the waning war in Gaza and fewer signs of engagement in the north. Sokol talks about the latest mayoral elections in Beit Shemesh, the central city with a large ultra-Orthodox population and a new, moderate Haredi mayor. Wrobel describes a forum created by spouses of reservists for their particular needs during wartime, as they struggle to care for kids, homes, and jobs. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 12, 2024 Watchdog group calls for removal of chief rabbi for politicizing judicial role Assailing chief rabbi, Lapid says Haredim would have to get jobs if they moved abroad Despite war uncertainty, Israeli stocks and the shekel attract investors Ultra-Orthodox retake Beit Shemesh, former Haifa mayor Yona Yahav returns to office Fired during war, reservists’ wives band together to battle for job security THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef attends a prayer for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at the Rachel's Tomb on October 25, 2023 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90 )See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 157 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. At the Oscars last night, the acceptance speech from Jonathan Glazer -- writer-director of the Holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest” -- was used to comment on the Israel-Hamas war. Glazer appears to equate the massacre perpetrated by Hamas on October 7 with the ongoing war in Gaza. Berman weighs in on how prevalent this thinking may be in the wider population. Berman attempts to make sense of conflicting reports over the status of negotiations to secure a hostage release deal. At the Institute for National Security Studies conference in Tel Aviv on Thursday, Berman had a long in-depth sit-down conversation with retired US Gen. David Petraeus who commanded US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan among other high-level assignments during a 37-year military career. We hear what Petraeus has to say about IDF tactics in Gaza. In a session at the INSS conference, former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman said the organization had pushed for a surprise attack on Hamas’s top leadership for years before the devastating October 7 terror onslaught, but Israel’s political leadership repeatedly shot the idea down. We hear more about the politicized atmosphere at the conference. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 11, 2024 ‘Oppenheimer’ wins big at Academy Awards where Gaza, Ukraine wars cast shadow ‘He’s wrong’: PM bluntly rejects Biden critique, says most Israelis back his policies Former Shin Bet chief: Government repeatedly rejected plans to kill Hamas’s Sinwar THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: James Wilson, from left, Leonard Blavatnik, and Jonathan Glazer accept the award for 'The Zone of Interest' for best international feature film during the Oscars, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, March 10, 2024. (Chris Pizzello/AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 156 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Police and the Shin Bet say 13 Arab Israelis from northern Israel are being charged with planning terror attacks on behalf of Hamas. Who were arrested as far as we know? The Hamas operative who killed Maj. (res.) Amishar Ben David during a battle in southern Gaza on Friday was killed in an airstrike, the IDF says. How common is such a very precisely targeted strike? Some 37 rockets were fired in two volleys from Lebanon at the Mount Meron area this morning, and overnight fighter jets struck several Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon overnight, including infrastructure in Ayta ash-Shab, an anti-tank missile post in Maroun al-Ras, and a site where Hezbollah operatives were spotted in Khirbet Selm. How are these connected? Police arrested 20 East Jerusalem residents on suspicion of incitement and support for terrorism over the past two weeks, according to a statement released this morning as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins. What else has been happening ahead of Ramadan, especially in the West Bank? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 10, 2024 Hezbollah fires barrage at north after deadly IDF strike in Lebanon IDF officer killed in Gaza fighting, raising toll of slain troops to 248 Seven soldiers wounded by IED blast in West Bank town; troops launch manhunt Hezbollah fires rocket volleys at north, hits home with anti-tank missile THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip in a photo cleared for publication on March 9, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 155 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In his state of the union address on Thursday, US President Joe Biden announced that the US will build a floating dock off the shore of Gaza. We hear details of the dock and short and long-term plans for it. Magid shares what else was relevant to Israel in Thursday's address -- and why the country should take note. The Biden administration's frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to mount, as seen by statements made by the president and Vice President Kamala Harris. Finally, on Friday, Biden warned Israel that tensions in east Jerusalem may be high ahead of Ramadan if the hostage deal is not signed. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 9, 2024 How the US military plans to build a floating dock for urgently needed aid to Gaza Biden says Israel will secure new Gaza pier; Pentagon: It may take 2 months to build Biden in SOTU pledges to free hostages, warns Israel not to use aid as bargaining chip Biden caught on hot mic: I told Bibi we’re going to have a ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting Harris: Israelis deserve security, don’t ‘conflate’ them with the Israeli government Biden worried about potential East Jerusalem violence if no Gaza deal before Ramadan THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: An Israeli navy warship sails in the Mediterranean Sea waters off the coast of the Gaza Strip as pictured from a position along the border in southern Israel on January 4, 2024. (JACK GUEZ / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 154 of the war. Arabic affairs correspondent Gianluca Pacchiani and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Pacchiani speaks about expectations for Ramadan, a usually celebratory period, as East Jerusalemites wonder what kind of access they and Palestinian Arabs will have to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. Fiske speaks about back-to-school again in the southern city of Sderot, where some 60% of the community returned home after months of being evacuated around the country, and their hopes for a different reality after years of rocket attacks. Fiske also looks at the unexpected spike in online schools for Arabic, as Jewish Israelis want to learn how to speak Arabic, for different kinds of reasons. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 8, 2024 In East Jerusalem, hopes for a calm Ramadan mix with fears of Al-Aqsa restrictions In Sderot, a first day of school for ‘the second time’ ‘It’s a bit stressful’: Schools in Sderot reopen after five months of war THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli border police officers visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, March 7, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 153 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We hear statements from two journalists who arguably have the ear of the White House. Horovitz discusses how representative the statements are as every move the Biden administration makes in the war in Gaza is scrutinized ahead of the US elections in November. On April 30, 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic, 45 people were killed in a crush at the Mount Meron gravesite of a second-century sage in northern Israel. After two and a half years of work, a state commission of inquiry headed by retired judge Dvora Berliner has named a number of officials responsible for the disaster in a 320-page report. We hear about the results of the inquiry as well as political blowback. In Horovitz's weekly column yesterday, he proposed that we’re living in the most worrying period for Jews since WWII. How is he seeing this play out? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 7, 2024 Report: Biden mulling moves to keep Israel from using US weapons in Rafah State inquiry blames Netanyahu, but does not sanction him, for deadly 2021 Meron crush Likud derides inquiry on deadly Meron crush as ‘political weapon’ against Netanyahu Full text of inquiry’s findings on officials’ responsibility for 2021 Meron disaster We’re living in the most worrying period for Jews since World War II THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Victims of the April 30, 2021, Mount Meron disaster: Top row (L-R): Chen Doron, Haim Rock, Ariel Tzadik, Yossi Kohn, Yisrael Anakvah, Yishai Mualem, Yosef Mastorov, Elkana Shiloh and Moshe Levy; 2nd row (L-R): Shlomo Zalman Leibowitz, Shmuel Zvi Klagsbald, Mordechai Fakata, Dubi Steinmetz, Abraham Daniel Ambon, Eliezer Gafner, Yosef Greenbaum, Yehuda Leib Rubin and Yaakov Elchanan Starkovsky; 3rd row (L-R): Haim Seler, Yehoshua Englard, Moshe Natan Neta Englard, Yedidia Hayut, Moshe Ben Shalom, David Krauss, Eliezer Tzvi Joseph, Yosef Yehuda Levy and Yosef Amram Tauber; 4th row (L-R): Menachem Knoblowitz, Elazar Yitzchok Koltai, Yosef David Elhadad, Shraga Gestetner, Yonatan Hebroni, Shimon Matalon, Elazar Mordechai Goldberg, Moshe Bergman and Daniel Morris; 5th row (L-R): Ariel Achdut, Moshe Mordechai Elhadad, Hanoch Slod, Yedidya Fogel, Menahem Zakbah, Simcha Diskind, Moshe Tzarfati, Nahman Kirshbaum and Eliyahu Cohen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 152 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg. Schneider discusses the US visit of war cabinet member Benny Gantz, where he heard administration criticism about the lack of a viable post-war plan for Gaza, as well as the growing aid issue in the Gaza Strip. She also looks at the decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow visits to the Temple Mount during Ramadan, overruling Public Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and the possible political ramifications of that decision. Lidor talks about the return of some residents to the southern communities of Shlomit and Sderot, the desire of locals to return to their homes and what that looks like right now, during a war. Schneider and Lidor speak about the expected results on Wednesday of the commission of inquiry into the 2021 Mt. Meron disaster on Lag B'omer, and what plans will look like for this year's holiday celebration for the ultra-Orthodox community, given the ongoing closure in the north. Lidor concludes the podcast with a discussion of his piece about peaceniks who lived in the Gaza border communities that were attacked on October 7, and what they feel now about regular Gazans. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 6, 2024 Hosting Gantz, Harris balances praise of Israel with criticism over Gaza aid crisis Netanyahu overrules Ben Gvir: Temple Mount access on Ramadan to be like previous years No longer a ghost town, Sderot welcomes returnees and a renewed sense of normalcy Meron disaster inquest blames former ministers Ohana, Avitan, police chief Shabtai Their dovish hopes clipped, some Gaza border residents make peace with becoming hawks THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Benny Gantz, left, a key member of Israel's War Cabinet is welcomed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, for a private meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 151 of the war with Hamas. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In a 24-page report yesterday, the United Nation’s envoy on sex crimes during conflict told the UN that rape and gang rape likely occurred during the October 7 Hamas onslaught against southern Israel, that “clear and convincing” evidence shows that hostages were raped while being held in Gaza, and that those currently held captive are still facing such abuse. We talk about the methodology of the report and whether international women's groups will have some kind of reckoning in light of its findings. War cabinet minister Benny Gantz has been in the United States for the past several days meeting with Biden administration officials and is set to travel to London for similar meetings. Goren explains why this trip is an unusual move for a cabinet minister. For the first time in Israel’s history, the IDF has appointed a woman to command an Israeli Air Force base. We hear about Lt. Col. “Gimmel.” The Energy Ministry is finalizing a potentially revolutionary plan, to be submitted to the government by March 18, to turn the Tekuma region along the Gaza border into a flagship for energy independence and renewable energy. This was unveiled at a conference in Eilat. What else did you hear at the conference? Children in the Negev Bedouin village of Elarara are learning in classrooms heated by a diesel generator, which emits carcinogenic fumes. We hear how this is now an isolated incident and what a Jewish-Arab NGO is trying to do about it. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 5, 2024 UN finds evidence of rape on Oct. 7 and after; Israel: They tried to downplay issue Hosting Gantz, Harris balances praise of Israel with criticism over Gaza aid crisis For first time in Israel’s history, IDF appoints woman commander of Air Force base THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Israelis visit the site of the Re'im music festival massacre in southern Israel, February 28, 2024. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 150 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. At a campaign stop in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where state troopers beat US civil rights marchers nearly six decades ago, US Vice President Kamala Harris delivered what appeared to be the sharpest rebuke yet by a senior leader in the US government over the conditions in the Gaza Strip. There appears to be a shift in tone, but was there also a switch in messaging? An Israeli official told Berman yesterday that following Thursday’s deadly stampede in Gaza City surrounding an aid convoy, Israel will try new solutions for delivering humanitarian supplies to northern Gaza this week. What are some of these approaches? According to an Egyptian state-linked TV report, mediators and envoys from the Hamas terror group have made “significant progress” toward a truce in Gaza, as the talks in Cairo entered a second day. Why did Israel not send a team? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 4, 2024 Urging 6-week ‘ceasefire,’ US VP Harris says Israel not doing enough to get aid to Gaza After deadly aid incident, Israel to try new methods of delivery to north Gaza this week Israel won’t send team to Cairo, said to believe Sinwar seeks escalation on Ramadan THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Palestinians sit in a vehicle loaded with sacks of humanitarian aid outside the distribution center of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 3, 2024. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 149 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. A rare barrage of long-range rockets was launched from Gaza toward Beersheba yesterday. Who claimed responsibility and what do these rockets represent? The Israel Defense Forces said it struck a vehicle near southern Lebanon’s Naqoura on Saturday, targeting operatives belonging to the Imam Hossein Division, an Iranian militia that operates alongside Hezbollah. Fabian speaks about the increase of overt attacks on Iranian operatives. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir railed at the release of Palestinian administrative detainees, claiming they were not freed due to overcrowding as had been stated. How many were released and on whose authority? And what is the status of the Gazan detainees? Cpl. Ori Megidish, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and later rescued from captivity in the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defense Forces, returned to active military service on Monday. In what roles will she serve? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 3, 2024 Three soldiers killed in Gaza as troops keep up raids on Hamas sites and gunmen IDF: Lebanon strike targeted Iranian militia members involved in rocket fire on north Ben Gvir: Shin Bet head ordered release of administrative detainees as Ramadan ‘gesture’ Rescued Gaza hostage Ori Megidish returns to active military service THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: The logo of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement at the Shatila camp for Palestinian refugees in a southern suburb of Beirut on November 7, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 148 of the war with Hamas. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Joe Biden announced on Friday plans to carry out a first US military airdrop of food and supplies into Gaza, a day after the reported deaths of dozens of Palestinians in a crowd crush as they rushed an aid convoy threw a spotlight on an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in the war-torn coastal enclave. That aid began reaching the Gaza Strip today, but the question is, is airdropping the most efficient method? During the vote counting from Tuesday’s Michigan primary, over 101,000 people were found to have cast “uncommitted” ballots, most of them likely in protest of Biden’s Israel-Hamas war policies. What makes Michigan an especially watched primary and what do these votes represent? The European Union is planning to host a “Preparatory Peace Conference” with regional stakeholders to advance a two-state solution. Magid, in conversation with EU Middle East peace envoy Sven Koopmans, heard about the official's modest hopes. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 2, 2024 ‘No excuses’: Biden announces US military to airdrop food, supplies into war-torn Gaza Michigan’s Gaza protest votes below levels seen as requiring major Biden shift EU envoy details plans for ‘preparatory’ conference to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace Peace efforts can be advanced, even if parties not currently interested — EU envoy THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A US Air Force cargo plane heads for an airdrop of aid over Gaza, March 2, 2024 (US Central Command photo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 147 of the war with Hamas. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Dozens of Palestinians were killed Thursday in Gaza City as they swarmed aid trucks that entered the city. What is the IDF telling us about what happened? Yesterday afternoon, two Israelis were killed when a Palestinian terrorist opened fire at a gas station outside the West Bank settlement of Eli before being shot and killed by the proprietor of a nearby business on leave from fighting in Gaza. First, we hear about the victims and then the perpetrator. Ghert-Zand brings some highlights from a conference on women soldiers’ health under war. Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center-Ichilov Hospital has opened a suite of 10 new underground operating rooms for ambulatory surgeries. What’s unique about this new set-up? In a scientific first, researchers at Bar-Ilan University have created testicles in a laboratory — a discovery that they hope could lead to a better understanding of sex determination as well as advances in infertility treatment. We also hear how it could be a methodology used in the future for male children facing cancer treatments. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 1, 2024 US blocks Security Council motion blaming Israel for deadly Gaza aid convoy incident Dozens killed in Gaza aid stampede; IDF says its fire caused no more than 10 casualties Rabbi, teen hitchhiker killed in terror shooting at West Bank gas station Surgery without a stay: Ichilov hospital unveils new operating rooms to cut wait times In breakthrough, Bar-Ilan University scientists form artificial lab-grown testicles THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: This image grab from a handout video released by the Israeli army on February 29, 2024, shows Gazans surrounding aid trucks in Gaza City.(Photo by Israeli Army / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 146 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar believes that Hamas is winning the war it started against Israel on October 7, telling senior Hamas officials in Qatar that his ruling terror group “has the Israelis right where we want them.” Horovitz weighs in. On Wednesday, in a televised speech, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank to march to Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray on the first day of Ramadan on March 10, during the war in Gaza, seemingly seeking to raise tensions in the area. At the same time, Israel’s war cabinet has reportedly ruled that National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir won’t be able to bar Arab Israelis from worshiping at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount on Ramadan. What may happen at this flashpoint site? Yesterday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called for an end to military draft exemptions for members of the ultra-Orthodox community, and said he would only back legislation settling the matter if it is endorsed by centrist ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot. Horovitz explains how the clock is ticking for new efforts to conscription “all Israelis.” In total, 3,511,758 out of 7,100,390 eligible voters cast ballots, down from 56% during the previous municipal elections in 2018, according to data provided by the Interior Ministry. It seems Haredi Israelis turned out in high numbers, while Jerusalem Arabs largely boycotted. Horovitz breaks down some of the numbers. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 29, 2024 Gallant says no Haredi draft bill without centrist support, risking coalition crisis Report: War cabinet sidelines Ben Gvir, rejects Ramadan Al Aqsa limits on Arab Israelis Hamas chief claims flexibility in truce talks, calls for Ramadan march on Jerusalem Half of Israel stays away from democracy * Friction helps Biden and the PM * SIMs signs THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Hamas's Gaza Strip leader Yahya Sinwar in a tunnel in southern Gaza's Khan Younis, October 10, 2023 (IDF Spokesman)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 145 of the war with Hamas. Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Results from yesterday's municipal elections are still coming in, but in the meantime, we focus on Tiberias, where a secular former communications executive Yossi Naba’a has apparently won the race by garnering religious backing. Lidor tells us about this special race. On Monday, the Palestinian Authority’s government formally resigned in what is meant to mark a major step toward the revitalization of the administrative body. Pacchiani weighs in on why this may not be that step. For years, Israeli news media has talked about “alleged Israeli air strikes on Syria.” But lately, the Air Force appears to be taking much more overt credit for targeting leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Pacchiani spoke with two experts who explain the shift. Late last week, leaders of South African Jewry who were visiting Israel organized a ceremony in honor of members of their community who were killed or wounded or made other sacrifices defending the Jewish state. Lidor explains why this was also a political protest. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 28, 2024 In Tiberias, Haredi locals cheer for defeat of their secularist nemesis’s comeback bid ‘Cosmetic’ PA reshuffle seen as bid by Abbas to hold power, avoid demanded reforms No longer afraid of sparking war, Israel takes gloves off against IRGC in Syria Defying their government, South African Jews honor compatriots who fell for Israel THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A truck in flames following an alleged Israeli airstrike near the Syrian town of Qusayr, February 25, 2024. (X screengrab: used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 144 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor-in-chief Biranit Goren and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg. Schneider discusses election day for local authorities and municipalities, describing the expectation that most Israelis will vote for incumbent politicians, rather than push forward on other issues, given the status of war and hostage situation. Goren explains the latest in the matter of the Haredi draft, concerning a government resolution and the High Court, and how this could lead the ultra-Orthodox community and government toward finding a compromise for drafting Haredi yeshiva students. Schneider and Goren look at the latest revelation regarding intelligence ahead of the October 7 Hamas terrorist assault, examining the political machinations behind the revelations. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 27, 2024 Polls open across much of Israel for twice-delayed local elections under shadow of war As Israel heads to municipal elections mid-war, here’s what you need to know High Court orders the government to explain why its refusal to draft Haredim is legal Hours before Hamas attack, IDF noticed dozens of terrorists activating Israeli SIMs THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Families of hostages set up booths next to polling stations during local elections on February 27, 2024, reminding voters to 'Choose the hostages' (Courtesy Hostages and Missing Families Forum)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 143 of the war. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg. Berman talks about the movement made in the latest round of hostage negotiations while acknowledging the many details that still need to be agreed upon by Israel and Hamas before any deal can be finalized. He also talks about two tours he recently made into Gaza, commenting that war aims haven't been met as IDF war dwindles to a smaller operation, and what the situation will look like as war ends, who will rule the Gaza Strip. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 26, 2024 War cabinet votes to dispatch Israeli team to Paris for fresh try at hostage talks Israel to decide on sending team to hostage talks amid cautious signs of progress THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Demonstrators calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, February 19, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 142 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Israeli Navy’s fleet of missile boats carried out “extensive” exercises, as the military prepares for potential war in the north while Israel warns that its patience for a diplomatic solution is running out. Is this drill performative or is Israel that much closer to war in the north? Early Thursday morning, Israel’s long-range Arrow air defense system shot down a ballistic missile over the Red Sea, fired by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, the military said. How close was this to Eilat? On Thursday night, the IDF carried out a drone strike against a vehicle in the northern West Bank city of Jenin targeting a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative reportedly on his way to carry out a terror attack. Fabian speaks about the uptick of airstrikes in the West Bank. This morning, the IDF said troops nabbed several terror operatives who attempted to hide among a group of civilians evacuating from combat zones in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. We hear how this is an ongoing challenge for the IDF. On Thursday, the IDF’s Home Front Command declared it essentially safe to return to all communities located between four and seven kilometers (2.5-4.3 miles) from the border with Gaza, along with 18 communities even closer to the Strip, including some practically abutting the war-ravaged enclave. What does this tell us about the trajectory of the war in Gaza? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 25, 2024 Hezbollah fires rockets, drone at Galilee as Israeli jets pounds southern Lebanon Israeli Navy carries out ‘extensive’ drills in preparation for potential war in north Israel’s Arrow intercepts Houthi ballistic missile headed for Eilat IDF says Jenin drone strike kills Islamic Jihad terrorist behind string of shootings IDF presses on with new Gaza City operation, 20 Hamas fighters killed in past day Army okays return to many communities near Gaza, including some where Hamas attacked THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Members of the northern town of Katzrin's emergency squad train with the IDF and Israel Police in a joint exercise, Katzrin, Golan Heights on November 20, 2024. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 141 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.The US is hoping that a hostage release deal and truce can be agreed upon before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. What do we know about the potential framework of the deal from today's talks? On Thursday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the security cabinet with a document of principles regarding the management of Gaza after the war, aiming to install “local officials” unaffiliated with terrorism to administer services in the Strip instead of Hamas. We hear points from the plan. Following a deadly shooting near the West Banks city of Maale Adumim on Thursday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that permits would be released for the building of some 3,000 homes. How did the US react? The Biden administration is readying to issue a second round of sanctions in the coming weeks against Israeli settlers who carried out acts of violence in the West Bank. Who would be affected? Israel has agreed to a new arrangement with the World Food Program rather than the UNRWA relief agency for Palestinian refugees that will allow for a massive American shipment of flour for Gazan civilians to move forward. Magid gives a picture of the conditions on the ground. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 24, 2024 Netanyahu presents post-war plan to cabinet, aims for ‘local officials’ to govern Gaza US revives policy deeming settlements illegal, pans Israel’s plan for 3,000 new homes US readying to issue 2nd round of settler sanctions in coming weeks — sources Israel agrees to finally release American flour shipment for Gaza, says US official ‘Hunger is killing us’: Gazans increasingly desperate amid growing humanitarian crisis THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem, February 19, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 140 of the war. Political correspondent Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg. Sokol discusses the failed impeachment effort of Hadash-Ta'al lawmaker Ofer Cassif, who had supported the South African accusation of Israeli genocide in Gaza, he describes the heated debate in the Knesset and the reasons why it failed. He also looks at opposition leader Yair Lapid beginning an extensive legislation process regarding the draft of ultra-Orthodox community during the ongoing war. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 23, 2024 Bid to oust MK Ofer Cassif over backing for ICJ genocide case falls short in Knesset Lapid advances bill to enlist ultra-Orthodox, demanding they share IDF burden THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Ultra-Orthodox soldiers attend a swearing-in ceremony as they enter the IDF 'Nahal Haredi' unit, at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem on May 26, 2012 (Photo by Miriam Alster/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 139 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor-in-chief Biranit Goren and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg. Goren discusses Wednesday night press conference by war cabinet member MK Benny Gantz about a possible hostage deal, what details it may include and why it was Gantz and not Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking about it.  Goren also looks at the tensions and differing opinions in the war cabinet and the power plays at work among that group of politicians. Ghert-Zand talks about the predicted 30,000 Israelis who will probably suffer from PTSD in Israel after the attacks of October 7 and the ongoing war, and how psychologists and therapists plan on tackling that issue. She also discusses Ram 2, the IDF medical unit that operates inside Israeli hospitals as a kind of separate military wing for injured soldiers. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 22, 2024 Gantz sees signs of progress on hostage deal, warns of looming Rafah op during Ramadan October 7 and war trauma will lead to at least 30,000 new cases of PTSD, expert says THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: War cabinet minister Benny Gantz speaks at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem on February 18, 2024 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 138 of the war. Reporters Jeremy Sharon and Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Monday saw the start of six days of hearings in The Hague’s International Court of Justice over the UN General Assembly’s request for an advisory opinion by the ICJ on the “legal consequences” of Israel’s 56-year rule in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We hear what has been said so far. Israel Judicial Selection Committee met -- and appointed judges -- for the first time in nearly two years. Sharon explains why the two slots on the Supreme Court remain unfilled. A Palestinian artist who has in the past exhibited with renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was arrested on last week during a search conducted by an IDF reservist battalion looking for weapons in a West Bank Bedouin village. Sharon delves into the case and shares why this is hardly an isolated case. Lidor was in Kiryat Shmona yesterday, just along Israel's border with Lebanon. Within the evacuated city, several stalwarts remain. Who are they? Earlier in the week, Lidor accompanied the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations umbrella group’s first delegation to the south of Israel since October 7 and wrote about Eran Masas. Hear why his heroic story had the entire group crying. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 21, 2024 At World Court, South Africa says Israeli ‘apartheid’ surpasses its own sordid past Israel accused of repressing basic Palestinian freedoms in ICJ hearing on West Bank rule Palestinian artist who exhibited with Ai Weiwei arrested during IDF West Bank search In Safed, a deadly rocket salvo fails to rattle deeply rooted residents On Oct. 7 killing grounds, a vigilante army vet inspires grieving US Jewish leaders THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Palestinian flag flies outside the United Nations' highest court, rear, during historic hearings in The Hague, Netherlands, February 21, 2024, into the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of the West Bank and east Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 137 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode in our Jerusalem offices. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a vote at 10 a.m. local time in New York (5 p.m. in Israel) for a resolution pushed by Arab nations demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the United States has proposed a rival draft of the resolution that would underscore the body’s “support for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable, based on the formula of all hostages being released.” Horovitz delves into the nuance behind uses of the term "ceasefire" by world leaders. Opposition leader Yair Lapid submitted a new version of a draft law under which those who evade military or civil service will no longer be eligible for state funding. While there are signs that even members of the coalition are against the current legislation lengthening IDF regular and reserve service, will this new bill move forward? Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara reportedly cautioned against a proposal by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to impose age limitations on Arab Israelis who wish to pray at the Al-Aqsa compound atop the Temple Mount during Ramadan, saying that such a step would likely face legal obstacles. Horovitz speculates on rumors that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also on board with restricting Arab citizens' freedom of worship. On Monday, the IDF released what it said was recently discovered footage showing mother Shiri Bibas and her two very young red-headed children surrounded by gunmen in the Gaza Strip hours after they were abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7. Horovitz tells us what we know of the family's fate.For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 20, 2024 US proposes Security Council resolution backing temporary ceasefire to stymie Rafah push Arabs push UN vote on immediate Gaza humanitarian ceasefire despite surefire US veto Lapid advances bill to enlist ultra-Orthodox, demanding they share IDF burden AG said to oppose broad Ramadan limits on Temple Mount access for Arab Israelis IDF finds video of Bibas family in Gaza, ‘very concerned’ for mother, youngest hostages THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File - The United Nations Security Council meets to discuss the situation in the Middle East at UN headquarters in New York on January 23, 2024. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 136 of the war. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke in front of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem. On Saturday night, Berman also attended a press conference in Jerusalem with the prime minister. Was the messaging the same or different in the two events? On Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva compared Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza to the Holocaust, saying Israel was committing “genocide” against Palestinian civilians in the Strip and saying the only historical equivalent was “when Hitler decided to kill the Jews.” He made these remarks in front of an African Union summit. How did the setting played into his statements? The Palestinian Authority is may hold unity talks with Hamas in Moscow on February 26, PA Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said on Sunday. What is Russia’s interest in holding this summit? Netanyahu sided on Sunday with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Sunday, endorsing restrictions on Arab Israelis’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount during Ramadan. How will Hamas weaponize the optics of Israeli citizens being restricted from the holy site? And finally, Berman gives in-depth analysis into why Israel is not ready to fight another front in the north, and what factors need to change to allow it. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 19, 2024 Addressing US Jewish leaders on Gaza war, PM says: ‘We have to finish the job’ Netanyahu: Those telling us not to enter Rafah are essentially saying ‘lose the war’ Israel livid as Brazil’s Lula says Israel like ‘Hitler,’ committing genocide in Gaza Calling for ‘Palestinian unity,’ PA premier urges Hamas to attend Moscow meet Reports: Siding with Ben Gvir, PM plans to limit Arab Israeli Al-Aqsa access on Ramadan THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli reserve soldiers from the Nachal brigade take part in a military drill in the Golan Heights, northern Israel, February 13, 2024. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 135 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. While the world is watching to see if Israel will launch a Rafah operation, two Hamas battalions still stand in central Gaza and may be higher in the IDF's priorities. Fabian weighs in on apparent preparations. Since Thursday, the IDF has been operating in a hospital in Khan Younis. What has the IDF told of its operations there? On Friday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly revealed the identities of 12 UNRWA staff members who Israel says “actively participated” in the Hamas-led October 7 onslaught on southern Israel. We’re also hearing that some 30 more were involved. What does Fabian know? Egypt has reportedly been preparing an area at the Gaza border that could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli military offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier. Sources described this as a contingency move. So what is plan A? Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported that the southern town of Beit Lif is undergoing Israeli artillery shelling. Also today, the IDF said it carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in the south Lebanon’s village of Yaroun. We hear what is the impetus of these strikes. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 18, 2024 Israel reveals 12 UNRWA staffers it says took part in Oct. 7, says 30 more assisted What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: UNRWA’s problem isn’t the terrorists in its ranks Troops raid Gaza hospital in hunt for remains of hostages, nab dozens of terror suspects Senior Hezbollah commander and deputy killed in targeted IDF strike in south Lebanon THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Internally displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip shelter near the border fence with Egypt in Rafah, January 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 134 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. On Friday, US President Joe Biden appeared to caution Israel against launching an operation in Rafah while hostage negotiations were ongoing, in his administration’s latest warning over an Israeli offensive in the southern Gaza city. What does this mean?  Is US President Joe Biden distancing himself from Israel, as the war in Gaza progresses through its fifth month with no immediate end in sight? Magid weighs in. A corporation owned by a settlement municipality signed a contract with one of the Israelis who has been sanctioned by Washington, which could put the government body at risk of being cut off from the US financial system. We hear about this complicated situation. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 16, 2024 Biden says doesn’t expect Israel to launch Rafah operation as hostage talks continue Biden’s foul-mouthed opinion of Netanyahu a bad $#%! sign, but Israel support endures Contract signed with sanctioned Israeli exposes settler municipality to US sanctions THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Screen capture from the Givechak website of the crowd funding campaign for Yinon Levi, the founder of the illegal Meitarim Farm West Bank outpost after he was put on a US sanctions list. (Screen capture, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 133 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Amid growing tensions between the two leaders, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden again spoke by phone for 40 minutes Thursday evening, talking about the hostages taken during the October 7 onslaught, Rafah and the next stage in the fight against Hamas, and touched on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. After the call, Netanyahu released a statement in the middle of the night insisting that Israel will not be pressured into accepting a Palestinian state. Schneider weighs in on why he felt the need to release this statement. On Wednesday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out sending an Israeli delegation for further hostage negotiations in Cairo. He apparently made this decision without consulting the war cabinet. Has there been any political blowback from Netanyahu taking this unilateral decision? As the fear for their loved ones' safety grows, the hostages’ families are ramping up their efforts to bring global attention to their plight. Steinberg delves into some of the recent campaigns. Schneider conducted a special project and turned to all 120 members of Knesset to hear their thoughts on the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription. Did she find anything surprising? Steinberg recently returned from the east coast of the United States where she spoke to numerous Jewish communities. What was her sense of how the Israel-Hamas war is affecting them? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 16, 2024 Netanyahu and Biden speak as divides sharpen on Palestinian state, Rafah operation Hoping to jar world leaders, hostage’s cousin rebuilds captivity in virtual reality ‘What if they were your children?’: Families demand cabinet return to Cairo talks THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen during a discussion and a vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 7, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 132 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in the Jerusalem office for today's episode. Yesterday, Germany and France expressed opposition to a planned Israeli offensive on Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah. At the same time, Spain and Ireland asked the European Union to “urgently” examine whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza under an accord linking rights to trade ties. After Netanyahu called off Israel’s participation in the Cairo hostage negotiations, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to move forward on a deal with Israel to save the Gaza Strip from Israel’s military offensive. Why is Abbas speaking up now? Israel has released initial indications that the IDF intends to set up coastal tent camps to which civilians will be evacuated from Rafah; other plans include moving civilians from Rafah to Khan Younis once the major fighting in that area has been completed. We hear more. Today The Washington Post published an in-depth article about a “timeline for a Palestinian state,” which would include "the withdrawal of many, if not all, settler communities on the West Bank; a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem; the reconstruction of Gaza; and security and governance arrangements for a combined West Bank and Gaza.” What does Horovitz make of this? Yesterday, Horovitz wrote in an op-ed, "The war in Gaza is far from over. The potential for war in the north is growing day by day." In this tit-for-tat conflict across the border, what would potentially be Israel's redline? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 15, 2024 Sooner or later, the IDF will enter Rafah. It may have to fight on northern border, too Spain, Ireland ask EU to probe if Israel violating human rights in Gaza PM vetoes further Cairo negotiations on hostages; war cabinet reportedly not consulted Germany, France fear ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Rafah; PM vows to press ahead US, Arab allies reportedly set to propose Palestinian statehood plan within weeks Abbas urges Hamas to seal agreement with Israel now to head off another ‘Nakba’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrators display signs while marching during a protest held to call for a cease fire in the war in Gaza, February 11, 2024, in Braintree, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 131 of the war. Tech editor Sharon Wrobel and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg. Wrobel speaks about strong reactions from the central bank and Israeli business leaders who are calling on the government to rethink its spending after Moody’s rating agency lowered Israel’s credit rating on Friday. Ghert-Zand discusses images of medications found in an IDF video of a major Hamas tunnel, and whether those may have been given to hostages known to have been kept in that tunnel. Wrobel describes a new overland route being used without fanfare by Israeli importers through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as they try to avoid the Yemeni Houthi attacks on the Red Sea. Ghert-Zand talks about a newly released book about Jewish weddings around the world, with varying customs and traditions. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 14, 2024 Central bank chief appeals to government to take action after Moody’s downgrade After Moody’s downgrade, government urged to rethink wartime budget priorities Footage shows medication packages in Gaza tunnel where hostages were held Houthi bypass: Quietly, goods forge overland path to Israel via Saudi Arabia, Jordan THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron attends Knesset Finance Committee meeting on January 30, 2024 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 129 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Deep under the Red Sea there are undersea cables that provide the internet and communications to many part of Asia, East Africa and the Middle East. Now, apparently these cables are a target by the Houthis. Goren fills us in. France has delivered a written proposal to Beirut aimed at ending hostilities with Israel and settling the disputed Lebanon-Israel frontier that calls for Hezbollah and other groups to withdraw 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border. Goren explains the pluses and minuses for both sides. Yesterday, two Palestinians were shot and injured, and a pair of vehicles and a home were torched during violent settler attacks in the northern West Bank. In a later incident in the nearby village of Huwara, a truck belonging to a Palestinian was also set alight by settlers. Sharon fills us in on an uptick of settler violence since October 7. Preparations for nationwide municipal elections are in full swing ahead of election day on February 27, but 12 municipal authorities will not vote on that date since their inhabitants have been evacuated due to the current conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. We hear about the arrangements for soldiers, as well as other security concerns. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 13, 2024 France proposes Israel-Lebanon truce deal pushing Hezbollah 10 km from border Settlers reportedly shoot two Palestinians, torch cars in latest West Bank attacks With ballot boxes for troops in Gaza, Israel readies for local elections in wartime THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File - Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the US strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on January 22, 2024. (AP Photo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 129 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. In a complex overnight operation, Israeli special forces rescued two hostages from Hamas captivity in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip early Monday, marking the first successful extraction of captives held by the terror group in months. The released hostages are Fernando Simon Marman, 61, and Norberto Louis Har, 70, who were abducted with Marman’s two sisters and niece. We hear about their status and the mission. Berman weighs in on whether this rescue mission could influence any hostage negotiations? We hear about Berman's in-depth look at the tangled knot that is the Rafah operation and how the US-Israel relationship may be fraying. We hear about how the Super Bowl was used as a platform by Israel and pro-Israel organizations to attempt to win over the hearts and minds of Americans. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 12, 2024 IDF rescues 2 hostages from south Gaza’s Rafah in daring nighttime operation Mossad, Shin Bet chiefs reportedly to hold Cairo hostage talks if Hamas eases demands Biden tells Netanyahu: Don’t press into Rafah without ‘credible’ plan for civilians Netanyahu: US response to attack like Oct. 7 would be ‘at least as strong’ as Israel’s Key to toppling Hamas, Rafah now a far bigger challenge for Israel than it needed to be Super Bowl ad on antisemitism features ‘I Have A Dream’ speechwriter Clarence Jones THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Louis Har (L) and Fernando Marman reuniting with their loved ones, at Sheba Medical Center, February 12, 2024 (IDF Spokesperson)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 128 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. A subterranean data center — complete with an electrical room, industrial battery power banks and living quarters for Hamas terrorists operating the computer servers — was discovered beneath the Gaza Strip headquarters of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees, the controversial aid organization known commonly as UNRWA. Is it possible the NGO was kept in the dark? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the IDF to evacuate the 1.3 million Palestinian population currently sheltering in Rafah, the next goal in the IDF's ongoing ground campaign. Where are they meant to go? For two days in a row, huge barrages of rockets came from Lebanon late last week. . What were these strikes in retaliation to? The IDF has presented its investigation into the death of hostage Yossi Sharabi in the Gaza Strip to his family. We hear conclusions and also information regarding two other hostages. A Bedouin Israeli who crossed into the Gaza Strip in 2016 and joined the Hamas terror group has been indicted after IDF troops detained him in December as he was trying to cross back into Israel, the Justice Ministry revealed on Friday. Fabian fills us in. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 11, 2024 Directly beneath UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters, IDF uncovers top secret Hamas data center UNRWA head says agency was in dark about Hamas center under Gaza HQ; Israel: ‘You knew’ IDF reveals Gaza tunnel, previously used by Hamas officials, with cell for hostages PM says IDF must operate in Rafah, but will let civilians evacuate first Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at northern towns, 2nd such barrage in as many days Top Hamas official in Lebanon survives alleged Israeli strike; 3 others killed IDF: Hostage Yossi Sharabi was likely killed as a result of IDF strike Bedouin Israeli who joined Hamas in Gaza in 2016 arrested trying to return to Israel THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the previous Daily Briefing episode: https://omny.fm/shows/the-daily-briefing/day-127-is-time-running-out-for-us-support-for-gaz IMAGE: A subterranean Hamas data center underneath UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza City, February 8, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 127 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. US President Joe Biden said that the conduct of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza was “over the top.” Horovitz puts this statement into the context of others from US officials in recent weeks.  On Thursday, Biden issued a memorandum requiring allies who receive military aid from the US to provide “credible and reliable written assurances” of their adherence to international law including international human rights law. Magid explains why this new policy is targeting Israel, but was also written with Israel's "blessing." In statements today, Saudi Arabia and Egypt warned Israel against carrying on with a massive push into Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, the last Hamas stronghold in the Strip, where more than a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering. Horovitz weighs in on the extremely complicated military and diplomatic operations on the horizon. Despite international calls to defund and shut down UNRWA, replacing the UN’s relief agency for Palestinian refugees in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war would all but end in a humanitarian disaster, according to Andrea De Domenico, who heads the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian territories. What else did Magid learn? Senior Israeli security officials held a covert meeting with their counterparts from the Palestinian Authority in Tel Aviv this week to discuss efforts to calm tensions in the West Bank and boost its economy ahead of Ramadan. Magid tells us more. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 10, 2024 White House clarifies Biden spoke of Israel when he said Gaza response ‘over the top’ Biden sets new conditions for US military aid amid calls to limit support for Israel PM says IDF must operate in Rafah, but will let civilians evacuate first Netanyahu said to believe Israel has 1 month to finish Rafah operation amid global ire US proposals to fund other agencies instead of UNRWA not viable — senior aid official Israel talks steps to help West Bank economy in covert meeting with PA officials THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Joe Biden walks to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, February 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 126 of the war. Environmental correspondent Sue Surkes and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg. Surkes discusses the ongoing issue of the ultra-Orthodox community serving in the IDF, particularly as the IDF looks to extend conscription time for enlisted soldiers and reservists as it prepares for a long war in Gaza. She also looks at expectations for the rain-fed crops in the south, where wheat and barley are grown and farmers are concerned about irrigation, even after two weeks of steady rain. Pacchiani talks about a US non-profit organization that is interviewing regular Gazans who are trying to survive the Hamas onslaught and fear for their lives. He also mentions an US-based Iranian-born artist who is creating murals about the Israel-Iranian relationship and putting them up around the country. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 9, 2024 After the October 7 cataclysm, has the Haredi attitude to serving in the IDF changed? Winter showers boost wheat crop, but water worries continue to stalk farmers In Israel, Iranian artist unveils Oct. 7-themed mural honoring Persian-Jewish ties THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Haredi Jews visit Israeli soldiers to show their support as they deploy at a position near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on October 11, 2023. (Menahem Kahana/AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 125 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Three press conferences were held Wednesday night with differing messages. We begin by looking at strong statements made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said among other things, "Israelis were dehumanized in the most horrific way on October 7th. The hostages have been dehumanized every day since. But that cannot be a license to dehumanize others." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's press conference was in response to a Hamas "ceasefire" proposal, which he called, “delusional.” He stated that Israel is “within touching distance of absolute victory,” and that Hamas’s defeat will be the “victory of the entire free world.” And finally, five women released from captivity in Gaza during a weeklong truce in late November made an emotional plea, calling on the government to do everything necessary to secure the release of the remaining 136 hostages, saying only that would represent an “absolute victory” for Israel. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 8, 2024 Israel cannot use Oct. 7 as ‘license to dehumanize others,’ Blinken warns in Tel Aviv Don’t ‘dehumanize others’: Full text of presser from Blinken’s 7th wartime Israel visit PM: Absolute victory within reach; surrender to Hamas demands would bring disaster Released hostages tell PM: Only saving remaining captives will be ‘absolute victory’ With IDF hamstrung and Hamas scenting a way out, Netanyahu dodges strategic decisions THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: File - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken give a press statement after their meeting at the Prime Minister Office in Jerusalem, on January 30, 2023. (Yoav Ari Dudkevitch/POOL)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 124 of the war. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In response to a proposal sent last week by Qatari and Egyptian mediators that was backed by the United States and Israel, Hamas has proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan that lead to an end to the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly declared that the war will not end without total victory over Hamas. We hear about the plan and how Israel may respond. Weeks after medicine was delivered to the Gaza Strip for hostages held in Gaza, the countries involved in the complex operation still do not know whether the drugs eventually reached the captives. What is being done and by whom to discover what happened? Argentinian President Javier Milei landed in Israel yesterday to much fanfare and made a bombshell announcement of moving the embassy to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem. What else is on his schedule? New research indicates that a quarter of Israelis are experiencing dreams so scary and vivid that they are waking us up in the middle of the night. What else did Ghert-Zand learn from Dr. Udi Bonshtein, chief psychologist at Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya? This war has seen dozens of war widows, many of whom are pregnant. Ahead of Family Day in Israel on Friday, Ghert-Zand looked into a new support organization. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 7, 2024 Hamas proposes 3-stage 135-day truce and hostage deal, leading to war’s end – reports France seeking ‘verifiable proof’ that medicines reached hostages in Gaza In first bilateral visit, Argentina’s Milei says he will move embassy to Jerusalem Trying to get a good night’s sleep has been a nightmare for many Israelis since Oct. 7 THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's leader in Gaza, gestures on stage during a rally in Gaza City, on May 24, 2021. (Mahmud Hams/ AFP/ File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 123 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and education reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to fly to Egypt today as part of a Middle East crisis tour seeking a new truce and “an enduring end” to the Israel-Hamas war. However, a political campaign against any deal is getting huge pushback from within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.  Opposition leader Yair Lapid reiterated his offer to enter the government to replace the ultranationalist wing to secure backing for a deal to free hostages still captive in Gaza. Goren explains why this isn't a realistic option for Netanyahu.  At the same time, rumors of increasingly strained relations between the prime minister and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are increasingly disturbing. Goren describes why. The Israel Defense Forces will hold an early recruitment round in March of some 1,300 Israelis currently enrolled in pre-army, yeshiva, and community service programs. A new grassroots protest movement of mostly mothers is speaking out against the lack of parity between the secular and religious conscripts being called up. Fiske tells us more. Out of some 360,000 reservists called up to the war by the IDF, an estimated 100,000 were enrolled in one of Israel’s major universities — accounting for around 30 percent of all students enrolled for the current academic year. Now that many are released from service, how are they reintegrating? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 6, 2024 Netanyahu pressured on hostage deal, as Ben Gvir, Smotrich lash out at US IDF confirms 1,300 to be recruited early from pre-army programs Released IDF reservists head back to school, but not everything is a matter of course THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a press conference with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 28, 2023. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 122 of the war. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US special envoy Amos Hochstein was in Israel this weekend for talks with Israeli officials on a developing framework to push Lebanese terror group Hezbollah from Israel’s northern borders amid roiling tensions and daily exchanges of fire. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also meant to arrive. Is there a real potential for a deal? Israel’s stated goals for the war against Hamas in Gaza have long been to topple the terror regime and to bring back the hostages. Would a pause in fighting for the release of the hostages undermine the goal of defanging Hamas? According to The New York Times’ Thomas Friedman, US President Joe Biden’s administration is homing in on a new doctrine involving an unprecedented push to immediately advance the creation of a demilitarized but viable Palestinian state. But would either the Palestinians or the Israelis be on board? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 5, 2024 In Israel, US envoy said to report progress in talks to remove Hezbollah from border A hostage deal would put goal of toppling Hamas at risk — but not out of reach Biden said set to make push for demilitarized Palestinian state as part of new doctrine THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the previous Daily Briefing episode: https://omny.fm/shows/the-daily-briefing/day-121-anatomy-of-the-fraying-israel-egypt-allian IMAGE: Soldiers operate in Gaza in an image published February 5, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 121 of the war. Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In 2005, Egypt and Israel signed the “Philadelphi agreement,” which stipulated that Egypt was responsible for securing the 14 km of the axis with 750 soldiers. A slew of Israeli diplomatic faux-pas is causing Egypt to question its relationship with Israel. Pacchiani explains why. According to the Wall Street Journal, internal divisions among Hamas leaders are preventing the Palestinian terror group from backing a proposed hostage release deal that would include a pause to the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The stances of the leaders have also flip-flopped. Pacchiani picks at this knot. Lidor recently spent time on Kibbutz Kfar Aza with Shahar Shnorman and his wife Ayelet Cohen, the first two kibbutznikim to move back there. We hear what life is like there for the couple. Soldiers, mostly reservists, have been moved by the starving animals they’re seeing in Gaza and have “rescued” some. But rescue is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to animals that may have monetary value. We hear more. Two French celebrities’ online row over the Israel-Hamas war has taken an unusual turn, attracting extensive media coverage. This story has almost every cultural trend in it — class warfare, gender issues, ageism and of course, antisemitism. We hear how it's playing out. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 4, 2024 Egypt expert warns: Israel cannot afford to take Cairo’s cooperation for granted Hamas leaders at odds over proposed hostage release deal — report Resilience amid ruins: Kfar Aza’s first two returnees hope to forge a path of renewal Israeli troops’ rescue of animals in Gaza fuels pro-Palestinian ‘looting’ charges In France, a celebrity flame war about Israel highlights shifting attitudes THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinians in the Gaza Strip sit next to the border fence with Egypt in Rafah, January 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 120 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The US is advancing a “contact group” with Middle East allies aimed at coalescing around a united policy for managing the Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas war. Which countries and what are the aims? US President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday declaring a national emergency that allows him to implement new measures to combat settler violence, including sanctions concurrently announced against four Israeli extremists who carried out acts of violence in the West Bank. What’s the impetus? The Chicago City Council on Wednesday narrowly adopted a resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza, becoming the largest municipal body in the US to pass such a measure. Who brought the proposal and what was the scene there? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 3, 2024 US advances ‘contact group’ with Mideast allies to plan for postwar Gaza — officials With unprecedented executive order, US sanctions settlers behind ‘intolerable’ violence Chicago adopts Gaza ceasefire resolution after mayor casts tie-breaking vote THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: Palestinians line up for free food distribution in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, February 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 119 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Fabian was in Khan Younis this week. What was he shown and how does that correspond with recent statements from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who among other things said Israel will maintain military control of the Gaza Strip once the war against Hamas is over. The IDF Home Front Command on Thursday eased restrictions in most communities near the Gaza Strip border for the first time since the war began on October 7. What's happening here? In a scene that could have been thought up in Hollywood, on Tuesday morning, Israeli commandos killed three members of an armed Hamas cell hiding inside a hospital in the northern West Bank city of Jenin. What took place there? On Tuesday, the IDF announced that it had been flooding some tunnels in the Gaza Strip with seawater, confirming what had been an open secret for several weeks. What is the scope of the flush operations? Israeli leaders have also signaled that they would like to establish a buffer zone as a defensive measure and satellite photos show new demolition along a 1-kilometer-deep path on the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel. What is the army publicly stating about this? Turning to the north, on Wednesday, the IDF said that fighter jets carried out strikes overnight against Syrian Army positions in the Daraa area in southern Syria, in response to a rocket attack on the Golan Heights the previous evening. What else is happening along the border?For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 2, 2024 Defense minister vows IDF will push south to Rafah as Khan Younis offensive wraps up As Khan Younis battles intensify, Gallant says IDF will maintain control of Gaza IDF says it killed 3 terrorists planning Oct. 7-like attack hiding in Jenin hospital Satellite photos show new demolition within Israeli buffer zone in Gaza IDF confirms flooding Hamas tunnels in Gaza with seawater Reports say IDF soldiers have torched hundreds of buildings in Gaza US, Israel believe up to 80% of Hamas tunnels intact after 114 days of war – report IDF says jets struck Syrian Army positions in response to rocket attack THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An Israeli soldier stands guard during the ground offensive on the Gaza Strip in Khan Younis, January 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 118 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with hostage families amid a flurry of reports on a potential deal being examined by Israel and Hamas to free the hostages. What do we know about the contours so far — and who is making the decisions on the Hamas side? According to a Tuesday television poll, 50 percent of Israelis would oppose a deal that sees Hamas return 35 hostages to Israel in exchange for a 45-day pause in fighting and thousands of freed Palestinian terrorists. The same poll found 38% of Israelis are in favor of reestablishing settlements in the Gaza Strip and 51% are against. Horovitz weighs in. In what would be a major shift in American policy, the US State Department is reportedly exploring the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state following the end of the Gaza war. And, on Monday, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the UK is considering recognizing a Palestinian state as a way to apply pressure on Israel to accept a two-state solution after a ceasefire in Gaza. Why are these statements coming now? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog February 1, 2024 PM to families: I won’t OK deal that harms security; 35 hostages for 35-day truce mooted Is there a way to bring the hostages home without derailing the war against Hamas? Almost 4 in 10 Israelis back a revival of Jewish settlements in Gaza, poll finds State Department downplays report US weighing recognition of Palestinian state Cameron says Britain is mulling recognition of Palestinian state THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Flags of Israel and the Palestinian Authority wave behind barbed wire (Bartolomiej Pietrzyk/Shutterstock.com)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 117 of the war. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Members of the Knesset House Committee overwhelmingly supported a motion to expel Hadash-Ta’al party lawmaker Ofer Cassif on Tuesday. Sokol was at the 14-2 vote to advance MK Ofer Cassif’s impeachment to the Knesset plenum after two days of contentious debate and fills us in. In a recently released report, Tel Aviv University’s Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry argued that the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry was established for “petty political reasons,” “lacks vision and substance” and has “promoted few initiatives.” So should the ministry be shuttered? Spiro, head of the Those We Have Lost series that aims to commemorate all who fell in the Israel-Hamas War, updates us on the 400 posts that represent some 485 of 1,200 victims. We hear about several trends noted by Spiro, including the popularity of tattoos among mourners as a way of becoming a living memorial. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 31, 2024 Panel votes 14-2 to expel MK Cassif for Gaza genocide claims; now Knesset will vote An MK accused Israel of ‘genocide.’ Now he may be expelled from the Knesset Damning Tel Aviv University report calls to shutter Diaspora Ministry Chief Warrant Officer Ido ‘Crido’ Rosenthal, 45: A habitual hero Cpl. Noam Avramovich, 19: Soldier was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime leader’ Eitan Ziv, 74, Tami Peleg Ziv, 72: Lives entwined with nation’s history THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MK Ofer Cassif speaks during a press conference, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 30, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 116 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning, activists and relatives of hostages again arrived near the Kerem Shalom border crossing with the Gaza Strip, aiming to block trucks with humanitarian aid from entering as long as the Hamas terror group continues to hold 136 hostages and deny them their basic rights. Goren explains who the varied protestors are and what they represent. The White House on Monday slammed a conference on Sunday night in Jerusalem aimed at encouraging the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, which was attended by nearly one-third of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet. We hear what this far-right conference means in the context of the war and the ongoing genocide case. According to a Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) survey published last month, over 90 percent of Palestinians polled believe that “Hamas did not commit the atrocities seen in the videos” on October 7, referring to attacks on civilians. That number rises to a whopping 97% when only including West Bank residents, compared to 83% of Gazans. Pacchiani explains how this is possible. According to a report last week, Hamas leaders, hunkered down in subterranean bunkers in the Gaza Strip, are reportedly communicating with each other using handwritten notes carried around the war-torn territory by runners. We hear more. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 30, 2024 Video: A stop to the trucks US, France blast Israeli confab on Gaza resettlement attended by PM’s allies For most Palestinians, October 7’s savagery is literally unbelievable. Blame the TV news? Hamas leaders reportedly communicating using handwritten notes carried by runners THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: File - Rally marking four years since the disengagement from Gush Katif, near the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Gaza Strip, July 28, 2009. (Edi israel/Flash 90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 115 of the war. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. We begin with what we know about ongoing talks to reach another hostage release deal after the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that a four-way meeting between the US, Israel, Qatar and Egypt took place “in Europe” to discuss a potential deal to free all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. According to a report published late Sunday, employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees kidnapped Israelis, transported ammunition and the body of a dead soldier, and took part in a murderous assault on a kibbutz on October 7. We hear more specifics of these cases. According to a NYT report on Sunday, Hamas steals a “significant number” of its weapons from Israel, and much of its material for explosives from IDF duds. Berman explains how these duds are reused. US President Joe Biden said yesterday that the United States will respond to a weekend attack that killed three US service members in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border. Could this be the tipping point for an all-out regional war? Washington is reportedly weighing using weapons supplies as leverage to pressure Israel to reduce the intensity of its operations in the Gaza Strip, according to a Sunday report by US television network NBC. The IDF announced this morning that operations will be ramping up throughout the Strip. Berman discusses the push-pull on the Biden administration in this election year. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 29, 2024 Israel says Paris talks on hostage deal were ‘constructive,’ will continue this week UNRWA workers accused of kidnapping woman, taking part in kibbutz massacre – report Much of Hamas’s explosives comes from IDF fire that failed to detonate — report US says 3 troops killed, 25 hurt in drone attack in Jordan; Biden: ‘We shall respond’ White House reportedly looking into holding up weapons supplies to pressure Israel US support is firm, but Biden and Netanyahu play dangerous game with two-state fight THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: Israeli artillery unit firing shells towards Lebanon near the Israeli border with Lebanon, January 15, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 114 of the war. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Friday’s ruling from the International Court of Justice on the matter of whether Israel is abrogating the Genocide Convention has left Israel with many instructions regarding humanitarian aid. Sharon delves into the ruling and explains what Israel's next steps may be. On Sunday, the activists will hold a large conference on “Jewish settlement in Gaza” at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center that is expected to draw over 3,000 people. We discuss who may attend and what they're looking to achieve. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 28, 2024 ICJ tells Israel to ‘prevent genocide’ in Gaza, rejects ordering immediate ceasefire The Hague’s decision means Israel is now in the dock for genocide Thousands of right-wing activists are getting ready to resettle Gaza after war THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian activists wave flags during session of the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 113 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, US President Joe Biden warned against an alarming rise in antisemitism after Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught against Israel, along with efforts by some parties to minimize what happened that day. What else did Biden say? The International Court of Justice ruled on Friday that at least some of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing war against Hamas could fall within the terms of the Genocide Convention and said it must therefore take a series of preventative measures. Magid explains the ruling and US reactions. Yesterday, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said it had fired “several” employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on southern communities. Magid fills us in on what we know about this case. A senior United Arab Emirates official warned Wednesday that a dragged-out war in Gaza risks turning Abu Dhabi’s nascent relations with Israel into a “cold peace.” Magid relays other points from his interview with the official last week. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 27, 2024 Marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Biden warns against downplaying Oct. 7 ICJ tells Israel to ‘prevent genocide’ in Gaza, rejects ordering immediate ceasefire UNRWA sacks staffers who allegedly participated in Oct. 7 attack; US halts funding Israel wants UNRWA out of Gaza after staffers fired for involvement in Oct. 7 onslaught Senior UAE official: Warm peace with Israel ‘could turn cold’ if Gaza war drags on THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File - A United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) fuel truck arrives at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023. (Khaled Desouki / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 112 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and health editor Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg. Schneider discusses protests taking place by families of hostages, specifically at the Kerem Shalom Crossing, where some of the more right-leaning families are blocking the passage of aid into Gaza, stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not have the stamina necessary to hold his ground. She also looks at talks between the CIA and Mossad regarding the hostages after the Qatari prime minister criticized Netanyahu for comments he made about Qatar. Ghert-Zand discusses singer and actor Idan Amedi as he spoke about his injuries and recovery process since January 8, when he was hurt during an explosion in Gaza while fighting as a reservist. She also talks about new Hadassah president Carol Ann Schwartz who came to Israel a week after taking her new position and spent part of her trip knocking on the door of the Red Cross in Israel. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 26, 2024 For second day in a row, protesters block aid reaching Gaza from Israel CIA, Mossad chiefs to hold ‘critical’ hostage talks with Qatari, Egyptian mediators Qatar fumes at Netanyahu’s criticism, says he undermines talks for political reasons ‘I was so burned, no one recognized me,’ says ‘Fauda’ actor Amedi of his Gaza injuries New Hadassah Org. president makes Israeli solidarity trip her first act in office THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis demanding the continuation of fighting in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem, January 25, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 111 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in the Jerusalem office. On Monday, reports on Israeli media started speaking of “fierce fighting” in Gaza. Horovitz speaks of what it is like for Israelis to await the inevitable terrible announcement that follows such news. Monday’s operation was to destroy two buildings facing Kibbutz Kissufim as part of a buffer zone the IDF is constructing along the Gaza-Israel border. We hear more about the planned zone. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 25, 2024 Disaster just inside Gaza shows a war far from won, and shines light on a buffer zone THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Buildings razed in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood, as part of the army’s efforts to establish a buffer zone on the border with the Gaza Strip, as seen in an image provided by the IDF on January 10, 2024. The Israel-Gaza border runs across the bottom of the picture. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 110 of the war. Knesset correspondent Sam Sokol and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Jessica Steinberg. Sokol discusses a tense week in the Knesset as family members of hostages burst into a Knesset Finance Committee meeting, protesting the return to business as usual, followed by testimonies by released hostages about the sexual abuse suffered by women and men held captive in Gaza. Fiske speaks about sets of bereaved Israeli parents whose soldier sons were killed on October 7 and are receiving solace and trauma therapy in Cyprus, at an Israeli-owned retreat center in the forest. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 24, 2024 Relatives of hostages burst into Knesset Finance Committee, demand government action ‘Right now someone is being raped in a tunnel’: Knesset hears of Hamas sex crimes At an exclusive Cyprus retreat center, Supernova rave survivors get help to move on THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Family members of hostages held in Gaza react during a plenum session of the Knesset on January 22, 2024. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 109 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israelis awoke today to the terrible announcement that 21 Israeli soldiers were killed Monday when they came under attack in the southern Gaza Strip, triggering a blast that collapsed two buildings with soldiers inside them. Fabian tells us what we know so far. Israel has reportedly submitted a proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators that would see it agree to pause its military offensive against Hamas for as long as two months, in exchange for a phased release of the remaining 136 hostages in Gaza. Berman and Fabian weigh in on what a ceasefire would do to the war effort. Iran is “very directly involved” in ship attacks that Yemen’s Houthi rebels have carried out during Israel’s war against Hamas, the US Navy’s top Mideast commander told The Associated Press on Monday.But this is just the tip of the iceberg of their capabilities. Berman weighs in with what he's finding. To close out today's program, Berman puts on his "chaplain's hat," a role he held in university, as Borschel-Dan asks what can help Israel as a nation move forward after such terrible news this morning. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 21, 2024 In deadliest incident of Gaza combat, 21 soldiers killed as buildings collapse in blast Israel said to offer two-month pause in Gaza fighting for staged release of hostages US Navy’s Mideast chief says Iran ‘very directly involved’ in Houthi attacks on ships While Iran’s recent strikes show weakness, its threat of escalation is working THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Family and friends of Israeli soldier Hadar Nissim Kapeluk attend his funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on January 23, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 108 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a one-on-one conversation. Last night, the Israel Defense Forces announced Sunday the death of soldier Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, 19, who was killed and abducted by Hamas on October 7. Fabian updates us. Fabian was in the Gaza Strip yesterday. The details of what you saw are under an embargo until tonight, but he shares his impressions of what’s happening on the ground and how the offensive is progressing. In an eye-opening find, troops of the Israel Defense Forces operating in the southern Gaza Strip recently uncovered a tunnel where Israeli hostages had been held by the Hamas in “inhumane conditions.” We hear some of the sources of intelligence and what the conditions are there. On Saturday, Israeli air force planes dropped leaflets on the southern area of Rafah urging Palestinians seeking refuge there to help locate hostages held by Hamas, residents said. But do these leaflet campaigns actually lead to intelligence? The IDF reported three missiles were fired from south Lebanon overnight that landed in open, uninhabited areas near the moshav of Shomera, a community of a few hundreds people near in the Galilee region in northern Israel. But yesterday also saw an alleged IDF strike targeting a Hezbollah commander. We hear what else is happening on the northern border, including a strange alert Friday night that brought Haifa residents to their safe rooms. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 21, 2024 IDF says soldier held captive in Gaza was killed on October 7, body held by Hamas IDF finds tunnel in Khan Younis where 20 hostages were held in ‘inhumane conditions’ IDF drops leaflets with pictures of hostages over southern Gaza, seeking info THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: This image released by the IDF on January 20, 2024, shows the inside of a cell from a Hamas tunnel in southern Gaza's Khan Younis where hostages were held. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 107 of the war. Culture editor Jessica Steinberg joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a one-on-one conversation. This weekend saw anti-government rallies in major cities throughout Israel. Steinberg attended last night’s Jerusalem rally, which was one of the first since Hamas started the war on October 7. We hear what has shifted from the summer's anti-judicial overhaul protests. Thursday, January 18, marked “the saddest birthday in the world,” as redheaded Kfir Bibas turned one while being held captive in Gaza. There were several events marking this day around the globe. Steinberg spoke with a Bibas cousin, Jimmy Miller. Every morning since October 7, noted cartoonist and illustrator Zeev Engelmayer has drawn hostages, soldiers and mourners for his Daily Postcards. The illustrator, known for his wildly colorful personality and style, only drew in black and white for the first two weeks following October 7. What else did he say? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 21, 2024 Multiple rallies demand deal to return all hostages, urge government to step down ‘The saddest birthday in the world’: Hostage Kfir Bibas turns 1 in Hamas captivity Hundreds in Tel Aviv mark first birthday of redheaded hostage Kfir Bibas Artist Zeev Engelmayer’s Daily Postcards bring solace with colorful realism THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Demonstrators rally near the residence of the Israeli Prime Minister in Jerusalem on January 20, 2024, to call for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Palestinian Hamas terrorists. (Marco Longari / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 106 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a one-on-one conversation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied telling US President Joe Biden that he has not ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state. The comments from the Biden administration are also somewhat murky, that it’s “not impossible” to create a Palestinian state. Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Biden Friday evening, in what was their first conversation in 27 days. What’s happening here? The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it was re-designating Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization, partially restoring sanctions it lifted three years ago on the Iran-backed militia group whose repeated attacks in the Red Sea since Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught have significantly disrupted shipping in the key maritime corridor. What does this mean in practical terms? Hundreds rallied throughout Columbia University’s campus in New York on Friday, chanting anti-Israel -- and pro-Houthi -- slogans. Who organized the protest and was it sanctioned by the university? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 20, 2024 Netanyahu, Biden discuss state of war in first call in weeks amid growing divide PM said to reject US plan for Saudi normalization in return for path to Palestinian statehood US slaps terror label back on Yemen’s Houthis, partly restoring Trump-era sanctions In 6th set of Yemen strikes, US hits Houthi anti-ship missile launchers ready to fire Hundreds call for intifada, hail Houthis at Columbia University anti-Israel protest THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. File: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with United States President Joe Biden in Tel Aviv, October 18, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 105 of the war. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and diaspora and Jewish world reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg. Sharon discusses the first anti-war demonstration being allowed in Haifa, the largest city in the northern region, following High Court pressure on the police who have resisted requests until now in Haifa. Lidor looks at another High Court decision that would allow women to serve on the chief rabbinate's top council, something that presumably won't happen in the near term but represents the tension between the secular High Court and religious court. Sharon disseminates an effort by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to remove the current Postal Authority chairman without High Court interference. Lidor talks about a trance rave held in Modi'in forest last Saturday, three months after the Supernova desert rave was attacked by Hamas terrorists who killed 364 people and took dozens more hostage. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 19, 2024 Cops allow anti-war demo after High Court says the right to protest is ‘fundamental’ High Court rules women can fill ‘rabbi’ slots in Chief Rabbinate’s top bodies Communications minister tells High Court he won’t reverse firing of post office chief Commemorating Supernova victims, electronic music scene attempts a low-key comeback THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An anti-government rally outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on January 15, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 104 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a one-on-one conversation. President Isaac Herzog spoke today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next to a photo of one-year-old hostage Kfir Bibas. Herzog said that Israelis are not able to think about a peace process with the Palestinians right now. Horovitz weighs in. In a recent op-ed Horovitz writes, "More than 100 days after October 7, Israel’s vital military effort to destroy Hamas — to prevent it carrying out more massacres, to deter our other enemies, and to enable Israelis to safely return to border areas and sleep soundly in our beds everywhere — has lost momentum." We hear why. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 18, 2024 Irresponsibility compounds catastrophe: Why the IDF’s war against Hamas has lost momentum ‘The saddest birthday in the world’: Hostage Kfir Bibas turns 1 in Hamas captivity THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File - Gaza Strip Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar at a rally marking the 35th anniversary of the Hamas Islamic movement, in Gaza City, December 14, 2022. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 103 of the war. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg. Surkes discusses a wide-ranging planning session organized to envision how to rebuild the Gaza border region after October 7, with dozens of organizations and departments involved in the brainstorming process. She also talks about the future for the evacuees from the north, many of them have lived through other difficult security situations, but with no clear plan right now about when they will move back home. Sokol offers an overview of the budget discussions that took place before its passage, a process that was streamlined because of the budgetary defense needs given the ongoing war and what that will mean for other ministries. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 17, 2024 Amid swarm of stakeholders, planners begin brainstorming how to rebuild south Cabinet approves 2024 budget, making cuts to offset massive wartime defense boost Minister storms out of cabinet as Netanyahu attempts to push through wartime budget THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A caravan camp being built near Shefayim for evacuees from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. December 24, 2023 (Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90 )See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 102 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. An elderly woman was killed and 17 people were injured, including at least seven children and teenagers, in a car-ramming and stabbing attack by two Palestinian terrorists in the central Israel city of Ra’anana early on Monday afternoon. Ghert-Zand updates us on the status of the injured. Former IDF chief of staff Aviv Kohavi acknowledged Monday at a ceremony at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl that his actions as the military’s top general will have to be scrutinized as part of investigations into the failures that enabled Hamas’s October 7 bypassing of Israel’s high-tech border barrier and the ensuing mass onslaught. Was Schneider surprised at the timing of the remarks? Winter has arrived late in Israel this year, along with a correspondingly delayed beginning to the respiratory disease season. What are we seeing in Israel in terms of COVID and flu? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said twice this week that Israel intends to reduce its security dependence on the import of military products. Schneider reports on whether Israel may be able to carry this out. On October 7, terrorists set fire to the Kibbutz Kfar Aza home of Ariel and Ellay Golan and their 18-month-old daughter Yael, who survived with serious burns. Taken by helicopter to the National Burns Center at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, the family was treated with NexoBrid, which was developed by Israeli company MediWound. We hear about this and other med-tech used in the current war. Finally, as the war changes gears in the Gaza Strip, Schneider compiled a list of what IDF soldiers are reading based on their requests to their parents. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 16, 2024 Woman killed, 17 wounded in car-ramming, stabbing spree by 2 terrorists in Ra’anana Ex-IDF chief Kohavi says probe into Oct. 7 failures should scrutinize his decisions Winter arrived late this year, so Israel only now seeing surge in COVID and flu THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A US C-17 sits with crates of American munitions for Israel at the Nevatim Air Base, October 13, 2023. (AP Photos/Lolita Baldor)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 101 of the war. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for this one-on-one episode. Berman was inside the Gaza Strip yesterday with a reserves parachute unit. We hear what he saw and get a sense of the morale of the troops and Berman's perspective on their preparedness to take on the vast tunnel network. Hamas also runs a network of operatives in Europe commanded by terror leaders in Lebanon, Israel said Saturday as its intelligence agencies released new details on the Gaza-based organization’s attempts to attack Israeli and Jewish targets abroad. Berman weighs in. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 15, 2024 Israel says it uncovered Hamas terror network planning attacks in Europe Elderly woman and her son killed at home in Hezbollah anti-tank missile attack THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE -  Israeli soldiers show the media an underground tunnel found underneath Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, November 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 100 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for this one-on-one episode. Regardless of what is decided at the Hague, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Saturday evening that Israel will continue its war against Hamas “to the end — until complete victory.” How has the campaign to topple the terror group looked like until now and how many Hamas battalions are still standing and where? What lessons have been learned from the initial days of the ground offensive and how has the IDF implemented them in its current operations in central and south Gaza? An infiltration attempt on Israel's north again shows how unexpected incursions can be successful under the cover of something as "low-tech" as fog. Does Start-Up Nation maintain supremacy in, for example, the skies? Israel has informed Egypt of plans to launch a military operation to take control of the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday. What kind of coordination with Egypt would this entail? And finally, as we mark 100 days, we ask how long Fabian believes the war in Gaza will continue. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 14, 2024 On 99th day of war, IDF chief says military pressure is key to freeing more hostages On eve of 100 days of war, PM pledges ‘complete victory,’ denounces genocide claims Israel said to tell Egypt of plan to take control of border corridor with Gaza THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An Israeli tank at a staging area near the Israeli border with Syria, in the Golan Heights, northern Israel, on January 9, 2024. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 99 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for this one-on-one episode. Families of hostages are holding 24 hours of non-stop awareness-raising events to mark 100 days of captivity by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Last night, the Prime Minister’s Office announced in a statement that an agreement has been reached that will see vital medications delivered to hostages, via the International Red Cross. What has changed that is allowing this gesture of "semi-good will"? Early today, the US military struck another Houthi-controlled site in Yemen that it had determined was putting commercial vessels in the Red Sea at risk, a day after the US and Britain launched multiple airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels. While at a Pennsylvania bookstore on Friday, President Joe Biden was asked by the traveling press pool whether he thinks the Houthis are a terrorist organization, despite delisting them in his first year in office. “I think they are,” he said. What’s happening there? We learned last week that technical conversations between the US and Saudi Arabia about a potential normalization agreement with Israel have continued amid the Israel-Hamas war, according to two senior US officials and a senior Arab diplomat. Magid tells us more. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 13, 2024 Vital medications to be transferred to Gaza hostages in coming days, PM’s office says US hits Houthi radar site in fresh strike after threats to Red Sea shipping Biden calls Houthis a terror group, as administration weighs reapplying designation Biden: I’m quietly working with Israel to ‘significantly’ lower IDF presence in Gaza Saudi normalization still possible post-war, but price for Israel is higher — officials THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) during a Likud party meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on December 13, 2021; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) speaks during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 14, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90; Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 98 of the war. Legal writer Jeremy Sharon joins host Jessica Steinberg. Sharon describes the scene at The Hague, where the Israeli legal team is battling the South African case of Gaza genocide claims that was argued on Thursday. He describes Israel's challenge in arguing an uphill battle about comments made by Israeli politicians about Hamas and to demonstrate how Israel tries to prevent harm to Gazan citizens during the ongoing war. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 12, 2024 Israel rejects Gaza genocide claims at ICJ, pans South Africa’s ‘misleading’ charges South Africa paints grim picture of Gaza, but obfuscates foundations of genocide claim Israel seethes after genocide hearing; PM: South Africa representing Hamas monsters At World Court, South Africa accuses Israel of Gaza genocide; Israel: Baseless claims THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Protesters waving flags and pictures of the hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7 Hamas cross-border attack in Israel, attend a protest outside the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 (AP Photo/Patrick Post)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 97 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on a one-on-one update. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, Netherlands, opened hearings initiated by South Africa against Israel on charges of “genocide” against Palestinians during the ongoing war in Gaza this morning. Horovitz delves into the allegations and how they avoid any mention of the atrocities commited by Hamas on October 7, which sparked the war against the terror group. The bench comprises 15 permanent judges and the two ad hoc judges from Israel and South Africa. Former Israeli Supreme Court president Aharon Barak is representing Israel, to much blowback in some corners in Israel. South Africa is initially asking the International Court of Justice to order an immediate suspension of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip as the first step in a case that is likely to take years to resolve. Would Israel adhere to such a ruling?  As Horovitz wrote in an oped yesterday, that Secretary of State Antony Blinken "indicated fairly clearly" that the Biden administration’s patience with Israel’s leadership is running low. What other messages did Blinken impart? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 11, 2024 Hague hearing begins as South Africa accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ in war with Hamas ‘We should be worried’: Israel faces peril at The Hague in Gaza ‘genocide’ case Our government and our essential ally, utterly at odds on how to safeguard our future THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A statue of the late South African president Nelson Mandela stands in a street as members of the Ramallah-based Al-Kamandjati orchestra rehearse ahead of a ceremony organized to mark a landmark 'genocide' case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, on January 10, 2024. (Photo by Marco Longari / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 96 of the war. Political writer Tal Schneider and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jessica Steinberg. Berman talks about the latest visit to the region by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, seen as part of ongoing US support for the war, as well as US pressure on Israel to formulate a day-after plan for Gaza. He also looks at US views toward Lebanon and the joint desire from Israel and US to find a diplomatic solution for that volatile border region. Schneider discusses how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been postponing the cabinet discussions about the day-after plans for the Gaza Strip, as he vacillates between his own political considerations and the strategic issues at play. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 10, 2024 In Israel, Blinken says peace with neighbors hinges on path to Palestinian state Stop harming Gaza civilians, Blinken tells Netanyahu as fighting rages in Khan Younis Blinken meets Israel’s war leadership as US concerns grow PM on Lebanon border: We’ll restore security, preferably without a widespread campaign Gallant’s post-war Gaza plan: Palestinians to run civil affairs with global task force THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on his way to meeting with President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv on January 9, 2024. (Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The conflict has turned up its volume on the northern border since the targeted killing of Hamas deputy Saleh al-Arouri in Lebanon. Yesterday, Wissam al-Tawil, a senior commander of a secretive Hezbollah force, was killed in an alleged Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. Who was he and what is happening on the border today? This morning, the IDF said it is further expanding ground operations in Khan Younis, fighting Hamas deep within the southern Gaza city. However, at the same time, IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated last night that there is a shift in the military campaign against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip, from intense battles to more targeted operations. How do these two statements add up? Yesterday, Gabian was in the Bureij camp of central Gaza where the Hamas terror group manufactured its long-range rockets that have been used to attack Israeli cities in recent years. He describes the underground rocket engine production lab, a warehouse where the body tubes of the projectiles were built and a massive storage facility. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 9, 2024 Senior Hezbollah commander killed in alleged Israeli strike as border tensions mount IDF admits Mount Meron air traffic control base damaged in Hezbollah attack IDF spokesperson says war with Hamas has ‘shifted a stage’ to less intense combat On Gaza civilian evacuation road, IDF uncovers largest Hamas rocket factory to date THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Hamas long-range rocket depot in central Gaza's Bureij, January 8, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political reporter Sam Sokol and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Dozens of people protested outside the Knesset in Jerusalem today, calling on the government to quit and call new elections. There’s been some disorder inside the Knesset recently as well, starting with a much-leaked cabinet meeting on Thursday evening following the IDF’s announcement that the IDF would begin investigating itself and what led to the Oct. 7 disaster. In light of huge amount of leaks from the meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a proposal during yesterday’s cabinet meeting. Sokol explains. Despite the recent surge in attacks and harassment against Diaspora Jews, Israel’s diplomatic service has no money to combat antisemitism abroad, the head of the Foreign Ministry’s Department for Combating Antisemitism claimed on Wednesday. Why is this a problem? For the past seven weeks, a team of experts in artifact documentation and preservation have been sifting through the detritus of October 7 to find objects that can testify to that terrible day. Among the items the team has collected is a donkey skull. Surkes tells us about this project, that object in particular and what the experts are seeking. While Surkes was in the Gaza envelope, she noted several groups who were making a pilgrimage to the devastation. What were some of their motivations? A group of soldiers long since released from the army and a collection of tanks no longer in use have been brought together to create Phoenix, a new armored tank battalion that is already seeing action in Gaza. We hear more. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 8, 2024 Police disperse protesters blocking Knesset entrance in demand for ‘elections now’ Railing against cabinet leaks, Netanyahu calls to subject ministers to polygraph tests As cracks widen in coalition, National Unity members skip cabinet meeting Foreign Ministry says it has ‘zero budget’ for combating antisemitism abroad Under expert eyes, objects retrieved from rubble help document October 7’s horrors Kibbutz Kfar Aza, devastated on October 7, becomes a grim place of pilgrimage Fixing up old tanks and recruiting old reservists, a tech VP creates a new battalion THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian supporters hold up signs during a demonstration, October 20, 2023, in Atlanta, that intimate that the Hamas massacre of 1,200 people on October 7, 2023, was legitimate resistance to 'occupation.' (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Berman followed up on a Zman Yisrael report that Israel is “in talks with the Congo” to discuss the possibility of relocating thousands of Gazans to the African country and other nations. How are such statements affecting Israel's standing? On Tuesday, Turkey arrested dozens of individuals suspected of spying for Israel, according to the country’s interior minister, with the development coming in the wake of Israeli threats to target Hamas members abroad. How does US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit play into this? The government is trying to incentivize several communities from the Gaza envelope to return back home. Lidor explains why this is so complicated and talks about the resettlement of Kibbutz Nir Oz to the Negev city of Kiryat Gat. Finally, we hear about the first large-scale rave or nature party since the October 7 massacre at the Supernova which saw 360 murdered. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 7, 2024 Israel denies it is talking to other countries about absorbing Gazan immigrants Turkey arrests 33 alleged Mossad agents, as Israel threatens Hamas abroad Blinken visits aid warehouse, meets Jordan’s king in push to keep Gaza war contained Government aims for nearly all southern evacuees to return by September, source says Survivors of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a desert oasis, move into Kiryat Gat apartment towers THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, January 4, 2024. (David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for an in-depth one-on-one episode. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is now in Turkey as part of his fourth visit to the region in three months. It comes amid worrying developments, including attacks from Lebanon on northern Israel by the Hezbollah terror group, and assaults in the Red Sea and Iraq by Iran-backed groups. Magid explains what Blinken is trying to accomplish this time. On Wednesday, the Biden administration tore into South Africa for filing an application at the International Court of Justice to begin proceedings to declare that Jerusalem was violating its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention in its war against Hamas following the Gaza-ruling terrorist group’s murderous October 7 onslaught. What are we hearing from US officials about this? Last week, the US State Department on Tuesday called out far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir for advocating the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. What else are we hearing out of the US about this so-called “transfer” idea. War cabinet minister Benny Gantz signed on for and on Friday, because of this and other issues, Gantz warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to choose between unity or playing politics. What was Gantz referring to? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 6, 2024 Blinken starts Mideast tour in Turkey in bid to prevent escalation into regional war Blinken heads to Mideast for talks with Israel, Arab allies on war’s ‘next phase’ US lambasts ‘meritless’ South African request for ICJ to charge Israel with genocide Gantz warns Netanyahu to choose unity or politics after cabinet attacks on IDF chief US slams ‘irresponsible’ calls by Smotrich and Ben Gvir for emigration of Gazans THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives on the island of Crete, Greece, January 6, 2024 during his week-long trip aimed at calming tensions across the Middle East. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for an in-depth one-on-one episode. The IDF announced last night that it had initiated a committee to look into the IDF’s failures leading up to October 7. What do we know about its purview and who is on it? Three Israelis declared missing since October 7 were confirmed by the IDF to be held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hanan Yablonka, 42, Idan Shtivi, 28, and Ilan Weiss, 56. What else do we know about them? Relatedly, the IDF notified the family of hostage Sahar Baruch on Wednesday that he was killed during a failed attempt to rescue him from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip last month. Since the ground operation began in late October, of the 175 fallen soldiers, 29 were killed by so-called friendly fire and other accidents, according to data released by the IDF on Monday. Fabian puts these numbers into perspective. The IDF has detonated the tunnel complex under Shifa Hospital. What other tunnels has the IDF found recently? Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told US special envoy to the region Amos Hochstein that there is “a short window of time for diplomatic understandings” to be reached with Hezbollah, as the Lebanese terror group continued to carry out daily attacks on northern Israel. Fabian brings analysis of the fragile tit-for-tat balance. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 5, 2024 IDF announces probe of failures in lead-up to Oct. 7, drawing rage from ministers Meeting on post-war Gaza ends in fracas as ministers snipe at IDF chief over probe IDF says 3 Israelis missing since October 7 are among Gaza hostages; 1 of them is dead IDF admits hostage Sahar Baruch was killed during failed rescue attempt last month IDF: Deaths of 29 of 170 soldiers in Gaza op were so-called friendly fire, accidents IDF destroys Shifa Hospital tunnels, accuses Hamas of using child soldiers Gallant tells US envoy Hochstein there’s a ‘short window’ for a deal with Hezbollah THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi gives a statement to the media at an army base in southern Israel, December 26, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a "live" in-person recording of today's third-anniversary episode. In the second major legal defeat this week for the government, the High Court of Justice ruled six to five on Wednesday to postpone the implementation of a controversial law shielding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from being ordered to recuse himself from office by the attorney general or the High Court itself, determining that it had been passed to personally benefit the premier. We put this ruling into context with the earlier ruling on the Reasonableness Law and ask -- what does all this mean for Israel? Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel against waging war on Lebanon in a televised address last night, a day after a strike blamed on Israel killed Hamas’s political number two, terror chief Salah al-Arouri, in a Hezbollah stronghold in the southern Beirut suburbs. At the same time, President Joe Biden has sent US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US diplomatic envoy Amos Hochstein to de-escalate the situation. What are their chances of success? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 4, 2024 High Court delays implementation of PM recusal law, in 2nd gov’t defeat this week Ministers slam High Court for delaying recusal law; one calls decision ‘null and void’ Nasrallah vows response to Arouri, warns of fight ‘without limits’ if Israel goes to war Israel ready for fight in north, IDF chief says after killing of Hamas terror chief US dispatches senior envoy to cool seething tensions on Israel-Lebanon border THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Supporters shout slogans during the commemorations of the anniversary of the killing of slain top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, marked by a televised speech of Lebanon's Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah in a Beirut's southern suburb on January 3, 2024.(ANWAR AMRO / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 89 of the war. Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Saleh al-Arouri was killed Tuesday evening in an alleged Israeli drone strike in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, according to Hamas and Hezbollah officials. Hamas confirmed that seven people in total were killed in the explosion, a precision strike on a third-floor apartment said to serve as an office for the terror group. The deputy leader of Hamas abroad, Arouri was also seen as the group’s prime orchestrator of West Bank terrorism. Pacchiani shares more. Steinberg visited the decimated Kibbutz Be'eri last week with member Yuval Haran, whose family was murdered and taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. She gives impressions. This week in Tel Aviv's Hostages' Square, Israeli musician Ehud Banai stepped up on one of the cement platforms, guitar in hand, and read and strummed along to the poems of Amiram Cooper, 84, one of the two oldest of the hostages still being held by terrorists in Gaza. Steinberg was there. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 2, 2024 Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri killed in alleged Israeli strike in Beirut Saleh al-Arouri: Mastermind of Hamas terrorism in West Bank, hostage deal negotiator Hezbollah vows revenge for a Hamas chief killed in Beirut; IDF ‘at very high readiness’ In rubble of parents’ home, scion of Be’eri founders not sure he can bear to move back Musicians read, sing and strum to poems of hostage Amiram Cooper, 84, as worries mount THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Investigators stand on an apartment building where an alleged Israeli strike killed top Hamas political leader Saleh Arouri, in the southern suburb of Beirut that is a Hezbollah stronghold, Lebanon, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 88 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and legal reporter Jeremy join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. We have dedicated the entire edition to the ground-breaking High Court ruling which yesterday negated the only piece of judicial overhaul legislation that was made into law, an amendment to Basic Law: The Judiciary that is commonly known as the “reasonableness law.” We’ll hear what the full bench of 15 justices decided, how the decision is received in Israel and where the war-torn country goes from here. Finally, we are introduced to Zman Yisrael's "Uprooted" series, which we at The Times of Israel are translating into English. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 2, 2024 In historic ruling, High Court strikes down key judicial overhaul legislation High Court ruling rebuffs gov’t claim that the will of the majority is all-powerful Levin declares High Court ‘won’t stay our hand’ after justices annul overhaul law Protesters in Tel Aviv take aim at Netanyahu government after 12 weeks of war Uprooted series THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Anti-overhaul activists protest outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Joe Biden, in New York, September 20, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/ FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 87 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider looks at a dispute in the Knesset cabinet on Sunday, as right-wing politician, Minister of Settlements Orit Strock accused IDF pilots of not carrying out their missions properly, causing an uproar in the room. Herschlag discusses the last year in the ToI blogs platform, speaking about the heavy-hitting blogs of the last three months since October 7, and what topics resonated prior to the war, including the proposed judicial reform, the "That Song" project and the most popular post of the year. Schneider finishes up the podcast with a discussion of the northern tunnel system built by Hezbollah and Israel's desire to find a diplomatic conclusion rather than war with its enemies in the north. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 1, 2024 Outrage as far-right minister suggests some pilots refusing air support for Gaza troops I hear massive shooting. I have never been this scared in my life ‘Friendly fire,’ that horrific oxymoron That Song It’s hard to be a Jew Hezbollah's land of tunnels (Hebrew) THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis celebrating New Year's Eve in Tel Aviv, December 31, 2023. (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 86 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Last week, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel is being attacked in seven separate theaters amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, and the military has so far responded in six of them. “We are in a multi-front war. We are being attacked from seven different arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, [the West Bank], Iraq, Yemen, and Iran,” said Gallant at a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Fabian takes us through each of the areas of concern, starting with the West Bank, which has seen a rise of gun battles between the IDF and terrorists as raids have increased since October 7. We then move to the north, including air strikes on warehouses in Aleppo and drones sent by Iraq. We discuss in more detail the escalation in the tit-for-tat fighting with Lebanon and the goals the IDF has set versus its achievements so far. Iran, another frontier, was struck in a different manner, which Fabian explains, whereas so far, it appears Yemen and the Houthi rebels have not. And finally, we turn to the Gaza Strip and receive a brief update on what is happening on the ground there. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 31, 2023 Gallant warns war could take years; says Israel targeted on 7 fronts, has hit back on 6 IDF soldier wounded in car-ramming at army post near Hebron; attacker ‘neutralized’ 5 soldiers wounded, one seriously, in West Bank car-ramming attack IDF strikes Lebanon after Hezbollah rocket fire, reportedly targets Syria’s Aleppo IDF repeatedly strikes south Lebanon after several rounds of Hezbollah rockets Suspected explosive-laden drone crashes in Golan; Iraqi militia claims responsibility THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Hamas supporters take part in a demonstration in Hebron, West Bank, December 15, 2023. (Wisam Haslmaoun/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 85 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Magid updates how despite a second Gaza border crossing being opened, there is a marked decrease of humanitarian aid entering the Strip. What's happening here? Qatari mediators have reportedly told Israel that Hamas “agrees in principle” to resume negotiations for the release of further hostages taken by the terror group during the October 7 atrocities, in exchange for a truce of up to a month in the Gaza. Magid tells us what else is known about any potential deal. On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken fast-tracked the sale of munitions to Israel, bypassing congressional review over weapons being sent to Jerusalem for its war against Hamas for the second time this month because of the emergency. How long can this go on and what should we expect from Blinken's trip to Israel this week. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 30, 2023 Hamas said to ‘agree in principle’ to resume talks with Israel on hostage deal US bypasses congressional review for month’s second fast-tracked arms sale to Israel Under pressure from Smotrich, PM cancels war cabinet meeting on post-war Gaza plan THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Released Israeli hostage Aviva Siegel marches with teenagers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during a five-day march from Tel Aviv to the Jerusalem Knesset on December 28, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 84 of the war. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sokol looks at issues regarding reservists discussed in Knesset over the last week, including aid to small businesses owned by reservists who have been on duty for the last two months, and a decision to temporarily extend reservists' retirement age for the duration of the war. Surkes comments on decisions made at COP28, 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Dubai through the start of December. She also looks at the lack of environmental progress made by current government in 2023, from solar energy to tax-free plastic goods. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 29, 2023 At Knesset, reservist decries lack of aid as businesses fail while they fight in Gaza Knesset panel puts off vote on extending age for end of IDF reserve service Knesset passes emergency bill delaying retirement for reservists Gallant, Smotrich present NIS 9 billion wartime aid plan for IDF reservists Little room for optimism after COP28 climate confab, environmental leaders say THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: IDF reserve units guard a kibbutz near the Syrian border in the northern Golan Heights on October 8, 2023 (Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 83 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The High Court of Justice is likely to strike down the highly controversial reasonableness law passed by the government this summer as part of its judicial overhaul program, according to a draft decision leaked to the media on Wednesday evening. Horovitz speaks to the timing of this leak and how it may impact Israeli leadership. At the start of the ground offensive, the IDF warned the government that this would be a long and hard war. At the same time, there is a certain dissatisfaction in the pace and progress of the troops in some corners, especially as Israeli casualties climb. How are we seeing that play out in the political sphere? Defense Minister Yoav Gallant detailed to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday, Israel is being “attacked from seven fronts — Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Iraq, Yemen and Iran.” But is the IDF ready to defend itself on every front? And finally, we hear some impressions from Horovitz's trip to the Gaza envelope communities this week. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 28, 2023 Bombshell leaked draft ruling shows High Court set to nix key judicial overhaul law Northern towns rocked by heaviest Hezbollah barrages since outbreak of war Gradually dismantling Hamas, the IDF is also battling its own government’s impatience The war against Hamas may be almost half-done. The second half will be harder THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Then-Supreme Court Chief of Justice Ester Hayut and Supreme court justices arrive for a court hearing at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, October 6, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 82 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and health editor Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses a Hezbollah missile that hit an ancient church in the Galilee, near the evacuation zone up north, while a rocket fired from Gaza scored a direct hit on the roof of a synagogue in one of the Negev border communities. Ghert-Zand looks at Israel's health community's concern over diseases spreading from Gaza, as Gazans deal with crowding and disease amid mass evacuations and refugee tent camps, and with the possibility of illness spreading via soldiers and hostages. She also speaks about new Health Ministry protocols, creating guidelines for the treatment of terrorists detained in Israel since October 7, in terms of where and how terrorists would receive medical treatment. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 27, 2023 9 soldiers injured rescuing elderly man wounded in Hezbollah strike on church Gaza rocket hits synagogue in southern town, causing damage but no injuries As soldier with fungal infection dies, fears grow of Gaza diseases spreading into Israel Health Ministry issues directives for medical treatment of detained Gazan terrorists THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A temporary tent camp set up for Palestinians who were evacuated from their homes in Khan Yunis on December 11, 2023 (Photo by Atia Mohammed/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 81 of the war. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that before there is peace between Israel and the Palestinians, “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized," which he also laid out in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. Rettig Gur delves into the remarks and posits who was the target audience. Also yesterday, in his first public message since the massacres of October 7, Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar spoke defiantly against Israel the "occupying force" and grossly inflated the terror group’s achievements in the war. What was he really saying -- and why yesterday? Rettig Gur was among the hundreds who attended the funeral of IDF Master Sgt. (res.) Nitai Meisels, 30, on Monday, a day after he was killed in the Gaza Strip. Born in Baltimore during a family relocation to the US for his father’s postdoctoral fellowship, Meisels was laid to rest in his hometown of Rehovot. We hear about the always-smiling man. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 26, 2023 PM: For peace, Hamas must be crushed, Gaza demilitarized, Palestinians deradicalized In first public message since Oct. 7, Sinwar says Hamas won’t surrender ‘You will forever remain 30’: Soldier Nitai Meisels, killed in Gaza, laid to rest THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Left: Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas in Gaza, Gaza City, April 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) Right: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, December 10, 2023. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 80 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The IDF announced this morning that the number of troops killed fighting in Gaza has risen to 156, with the additional deaths of two soldiers during battles in the northern Gaza Strip. This weekend saw more than a dozen other casualties. Fabian gives insight into the relatively rising number of casualties. The Israeli Navy struck several Hamas cells identified near ground forces in the Gaza Strip over the past day, the IDF says, releasing footage of Navy shelling along the coast. We hear about the role the IDF's Navy plays now as well as Hamas's maritime capabilities. A 1-km squared network of tunnels was announced by the IDF yesterday after it had razed the system. Five bodies of hostages were previously found in various arms of the subterranean lair. The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out “wide-scale” strikes against Hezbollah targets Sunday after barrages of rockets from Lebanon targeted multiple communities in northern Israel. Fabian explains what is different this time. Yesterday, Israeli soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip found a large cache of weapons used by Hamas in a building where civilians were sheltering in the northern part of the enclave, including “explosive belts adapted for children." What else did they find? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 25, 2023 IDF razes tunnel where 5 hostages found dead, says Hamas HQ under north Gaza crushed IDF carries out ‘wide-scale’ airstrikes on Hezbollah as rockets from Lebanon hit north IDF: Troops find kid-sized explosive belts in Gaza building used to shelter civilians THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: IDF troops seen operating in the Gaza Strip in a handout photo released December 25, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 79 of the war. Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The Israel Defense Forces recently halted the operational activities of a controversial unit implicated in multiple incidents of abuse against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. The unit, called “Sfar Hamidbar,” or Desert Frontier in English, was known for recruiting so-called “hilltop youth.” Sharon gives background and explains what has happened recently. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drawn criticism from the international stage for drawing an equivalency between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Pacchiani spoke with several experts in the Middle East to see whether that was correct. As expected, he heard different things from different people. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi wrote an op-ed for an Arabic-language outlet that was taken to mean that the government may allow a reformed Palestinian Authority to play a role in governing Gaza after the ongoing war with Hamas in over, and that earned him criticism from far-right coalition members. Hours later, a "senior Israeli official" walked back these comments. What's going on behind the scenes? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 24, 2023 IDF freezes operations of ‘hilltop youth’ unit linked to anti-Palestinian violence Hanegbi’s words ‘misunderstood,’ PA can’t rule post-war Gaza — senior Israeli official THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Landscapers work beneath a billboard depicting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wearing a Hamas headband, in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 23, 2023. The billboard equates Abbas' internationally recognized Palestinian Authority with Hamas, a rival Palestinian terror group that rules Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 78 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The United Nations Security Council voted on a resolution on December 22, sponsored by the UAE, which passed with 13 votes in favor while the US and Russia abstained. We start with what was included and discuss the notion of a UN humanitarian coordinator to oversee and verify third-country aid to Gaza. Three senior Western diplomats told Magid over the past week that the diplomatic echelons are increasingly unconvinced that Israel won’t reoccupy Gaza permanently after the war. We hear why and what we're hearing out of Israel about the day after the war. Forty percent of Jewish Israelis want US President Joe Biden to be reelected in the 2024 presidential election, compared to just 26.2% who back Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, a poll conducted on Wednesday found. Magid explains why. Finally, 85-year-old Yaffa Adar shared her story of how she survived 49 days in Hamas captivity. The answer is surprisingly musical. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 23, 2023 Security Council passes resolution calling for steps to immediately increase Gaza aid Full text of UN Security Council resolution calling for Gaza pauses, boost in aid Israel cornering itself into postwar Gaza military occupation, Western diplomats warn In major shift, survey finds Israelis prefer Biden to Trump as next US president ‘Thanks to you, I’ll sing with new enthusiasm’: Bocelli writes to freed hostage who used his music to endure captivity THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Trucks with humanitarian aid arrive at the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, in the southern Gaza Strip, on December 18, 2023. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 77 of the war. Health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand and political reporter Sam Sokol join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. As of this morning, 139 soldiers have fallen in the IDF’s ground offensive in Gaza. But thousands more are wounded. Ghert-Zand reports how Israel is not prepared to handle these numbers in the long or short term. Sokol accompanied a mission of US evangelical leaders to the south this week that was put together by Joel C. Rosenberg, a Jerusalem-based Israeli Christian interfaith activist, and Likud MK Danny Danon, a former Israeli ambassador to the UN. We hear impressions from former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and Ken Blackwell, a former US ambassador to the UN Commission on Human Rights who worked for Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek in the 1970s. The Israel Defense Forces has confirmed the deaths of 21 hostages, with the bodies of only eight of them having been recovered by Israel. The task of determining the death of hostages held in Gaza has fallen to an independent committee of three leading Israeli medical professionals. Ghert-Zand brings highlights from her interview with Shaare Zedek Medical Center’s director general Prof. Ofer Merin, one of the members of the committee. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 22, 2023 War caught Israeli rehab hospitals unprepared to handle number of wounded Devastation of Gaza border towns a ‘gut punch,’ says Huckabee during evangelical tour How an unprecedented medical committee determines when a hostage held in Gaza is dead Soldier from battalion that mistakenly shot hostages meets mom of one of those killed THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: People walk by photographs of civilians held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, posted in Tel Aviv, December 21, 2023. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 76 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. As of this morning, 137 soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground operations. Fabian updates on the status of the fighting in the Stri, north and south. Ahmed Kahlot, the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan hospital in Jabaliya has revealed in a Shin Bet interrogation that his northern Gaza hospital was turned into a military facility under Hamas’s control and that at one point, it had housed a kidnapped soldier. Fabian tells us more. Fabian reports back from his trip this week to Gaza City and a look at the underground terror city concealed under its surface, including private tunnels for Hamas leadership and an intricate network with plumbing, electricity and elevators. A military investigation into the accidental killing of the three escaped hostages in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers has found that one of the captives was recorded days earlier on a dog camera shouting for help during a gun battle between troops and Hamas terrorists at a site where they were being held. But, as Fabian explains, the recording didn’t make it to intelligence in time. Finally, Iris Haim, whose son Yotam was shot dead in error by IDF troops in northern Gaza, recorded a message on Wednesday for the soldiers who killed him, telling them that she and her family love them and do not blame them for his death. Fabian relays her frankly heroic message. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 21, 2023 IDF says it’s fighting in new areas as it nears end of ground offensive in north Gaza Gaza hospital director admits Hamas used medical complex as operational hub Under the heart of Gaza City, IDF digs up a vast hive of lairs where Hamas’s elite hid IDF dog recorded escaped hostage calling for help days before mistaken slayings ‘Not your fault’: Mother sends love, support to troops who killed son in tragic error THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers are seen on a Namer APC near Palestine Square in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood, December 19, 2023. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 75 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses what's been discovered about Gaza tunnels during the ongoing war, including their architecture, materials and design and what the IDF needs to accomplish in order to fully conquer the underground structures. Sharon talks about far right Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich and his latest threats as finance minister with regard to Palestinian Authority funds to Gaza, and how that could be the final straw in his political coalition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Schneider looks at another issue that's arisen during the 75 days of war, as certain conscripted combat soldiers have been embedded in Gaza for weeks, unable to come home or communicate with their families, leading to a heated public conversation on the matter. Sharon looks at the report issued by State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman regarding the government's mishandling of many civilian issues on the homefront in the first six weeks of the war. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 20, 2023 ‘If the generals are counting tunnels, it suggests things are not going well’ Amid reported plan to funnel PA money into Gaza, Smotrich insists: ‘Not one shekel’ State comptroller assails government failures on home front after Oct. 7 onslaught THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers are seen in a tunnel that the military says Hamas militants used to attack the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 74 of the war. Reporter Canaan Lidor and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Lidor attended the hostage families' rally last Saturday night in Tel Aviv, which occurred a day after the deadly accident that saw three hostages shot by the IDF in Gaza. He explains the development of political camps within the movement. In the hostage release deal, some 20 East Jerusalem residents of school age were set free. They are slated to rejoin the city’s education system on January 10, after the Christmas holidays marked in the city’s east. Pacchiani reports on concerns within the Jerusalem municipality. It’s been over 10 weeks since the October 7 massacre and most of the internally displaced Israelis from the Gaza envelope and the northern border are still in hotels and temporary housing. Lidor discusses some plans on the horizon. Until a couple of weeks ago, residents of the unrecognized Bedouin village, Umm al-Hiran located east of the Negev’s capital Beersheba, had no adequate protection against rocket fire from Gaza. What’s changed? Public Christmas celebrations have been canceled throughout the Holy Land. But Pacchiani spoke with one Santa in the Old City who is keeping up his traditions. “Israel in Egypt,” which was first performed in 1739 and references stories from the Hebrew Bible, is now off the program for a German choir's holiday concert. Lidor explains that this is part of a growing European phenomenon. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 19, 2023 Partisan divisions resurface at rival rallies for release of Gaza hostages Twenty released Palestinian inmates set to return to Jerusalem schools in January Unrecognized Bedouin village gets its first-ever rocket shelter, as war rages Citing Gaza war, prominent German choir drops Handel’s 1739 ‘Israel in Egypt’ song THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza have formed a tent city outside Tel Aviv's Hakirya Base, December 18, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 73 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Fabian delves into how the IDF is reacting to the accidental killing of 3 Israeli hostages in Gaza on Friday and what IDF Chief Herzi Halevi is saying. Yesterday, the IDF revealed the largest-ever Hamas attack tunnel discovered by the military, in the northern Gaza Strip, close to the Erez border crossing with Israel, but not inside Israeli territory. Just how big is this tunnel? Were we not in a ground offensive in Gaza, the tit-for-tat retaliation between Israel and Hezbollah would be taken more seriously. What has been seen in and out of Lebanon and Syria recently? Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected in Israel today and may announce efforts to stymie Yemen's Houthi rebel group, which is targeting shipping in the Red Sea. The Times of Israel confirmed that Israel’s reported attempt to pump seawater into the vast network of tunnels beneath Gaza was a success. Fabian fills us in. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 18, 2023 Halevi to troops, after 3 hostages killed: IDF doesn’t shoot people waving white flag IDF uncovers largest-ever Hamas attack tunnel, near northern Gaza border crossing Gallant warns Hezbollah amid frequent attacks from Lebanon, IDF retaliatory strikes Syria says two soldiers hurt, ‘material losses’ caused by alleged Israeli airstrike IDF trial of flooding Hamas tunnels with seawater proves successful, ToI told THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers are seen in a tunnel that the military says Hamas terrorists used to attack the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, December 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 72 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The accidental killing of Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka and Alon Lulu Shamriz was the main issue addressed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz in a three-way press conference last night. Horovitz reports on what was said. Horovitz recently spoke with Maj. Gen. (res) Tamir Hayman, who spent 34 years in the IDF, culminating in more than three years as head of Military Intelligence in 2018-21. He is now the head of the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, a leading think tank. We hear highlights of the 13-point interview. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 17, 2023 Defense chiefs take blame for hostage killings, note complexities of Gaza battlefield ‘And suddenly darkness’: IDF’s tragic killing of 3 hostages a new, heartbreaking blow How did we go so wrong: 13 questions for a former IDF intelligence chief THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Family and friends of Samer Fouad Al-Talalka mourn and bury him in Hura, southern Israel, on December 16, 2023. He was accidentally killed by IDF forces after being held captive by Hamas. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 71 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka and Alon Lulu Shamriz managed to escape Hamas captivity before they were mistakenly shot dead by troops on Friday morning at around 10 a.m. Hostage Yotam Haim, 28, was a drummer for the heavy metal band Persephore. Samar Talalka, 22, from Hura, was working in the Kibbutz Nir Am hatchery. Alon Lulu Shamriz, 26, a computer engineering student. According to an IDF initial probe, the three hostages were shot dead by Israeli troops in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood Friday. They were shirtless, and one of them was carrying a stick with a makeshift white flag. We first hear from Schneider Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initial reactions and then how hundreds took to the streets Friday night in Tel Aviv to demand a return to hostage talks. Mossad chief David Barnea met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani last night in an effort to kickstart talks. Schneider tells us what is known so far. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated the US’s stance that the Palestinian Authority should be responsible for governing Gaza at the end of Israel’s war with Hamas, but acknowledged that it would need to undergo significant changes to be fit to do so. We also heard that Israel should set the timeline for the war with Hamas. Magid gives other high points of the visit. Israeli leaders have been privately urging the Biden administration to refrain from publicly talking about the two-state solution in the fallout of Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught, four Israeli and US officials told The Times of Israel this week. Magid updates on how that's going. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 16, 2023 Initial IDF probe: 3 hostages were shirtless, waving white flag when troops shot them Hundreds march in Tel Aviv demanding hostage deal after IDF killed 3 in tragic error Sullivan says Palestinian Authority must be ‘revamped’ before it can govern Gaza Israel urging US not to talk publicly about two-state solution — officials THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Families and supporters of hostages held by terrorists since the October 7 assault hold a demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv on December 15, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 70 of the war. Health editor Renee Ghert-Zand and reporter Shira Silkoff join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Ghert-Zand discusses the long-awaited visit by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger who met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, President Isaac Herzog and representatives of the families of the hostages, but offered no real response to the matters raised about the 135 hostages still in Gaza. Silkoff speaks about the absence of a full female presence in the security cabinet and no women at all in the war cabinet, given the findings that female surveillance soldiers reported signs of unusual activity in Gaza well before October 7. Ghert-Zand talks about the reports of an increase in mental health stress, as well as an increase in Covid cases in the hotels housing Israeli evacuees from the north and south. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 15, 2023 Visiting ICRC head tells PM public pressure won’t sway Hamas to allow hostage visits For Israeli women, the IDF war room’s glass ceiling is constantly reinforced Amid war’s mental health crisis, deal reached for more psychologists in public health system Health Ministry says COVID cases in Israel up 10%, infections seen at evacuee hotels THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza protest outside a Tel Aviv meeting of Red Cross International President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger on December 14, 2023 (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 69 of the war. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The US House has passed a resolution condemning controversial testimony last week by the presidents of Harvard University, The University of Pennsylvania, and MIT on campus antisemitism where they refused to clearly say whether a call for a genocide of Jews would violate the schools’ policies on harassment and hate speech. We use this as a jumping-off point to discuss what Rettig Gur saw during his time in the US last week For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 14, 2023 Harvard says president will keep job despite backlash over antisemitism comments Times of War video series THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators display signs during a protest on December 10, 2023, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, held to call for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 68 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and filmmaker Eli Katzoff, creator of our Times of War video series, join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Israel awoke to the news of 10 fallen soldiers in Gaza. We’re hearing that many of the troops killed in Gaza that were announced this morning died in a series of blasts while searching buildings in a Gaza City suburb. Fabian fills us in on this tragic operation and what is happening on the ground in Gaza in general. Of the 115 Israeli soldiers killed to date in the Gaza Strip during Israel’s ground offensive against Hamas, 20 were killed by so-called friendly fire and other accidents. What is the army doing to prevent more such deaths? Yesterday we heard the IDF announce that it had recovered the bodies of civilian Eden Zacharia and IDF Warrant Officer Ziv Dado, who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. At the same time, this operation came at a terrible cost. Fabian speaks about the operation and the IDF's mandate to retrieve the fallen. Finally, filmmaker Eli Katzoff speaks about the behind-the-scenes decision-making that goes into the ongoing Times of War video series, now featured on The Times of Israel. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 13, 2023 IDF troops in Gaza uncover arms, footage of Oct. 7 massacres as battles rage IDF: Deaths of 20 out of 105 soldiers killed in Gaza op were friendly fire, accidents IDF retrieves bodies of two hostages from Gaza: Eden Zacharia and Ziv Dado Times of War video series THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.Illustrative image: Family and friends of Israeli soldier St.-Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Zvika Lavi mourn at his funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on December 12, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 67 of the war. Diaspora affairs correspondent Canaan Lidor and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Lidor discusses Kibbutz Nahal Oz's temporary quarters in another kibbutz, Mishmar Haemek in the Jezreel Valley, with disagreements among members about what's best for their community after October 7. Wrobel talks about the drop in consumer sentiment since October 7, at levels last seen during the coronavirus pandemic, as Israelis don't have desire or funds to spend. Lidor looks at surge in Torah scroll writing projects in the last two months, as communities -- religious and secular -- look for meaning and hope. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 12, 2023 Amid Hamas war, Israeli consumer confidence takes another dip in November Pause in war gives traumatized Israelis a chance to visit home – or what’s left of it THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Families of Hamas hostages dance at the Western Wall on November 21, 2023 with two new Torah scrolls dedicated to the return of the hostages and in memory of those killed on October 7 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 66 of the war with Hamas. Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. In the Gaza Strip, as casualties mount, we are hearing reports that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has lost Gazans’ support. According to testimony from former Hamas communications minister, Yousef al-Mansi, “People in the Gaza Strip say that Sinwar and his group destroyed us. We must get rid of them.” Pacchiani begins with telling us who Sinwar is, how he came to power and whether Gazans support him today. Syrian-born journalist Manar al-Sharif is one of a handful of people persecuted by Hamas who managed to leave Gaza. She spoke with Pacchiani, who, through her experiences, describes why there haven't been any large-scale uprisings against the terrorist organization. The small Jewish community in Cairo has decided not to hold celebrations of the Hanukkah festival in one of the city’s synagogues, amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Pacchiani explains why. Last week, environmental experts called on the defense establishment to carefully weigh the long-term environmental implications of reported plans to flood the immense network of tunnels in the Gaza Strip with seawater to flush the terrorists out. We also hear about other impacts on the environment, as well as hopes that the rebuilding of the Gaza envelope settlements will include green thinking. We end with an extraordinary tale of bravery: Oz Davidian rescued some 120 young people trying to escape the Supernova rave on October 7, as Hamas terrorists sprayed them with bullets, making 20 trips throughout the day. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 11, 2023 Ex-Hamas minister in interrogation: ‘Crazy people’ led by Sinwar ‘destroyed Gaza’ ‘Life under Hamas is like under ISIS,’ says Syria-born journalist deported from Gaza Fearing attacks, Jews in Egypt cancel public Hanukkah celebrations Flooding Hamas tunnels could harm Gaza’s freshwater for generations, warns academic Turn Gaza border area into model of sustainable development, green organization urges Truck dashcam footage shows farmer dodging bullets as he saved 120 from music festival THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas in Gaza, greets his supporters upon his arrival at a meeting in a hall on the sea side of Gaza City, on April 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Adel Hana, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 65 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode, giving a longer overview of two months of war. We hear how the war is going for Israel so far and what we understand could happen in the north with Hezbollah. We learn who are Israel’s international partners -- and where there may be friction in those relationships. Finally, we hear about the mood of the nation, 65 days on. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 10, 2023 IDF chief: Hamas rule in Gaza faltering; leaked video shows apparent gunmen surrender IDF needs about 2 more months in Gaza to wrap up 1st stage of war, Israel believes National security adviser indicates war against Hezbollah likely once Hamas is defeated US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Black smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Yaroun, a Lebanese border village with Israel, in south Lebanon, December 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 64 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The airforce, navy and ground troops continue to operate in all parts of Gaza. As of this morning, 91 soldiers have fallen in the ground operation. We begin today's episode with a failed hostage rescue attempt between Thursday and Friday night in which two soldiers were seriously wounded and several hostage takers were killed, but no hostages were freed. We hear updates on what is happening on the ground in Gaza, including the discovery of arms hidden inside a school's teddy bear. Fabian also explains the widely circulated pictures of Gaza men stripped to their underwear. We turn to the northern border and learn about IDF drone strikes in Syria. Fabian recently joined the 261st Brigade’s 8717th “Alon” Battalion, in the town of Salatin, on the outskirts of Jabaliya, in northern Gaza. We hear what he learned there. A senior Israeli defense official was quoted in media reports that the Israeli military needs another three to four weeks to complete its current offensive in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis and a similar amount of time after that to wrap up the first stage of the war against Hamas. Fabian weighs in and explains what the next stages may look like. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 9, 2023 2 troops seriously hurt in failed Gaza hostage rescue; Gallant: signs Hamas is breaking Footage shows numerous Gaza terror suspects who apparently surrendered to IDF troops 4 said killed in alleged Israeli drone strike in Syria; rockets fired from Lebanon Hamas broke temporary truce in Gaza minutes after it began, senior IDF officer says IDF needs about 2 more months in Gaza to wrap up 1st stage of war, Israel believes THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An Israeli soldier lights candles on the second night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah near the Israeli border with Syria, December 8, 2023. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 63 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses Gadi Eisenkot receiving news of his reservist son's mortal injuries, as the former IDF chief of staff, now a member of Benny Gantz’s National Unity party and and war cabinet, was touring the southern command with Gantz. Magid looks at comments made by US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer about Israel and its ongoing fighting in Gaza, wanting Israel to use lessons learned in first part of war. He also discusses a conversation with top advisor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who has been condemning Hamas in meetings and phone calls but not publicly, because of possible future PA role in Gaza after the war. Schneider talks about reservists given bulletproof vests made in 1963  in the US for the Vietnam War. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 8, 2023 War cabinet minister, ex-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot’s son killed in Gaza, along with 2nd soldier Abbas denouncing Hamas, but criticism kept private due to IDF ‘aggression’ – top aide Jon Finer: ‘Aspects of IDF campaign in north didn’t show sufficient care for civilian life’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers at a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border, November 30, 2023. (Photo by Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 62 of the war. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Late last night, the war cabinet approved an increase in fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip. It’s not a decision they made easily and there was more than a little pressure from the Americans. Keller-Lynn tells us more. At least 10 of the Israeli civilians released by Hamas, both men and women, were sexually assaulted or abused while in captivity, according to reports. What are we hearing so far? Israel's political left or far-left has been relatively silent following the October 7 Hamas massacre. In a segment recorded before Labor head Merav Michaeli announced a planned retirement from political life in April, we hear about the crisis of faith in the left-wing. Steinberg describes how some of the returned hostages are adjusting. We first hear about Noam Avigdori, 12, who hasn’t wanted to let her father, Hen Avigdori, out of her sight. We then learn of two mothers fighting to get their grown sons home. Finally, we choose moving entries from Those We Are Missing, a series spearheaded by Steinberg. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 7, 2023 Following US pressure, Israel approves increase of fuel deliveries to Gaza At least 10 freed hostages were sexually abused in Hamas captivity, doctor says Released hostage Hanna Katzir, 78, in dire medical condition, family says ‘Age doesn’t matter’: Mothers want their abducted adult sons back home Released from captivity, Noam Avigdori won’t let her father out of her sight Taken captive: Guy Gilboa-Dalal, took a selfie with his brother for mom THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis put up posters of the civilians held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, December 6, 2023. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 61 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. The IDF says "fierce battles" with Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip continue. As of this morning, 83 soldiers have died in the Gaza ground offensive, as the Air Force continues to carry out strikes against more than 250 targets over the past day. Fabian describes what is happening on the ground, as well as an idea to flood terror tunnels. In a rare statement, the Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday expressed regret for killing a Lebanese soldier while striking a Hezbollah-linked target earlier in the day, the first such death since cross-border hostilities began in October. What does this apology represent? A European Union-funded school and some 10 homes in a village of the South Hebron Hills region of the West Bank have been demolished by "unknown parties" Sharon describes the incident and puts it into context with other attacks on activists who are attempting to protect Palestinians in the West Bank. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 6, 2023 IDF steps up fight against Hamas in south Gaza; UN says 80% of population displaced IDF chief: Flooding Gaza tunnels with seawater ‘a good idea’; Khan Younis surrounded IDF issues rare apology after strike kills Lebanese soldier Homes and EU-funded school in West Bank village wrecked after threats by settlers THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A temporary camp near the Egyptian border in Rafah set up for Palestinians who evacuated their homes in the southern Gaza Strip, December 5, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 60 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses the long-awaited statement made by the UN Women agency regarding the sexual assault and violence committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attacks, and how Gilad Erdan, Israel's UN ambassador, helped bring about the statement. Wrobel discusses the state of the Israeli high-tech community since the start of the war, about hiring, investment and how it will survive this period. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 5, 2023 Eight weeks after Oct. 7 onslaught, UN Women condemns ‘brutal attacks by Hamas’ Amid war with Hamas, Israel’s Matrix is seeking to hire 700 new employees Amid war, Israel to back angel investor clubs to help young startups nab funding THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Demonstrators gather during a '#MeToo unless you are a Jew' protest outside of United Nations headquarters in New York City on December 4, 2023. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 59 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. 75 IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza as of this morning. The IDF hit some 200 sites overnight and the ground offensive pushes ahead, now also in southern Gaza and all eyes are on civilian casualties. Horovitz describes the IDF's push-pull situation and how the US is reacting so far. The relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is showing some cracks. Horovitz talks about a recent separate press conference and what happened in a stormy Likud faction meeting yesterday. Spiro speaks about Those We Have Lost, the Times of Israel's massive project to memorialize the more than 1,200 victims of the October 7 massacre and the ensuing war. We bring a few stories that moved us in particular. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 4, 2023 Confirming ground push into southern Gaza, IDF chief vows ‘no less powerful’ campaign White House says Israel ‘making effort’ to better protect Gaza civilians Likud MKs attack allies, defense officials and left, drawing rebuke from Netanyahu Lior Tarshansky, 15: Maccabi Haifa devotee with ‘shy smile’ Ashish Chaudhary, 25: Nepali student dreamed of supporting his family Nadav, Yam Goldstein-Almog, 48 & 20: Father, daughter slain together Bilha Epstein, 81: Kibbutz elder was eager to meet a 1st great-grandchild THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinians look at the destruction by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah, December 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 58 of the war. Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. We hear what families of hostages are demanding from the government as fighting has resumed in Gaza. Lidor attended a massive rally in Tel Aviv last night and reports back. Hamas has different views on why the truce fell apart, Pacchiani explains, and has vowed not to return any more hostages until the end of the war. We also learn about the brave few who have returned to the Gaza envelope -- and the dangers of publicizing the encouraging images of "resettlement." Pacchiani dives into the signs that support of Hamas in the West Bank has increased threefold. And finally, we hear about a Torah scroll-writing project that is being conducted at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 3, 2023 IDF announces deaths of 2 more soldiers in Gaza fighting Freed hostages urge release of those still in Gaza, but not all parents agree on price Top Hamas official says hostage negotiations are off until war ends With all eyes on Gaza, Hamas might send the West Bank up in flames THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Hamas supporters take part in a protest in support of the people of Gaza in Hebron, West Bank, December 1, 2023. (Wisam Haslmaoun/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 57 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. We hear why the truce fell apart and what the US requests from Israel as the fighting pushes forward. We learn about the renewed fighting in Gaza and how the Israeli military is beginning to use an evacuation map for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, for them to avoid active combat zones. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 2, 2023 US blames Hamas for end of truce, as rocket barrages fired at central Israel, south Report: Truce fell apart after Hamas refused to release more female Israeli hostages Blinken said to warn war cabinet Israel may not have months to topple Hamas IDF carries out ‘extensive’ airstrikes in Khan Younis area amid heavy Gaza fighting PA’s Abbas a ‘liability’ in planning for post-war Gaza, Arab officials say THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: This handout picture released by the Israeli army shows troops on the ground in the northern Gaza Strip on December 2, 2023 (Israel Defense Forces)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 56 of the war. Health editor Renee Ghert-Zand and education reporter Gabriel Fiske join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Ghert-Zand reports that most returning hostages are "okay," all undergo extensive medical tests and then get a tailored program for recovery. She adds information about some specific released hostages and the emotional care that continue. Fiske updates on schooling in country's center and 351 pop-up schools created for evacuated K-12 children throughout the country. He also looks at a special pocket edition of the book of Genesis for reserve soldiers, printed to use in the weeks since the war began on October 7. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog December 1, 2023 Photos, videos show emotional hostage reunions, as doctors say most in good health Daughter of critically ill 84-year-old freed hostage: Red Cross ‘abandoned’ her Tel Aviv area schools return to distance learning, partial classes as war resumes Book publisher sends thousands of sacred texts to IDF soldiers THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The reunion of siblings Maya and Itay Regev, released from Gaza days apart, with a third sibling at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, November 30, 2023, in handout photos by the hospital. (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 55 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Three people were killed and six were wounded, two of them seriously, in a terror shooting attack at the entrance to Jerusalem on Thursday morning. Fabian updates us. There are increased reports of Hamas violations of the ceasefire. How is the IDF weighing how to respond? Fabian joined a ride-along with the IDF on a night-time raid in Beit Furik between Monday and Tuesday. What were the goals and were they met? The updated list of hostages to be freed today is made up of only eight hostages — six women and two children. Hamas is claiming that the two Israeli-Russian women released last night as a “gesture” to Russian President Vladimir Putin will count toward today’s list. We also have heard that three bodies will be returned. Yesterday, Hamas’s military wing asserted Shiri Bibas, 32, and her children, four-year-old Ariel and 10-month-old Kfir, were killed in an Israeli strike during the war in the Strip. What do we know? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 30, 2023 Three killed, 6 injured in terror shooting at Jerusalem entrance bus stop After last-minute deal, Israel confirms Gaza truce with Hamas to extend at least 1 day Amid Gaza war, IDF steps up West Bank raids to quell potential additional front 12 Israeli women and teens, 4 Thais, released from Hamas captivity under truce deal IDF investigating ‘cruel’ Hamas claim that Bibas children, mother killed in Gaza THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Members of the Hamas and the Islamic Jihad release Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, November 28, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 54 of the war. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Underage and female Palestinian security prisoners are released at a ratio of three inmates per hostage freed. Keller-Lynn explains what is the range of crimes committed by the freed prisoners. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Tuesday threatened to break apart the government if Israel does not restart its war with Hamas, currently on a negotiated pause. Are these idle threats? Rettig Gur delves into why Israelis are restraining themselves to swallow a pause in fighting as hostages are released, but unlikely to support any cessation to the fighting in Gaza. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 29, 2023 10 Israeli and 2 Thai hostages arrive back in Israel after 53 days in Gaza captivity Attempted murder, shootings, bombings: Most freed Palestinians were held for attacks Ben Gvir threatens to tear down government if war not resumed THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustrative: Israeli artillery unit stationed near the Israeli border with Lebanon, northern Israel, November 15, 2023. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 53 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider talks about the details emerging about the conditions of the hostages' captivity, as four separate groups of hostages have been released, and the Hamas propaganda surrounding the release of each group. Pacchiani discusses comments by Fatah's Jabril Rajoub about the October 7 massacres, and the rise of support for Hamas in the West Bank, including Ramallah, headquarters of the Palestinian Authority and Fatah. Pacchiani also talks about an interview with Lebanese Christian Jonathan Elkhoury, raised in Haifa, and now a voice of advocacy for Israel on US college campuses. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 28, 2023 9 children, including 3-year-old twins, and 2 mothers released from Hamas captivity Daughter of critically ill 84-year-old freed hostage: Red Cross ‘abandoned’ her Israel and Hamas agree to extend Gaza truce by two days, say US, Qatar Senior Fatah official justifies Oct. 7 massacre as ‘defensive war’ against Israel Lebanese Israeli advocate on US colleges post-Oct. 7: ‘Many don’t see Israelis as humans’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Renana Gome (middle) with her sons, Yagil (left) and Or, reunited after the boys' release from Hamas captivity since October 7, 2023 (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 52 of the war. Reporter Canaan Lidor and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. Last night, 14 Israeli citizens returned to Israel: nine children, two mothers, two more women, and one man from Gaza. We discuss how their communities received news of their return, with mixed emotions. Israeli security forces captured several dozen of the 3,000 terrorists involved in the atrocities of October 7. Sharon looks at the options in front of Israel for prosecuting the terrorists. Finally, Lidor visited Abirim, five kilometers from the Lebanon border, and reports on how this community is getting lost in the bureaucratic shuffle, even as most of its citizens have evacuated.  For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 27, 2023 14 Israelis, 9 of them children, freed by Hamas on 3rd day of hostages-for-truce deal Hostage deal forces Nahal Oz survivors into wrenching compromise with reviled Hamas This Be’eri survivor knows Hamas is manipulating his community. He still wants a deal Grandfather of two children released from Gaza: ‘We thought we would lose our minds’ Hostages’ release inspires rare joy and relief on Shabbat eve at Hostages Square How will captured October 7 terrorists be tried, and on what charges? In the Galilee, hardy residents wonder why the government reneged on evacuating them THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Residents of Kibbutz Kfar Aza watch news of the release of their neighbors in Shefayim on November 26, 2023. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 51 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. Last night 13 additional Israelis returned to their families as part of the cease-fire agreement brokered by Qatar and the US between Israel and Hamas. We discuss the chaos around the second release process. Horovitz also speaks to the seemingly increased dissonance between Israel's plans to renew operations in Gaza and world pressure to lengthen the truce -- even indefinitely.  Ghert-Zand discusses the health of the freed hostages so far and medical professionals' preparations ahead of their release. Finally, Ghert-Zand brings the stories of two families of fallen soldiers whose organs were donated. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 26, 2023 13 Israelis, including 8 children, freed by Hamas after 50 days held hostage in Gaza Coming home: Health Ministry discloses strict protocols for treating freed hostages Grieving their fallen soldier sons, families donate their organs, spread life THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, November 25, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 50 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. Last night 13 Israelis returned to their families as part of the cease-fire agreement brokered by Qatar and the US between Israel and Hamas. Another 13 are expected to be released shortly today. We discuss the nail-biting release process and the happy reunions. Israel needs to “pay” for every one Israeli with three Palestinian prisoners. Who are the prisoners who are being released? During this ceasefire, the expectation is that there will be an increase in humanitarian aid trucks allowed into the Gaza Strip. Is that happening so far? Finally, even as international women’s organizations are still silent on the mass rapes committed by Hamas on October 7, today marks the United Nations-sponsored International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Keller Lynn reported on a troubling new trend in calls to crisis lines since the war. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 25, 2023 Israel awaits 2nd group of hostages to be freed Saturday late-afternoon 13 Israelis, including 4 kids, back in Israel after held hostage in Gaza for 49 days Domestic violence exacerbated by wartime, raising concerns over looser gun policies THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Doron Asher and her daughters Raz and Aviv after their release from Hamas captivity on November 24, 2023.(Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 49 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. Seventy IDF soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground offensive as of the commencement of the temporary ceasefire this morning. Fabian explains how the IDF is maintaining its hold on its control of the northern Gaza Strip during this pause of offensive operations. Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at northern Israel on Thursday in one of the largest barrages fired from Lebanon since October 7, sending thousands of people in northern towns and communities rushing to bomb shelters. How does this coincide with its stated plan to join in the Gaza ceasefire?  Magid brings US concerns over the number of aid trucks currently entering the Strip, as well as a pressing request that the IDF present detailed plans for the population of southern Gaza as the military turns its eyes there. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 24, 2023 As sides confirm truce Friday, Israel notifies families of 13 hostages set to be freed Hamas commander killed ahead of truce; Gallant: War will resume for at least 2 months Hezbollah hits Israel with heavy rocket barrages, anti-tank missile attacks US officials say Israel likely can’t make good on hostage deal promise to up Gaza aid THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: View of the 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, November 23, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 48 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. 70 soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground offensive as of this morning. Instead of an expected ceasefire that was meant to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, the hostage release deal has been pushed off until Friday, according to reports. We hear from Goren how this played out. Wrobel reported this week that the war with the Hamas terror group is costing Israel at least NIS 1 billion ($269 million) per day. How was this figure arrived at? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday agreed to extend the tenure of Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron for a second term following months of speculation. But convinced whom here? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 23, 2023 War with Hamas costs NIS 1b a day, hitting economy harder than previous conflicts Worker absence due to war poses main hurdle for manufacturers – survey Bank of Israel head agrees to 2nd term following nod from Netanyahu and Smotrich THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, as seen on November 21, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 47 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. 69 soldiers have fallen in Gaza as of Wednesday morning and the IDF says it’s continuing to operate in the Gaza Strip, with ground forces clashing with Hamas operatives, and strikes being carried out against the terror group’s infrastructure until the timing of a formal ceasefire is reached. The cabinet resoundingly approved a first hostage release deal early this morning. Horovitz explains what Israel is getting and what Israel is giving up. We hear who were the major players behind the deal as well as how it was received in domestic Israeli politics. Children and women are the primary focus of the hostage deal. Steinberg gives us a sense of the 38 children being held, their age ranges and how they were taken. Steinberg, who is spearheading the ToI's covering of the hostages, has met with several of their families. We hear about the Engel and Sharabi families. Steinberg was inspired in Tel Aviv this week by a series of murals painted for the captured children in coordination with the Free Our Kids IL pop-up grassroots organization. What struck her? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 22, 2023 Cabinet okays deal for release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 4-day Gaza truce Most politicians welcome hostage deal; Smotrich explains why party ended up voting yes Behind the scenes of the intense talks that led to the Israel-Hamas hostage deal The children believed held hostage in Gaza, many of whom could be freed in Hamas deal ‘Life has stopped in the middle’ for families of 3 hostages, connected by teens’ love Street artists paint Tel Aviv wall murals about child hostages THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An installation of eyes on empty chairs symbol of the people missing and held captive in Gaza, in Tel Aviv Israel, November 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 46 of the war. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. There are unceasing rumors that a hostage deal and/or a ceasefire are close. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has released a statement on social media that the group is close to a “truce” agreement. But as of recording time, official Israel is tightlipped on any such deal and concentrating its PR efforts on displaying proof of Hamas’s use of Shifa Hospital as a base and other evidence found in the ground offensive. Rettig Gur expounds on why Israel is so terrible at public diplomacy -- and why it may work in the country's favor. Reichman University’s Recanati International school launched its fall semester on Sunday. Fiske was there and spoke with several students who left what they felt were antisemitic environments for war-torn Israel. Finally, Fiske describes Israel's number one hit song of the moment, "Charbu Darbu," an angry hip-hop anthem in support of the war with Hamas. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 21, 2023 Antisemitic incidents surged globally since Oct. 7 but most aren’t reported. Here’s why Hip-hop war anthem reaches number one in Israel THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustrative: Hundreds of Canadians attend a rally calling for the release of children held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, in Toronto, Canada. November 20, 2023. (Doron Horowitz/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 45 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. 65 soldiers have been killed so far in the ground offensive in Gaza. The IDF has presented evidence that several hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on October 7 were indeed in the Shifa Hospital compound and that one at least was killed there. Fabian fills us in. Yesterday, we reported that Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed that they had hijacked an Israeli cargo ship traveling through the Red Sea. Israel, for its part, blamed Iran for the incident and denied that the vessel was Israeli. Fabian untangles the knot? Even as the first mixed-gender unit entered Gaza yesterday, there are reports that senior commanders refused to heed the warnings of the young female surveillance soldiers tasked with watching the Gaza border in the weeks before the brutal Hamas massacre on October 7. The soldiers believe sexism was a factor in their being ignored, according to a Haaretz report. The October 30 burial of Alina Plahti, who was killed by Hamas at the Supernova rave, roiled the nation because she was buried outside the main cemetery in Beit She'an. Her father is Jewish, she served in the IDF, but she dropped out of her conversion program three years ago. Lidor explains. Lidor dives into the increase of inflammatory language out of South Africa, including the use of "genocide." And finally, Lidor tells of a group of Jewish and Arab Israelis who are working together to clean up the bomb shelters in Haifa. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 20, 2023 IDF: Hostage was killed in Shifa; clip shows Hamas take 2 other hostages there on Oct 7 Surveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignored Yemen’s Houthis claim to hijack Israeli ship in Red Sea; Jerusalem: It isn’t Israeli After Oct. 7 victim buried outside cemetery, fence separating non-Jews lowered In Haifa, bomb shelter cleanup action fosters Arab-Jewish partnership THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Hamas terrorists bring a hostage into Shifa Hospital as seen on surveillance footage from October 7, 2023. (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 44 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and Luca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. The IDF is expanding the ground operation in northern Gaza and as of this morning, 59 soldiers have fallen. On November 14, hundreds of families of hostages and supporters began a five-day trek to Jerusalem, which they reached yesterday. Tens of thousands of Israelis joined them. We hear Horovitz's impressions. Also on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was heavy international pressure against Israel’s war on Hamas, as he pledged to continue pressing the military campaign in Gaza until the terror group is overthrown and the hostages it seized are returned. Where is the pressure coming from? On Wednesday, the printed version of the Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad featured a front-page editorial in Hebrew titled “What will happen after Israel?” What is the story behind this newspaper? Since the Hamas massacre of 1,200 on October 7, east Jerusalem has been what Pacciani calls, "eerily silent." We hear more. Nearly 400 people gathered on Monday night in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Abu Tor for Jewish-Arab solidarity and coexistence amid the ongoing war between Israel and terror group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Pacchiani was there and reports back. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 19, 2023 ‘Look us in the eye!’: 30,000 join Gaza hostages’ families on final march into Jerusalem PM says bucking int’l pressure against Gaza op, stresses no hostage deal ‘as of now’ Jordanian newspaper features front-page Hebrew article predicting Israel’s collapse All quiet on the eastern front? Jerusalem Old City sits empty — and heavily patrolled Hundreds gather in Jerusalem to raise voice for Jewish-Arab solidarity THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza at 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, November 18, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 43 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. Today, finally, patients, staff and displaced people left the Shifa Hospital compound, leaving behind only a skeleton crew to care for those too sick to move and Israeli forces in control of the facility. What are the IDF's plans now? The IDF says it is expanding operations in the Gaza Strip, with offensives being carried out in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, and in Jabaliya. Both the areas are regarded as Hamas strongholds. Where will the troops go from here? The IDF and Shin Bet security service said Saturday that a number of terrorists killed in an overnight West Bank operation were planning “imminent” attacks on Israeli civilians and troops. Fabian describes the air strike in this West Bank area, followed by a raid and clashes between gunmen and soldiers. The rockets are unabated from Lebanon and yesterday saw several civilians injured. Fabian describes the tit-for-tat fighting. Late last week Fabian went inside Gaza City’s Shati camp with troops of the Nahal Infantry Brigade’s 50th Battalion. He describes what he saw.  Yesterday, Israel agreed to regular daily fuel deliveries into the Gaza Strip for the first time since the war against Hamas began last month. Magid explains what this policy change signifies. Israel’s window to operate in the Hamas-run enclave with Washington’s support is not closing, Magid hears from several officials. He explains why. Magid brings the story of a pro-Israel lawmaker who is criticizing the Jewish state opening. Why is this happening? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 18, 2023 Most patients, staff, displaced leave Shifa Hospital area; IDF pushes deeper into Gaza Lebanon rocket attacks target northern towns; IDF strikes Hezbollah in response IDF, Shin Bet: Terror cell planning ‘imminent attacks’ targeted in West Bank operation In Gaza’s Shati camp, senior officer says ‘nothing’ can stop IDF advance on Hamas In shift, Israel agrees to regularly let fuel into Gaza, drawing outrage in coalition Israel doesn’t feel US closing window of support for IDF’s Gaza offensive – official In a shift, US Jewish lawmakers ramp up criticism of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip in a handout photo distributed on November 17, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 42 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses IDF discovery of bodies of two female captives, Yehudit Weiss and soldier Noa Marciano, based on data that was collected, found in compound of Shifa Hospital. Sharon talks about physical assaults against Palestinians in West Bank by extremist settlers and brigades of IDF reservists formed after October 7 who harass the communities, hoping to force them to leave. Schneider looks at poll from Channel 12, an unusual move for wartime period, showing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity has plummeted and National Unity Benny Gantz has taken the lead, as he entered war cabinet "to help the country, not help Netanyahu." Sharon speaks about an upcoming Saturday night rally in Tel Aviv calling for a ceasefire, and being allowed by police after a prolonged legal battle, but with certain limitations in place. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 17, 2023 Military recovers bodies of two Israeli hostages in area of Gaza’s Shifa Hospital Facing violence and harassment, hundreds of Palestinians flee West Bank villages Poll finds Netanyahu would be trounced by Gantz were elections held today Police agree to Tel Aviv protest calling for ceasefire following High Court hearing THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Parents of soldier Noa Marciano who was killed in Hamas captivity, comforted by families of those held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, on November 16, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 41 of the war. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Keller-Lynn discusses how the police is proceeding with investigations of rape on October 7, although it's not yet clear how the cases will be built and who will be ultimately tried, given the lack of physical evidence. Surkes looks at members of Israel's Arab Druze civilian community who have thrown themselves behind the war effort. Keller-Lynn explains why two Arab MKS were suspended and had pay docked by Knesset Ethics Committee for remarks about IDF war crimes and denying October 7 atrocities. Surkes talks about nature rehabilitation center for troubled teens in Tzur Hadassah, outside Jerusalem, where a lack of a bomb shelter hinders the program's progress now, when teens need it most. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 16, 2023 Police start building Oct. 7 rape cases, focusing on footage and testimonies Israel’s tiny Druze community punches above its weight to help Knesset sanctions 2 Arab MKs for ‘denying’ Oct. 7 atrocities, alleging IDF war crimes Troubled teens cut off from nature rehab over lack of bomb shelter THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Scenes of houses destroyed when Hamas terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, killing some 1,200, committing atrocities and taking 240 hostages into Gaza (Photo by Edi Israel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 40 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. As of this morning, 48 IDF soldiers have fallen during the ground operation in Gaza. Since last night, a special targeted operation has seen IDF enter the Shifa Hospital compound, which the IDF has considered a headquarters of Hamas. What are we seeing so far? On Tuesday, the IDF announced that it had captured a number of Hamas governmental sites in the heart of Gaza City. But while northern Gaza's above-ground area is under IDF control, the vast majority of Hamas operatives are believed to be underground, explains Fabian. Also yesterday, nearly 300,000 people rallied in Washington at the March for Israel, calling for the release of the hostages held by terrorists in Gaza. Rettig Gur discusses the rally -- and questions why mainstream American media hasn't really covered it. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 15, 2023 IDF special forces raid Gaza’s main hospital, find weapons and Hamas assets inside IDF says it has captured Hamas parliament, government seat and police HQ ‘Let our people go’: Nearly 300,000 rally in Washington for Israel, hostages’ release THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: IDF soldiers operate at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City overnight in a handout photo distributed on November 15, 2023 (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 39 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. As of this morning, 46 IDF soldiers have fallen during the ground operation in Gaza, and last night, the IDF confirmed that a woman who was pregnant when captured has presumably given birth. Goren updates on what we know about the hostages. The IDF revealed what it said was proof that the basement of a Gaza City children's hospital was used by the Hamas terror group to hide arms and possibly hold hostages kidnapped on October 7. But Goren explains why time may be running out on the ground operation. Fiske discusses new pop-up educational solutions for the children of the internally displaced throughout Israel. There are about 15,000 refugee students in Eilat alone.  And finally, we hear about US cowboys who have come to volunteer on farms -- in the wild West Bank.  For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 14, 2023 IDF: Hamas operated command center, likely held hostages under Gaza kids’ hospital Israel, Hamas near deal to release some 70 women and children held hostage – report Woman abducted to Gaza on Oct. 7 has likely given birth in captivity — officials Cowboys of the wild West Bank: The visiting US volunteers who ‘own guns, love Israel’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A tunnel shaft found by IDF forces leading to underneath Gaza City's Rantisi Hospital, in a photo released by the military on November 13, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 38 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. As of this morning, 44 IDF soldiers have fallen during the ground operation in Gaza, which is now centered around the controversial Shifa Hospital compound. Fabian updates us on what is happening in the Shifa Hospital compound, even as the world is scrutinizing the IDF even more than usual. Yesterday, at least 14 civilians were wounded, including one seriously, in an anti-tank guided missile attack by the Hezbollah terror group from Lebanon. In another attack, seven soldiers were wounded by a mortar near the northern community of Menara. Both attacks represent a sharp uptick in hostility, explains Fabian. Official Israel has revised the estimated number of murdered in the October 7 attack from 1,400 to 1,200. Fabian goes over the numbers and adds them up. Among all the deaths during this war, new life continues to be born. Ghert-Zand brings us how midwives and doctors are handling challenging circumstances. No Mental Health Without Democracy, a large group of mental health professionals in Israel, has issued an urgent call to the government to prevent the planned showing of a film of the murderous atrocities committed by Hamas against Israelis on October 7 to the general public. Ghert-Zand explains why. Hundreds of foreign medical professionals have signed up to volunteer in Israel. We hear who is already here and what they are doing. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 13, 2023 IDF says Hamas blocked fuel delivery to Shifa Hospital as troops advance in Gaza 21 wounded, 1 seriously, in Hezbollah missile, mortar attacks from Lebanon Israel revises death toll from Oct. 7 Hamas assault, dropping it from 1,400 to 1,200 Shepherding life into the world following catastrophe brings hope to Israeli midwives Mental health professionals implore Netanyahu not to show atrocities film to public THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Zaka personnel and Israeli soldiers at the forensic center in the Shura military base near Ramle, where hundreds of dead bodies have arrived since the start of the war with Hamas, October 13, 2023. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 37 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Over the weekend, Israel saw another five soldiers fall during the ground operation in Gaza. Horovitz fills us in on the status of the fighting alongside booby-trapped tunnels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation and took reporters' questions last night. Horovitz brings highlights from Netanyahu's remarks, as well as what Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is saying about an expanded operation in Lebanon. Yesterday was Armistice Day in London and there were hundreds of thousands of anti-Israel protesters in the streets. Horovitz describes the disconnect felt in England right now. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said there was “no justification” for Israel’s bombing of “these babies, these ladies, these old people” in the war against Hamas and reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Lidor gives background on why these statements represent such a betrayal for many French Jews. Lidor reports back from the Gaza envelope, where he spent time with struggling farmers near the border. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 12, 2023 IDF: No siege at Shifa Hospital, we’ll help move babies to safety; 5 soldiers killed Beloved educator and son of former Netanyahu aide among 5 reservists killed in Gaza Netanyahu: We’ll defy the world if needed to defeat Hamas; PA can’t run Gaza after war Macron’s comments on Gaza war are ‘factually, morally’ incorrect, Netanyahu charges Macron: Israel must stop bombing babies, women, elderly; PM: Hamas to blame for deaths THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinians seen at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, November 10, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 36 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid speaks about Israel's formalization of the daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza, after pressure from Biden administration. Schneider discusses Netanyahu meeting with municipal heads of communities in Gaza envelope, more than a month after October 7. Magid talks about the differing comments Netanyahu has made about what will happen in Gaza after the war, and reactions to that. Schneider mentions soldiers talking about return to Gush Katif, the Jewish settlement bloc in Gaza that was forcibly emptied in 2005. She also discusses New York Jewish Federation raising millions in first weeks of war, helping evacuees and survivors, filling vacuum of Israeli government. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 11, 2023 Israel formalizes daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza, in first since war’s outbreak Netanyahu says IDF will control Gaza after war, rejects notion of international force Israel isn’t seeking to displace Gazans or rule enclave, Netanyahu reassures US THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinians walk on road after fleeing from their homes in Gaza City to the southern part of Gaza, November 11, 2023. (Photo by Atia Mohammed/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's special one-on-one episode. We are on day 35 of the war with Hamas and as of this morning, 36 IDF soldiers have been killed during the ground operation in Gaza. Fabian describes how in the past several days, the IDF has continued to achieve its goals inside the Gaza Strip and has reached near the Shifa Hospital, which the IDF has said is the headquarters of the terror group. The IDF has completed airstrikes in Syria after a drone attacked a school in Eilat, Israel's southernmost city. What’s the connection? The Palestinian Authority has claimed that 14 Palestinians were killed in recent Jenin clashes. What is happening here? And we hear updates on continued tit-for-tat fighting in the north. Fabian journeyed inside the Gaza Strip with the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corps. We hear about proverbial monsters under a child’s bed and a portal into a dark world. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 10, 2023 IDF says it’s fighting gunmen in Gaza City’s ‘military quarter’ near Shifa Hospital IDF strikes Syria in response to drone attack on Eilat school Palestinian Authority says 14 killed in Jenin clashes with IDF Arrow intercepts missile headed to Eilat; drone of unclear origin hits school in city Inside a Gaza bedroom, soldiers searching for tunnels find how low Hamas can go THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Damaged buildings are seen in the northern Gaza Strip, as an IDF armored D9 bulldozer flattens land, November 7, 2023. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and political analyst Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We are in day 34 of the war with Hamas and international media is reporting that Qatar is mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the potential release of 10-15 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a humanitarian pause in fighting of up to three days. Rettig Gur explains how this could be the wrong decision for Israel.  Keller-Lynn has conducted an in-depth investigation into whether or not physical evidence of rape was collected from the scores of bodies that exhibited preliminary signs of sexual abuse. She explains why this proof is becoming increasingly important.  For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 9, 2023 Qatar works for release of 10-15 hostages in exchange for pause in fighting THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Demonstrators portray hostages kidnapped from Israel during the brutal October 7 Hamas invasion during a vigil in Prague, Czech Republic, November 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and diplomacy reporter Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We are in day 33 of the war with Hamas and the rocket attacks in the north and south are unabated. Berman updates with what’s happening in the tit-for-tat from Lebanon and explains how the war in Gaza is progressing -- for now. There has been a sharp uptick in Gazans from the northern strip making their way south. Berman explains what we are seeing and its significance. We hear about the diplomatic frontline and which ambassador has just been pulled. Berman gives a sad update on the Gazan mothers whose children have undergone surgery here and are stuck here during the war. Goren takes a step back and discusses the dangers when those taken captive in Gaza are lumped together as a topic, "the hostages." As the world marks the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass, in addition to the constant Holocaust denial, there is on social media an increased presence of “massacre deniers.” Goren explains the dangers here. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 8, 2023 Barrage of 20 rockets fired at north from Lebanon; IDF shells targets in response The IDF’s war on Hamas is going better than it expected… for now Thousands of Gazans waving white flags head south along IDF evacuation route Days after speaking about peace, Gazan mother’s 3 children killed in Strip blast Israel shows world media harrowing footage of Hamas attack to ‘get message across’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Family and friends attend a ceremony for Israelis abducted by Hamas terrorists in Gaza a month after the October 7 massacre, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, November 7, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon and education reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Today, Israel marks one month since the October 7 massacre with a day of mourning that includes an 11 am minute of silence, flags lowered to half-mast and memorial ceremonies held in schools and town squares throughout the day. The State Attorney’s Office has yet to indict any citizen for incitement to violence or racism against either Arabs or those deemed “leftists” since Hamas’s October 7 atrocities, despite inflammatory rhetoric on social media over the past month. At the same time, the State Attorney’s Office has filed dozens of indictments against Arab citizens for incitement to terrorism in the same time period, based almost exclusively on inflammatory social media posts. Sharon explains. Sharon fills us in on the status on legislation that would ban the systematic consumption of media published or disseminated by terrorist organizations. In a surprise twist to the ongoing judicial reform debate, Sharon updates us on an announcement from Justice Minister Yariv Levin that he will convene the Judicial selection committee -- maybe. Fiske, in his first podcast appearance, talks about how Israel's universities are supporting the student body -- many of whom are drafted. Since October 7, volunteering has been off the charts. Fiske brings two studies that crunch the numbers. Ukrainian children living in a group foster home that were evacuated to Israel due to the war back home, were again evacuated on October 8 -- from Ashkelon. Fiske joined them in Kfar Chabad and reports back. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 7, 2023 Zero indictments for incitement against Arabs filed despite widespread online hate Bill to ban ‘systematic’ viewing of terror content readied for final Knesset passage Levin says he’ll convene Judicial Selection Committee, after months of delays Twice evacuated from war zones, Ukrainian children wait for the battles to end THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The Or Simcha youth village in Kfar Chabad, central Israel. (Gavriel Fiske/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Fabian updates us on the condition of the two police officers who were attacked just outside the Jerusalem Old City’s Damascus Gate this morning. The IDF has announced that the Gaza Strip is now divided into north and south. How does this clear demarcation affect IDF operations? An Israeli civilian was killed in an anti-tank guided missile attack launched from Lebanon at an area near the northern community of Kibbutz Yiftah, bringing the civilian death toll on the Israeli side of the Lebanon border to two in attacks by Hezbollah and Palestinian gunmen since October 7. Fabian explains the tit-for-tat from Hezbollah. The Jordanian kingdom announced that its air force air-dropped vital medical supplies to a field hospital in the Gaza Strip. We only have initial information about IDF coordination. Fabian shares what we know. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said Sunday on Radio Kol Berama that one of Israel’s options in the war against Hamas could be to drop a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip. How were his remarks received, both here in Israel and abroad? On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel on from land, sea, air -- and social media. Horovitz weighs in on how Israel is faring in the war for public opinion. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 6, 2023 IDF launches widespread strikes in Gaza as ground troops divide Strip in two IDF says troops found Hamas rocket launchers near playground, swimming pool in Gaza Israeli civilian killed in anti-tank missile attack from Lebanon amid escalation Jordan sends medical aid into Gaza via airdrop coordinated with Israel, US Far-right minister says nuking Gaza an option, PM suspends him from cabinet meetings Day 30 of the war: Where it began and where it will end THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A handout photo shows IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, in pictures distributed on November 6, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.  We are on Day 30 of the war with Hamas that erupted four weeks ago when some 3,000 Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel and perpetrated a massacre in towns surrounding the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,400, mostly civilians. There are still some 200 remains to be identified from that Black Shabbat. Berman updates us on what has been happening during the ground operation in Gaza over the past several days. We hear about Israel’s cooperation with Centcom and how -- with the two carrier strike groups now in the region -- the US has Israel's back in a very physically present manner. Berman further updates us on which other countries have pulled their ambassadors over the weekend.  Surkes speaks about the new horse meditation treatment for Supernova rave survivors For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 5, 2023 Bahrain lawmakers vote to recall envoy from Tel Aviv, but Israel says ties stable Moshe Ohayon, 52: Social activist, CEO of 929 Torah project THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: In this photo obtained from the US Department of Defense, the aircraft carriers Gerald R. Ford (L, front) and Dwight D. Eisenhower (R, front) and ships in their Strike Groups sail in formation in the Mediterranean Sea, on November 3, 2023. (Jacob Mattingly/US Department of Defense/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 29 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses public statement made by Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, and whether Israel's security establishment can believe that Hezbollah and Iran did not know about the Hamas plans to attack on October 7. Magid talks about latest visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region, and his efforts to gain some level of cooperation from other Arab countries. He also looks at US urging for humanitarian aid in Gaza, and Blinken's plan to head to Turkey and speak with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been making public statements of support for Hamas. Schneider mentions the Saturday night rally in Tel Aviv for those who are missing and being held captive, as the families mark 30 days and demand action from the government. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 4, 2023 In much-hyped speech, Nasrallah makes threats but does not commit to broader war Stressing support for Israel, Blinken urges humanitarian pauses; PM rejects any halt Blinken faces uphill battle for Gaza war pauses at Israel meetings and Arab summit THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on one of his four trips to Israel in since the Hamas assault of October 8, 2023. (Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Today is the 28th day of the war with Hamas and the IDF announced it had encircled Gaza City last night. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has landed in Israel to ask for humanitarian pauses in the fighting. What are we hearing from Israeli officials? The Reuters news service has reported that the US is flying surveillance drones over the Gaza Strip to help gather intelligence on the locations of hostages taken by Hamas. Next, we turn to Israel's northern border, which has heated up over the past few days ahead of a planned speech by Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. We cast the spotlight on a battle overnight Wednesday-Thursday with intense and chaotic fighting that raged for over three hours following an ambush targeting soldiers from the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion. Lidor reports on how European Jewry is faring during the Israel-Hamas war and discusses the Dagestan airport attempted "pogrom" on Sunday. Lidor spent several days in the refuge city of Eilat this week and reports back on the incredible encounters he experienced there. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 3, 2023 Israeli troops roll into Gaza City as ground offensive intensifies, IDF toll rises IDF releases radio recording, footage of troops fending off Hamas ambush in Gaza Hezbollah’s Nasrallah to break silence as Lebanon border skirmishes intensify Rocket from Lebanon strikes Kiryat Shmona as fighting ramps up on northern border Different this time: On Israel trip, UK Jewish leaders share grief and deep concern Pro-Hamas sentiment shocks European Jews, rekindling fears about their future In Europe, soaring antisemitism popularizes a new invention: The camouflaged mezuzah Rioters storm airport in Russia’s Dagestan in hunt for Jews aboard flight from Israel For displaced families, Eilat’s charms are a painful reminder of a life pierced by war THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli artillery stationed near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, November 2, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem offices. It is Day 27 of the war with Hamas and the IDF continues to push into Gaza even as Israel suffers continued loss of soldiers’ lives. Berman speaks about what's happening on the ground right now. Israel's other fronts are also seeing an uptick in violence and an Israeli was killed in a shooting attack in the West Bank this morning. Berman updates on what we are seeing on the northern front. Foreign passport holders are being let out, and Egypt projects some 7,000 will be cross the Rafah border soon. Who are these foreign passport holders? Jordan is among the nations to have pulled its ambassadors to Israel. Berman explores how serious of a move this is in terms of Israel-Jordan relations. We hear about a Lebanese TV interview with Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, in which he basically said the terror organization has no regrets for its October 7 massacre. And finally, Pacchiani reports back from a visit he made to Rahat and its surroundings, in which he met a Bedouin family with four members held hostage in Gaza. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 2, 2023 IDF: Troops breach Hamas defenses, approach Gaza City; 17th soldier killed in battle Israeli driver shot dead in West Bank terror attack; IDF launches manhunt Jordan recalls ambassador from Israel to protest carnage in war with Hamas Bolivia cuts ties with Israel, accusing it of ‘crimes against humanity’ in Gaza IDF estimates 3,000 Hamas terrorists invaded Israel in Oct. 7 onslaught Hamas official says group aims to repeat Oct. 7 onslaught many times to destroy Israel In Rahat, a Bedouin community mourns its October 7 losses away from the public eye THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A staging area near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip, on November 1, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. It is day 26 of the war. We begin with the names of the fallen soldiers from yesterday's heavy fighting in the northern Gaza Strip and hear about the operations in which they fell. Yesterday, the Arrow air defense system intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched from Yemen. It was the first operational use of the long-range system during the war with Hamas. We hear about what else we are seeing from the Houthis and an increased IDF presence on the Red Sea. Fabian updates on continued Hezbollah aggression along the northern border. Finally, foreign passport holders are reportedly leaving the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing in a deal reportedly brokered by Qatar. How involved is the IDF in such openings and closings? Goren describes how one fallen soldier, Lavi Lipschitz, moved her and why. Goren gives us a slice of what it is like to be an Israeli watching the anti-Israel protests rife around the world even as the country battles on several fronts. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 1, 2023 Israel says 10 soldiers killed in battles deep inside Gaza, as military toll mounts 2 IDF soldiers killed in Gaza as troops take Hamas post, kill commander, 50 terrorists In first, Arrow downs Eilat-bound missile from ‘Red Sea area’; Houthis claim attack THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Detail from 'Warriors' Rest,' a photograph taken by Staff Sgt. Lavi Lipshitz on August 17, 2023. Lipshitz was killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip on October 31, 2023. (Instagram till_when_photo_diary)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Today is day 25 of the war, marked by the return of kidnapped soldier Ori Megidish who was rescued by IDF forces in an overnight raid, proof, said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, that Israel can rescue hostages as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses calls for a ceasefire, calling that a surrender to Hamas. Keller-Lynn discusses the sit-down Gallant held with reporters, in which he delineated phases of the war, currently, he said in its second phase, and expected to take many months in order to rid Gaza of Hamas. Wrobel describes the situation at the Ashdod and Haifa ports, as international shipping companies try to understand those locations vis a vis Gaza and the war with Hamas. Keller-Lynn talks about visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz with Hadas Calderon, who survived the October 7 massacre with two of her children, while her mother and niece were killed and her two other children and ex-husband are captives in Gaza. Steinberg mentions the opening of Empty Beds, an installation at Jerusalem's Safra Square of 230 beds, representing each person taken captive or missing since October 7. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 31, 2023 Gallant: Second stage of war may last months, ‘pockets of resistance’ will remain In Jerusalem, hundreds of empty beds and cribs bring home enormity of hostage crisis New National Library opens its doors to readers, semiofficially THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with soldiers at staging area not far from the Gaza border, October 19, 2023 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Today is day 24 of the war, which Israeli officials said on Saturday is now in its second stage. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting this afternoon on Israel’s ground incursion in Gaza and the humanitarian plight of Palestinians there at the request of the United Arab Emirates. Why is it the UAE that asked for this emergency meeting? The IDF says ground operations continued in the northern Gaza Strip overnight, with troops killing dozens of Hamas members who barricaded themselves in buildings and tried to attack troops. Is this the ground incursion Berman has been expecting? Yesterday, Berman spent time with a tank unit on the northern border and reports back. He later made his way to Ashdod to speak with Gazan mothers of children who are receiving medical care in Israel. We hear what they said. Spiro has been spearheading our Those We Have Lost series, in which we aim to give a slice of the personalities of the 1,400 who have been killed since October 7. We hear some stories of the fallen and how she brings their lives into focus and not only their deaths. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 28, 2023 IDF says dozens of Gaza gunmen killed overnight; tanks seen on outskirts of Gaza City THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An Israeli soldier with a prayer shawl seen during a morning prayer near his tank near the border with Lebanon, northern Israel, October 25, 2023. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We are in day 23 of the war, which erupted on October 7 after some 2,500 Hamas terrorists broke down the border with the Gaza Strip to commit a massacre of some 1,400 and acts of brutality. There are now 230 hostages in Gaza, according to the IDF. Last night Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the second stage of the campaign to destroy Hamas had begun with an expanding ground offensive into the Gaza Strip. What was said at the press conference? Following the press conference, Netanyahu posted a now-deleted tweet assigning blame to the security and defense services for failures ahead of the October 7 massacres. Horovitz weighs in on just how united a front the emergency government is -- and why that's not what's important now. Surkes reports on time she recently spent time with asylum seekers, including Darfur refugees, who are an integral part of the volunteer war effort. We hear harrowing and amazing stories of bravery, including Border Police superintendent Shira Buchris at the October 7 Supernova rave and a resourceful Filipina caregiver Camille Jesalva, who saved her 95-year-old client. For dessert we hear about three animal rescues, as well. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 28, 2023 PM announces 2nd stage of war, with broad ground offensive; says ‘Never Again’ is now Netanyahu sharply criticized for post blaming intelligence chiefs for Oct. 7 failure With memories of atrocities in Africa still vivid, asylum seekers are helping Israel Filipino caregiver paid off terrorist, saved herself and 95-year-old employer THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Galant, and head of the National Unity party Benny Gantz hold a joint press conference at the Ministry of Defense, in Tel Aviv on October 28, 2023. (Dana Kopel/POOL)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. It is day 22 of the war which erupted three weeks ago today when Hamas invaded Israel, taking some 230 hostages into the Gaza Strip — 30 of them children — and killing 1,400, including entire families. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel has “moved to a new phase” in the war against Hamas, after ground forces again pushed into Gaza and the air force bombarded terror targets in the Strip overnight. So what is this “new phase”? We hear updates on Hezbollah activities on the northern border and Houthi misfires near Taba in the Sinai peninsula. Yesterday, a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was overwhelmingly passed by the United Nations General Assembly. But Magid explains which group was not actually named in the Jordanian-driven resolution. There have been leaks from Egyptian and Qatari officials that progress is being made on the hostage negotiations. Magid shares what he knows. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 28, 2023 Gallant says Israel has ‘moved to new phase’ in war against Hamas: ‘The earth in Gaza shook’  IAF strikes 150 Hamas tunnels, bunkers; tanks in Gaza; Gallant: War entered new phase UN resolution urging immediate Gaza ceasefire passes with overwhelming majority Israel dismisses ‘rumors’ of progress in indirect hostage negotiations with Hamas Hostage negotiators say pilloried Israeli envoy a nonfactor in talks THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Smoke rises during Israeli airstrikes, in the Gaza Strip, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, on October 28, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon and Arab Affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. It is day 21 of the war and as IDF says it carried out limited ground raid overnight, Jeremy Sharon discusses laws of war in Gaza, along with issues of water and electricity. Pacchiani describes the lifestyle of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh who does not live in Gaza but in Gulf monarchy Qatar, which has taken on a primary role in negotiating for the 220 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. Hamas fundraised for its October 7 assault on Israel using cryptocurrency accounts, and Pacchiani explains the process. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 27, 2023 Is the IDF’s ongoing Gaza operation complying with the laws of war? Far from Gaza hardships, Hamas chief and family enjoy easy life in Qatar Qatar agrees to review Hamas ties after Gaza hostage situation resolved – report Terrorists raised $130m in crypto since 2021; sought more via social media after attack THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown IMAGE: Palestinian fill water in the street in Gaza City, October 12, 2023 (Photo by Atia Mohammed/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We are in day 20 of the war and the IDF says that overnight it carried out a “targeted raid” in the northern part of the Gaza Strip with infantry forces and tanks. Fabian elaborates. Hamas launched a massive barrage of rockets toward central and southern Israel on Wednesday evening, lightly wounding six people, following several days with fewer missiles fired from Gaza. We also heard about missiles launched toward Eilat. Fabian explains what this means and addresses what's happening on the northern border and in the West Bank. Rights groups are saying Israeli settlers in the West Bank have committed over 100 assaults against Palestinians since the start of Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, sometimes under the protection of soldiers. Rettig Gur gives perspective. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 26, 2023 IDF tanks, troops briefly push into Gaza Strip ahead of ground offensive 6 lightly hurt in rocket barrage from Gaza toward central, southern Israel Settlers rampage through Palestinian olive grove, harass activists in West Bank Rights group reports over 100 assaults by settlers on Palestinians since war’s start THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli reserve soldiers seen in the Golan Heights during a military training before heading to the Israeli-Gaza border, on October 25, 2023. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We are on day 19 of the war, which erupted on October 7 when some 2,500 Hamas terrorists invaded Israel in a bloody massacre that left 1,400 — mostly civilians — dead, some 220 taken hostage and about 200,000 internally displaced Israelis. The IDF has said that a number of Hamas terrorists attempted to infiltrate Israel from the Gaza Strip via the sea on Tuesday evening and were killed by Israeli Navy forces. Berman updates us with the past 24 hours' operations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appeared to suggest the impetus for the Hamas terror group’s devastating October 7 attack on Israel was the Jewish state’s continued control of Palestinian territories. What exactly was said here? Israel rejoiced at the news of the additional two hostages who were freed on Monday night, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper. Lifshitz, whose husband is among the 220 other hostages still in Gaza, held a press conference yesterday. Goren explores what happened there. Berman digs into Israel’s fighting record over the past 30 years and the IDF’s deep reluctance to order ground troops into battle. And finally, Goren explains why so many of the captured and killed in the October 7 Hamas invasion were life-long peace activists. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 25, 2023 IDF says sea-borne Hamas infiltration thwarted, two terrorists killed Israel demands UN chief resign after he says Hamas attacks ‘did not occur in vacuum’ Freed Hamas hostage recounts ordeal, slams Israeli failures, speaks well of captors Israel has shunned ground operations for decades. Is it still looking for a way out? THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters, October 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Schneider discusses latest on hostages and presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as vital to the possible escalation with Hezbollah. Keller-Lynn said foreign press wanted additional proof of rape and beheadings after seeing images of Hamas atrocities released by IDF. Schneider and Keller-Lynn discuss status of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu right now, who hasn't spoken in Hebrew to local press in months and whose poll results have dipped dramatically. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 24, 2023 IDF shows foreign press Hamas bodycam videos, photos of murder, torture, decapitation Wartime Knesset pushes municipal elections to January 30, instead of next week After blowing up ties with the media, Netanyahu now fears taking questions in wartime Designers sew for combat soldiers, pivoting from fashion to function Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Freed Israeli hostage Yocheved Lifshitz speaks to press at Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv on October 24, 2023 (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The New York Times has reported that the IDF’s expected ground incursion following the invasion of Hamas terrorist soldiers on October 7 is again delayed, this time because the White House wants Israel to allow more time for negotiations over the hostages held by terrorists in Gaza and for aid to enter the Strip. How may this affect the success of the ground operation? Fabian updates on what's been happening on all borders. The IDF has called for the evacuation of 14 more settlements in the north. On the Gaza border, we have we been seeing a holding pattern in the past few days. There are again reports of strikes on Syria and according to foreign reports, both the Aleppo and Damascus airports are out of commission. How do these alleged strikes help staunch conflict in the north? Yesterday morning, Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on the al-Ansari mosque in Jenin. What was suspected and then uncovered under this mosque? Surkes describes her trip to the Expo Tel Aviv International Conference Center, a hive and hub on social activism during this war effort. Some 30,000 Thai farmhands were employed in Israel until the war with Hamas broke out, with around 5,000 of them working in communities close to the Gaza Strip, where 75% of the country’s vegetables are grown. Surkes gives us an update on what is happening with them. We hear about reserve captain Sagi Golan, who was killed 13 days before his wedding to his boyfriend, part of our ongoing series, Those We Have Lost, stories of civilians and soldiers who have fallen since October 7. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 23, 2023 Soldier killed, 3 hurt following Hamas attack on troops near Gaza IDF hits 4 more Hezbollah squads as 14 more communities evacuated on Lebanon border Israeli strikes said to knock Damascus, Aleppo airports out of commission IDF carries out airstrike on terror cell at Jenin mosque planning ‘murderous attack’ In stunning response, 15,000 volunteers fill leadership vacuum to help victims of Hamas Thai laborers, the ‘working hands’ of Israeli farming, pay with blood THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Members of the tactical unit of the Yamas patrol in Kibbutz Be'eri, near the Israeli-Gaza border, southern Israel. October 22, 2023. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We are on day 16 of the war instigated by Hamas’s bloody massacre of 1,400 — mostly civilians — on the morning of October 7. In addition to lives lost, the IDF has identified at least 212 hostages that are likely being held in Gaza. Our northern border is increasingly heating up and there is no lack of action in the West Bank. Horovitz speaks about what, in the midst of all this, is at stake here for Israel. For the first time since it opened in 1954, last week Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine (Abu Kabir) in Jaffa allowed reporters to see and photograph the dead bodies inside. Ghert-Zand reports. Ghert-Zand brings to life three stories of extreme bravery she has encountered while touring hospitals: Nadav, a lifelong resident of Kibbutz Magen; Amichai Shindler from Kerem Shalom and Michal Elon, who helped treat wounded at the Zikim army base. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 22, 2023 Day 14 of the war: As the IDF prepares to enter Hamastan, Israel holds its breath Foreign media given unprecedented access to forensic institute to witness atrocities From his hospital bed, injured kibbutznik recounts how his community fended off Hamas Young dad of 6 absorbed blast to protect family in attack on Kerem Shalom THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: People call on the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, October 21, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We have closed two weeks of war here in Israel, war that erupted with Hamas’s October 7 massacre, which saw some 2,500 terrorists burst across the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip by land, air and sea. They killed some 1,400 people, the vast majority civilians from all walks of life, including entire families. The IDF has identified some 210 hostages so far, of all ages.But two were freed last night into Egypt. Magid fills us in. The first 20 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza on Saturday through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. These trucks moved into the Strip amid continued rocket fire toward southern and central Israel. We hear first of all who is sending the aid. Finally, Jacob, you reported yesterday that a group of Israeli soldiers and settlers allegedly carried out a ruthless assault on three Palestinians in the central West Bank last week, days after the Hamas terror group’s October 7 onslaught in southern Israel. Has there been official confirmation of this alleged heinous attack? Lidor describes the plight of hundreds of Israeli farmers from the Gaza envelope as supermarket shelves are empty. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 21, 2023 Hamas releases two hostages, mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan 1st aid trucks enter Gaza as number of confirmed hostages held in Strip reaches 210 IDF, settlers allegedly bind, strip, beat, burn, urinate on 3 Palestinians in W. Bank For Israeli farmers near Gaza, damage may be temporary but long-term crisis looms THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: This handout picture courtesy of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem, taken on October 20, 2023, shows Natalie Raanan (L) and her mother Judith Raanan speaking on the phone with US President Joe Biden, after they were held hostage and later released by the Gaza-ruling Hamas terror group. (US Embassy in Jerusalem/AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. A US warship in the Red Sea intercepted 3 missiles fired from Yemen, possibly at Israel, last night. Fabian explains. The IDF has declared that the northern city of Kiryat Shmona will now be evacuated. What does this indicate? We hear about a slight slow-down of events on the southern border. Senior Israeli officials says that the imminent large-scale ground campaign in the Gaza Strip to root out the Hamas terror group will be “difficult, long and intense.” Berman and Fabian delve into some of the tactics that may be employed as well as some of the tough decisions facing Israel. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid a visit to Jerusalem Thursday, becoming the latest in a train of Western leaders flying to Israel to show their support after the terror attacks of October 7. Berman explains what came out of his visit. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 20, 2023 US warship in Red Sea intercepts 3 missiles fired from Yemen, possibly at Israel Top officials say Gaza ground offensive ‘soon,’ warn it will be ‘long and intense’ As Israel prepares massive ground campaign, the end game remains opaque In Israel, UK leader Sunak backs Gaza offensive ‘in line with international law’ THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers at a staging area not far from the Israeli-Gaza border, October 19, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.  We are on day 13 of the war that Hamas instigation on October 7 in its murderous incursion into Israel which has left some 1,300 killed, hundreds wounded and 203 captive. Every day, more bodies are identified and the grieving continues. The IDF reported today that it is still finding Hamas infiltrators here in Israel and that it estimates there are now 203 hostages in Gaza. Fabian updates us. While the ground incursion is still on hold, what offensive steps has the IDF been taking in the last few days? There have been increased arrests of Hamas terrorists in the West Bank over the past week and even as President Joe Biden was here, more rockets fell and action took place on the northern border. We hear updates on developments there, as well as reports of air strikes on Syria. President Joe Biden was here yesterday for a solidarity visit. Goren gives bullet points from the trip and discusses its fallout. On Monday, the security cabinet pushed off a vote on controversial regulations proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi that would empower him to shut down foreign media outlets. Goren describes a shrinking of freedom of the press. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 19, 2023 Northern border heats up with fresh rocket fire, Hezbollah attacks on IDF posts Biden to Israelis: ‘Justice must be done,’ but don’t let rage guide wartime decisions Biden: World did nothing in the Holocaust. We will not stand by and do nothing again Vote on plan to shutter Al Jazeera delayed as legal concerns surface THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US President Joe Biden is greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 18, 2023, in Lod. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. An explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip last night killed potentially hundreds. There are different versions of who is to blame for the disaster. Berman and Rettig Gur weigh in on the facts and the fury on social media. President Joe Biden is in Israel. The hospital disaster has cast a pall over his solidarity visit and planned meetings with neighboring states have already been cancelled. Berman explains. Rettig Gur talks about an interview he conducted with the head of Israel’s mobile Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Be warned, graphic violence is described. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 18, 2023 Haters won’t be swayed, but Hamas lies about Gaza hospital blast are being exposed Israel says Islamic Jihad rocket misfire caused blast near Gaza hospital Biden to ask ‘tough questions as a friend’ on Israel visit overshadowed by Gaza blast THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinians check the site of a deadly explosion near Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, October 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Abed Khaled)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and diaspora reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode. Magid reports on US involvement in hostage negotiations through UN, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, given lack of direct relations with Hamas. He also discusses US push on Israel to have a longer-term plan for Gaza Strip. Lidor describes US citizens boarding a ship at Haifa port as part of US evacuation efforts. Magid adds more information about decision of US President Joe Biden to make quick, hours-long solidarity visit to Israel Wednesday. Lidor speaks about interviews in southern town of Netivot, where poverty interferes with residents' desires to take a break from their town hard-hit by rocket fire and Hamas attack. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 17, 2023 Biden to make wartime ‘solidarity’ visit to Israel on Wednesday US pressing Israel to devise strategy for scenario of Hamas’s rule being toppled IDF notifies relatives of 199 people that their loved ones are Gaza hostages At Haifa port, evacuating Israeli-Americans feel torn between family and country In order to cook for tens of thousands, Tel Aviv restaurants kasher their kitchens THOSE WE ARE MISSINGThe hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US citizens in Israel board ship at Haifa port to be evacuated to Cyprus, on October 16, 2023. (Photo by Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian, political reporter Carrie Keller Lynn and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We are on day 10 of the war in Israel. The United States has organized a ship to transport US citizens this morning from the Haifa port to Cyprus as the fighting heats up and the ground incursion into Gaza is imminent. Fabian updates on the checklist which needs to be accomplished before IDF forces move in. We hear about what has been happening on the northern border in the past several days. The IDF is to evacuate civilians from 28 communities along the Lebanese border. How is such a large-scale evacuation accomplished? Pacchiani updates on an even larger-scale evacuation: the one million in northern Gaza who have been ordered to go south. Keller-Lynn reported alongside a mission of foreign ambassadors from evacuated Sderot yesterday. She sets the scene for us. The Knesset is reopening today. We hear about the goals of the emergency government. Pacchiani focuses on 20 percent of the country’s citizenry, Arab Israelis, and how they are experiencing this troubled time. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 16, 2023 IDF to evacuate civilians from 28 communities along Lebanese border amid attacks Two killed in renewed Hezbollah missile attacks; IDF restricts Lebanon border area Wartime Knesset’s first bill will be to push back municipal elections until January As exodus turns Sderot into a ghost town, some stay as a reminder of what’s at stake ‘We’re in this together.’ To Hamas, all citizens are targets, say Arab Israelis Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers walk around the destruction caused during the October 7, 2023, murderous rampage by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, near the Israeli-Gaza border, October 15, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Editor David Horovitz and reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Israel is now in its 9th day of war, and we all await an expected ground incursion into Gaza. Today, the United States has sent a second aircraft carrier to the region. Horovitz shares what he sees as America's role in supporting Israel during this war. On Friday, Horovitz wrote about Israelis’ potent mix of rage and unity. He elaborates on the unique unity seen on streets today. Surkes explores the issue of reservists’ needs and shares the newest developments. And finally, we hear the heart-pounding story of a brother saving another brother, through a high-speed chase and facing dozens of Hamas gunmen at moshav Ein Habesor. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 15, 2023 US sends second aircraft carrier to east Mediterranean to deter Iran, Hezbollah Day 7 of the war: Rage and unity in Israel’s darkest hour Planeloads of combat gear arriving, will get to soldiers soon – IDF, Defense Ministry IDF says it’s providing all equipment. Reservists find different reality on ground Heart-stopping accounts of bravery emerge from a town that repelled Hamas onslaught Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A scene from the 1300 Candle Vigil in Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, on October 12, 2023. (Eli Katzoff)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, political correspondent Tal Schneider and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.  We are a week into the bloody Hamas infiltration into Israel in the early hours of October 7, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Fabian begins by describing how the northern border has heated up in the past day. The IDF gave Gaza residents until 16:00 today to evacuate. At the same time, the air force has continued to launch strikes in the strip. Who were the most recent targets? Fabian reported today that the Israel Defense Forces says troops have arrested 280 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 157 affiliated with Hamas, since fighting began last weekend in southern Israel. Are these signs of a third "front"? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a prime-time speech on Friday night -- which was news in itself. Schneider explains.  Ghert-Zand reports on the preparedness of the underground hospital at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa and how -- and if -- foreign medical professionals can volunteer in Israel.  Schneider gives us a very sad update on her friend and neighbor, Sharon Hirsch, fled the October 7 massacre at the Supernova outdoor party. We end with a more uplifting note in which Ghert-Zand describes an initiative in which Israeli women are banking breast milk.  For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 14, 2023 IDF kills two Hamas commanders in Gaza involved in murderous attack on south IDF again strikes Hezbollah after drones from Lebanon intercepted over north Hezbollah fires 30 mortars, IDF hits anti-tank team in latest Lebanon border clashes IDF says it arrested 280 Palestinians across West Bank since Hamas assault Netanyahu tours scenes of Hamas assault for first time Netanyahu slammed for sparking panic with very rare Shabbat address to the nation Amid northern jitters, Haifa’s fortified underground hospital readies for war Health Ministry invites medical professionals to sign up for volunteer work in case of escalation Health Ministry issues directives for national breast milk bank during war Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Rooad blocks in the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, October 13, 2023. (Ayal Margolini/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg. We are now on Day 7 of the war with Hamas. Berman and Lidor recount their drive down south on Route 232, the scenes of carnage, with pick-up trucks and belongings of Hamas terrorists strewn on the ground, along with their bodies, giving a sense as to what they were planning for the long haul. Lidor describes "death avenue" in Beeri, the stench of death in the street, the sealed rooms of homes that became death traps, the burned homes and cars. Berman updates on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel on Thursday, and what his upcoming meetings in Jordan and Qatar could portend for the ongoing war. Lidor also explains what happened in Ofakim on October 7, with a more detailed description of the 15-hour siege in Rachel and David Edry's house, where five terrorists holed up, eventually taken out by Israeli security forces. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 13, 2023 Once an artery of thriving southern region, Route 232 transformed into road of death Be’eri’s residents are gone, but their homes attest to the horrors they endured Amid the devastation of Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel keeps pulling bodies from the rubble Blinken in Tel Aviv: As long as US exists, Israel won’t have to defend itself alone As reservists mobilize, some moved up weddings as well Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Be'eri, near the Israeli-Gaza border, October 11, 2023. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. We are now on Day 6 of the war with Gaza. Fabian updates on “widespread” airstrikes in Gaza, whether there are still terrorists from Gaza inside the borders of Israel and a fresh deployment of the reservists to the north. Rettig Gur tells us about the 10 members of one extended family on Kibbutz Beeri, including little children, who are still missing and what their friends -- including Rettig Gur -- and family are doing to try to find them. Goren dives into the newly announced emergency unity government. Who is in and who is out?For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 12, 2023 IAF hits Gaza on ‘unprecedented scale’; Strip’s power plant shuts down 10 members of same kibbutz family believed held by Hamas, including 3 children After days of indecision, Netanyahu, Gantz agree to establish emergency war government Gallant vows to ‘wipe Hamas from earth,’ after ‘the worst terror attack’ in history Gantz’s entry into government sidelines far right, with judicial overhaul’s future dim Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Yahel Haran, 3, from Kibbutz Be'eri and 10 members of her extended family are believed to be held hostage in Gaza by Hamas since October 7, 2023. (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses the content and tone of US President Joe Biden's speech in which Biden clearly described some of the more horrifying aspects of the Hamas onslaught, as well as his message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the need to uphold democracy, particularly with regard to the rules of warfare in Israel's counteroffensive against Hamas in Gaza. He talks about reactions to Biden's words, which includes the approval of a massive US aid package to Israel, and moving the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier into the eastern Mediterranean, closer to Israel. Surkes speaks about her reporting on a shortage of necessary army equipment for reservists, answered with massive local and international fundraising and purchases, and then with a response from the IDF about the logistics of equipping a massive 300,000 call-up in 48 hours. She also describes her visit to a Tel Aviv hotel currently housing several hundred evacuees, surviving residents from Gaza border communities, and how they are slowly figuring out next steps after their terrifying experiences, knowing they'll never be the same again. Steinberg mentions the Magen David Adom blood drive in Jerusalem, where Israelis have spent hours each day, sometimes 10 or 11 hours, lining up patiently in order to bolster the blood supply for the more than 3,000 injured people in Israeli hospitals. Discussed articles include: Horrified Biden details Hamas’s ‘sheer evil,’ vows to ensure Israel can defend itself White House spokesperson: We share Israel’s deep fear and anger after Hamas attack ‘Like Babyn Yar’: Hamas atrocities worst since Holocaust, Netanyahu tells Biden Army launches hotline for reservists seeking equipment, food A traumatized community from the Gaza border finds refuge at a Tel Aviv hotel At Magen David Adom blood drive, a show of force by Israelis of every type Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Joe Biden speaks Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, about the war between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Although the IDF had announced that the Gaza border was finally sealed, forces from the elite Maglan unit identified a terror cell hiding on Zikim beach near the border with the Gaza Strip this morning. What is the actual control of the IDF on the borders? The northern border has seen increased action over the past day. We hear what’s been happening there. What are current tactics the IDF and the government are employing against the Gaza Strip in general? At recording time, the country is still waiting for an announcement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a unity government. Schneider weighs in. Schneider gives us highlights from an in-depth analysis she published on how the Netanyahu government has propped up Hamas. Schneider shares the story of her neighbor who has not been seen or heard from since the war began. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 10, 2023 IDF says Gaza border finally sealed, bodies of 1,500 terrorists found inside Israel For years, Netanyahu propped up Hamas. Now it’s blown up in our faces Families agonize over hostages’ safety as Gaza pounded and Hamas threatens executions Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers takes position on a main road near the Israel-Gaza border in southern Israel, October 10, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We are in day three of Operation Swords of Iron, which began Saturday morning with Hamas’s infiltration by land, sea and air. Terrorists are still attempting to cross into Israel and there are ongoing gunfire battles in several towns and cities in the south. Berman updates on what has happened in the past 24 hours. Starting on Saturday, there have been calls for an emergency government. So far, many conditions have been made and the make-up of such a government is unclear. Horovitz breaks it down. President Isaac Herzog delivered an address to the nation Sunday night. Berman fills us in on the important messages. Horovitz delves into the heartbreaking ongoing saga surrounding those who have been kidnapped and taken to Gaza. And finally, we hear an unbelievable story of a couple who fended off terrorists -- with coffee and cookies. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 9, 2023 Air Force pounds Gaza overnight in bid to ‘devastate’ Hamas; rocket fire continues Israel evacuates civilians from Gaza-area towns as forces scour for remaining gunmen Emergency group says 260 were slain by terrorists at rave, as families seek answers Coffee and cookies: How a hostage kept her terrorist captors distracted till rescue Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip by Palestinian terrorists hits a building in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on October 9, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We are in day two of Operation Swords of Iron, which began Saturday morning with Hamas’s infiltration by land, sea and air. There are hundreds of Israeli civilians and military personnel dead, with thousands wounded. It is a war that is being called by some as Israel’s 9/11, Israel’s Pearl Harbor. On today's podcast, we are updated by Fabian on what is happening in the north and south of the country. Pacchiani briefs us on reactions from the Gaza Strip and West Bank. And Berman turns to the international stage with statements from Arab and Muslim countries. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 8, 2023 Hezbollah fires mortars at Israel; IDF strike hits tent on Lebanon border in response Forces continue to battle terrorists in Gaza border area after devastating assault Relatives of dozens killed or kidnapped to Gaza from rave: ‘Nobody is helping us’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli tank heads south near Sderot, Israel, October 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's special episode. Since just after dawn Saturday morning, Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip have launched massive rocket barrages at southern and central Israel. The attacks is combined with an assault by dozens of gunmen who infiltrated Israel by air, land and sea, clashing with Israel Defense Force troops and taking dozens of hostages. Fabian, tells us how the orchestrated attack unfolded and where we stand now. Horovitz fills us in on the political drama that is, as well, an ongoing story. Discussed articles include: Live blog October 7, 2023 ‘We are at war,’ Netanyahu says, after Hamas launches devastating surprise attack Israel confirms people abducted into Gaza; Hamas claims to capture soldiers, civilians Residents near Gaza Strip beg for IDF help as they fight off terrorists Thousands flee rocket and gunfire at all-night desert ‘Nature Party’; dozens missing ‘A colossal failure’ as Gaza’s Hamas terrorists infiltrate, catch Israel unprepared In first, leading kosher authority Orthodox Union certifies lab-grown meat Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The scene where a rocket fired from Gaza caused damage in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on October 7, 2023. (Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Tal Schneider and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Jacob Magid for today's podcast. Schneider discusses the fallout over the latest filmed incident of Orthodox Jews spitting toward Christian worshipers in the Old City of Jerusalem and the government's ties to those involved and to those who condone such conduct. She then outlines a new proposal from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remake the Judicial Selection Committee, which the premier is convinced is balanced enough to garner support from across the political spectrum. Surkes later updates listeners on the discovery of soft coral off of Israel's Eastern Mediterranean coast and explains why this is a worrying development caused by climate change. She wraps up the show with some lighter news about the migration of half of the world's population of lesser spotted eagles that are flying over Israel today en route to Africa for the winter.  Discussed articles include: Video showing fresh Haredi spitting attack on Christians draws wide condemnation 5 arrested for spitting at Christians in Jerusalem; police minister: It’s not criminal Jordan slams vandalism of Muslim sites; US pans spitting on Christians in Jerusalem Netanyahu has yet another new plan for choosing judges. It, too, is highly problematic Discovery of soft coral species offers new evidence Mediterranean turning tropical Over half of world’s lesser spotted eagle population set to fly over Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Dozens of Orthodox Jews hold signs during a protest outside a Christian Embassy Feast of Tabernacles eventa t the Pais Arena stadium in Jerusalem on October 3, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig-Gur and Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren join host Anne Gordon for today's podcast. The holiday of Sukkot is often heralded as a time to celebrate all of the nations of the world -- Israel has parades and performances to that effect. It therefore seems fitting to discuss an important element of Israel’s foreign affairs -- specifically, the possible defense pact between Israel and the United States. Both Israelis and Americans have mixed feelings about the potential treaty, and US involvement may now be complicated further, in light of US Rep. Keven McCarthy’s departure from his position as speaker of the House of Representatives. Goren and Rettig Gur unpack what it all means. And a new development on the home front too -- Israel’s political party, Yesh Atid, which is the party of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, will be holding primary elections -- and Lapid is being challenged for the leadership, at least officially. Goren and Rettig Gur consider why this shift in approach. Discussed articles include: Gallant to meet US counterpart in Washington, after Netanyahu’s sit-down with Biden ‘Basic framework’ in place for Israel-Saudi normalization, US says In first, Yesh Atid to hold leadership election; MK Ram Ben Barak to challenge Lapid Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.   IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant greets US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at Ben Gurion Airport, March 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and New York correspondent Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses the factors that finally pushed forward Israel's admission into the US Visa Waiver Program that will offer an easier visa process to all travelers to the US, including finding solutions for handling security issues regarding Palestinian travelers at Ben Gurion International Airport. He also talks about comments made by former US ambassador Tom Nides, who focused heavily on the program during his 18 months in office, and noted that when Israel wants something, it can figure out how to make it happen. Tress looks at recent calls from US Jewish groups and organizations calling on participating law firms to cut their support for a significant legal award for Navi Pillay, the former UN human rights official who demonstrated a bias against Israel and the Jewish people. Tress discusses the deeply interwoven relationships between Pillay and the top law firms funding the award. Steinberg mentions events taking place throughout Israel for the holiday of Sukkot, including two upcoming shows from US pop star Bruno Mars for Tel Aviv audiences of 60,000 each. She also talks about efforts made by Brown boutique hotel chain to make several of their Tel Aviv hotels more amenable to religious clientele, with kosher kitchens and sukkah huts built on roof decks. Discussed articles include: US admits Israel into Visa Waiver Program, in major boost to bilateral ties Ex-envoy Nides: Visa waiver success proves Israel can make concessions when it wants Leading US Jewish groups decry top legal award for anti-Israel UN official Pop star Bruno Mars makes his way to Tel Aviv for two shows Hip Brown hotel chain embarks on holy quest for Tel Aviv’s religious visitors Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustrative: People check in at a counter at Ben Gurion International Airport on November 2022 (Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash 90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Lidor shares a sound sample from this morning’s priestly blessing at the Western Wall and we hear how this Sukkot, the tone of those attending has slightly changed. Last week, Tourism Minister Haim Katz was in Saudi Arabia and this week, Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi is leading an Israeli delegation to the Universal Postal Union’s 2023 Extraordinary Congress. Berman explains why these aren't necessarily steps towards normalization. Berman also discusses why Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Palestine Nayef al-Sudairi canceled his planned trip to al-Aqsa Mosque last week. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is slated to meet with his American counterpart, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in Washington later this month after an apparent ban on ministerial visits to the US. What's changed? Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the son of the much esteemed former Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, is again in the headlines for comments made during a recorded weekend sermon. Some of the Knesset’s opposition leaders had quick rejoinders for Yosef. What were they? Discussed articles include: Saudi tourism minister acknowledges historic Israeli presence at Riyadh confab Days after tourism minister’s trip, communications minister heading to Saudi Arabia Gallant to meet US counterpart in Washington, after Netanyahu’s sit-down with Biden Sephardic chief rabbi claims secular Jews who eat non-kosher food ‘get stupid’ Fearing religious takeover, activists see ‘secular awakening’ in Yom Kippur fray At a Tel Aviv prayer rally, anti-government protesters channel ‘a different Judaism’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File: Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yitzhak Yosef visit at a school in the northern Israeli city of Tzfat, January 14, 2020. (David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and Arab Affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We begin with a briefing from political reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn who traveled with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to Berlin late last week for Israel’s biggest ever defense sale. She tells us about the significance of this sale, beyond the numbers. Five members of a single Bedouin family were killed on Wednesday in a shooting inside a house in Basmat Tab’un, a village in the north, around 22 kilometers (14 miles) east of Haifa. Pacchiani give more details about this massacre in broad daylight and describes how some of the programs aimed at staunching this bloodletting in Arab communities are being discontinued. Sharon gives highlights from Thursday’s recusal law hearing at the High Court, including drama surrounding Attorney Aner Helman. Discussed articles include: Germany signs nearly €4 billion deal for Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system 5 Bedouin family members shot dead in northern home; Arab community toll rises to 188 Netanyahu government nixed effective programs to fight Arab crime, experts say AG’s lawyer tells High Court she can’t force a PM’s recusal, then says she can At hearing, Knesset lawyer admits PM recusal law is personal, argues that’s irrelevant Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustrative: Two Arrow 3 interceptors are launched during a test of the missile defense system on January 18, 2022. (Defense Ministry)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. The High Court of Justice is hearing petitions demanding it annul a controversial piece of government legislation that blocks the ability of the attorney general to order the prime minister to recuse himself from office. Our guests break down what this legislation is and dig into its deeper meaning. Goren tells us about a four-part public broadcasting documentary series on the Yom Kippur War that delves into the fighters of Squadron 201. According to its program notes, the series presents new testimonies of pilots and navigators, who stand for the first time in front of the cameras and in frank monologues deal with the open wound left by the war. She tells us why it gave her goosebumps. Discussed articles include: High Court set to hold key hearing on prime minister recusal law Sequel to constitutional showdown pits government against court on PM recusal law Herzog: 50 years after Yom Kippur War, Israel facing ‘state of emergency’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President of the Supreme Court Esther Hayut and Supreme Court Justices at a court hearing on petitions against the government's 'Recusal Law' at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, September 28, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and social media editor Sarah Tuttle Singer join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses latest on efforts toward normalization of ties between Saudis and Israel, including stipulations regarding Palestinians, but not conditioned upon peace with Palestinian state. He also talks about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hour-long meeting with Jewish leaders in New York ahead of Yom Kippur, which included an unexpectedly frank question-and-answer session and some public pushback from Sara Netanyahu. Tuttle-Singer speaks about Hidden Gems, a new Times of Israel Community initiative in which reporters share their favorite spots around Israel, including stunning views, delicious delicacies and off-the-beaten track locations. Steinberg mentions several cultural events marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War, including an exhibit by filmmaker Amos Gitai at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and guided tours, talks and stays in the Golan Heights, with one hosted by Kibbutz Ortal, called 50 Years Later. Discussed articles include: PA officials: If Israel stops unilateral actions for Saudi deal, we’ll stop ours Saudis putting aside Arab Peace Initiative amid Israel normalization talks – officials In meet with US Jewish leaders, PM dodges criticism of extremist coalition partners 50 years on, filmmaker Amos Gitai remembers Yom Kippur War in museum exhibit On anniversary of war, a Golan kibbutz invites visitors for historic, cultural tours Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the state ceremony marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl, on September 26, 2023 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Berman is back in Israel from accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States and fills us in on the lesser-discussed meetings that occurred on the sidelines at the United Nations. Foreign minister Eli Cohen met with his Emirati counterpart Abdullah Bin Zayed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as well, marking three years to the Abraham Accords. What was said there? A senior Saudi delegation will visit the West Bank this week for a meeting with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. Was this meeting already scheduled or is it directly related to the seemingly sped up normalization? During the much-awaited meeting between President Joe Biden and the prime minister, Biden said, “I think without Israel, there’s not a Jew in the world who’s secure. I think Israel is essential.” How was this received by the Diaspora? All the headlines in Israeli media this morning are surrounding the Yom Kippur prayer service in Tel Aviv where, despite a court order, worshippers set up a temporary mechitza. Lidor breaks it down for us. 50 years ago during the Yom Kippur fast, many Israelis in reserve duty were suddenly activated to go fight. Berman shares part of his experiences on a trip to the far north to mark the anniversary of the 1973 war. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu discusses potential Saudi deal in first known meeting with Erdogan DR Congo will move its embassy to Jerusalem, leader tells Netanyahu at UN sidelines Saudi delegation to visit West Bank this week as Israel normalization talk increases Israeli, Emirati foreign ministers meet to talk 3 years of Abraham Accords Prominent Zionists laud Biden’s remark that no Jew anywhere is safe without Israel PM slams ‘left-wingers rioting against Jews’; Lapid: Messianists brought religious war Activists block public Tel Aviv Yom Kippur prayers as Orthodox group sets gender divider Segregated Yom Kippur prayers spark slurs and bitterness, not atonement, in Tel Aviv Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Two Israeli soldiers sit beneath a road sign, with a tank in the background, somewhere in the Sinai Desert, October 8, 1973. (AP Photo/Robert Dear)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations on Friday. What were Horovitz's takeaways from the 25-minute speech? On Saturday, the Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also addressed the UN General Assembly. Which country was not named in his speech. Around 2,000 protesters opposed to the government’s judicial overhaul rallied Friday against Netanyahu as he delivered his speech and he also sat down with US Jewish leadership. What came out of that meeting? Surkes just returned from Chad where she accompanied a group of neonatologists on a unique aid mission aimed at dramatically reducing preventable Infant mortality rates in Africa. She tells us more. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu wraps up US visit as protesters shout ‘shame’ at departing convoy in NY Full text of Netanyahu’s UN address: ‘On the cusp of historic Saudi-Israel peace’ Netanyahu predicts a new Middle East, is silent on the havoc he’s unleashed in Israel In UN speech, Saudi FM urges formation of Palestinian state, doesn’t mention Israel 2,000 protest against Netanyahu outside UN as he addresses General Assembly In meet with US Jewish leaders, PM dodges criticism of extremist coalition partners Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 22, 2023 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and health reporter Renee Ghert Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a long-awaited face-to-face with US President Joe Biden yesterday. We begin the program with a report from diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, who is traveling with the prime minister. Rettig Gur looks at the Saudi defense pact aspect of the normalization process that was highlighted in the Biden-Netanyahu meeting, including the intriguing question of whether this would mean the other nations’ forces would aid in any armed struggle. Ghert-Zand recently reminded readers, “As in the US, one in eight Israeli women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.” How have Israeli mammogram recommendations shifted in line with this statistic? With the upswing in new COVID cases, are we any closer to understanding long COVID? We hear about the grab-bag of symptoms and few options for treatment. And finally, the first Israeli team to compete at the Invictus Games came home Monday from Dusseldorf, Germany having won 14 medals, including three golds in table tennis. Discussed articles include: Meeting Netanyahu, Biden calls to uphold democratic values, talks up Saudi deal hopes Health officials remind Israeli women of new mammogram guidelines As patients suffer, long COVID remains a collection of symptoms with no single cure IDF disabled veteran athletes bring home 14 medals from their first Invictus Games Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, September 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and religion and diaspora affairs reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast, with a briefing from political correspondent Tal Schneider, reporting from the US. Schneider offers an update on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trip in the US, including his meeting with Elon Musk, his first-ever meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the protestors awaiting him at every stop. Keller-Lynn turns to Tuesday's discussions in the Knesset and comments made by Likud minister David Amsalem in response to Netanyahu's remarks to Elon Musk about the judicial overhaul. Lidor discusses his trip to Uman, Ukraine over Rosh Hashanah, along with the tens of thousands of male pilgrims who made the long, arduous trip, often with young sons in tow. Keller-Lynn speaks about the Knesset approval for transferring NIS 149 million ($39 million) to the Religious Services Ministry and the intense debate over the sum of money following last week's approval of nearly half-billion shekels for ultra-Orthodox education and religious organizations. Lidor also discusses the influx of funding to the Conference of European rabbis, the umbrella Jewish organization now relocated to Munich, and which has tried to rival Chabad as the leading Jewish umbrella group in Europe. Discussed articles include: Arguing overhaul still ‘good,’ Likud minister likens opponents to apartheid regime On my umpteenth trip to Uman, I finally visited Rabbi Nachman’s grave Knesset okays NIS 149 million for Rabbinate salaries, renovations of rabbis’ tombs Orthodox European rabbinical group finds a home in Munich, with new funding IMAGE: In the streets of Uman, a day after Rosh Hashanah, September 18, 2023 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. News editor Luke Tress and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Today's show begins with a brief report from diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, who is traveling with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the United States. Tress sheds light on what anti-judicial overhaul protesters have in store for the prime minister this week and delves into who they are and where their funding comes from. Magid reports on an optimistic initiative put together by Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the Arab League and other international partners that is aimed at incentivizing Israel and the Palestinian Authority to restart peace talks. Magid reported last week that the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States said that the Israeli government is engaged in a process of de facto annexation of the West Bank, and that it may be up to other countries weighing normalization with Israel to stop it. He speaks about this carrot versus stick approach. And finally, the Orthodox Union has certified a strain of lab-grown meat as kosher for the first time. We hear what kind of cells these are and where they can be found. Discussed articles include: TOI Webinar: No vote, no voice? Diaspora Jews’ influence on Israel’s judicial overhaul crisis PM says original overhaul proposal ‘was bad,’ but must fix how Israel chooses judges New York anti-overhaul activists launch week of protests as Netanyahu arrives ‘100% carrots’: Arab states, EU unveil plan to entice Israel, PA to sign peace deal Saudi-backed EU venture aims to incentivize Israeli-Palestinian peace UAE envoy: De facto West Bank annexation unfolding, but our ability to stop it wanes In first, leading kosher authority Orthodox Union certifies lab-grown meat Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A plane flies a banner protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he visits Tesla's Fremont, California, factory on September 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joint host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set off last night for about a week in the US. We talk about what he hopes to accomplish, how was he greeted at Ben-Gurion Airport and his flammable response to protesters. Rioting continued along the Gaza border on Friday and Sunday and yesterday morning, a Palestinian was reportedly stabbed and wounded as groups of settler and Arab youths clashed in the West Bank city of Hebron overnight. Fabian updates on clashes with Palestinians over the long weekend. On Friday, the High Court of Justice pushed off a planned hearing on petitions against Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s refusal to convene the Judicial Selections Committee by a month. Horovitz weighs in on the new timing of the hearing and gives background. On early Friday, an explosive device that was planted near a tree in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park went off. What do we know about who was behind this as well as the unrelated arson of the famous statue of prime minister David Ben-Gurion on early Saturday morning? Discussed articles include: TOI Webinar: No vote, no voice? Diaspora Jews’ influence on Israel’s judicial overhaul crisis Outcry after Netanyahu says anti-overhaul protesters joining forces with Iran, PLO Leaving for US, PM says protesters joining forces with PLO and Iran, defaming Israel Israel temporarily shutters Gaza pedestrian crossing following border rioting Palestinian said stabbed in brawl with settlers in Hebron High Court pushes off Tuesday hearing on Levin’s refusal to convene judicial panel 2 suspects detained on central Israel highway after blast in Tel Aviv park Iconic Ben-Gurion headstand statue on Tel Aviv beach badly burned in attack Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Anti-judicial overhaul demonstrators protest against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul and against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, September 17, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Ahead of next week’s High Court hearing, Justice Minister Yariv Levin told the High Court of Justice on Wednesday that only he has the right to convene the Judicial Selection Committee and that the court has no authority to order him to do so. At the same time, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana seems to be suggesting an alternative court system. What is going on here? On Tuesday, Rettig Gur published an in-depth oped titled, "Neither coalition nor High Court respects Basic Laws. Urgently needed: A constitution.” Both guests weigh in on why Israeli institutions deserve to learn the real "rules of the game." Discussed articles include: TOI Webinar: No vote, no voice? Diaspora Jews’ influence on Israel’s judicial overhaul crisis Levin tells court: ‘Only I have authority to convene Judicial Selection Committee’ Neither coalition nor High Court respects Basic Laws. Urgently needed: A constitution Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, March 5, 2023. (Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Our crack team of legal and political experts, Tal Schneider, Carrie Keller-Lynn and Jeremy Sharon, join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's special extended episode. Yesterday, much of Israel tuned in to the 13-hour unprecedented High Court hearing on the constitutionality of the coalition’s reasonableness-limitation amendment of a Basic Law. In the marathon session, we heard from a variety of petitioners against the amendment, but also the government itself. The Declaration of Independence also had a starring role as the government's private litigator, Ilan Bombach, called it a "hastily written document." Is that really the case? There were several aspects of yesterday’s hearing that made it one for the history books. Today we dedicate the entire, double episode to analyzing the key issues and pointing out important statements. Discussed articles include: Overhaul hearing sees court, gov’t in bitter fight for quasi-constitutional primacy Government lawyer spurns Declaration of Independence at fateful High Court hearing At historic 13-hour hearing, judges challenge assertion they can’t reject Basic Laws Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Protesters outside the the hearing of the government's 'reasonableness-limitation amendment,' at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on September 12, 2023. (Noam Revkin Fenton/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. ToI founding editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz discusses the start of the tense judicial overhaul hearings for petitions against the reasonableness law, a process that could take weeks or months, as justices play devil's advocate in the fateful process. There is a hard deadline, comments Horovitz, given the upcoming 70th birthday of High Court president Esther Hayut in October, when she must retire, with a three-month window -- through January -- in which she can weigh in on active cases. Berman talks about the somewhat surprising statement made by National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi at the Institute for Counter-Terrorism Policy (ICT) conference at Reichman University in Herzliya, when he said that regular contact with the Palestinians has been very good since he came into office, and that this government is open to significant concessions. He also discusses a disagreement taking place between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli press corps traveling with him to the US Sunday night, as the prime minister told the press that they will have to find their own way back to Israel hours before the Yom Kippur holiday. Discussed articles include: Israel on edge as Supreme Court convenes for historic, crucial overhaul hearing Hanegbi says Israel, PA having ‘open’ talks, sees change in Palestinians’ approach Told to find own way home, journalists threaten to boycott Netanyahu’s US trip Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: 15 Supreme Court justices at the first judicial overhaul hearing in Jerusalem, September 12, 2023 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and Palestinian affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Tomorrow, petitions against the coalition’s first piece of legislation limiting the power of the judiciary will be heard by the High Court. Sharon briefs us on what we should know about the so-called reasonableness limitation law that was passed in July. During the Fatah party’s Revolutionary Council on August 26, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas repeated a number of antisemitic canards he has made over the years. What did he say and why? Director of the Israel Courts Administration Judge Michael Spitzer said recently that Israel has nearly three times fewer judges per capita than the average in the European Union, although it has more than four times as many lawyers. Sharon explores the current situation that will only be aggravated as long as the Judicial Selection Committee doesn't meet. Sondos Alhoot is one of the few Arab Israelis to have taken the stage at the weekly protests in Tel Aviv against the government’s judicial overhaul. We hear about her and her motivations for joining the protest movement. Discussed articles include: Judiciary vs executive: Israel’s branches of government set for unprecedented clash Abbas spokesman claims PA chief was quoting academics when he used antisemitic tropes Abbas: Ashkenazi Jews ‘are not Semites,’ Hitler killed them for their ‘social role’ Case burden on courts ‘unparalleled’ worldwide, says Courts Administration director The woman who teaches Jewish Israelis how to protest in Arabic Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: Demonstrators carry a massive Declaration of Independence during a rally in Tel Aviv to protest the Israeli government's planned overhaul of the judicial system, on February 18, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. A 6.8 magnitude quake on Friday devastated areas across the Morocco, killing over 2,000 and leaving thousands more wounded. It is the biggest to hit the North African country in 120 years. What is Israel currently doing -- or planning on doing -- to help the victims? The shekel depreciated more than 1% on Thursday to around 3.85 against the US dollar, trading around the weakest since March 2020. How much does the judicial overhaul crisis factor into this? On Monday, the Bank of Israel left the benchmark interest rate steady at 4.75 percent for a second month in a row. While the interest rate is steady, there are rumors that the governor of the bank, Amir Yaron, will be jumping ship. Wrobel weighs in. Israeli soldiers entered the Arab Israeli city of Kafr Qasim and clashed with locals, lightly injuring five, while chasing after two Palestinian suspects who infiltrated through the West Bank security barrier. Why is this against IDF regulations? This morning, goods were again allowed to be exported from the Gaza Strip after a week’s suspension. What caused this week's suspension? Discussed articles include: Death toll from Morocco quake crosses 2,000, as authorities fear it’ll keep climbing Fears of constitutional crisis drive shekel to three-year low Bank of Israel keeps interest rates unchanged, says cycle of jumps may not be over IDF soldiers enter Arab Israeli city against regulations, clash with locals; 5 hurt Israel to end suspension of Gaza exports on Sunday Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The new 100 Israeli Shekel bill, December 31, 2017. (Nati Shohat/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Masses of right-wing supporters of the current government’s judicial overhaul are set to rally in Jerusalem tonight in a “Liberty Demonstration” to urge the top court not to intervene following a speech last night by Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana last night in which he suggested, among other things, that the coalition may not accept a potential High Court of Justice ruling next week to nullify the so-called reasonableness law. Who was Ohana really speaking to? Calls for compromise on the judicial overhaul are coming from all sides of the issue. How sincere are they? A tragic 1974 attack took the lives of 18 in Kiryat Shmona. Hear how the new film “A Haunted House” seeks to restore the incident in public memory and explore why it ended up forgotten. Discussed articles include: Knesset speaker signals coalition won’t accept High Court voiding of Basic Laws Masses expected at Jerusalem pro-overhaul rally ahead of constitutional face-off Netanyahu is begging for an overhaul lifeline. Nobody wants to give him a way out Herzog: Dialogue the only solution to ‘constitutional crisis’ public wishes to end Almost 50 years after forgotten Kiryat Shmona massacre, a new film seeks to remind us Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana holds a press conference at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem, September 6, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Anne Gordon for today's podcast. The tussle between Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Justice Minister Yariv Levin over the fact that Levin has not convened the Judicial Selection Committee is ongoing. Levin has his reasons for not wanting to convene it, and Baharav-Miara has her reasons for insisting he do so. How is the average Israeli citizen affected by this, and what implications does it have for the judicial system? Sharon unpacks it all for us. Just back from a trip to Bahrain with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Berman explains what happened there, and why this trip took place now. He also sheds light on an op-ed by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman urging US President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed ben Salman not to support Israeli-Saudi normalization. Discussed articles include: AG: Levin ‘obligated’ to convene judicial selection panel, fill open judgeships FM Cohen to Bahraini crown prince: We expect normalization with more Arab states Tom Friedman to Biden: Don’t be Netanyahu’s ‘useful idiot’ with Saudi normalization Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, welcomes US President Joe Biden to Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. (Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Keller-Lynn offers update on latest headlines of judicial overhaul, as President Isaac Herzog urged a compromise while lawmakers from both sides were denying any chances for a compromise agreement. Keller-Lynn also reports on trip to Cyprus, accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who spent two days there for talks with his Cypriot and Greek counterparts about regional relations, pipeline plans and gas fields. Pacchiani talks about his interviews with various Libyan Jews, following Israel's first-ever diplomatic meeting with Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush that sparked a diplomatic scuffle and her suspension. He interviewed Libyan Jew Raphael Luzon who lives in London and has played a significant role in some of Israel's diplomatic relations with Libya. Pacchiani also spoke with Libyan-born Israelis about their memories, experiences and thoughts about Israel broaching diplomatic ties with their homeland. Steinberg mentions the newest exhibit at the Ramat Gan Museum of Israeli Art, which has finally reopened following its sudden closure in January 2022 due to the mayor's discomfort with a politically sensitive piece of art. The new exhibit offers a broad look at the history of Israeli art through selected works from the collection of the Phoenix Holdings insurance company. Discussed articles include: Coalition, opposition come together to reject reported bargain on judicial overhaul Netanyahu discusses energy ties with Cypriot and Greek leaders PM: Decision on route for exporting natural gas to Europe expected in ‘3-6 months’ Peace with Libya is doubtful, but contact, aided by local Jews, started years ago Recalling ‘cruelty’ of former homeland, some Libyan Jews cast wary eye on contacts New exhibit opens at Ramat Gan museum, spanning century of Israeli art Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at joint statement with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on September 3, 2023 in Cyprus (Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara called on the High Court of Justice to strike down a government law limiting judicial review. Also yesterday, the attorney general approved a request by Justice Minister Yariv Levin that he be allowed to use independent legal counsel to represent his position in an upcoming High Court of Justice hearing over his decision not to convene the Judicial Selection Committee. Schneider weighs in on both. Lidor spent much of yesterday in south Tel Aviv following the violent riots there on Saturday among supporters and opponents to Eritrea’s 30-year dictatorial regime. What did he see? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Cyprus and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen is set to travel to Bahrain this week. Schneider explains the significance of the trips and what they expect to accomplish. According to a new report by Itim, a nonprofit aiming to help Jews and people converting to Judaism navigate Israel’s religious bureaucracy, of 320 public mikvehs surveyed, only 188 said they would let women immerse without supervision, despite a 2016 Supreme Court ruling affirming the right to privacy at mikvehs. What is going on behind the (shower) curtain? Discussed articles include: Attorney general asks court to strike down law curtailing oversight of government AG approves Levin’s request for independent counsel in judicial selection panel case Levin says working with AG ‘almost impossible’ but can’t fire her just yet In Tel Aviv’s tense south, business owners guard stores damaged in Eritrean riots Netanyahu discusses energy ties with Cypriot and Greek leaders After 9 months without high-level visits, FM Cohen heads to Bahrain Public mikvehs routinely violate women’s right to immerse alone, study finds Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara at her inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem on February 8, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, violent clashes broke out in southern Tel Aviv between Eritrean migrants supporting and opposing the 30-year dictatorial regime. The clashes saw over 150 injured, including some 15 in serious condition. Around 30 policemen were hurt. Although the protest was scheduled, there are allegations the police were unprepared for the level of violence. Fabian weighs in. Many in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition have released statements since the Eritrean riots. But, as Horovitz explains, in 2018 the prime minister killed a deal with the United Nations that may have prevented them. On Friday, hundreds of Palestinians rioted in the Gaza Strip on the border with Israel, hurling explosive devices and attempting to break through the security barrier. What prompted them? An off-duty Israeli soldier was killed and six other people were wounded on Thursday morning in a truck-ramming terror attack at a West Bank checkpoint near the central city of Modiin. Fabian describes the chilling chain of events. The third anniversary of the Abraham Accords is coming up on September 15. Horovitz shares thoughts from his recent Editor’s Note devoted to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's meeting with the former Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu says government will look into deporting migrants who rioted in Tel Aviv Officer said hospitalized with serious head injury after migrant clashes in Tel Aviv Hundreds of Palestinians riot on Gaza border; 9 said wounded by IDF fire Soldier killed, six injured in truck-ramming terror attack near Modiin How Netanyahu and his rookie FM turned a breakthrough with Libya into a debacle Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Eritrean protesters clash with Israeli riot police in Tel Aviv, September 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal affairs correspondent Jeremy Sharon and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon explains the background behind Justice Minister Yariv Levin's angry letter send to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of a lack of cooperation with him, possibly paving the way to firing the AG. Rettig Gur talks about the reasons behind Levin's letter, why the justice minister is right to be angry, and what that could mean for the coalition and the attorney general's office. Sharon then looks at Supreme Court justice Yosef Elron, a junior justice who unusually submitted his own candidacy for the presidency of the high court, bypassing the usual system. He and Rettig Gur discuss Elron's reasons for making that move, as Elron is the first and only Mizrachi justice on the bench and how that could forward some of the changes Levin has been looking to make in the Supreme Court. Discussed articles include: Justice Elron panned for challenging seniority system for Supreme Court president ‘Unacceptable, unprecedented’: Levin slams AG for not representing government in court Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara and Justice Minister Yariv Levin during the weekly government conference, held at the Western Wall tunnels on May 21, 2023. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diaspora correspondents Tal Schneider and Lazar Berman join host Jacob Magid for Wednesday’s podcast. Schneider and Berman take us through the past 72 hours since Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s decision to publicize his recent meeting with Libyan counterpart. They discuss why Cohen chose to blow the story open, what other Israeli ministries are saying about the decision, how countries abroad have reacted and why Libya is interested in warming ties with Israel in the first place. They also explain how Cohen’s conduct may impact efforts by Israel to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and expand the Abraham Accords more broadly. Later on during the episode, Schneider and Berman talk about Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s awkward trip the United States during which he is barred by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from meeting with Biden officials in Washington since the premier has yet to do himself. They highlight Opposition chairman Yair Lapid’s plan to head to DC next week and what’s behind his anticipated meetings with US officials. Discussed articles include: Foreign minister met Libyan counterpart to discuss joint cooperation, Israel says Libya suspends FM, announces investigation after her meeting with Israeli counterpart Libya fires its FM amid furor over her unprecedented meet with Israeli counterpart FM Cohen blasted for dangerous amateurism after hyping meet with Libyan counterpart Cohen blames political opponents for firestorm over meet he publicized with Libya FM Seeking distance from Libya debacle, Netanyahu says he must approve any secret talks Netanyahu knew in advance of FM’s meeting with Libyan counterpart – reports Arab diplomats: Israeli publication of Libya talks harms bid to reconvene Negev Forum Libya’s anti-Israel protests fueled by rage at unelected leaders clinging to power US said furious with Israel for revealing meeting with Libyan foreign minister Gallant warns UN chief: Potential for violence growing amid Hezbollah provocations Gallant meets US officials in NYC after Netanyahu said to bar talks in Washington Lapid headed to Washington, while Netanyahu still awaits date for Biden meeting Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: People burn photos showing Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush in Tripoli, Libya, on August 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diaspora affairs correspondent Canaan Lidor and Arab Affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Lidor explains op-ed in Russian newspaper Pravda theorizing that Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelensky is causing Ukrainians to die in the war with Russia as payback for antisemitic pogroms by his non-Jewish compatriots, with brief look back at Ukrainian history as context for the conspiracy theory. Pacchiani discusses interview with Arab criminologist who explains several reasons for the rising wave of Arab violence, including gun availability and changing policies of Israeli government toward Arab towns and politics. Lidor talks about the major women's protest in Bnei Brak that brought thousands of liberal women to the ultra-Orthodox enclave, spurring unexpected discussions between liberal protestors and Haredi women, along with discomfort. Pacchiani speaks about his interview with Waleed Abu Tayeh, the first Arab mayoral candidate for Jerusalem since 1967, and the politician's belief that younger Arab voters are ready to get involved in the democratic process. Discussed articles include: Russian newspaper: Jewish Zelensky sending Ukrainians to die to avenge pogroms Arab local officials are under threat, criminologist warns as violence skyrockets At Bnei Brak women’s rights march, angry rhetoric drowns out Haredi-secular dialogue Fighting community’s boycott of politics, lawyer runs to be Jerusalem’s 1st Arab mayor Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Members of the Arab community holding hundreds of fake coffins as they protest against the violence in their community, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv on August 6, 2023 (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and health and science reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Keller-Lynn talks about the structural changes Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi is proposing for Israel's media sphere, including those made by previous government, as well as new ones that could increase political influence over the media. Ghert-Zand looks at the suggestion made by Israeli allergy doctors to bring allergenic foods back to schools, following research showing that children with food allergies are not at risk of a severe or systemic reaction just from smelling or touching a food they are allergic to — and could benefit from the exposure. She also discusses efforts being made by the Health Ministry to address the rising numbers of smokers and vapers, currently in the planning stages and open to public commentary. Discussed articles include: Health Ministry launches new plan to stub out worrisome rise in Israeli smoking Allergy doctors say it’s time to bring back Bamba as new school year set to start Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Children eating peanut-flavored snack Bamba (Courtesy Osem)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian discusses the warning to Israel by the deputy head of the Hamas political bureau against targeted killings of terror leaders, and whether Hamas was reacting to statements made during an Israeli security cabinet meeting and if Israel would respond to the Hamas veiled threat. Horovitz deciphers the complicated messaging in National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's comments on television regarding Palestinian freedom of movement, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defense of Ben Gvir. Horovitz also talks about the steady uptick in violent, mafioso-like Arab deaths, related to Ben Gvir's responsibilities as national security minister, and the lack of a proper police response to the situation. Fabian speaks about the high court decision to reject an appeal against demolishing the home of a 13-year-old Palestinian who stabbed a Border Police officer to death on a bus at a checkpoint in Jerusalem earlier this year. He explains why it took months to come to a decision, and why the court generally decides in favor of demolitions. Steinberg mentions latest Adam Sandler movie drop on Netflix, featuring his own wife and daughters and a family bat mitzvah. Discussed articles include: Senior Hamas official threatens ‘regional war’ if Israel resumes targeted killings After Ben Gvir storm, PM says Palestinians get ‘maximum freedom of movement’ ‘A minister who hates Arabs will protect Arab children?’: 100k at Tel Aviv protests High Court rejects appeal against demolishing 13-year-old Palestinian stabber’s home ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ is an endearing Sandler family affair Adam Sandler spends 6 weeks at Toronto shul shooting bat mitzvah film IMAGE: Police guard at the scene where family members were injured after a gunman opened fire in the Arab Town of Kafr Kanna, northern Israel, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig-Gur and political and legal correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Anne Gordon on today's episode. The relationship between the United States and Israel is precious, and sometimes finicky. Of course Israel is glad to welcome American visiting dignitaries -- but Israel is also often on tenterhooks with concern about whether the big powers-that-be will tell Israel what to do (never mind that Israel won’t necessarily listen). New York City Mayor Eric Adams was recently in Israel for three days, and managed those tensions. When National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir took to the airwaves last night, he expressed his view of Jewish entitlement in Israel, with some divisive, dramatic, and troubling statements. The real question, however, is whether he will yet become a competent minister. And the next Knesset session is coming fast -- after the Jewish holidays in the fall. With the ultra-Orthodox parties looking to cement yeshiva student draft exemptions into law, the coalition and its protestors are expected to face a contentious, complicated winter session. Discussed articles include: ‘I listened, I didn’t weigh in’: NYC mayor meets protest leaders, PM, a settler head NYC mayor says he wants to adopt Israeli drone tech for policing Ben Gvir says his rights outweigh those of Arabs in West Bank Ben Gvir: There’s a bigger threat than 150 Arabs killed — it could spill over to Jews Coalition whip: We’ll pass IDF draft law next, then continue with judicial overhaul Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.   IMAGE: National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, left, and Coastal Region Police Commander Yoram Sofer present a new proposal to eradicate crime in the Arab community, in Jerusalem on August 17, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and news editor Amy Spiro join host Anne Gordon on today's episode. One of the ongoing stories of this year is the ultra-high incidence of Arab homicide. On Tuesday, four people were gunned down in Abu Snan, an Arab town in northern Israel, including a candidate running in the upcoming municipal elections. Should the vote be postponed? Terror attacks have also been on the rise in recent weeks. A leaked report from a recent cabinet meeting suggests a renewed tough stance against terror may be in the works. Nearly 45 years after Golda Meir’s death, and some 50 years since she was prime minister, her story, including but not limited to her time in office, is the subject of scrutiny. Deborah Lipstadt has a new book out, "Golda Meir: Israel’s Matriarch," and a new movie simply called “Golda,” starring Helen Mirren, is due to be released tomorrow in Israel and on Friday in the US. Adam Sandler, who has made a name for himself as a proud Jew in popular culture, stars in a new Netflix movie, also due out this week. The question is whether "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" will be the crowd-pleaser that cements American Judaism in pop culture. Discussed articles include: 4 killed, including mayoral candidate, amid spiraling gun violence in Arab community Director-general of Arab municipality killed, drawing call for Shin Bet intervention Security cabinet meets as far-right advocates sharp crackdown in West Bank How should Golda Meir be remembered? Deborah Lipstadt weighs in In Jerusalem, Helen Mirren says Golda Meir ‘one of the greatest’ roles she’s played ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ is an endearing Sandler family affair Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.   IMAGE: Police at the scene where four men were shot dead in the Arab Town of Abu Snan, northern Israel, August 22, 2023. (Shir Torem/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider joins host Jacob Magid on Tuesday's episode. With a second deadly shooting attack in the West Bank in as many days and a 2023 fatality count not seen since the Second Intifada, Schneider explains why the government is having a hard time combating the phenomenon after spending much of last year criticizing the previous unity coalition for being soft on terror. Last week saw the opening of the Tel Aviv light rail after decades of planning and promises. It's an impressive feat that has already served hundreds of thousands of Israelis, even though many are still bitter about the government's refusal to operate the train system on Shabbat. Schneider shares how the government has emboldened opponents to protest issues beyond just the judicial overhaul, such as the lack of public transportation on Shabbat, which they may have otherwise continued to begrudgingly accept. Discussed articles include: Israeli woman killed, man seriously wounded in terror shooting near Hebron At scene of deadly West Bank attack, Netanyahu and Gallant blame Iran for terror spike Far-right ministers blame Gallant for deadly terror wave; one MK urges ‘revenge’ ‘We waited a long time for this’: Tel Aviv light rail sets off after years of delays Hundreds protest at Tel Aviv light rail stations because train won’t run on Shabbat Ramat Gan to launch Shabbat shuttle service along Tel Aviv light route Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan and religions and Diaspora affairs reporter Canaan Lidor join host Anne Gordon on today's episode. Israel’s current government is thought to be its most right-wing government ever, and also the most religious government in Israeli history -- the secular Likud party is working in lockstep cooperation (or so it seems most of the time) with the Haredi parties, United Torah Judaism and Shas, as well as the Religious Zionism party and Otzma Yehudit, which is largely religious as well. Why, then, are the ultra-Orthodox parties on the verge of stepping out of this united front? In Hungary, the country's oldest Orthodox Jewish community may be out of funds to continue. Will Chabad-Lubavitch, historically less welcome in Hungary than elsewhere, step in with the cash to help out? An enterprising American scientist is encouraging STEM education in Ethiopia, with projects designed based on what the students find lacking in their own society. That same enterprising scientist is using data-driven farming to help prevent starvation in Uganda. And Uganda's novel Jewish community may be key to improving the economy there with new jobs. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu, Levin said to seek pause to overhaul after Haredi party revolt How a Boston-based retired physicist is spreading the gospel of science in Africa Seeding STEM centers in Africa, NGO looks for crop of scientists to cultivate continent How homegrown data-driven farming may save sub-Saharan Africa’s Jews from starvation Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Anne Gordon on today's episode. Saturday saw an Israeli father and son gunned down in a fatal terror shooting at a carwash in the hotspot town of Huwara in the northern West Bank. What differentiated this terror attack from others? Moreover, given the predictable grassroots outrage at this attack, what led the IDF to shoot an individual? After reservists in Israel's Navy and Air Force quit as part of their protest against the government's reforms, the IDF suspended them. But they had already quit, so what did the military accomplish? A brand-new COVID variant that is dramatically different from previous variants has been detected in Israel and elsewhere. What do we know? And what are the implications of this variant for the new COVID vaccine on the horizon? Two new treatments should help lung cancer patients -- those suffering from recurrence and those who develop hypoglycemia due to the disease. And new research drills down to the biology of how men and women react to stress differently. Discussed articles include: Israeli father and son gunned down and killed in terror shooting at Huwara carwash IDF soldiers shoot masked settler allegedly hurling stones at Palestinians Air Force suspends several senior reservists as overhaul protests roil military New ‘very different’ COVID-19 variant detected in Israel, Denmark and US Israeli study may open door to preventing relapse of certain types of lung cancer Doctors use breast cancer drug to treat life-threatening hypoglycemia in lung cancer patient Study shows how brain cells of males and females respond differently to stress Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.   Note: Israeli security forces secure the scene of a shooting attack in Huwara, in the West Bank, August 19, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. A full front-page ad taken out in many if not most Israeli newspapers this morning with an image of IDF chief Herzi Halevi and the famous David Ben-Gurion quote, "Every Israeli mother will know that she’s entrusted the fate of her children into the hands of commanders who are worthy of it."Who took out the ad and what is its purpose? On Tuesday this week, several ultra-Orthodox newspapers appeared to jump on the anti-judicial overhaul bandwagon. What is the motivation here? Temperatures in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf of Eilat are reaching near-record highs this year. How is this expected to affect the seas’ ecospheres? The First International Resources public relations firm, headed by political strategist Zev Furst, has been employed by Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, Masdar, to improve the image of oil magnate Sultan al-Jaber, the controversial pick to lead this year’s United Nations COP28 climate conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Hear how the US Jewish community is being targeted. The Environmental Protection Ministry recently published its annual index of wrongdoers. What topped this year’s list? Discussed articles include: Ultra-Orthodox push for draft exemption law strains the coalition’s docile unanimity Netanyahu, Levin said to seek pause to overhaul after Haredi party revolt Eastern Mediterranean turning tropical, as warming waters force native species out PR firm says it may tap US Jews to boost image of UAE oil boss ahead of climate meet Phosphate mining company ICL Rotem tops latest list of worst environmental offenders Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An ultra-Orthodox Jew walks outside the army recruitment office in Jerusalem, August 16, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and feature reporter Melanie Lidman join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid talks about former treasury secretary Jack Lew, an Orthodox Jew who is the current frontrunner for US ambassador to Israel. Lew was chief of staff for former President Barack Obama and has been critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the past. Magid also discusses comments made by two Democrat lawmakers who are perturbed that President Joe Biden's White House is moving ahead with the Visa Waiver Program and the Saudi normalization deal for Israel -- two projects that Netanyahu is eager to finalize -- despite the administration's continued frustration with Netanyahu's right-wing government. Lidman speaks about the painstaking renovation work that was undertaken at Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre in the Old City, one of Christianity’s oldest sites. It's a complicated process given the handful of churches that wield control over the holy site. Lidman also talks about an archaeological find near Kiryat Gat, where the region's most ancient city gate was found, unfolding new information about the establishment of cities and urban environments earlier than was previously thought. Discussed articles include: Former treasury secretary Jack Lew frontrunner for next US ambassador Some Democrats ‘dumbfounded’ by Biden’s willingness to hand major gifts to Netanyahu Round-the-clock excavations at Church of Holy Sepulchre yield historical treasures Discovery of Israel’s oldest gate resets clock on local urbanization by centuries Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Christian worshippers take part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City during the Easter holiday on April 15, 2023 (Photo by Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The personal attacks against IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi are heating up. The security establishment believes that by allowing repeated attacks on top military brass, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to shift responsibility onto them over the current harm to the state of military readiness caused by reservists’ refusals to carry out their duties in protest of the coalition’s controversial judicial overhaul legislation. Rettig Gur and Goren dive into the issues, including Yair Netanyahu's role in all of this. On Monday, prime minister Netanyahu condemned discrimination against secular women by bus drivers or by Haredi passengers, following a recent series of such incidents. Why is this in Netanyahu's political interest even as a minister in his coalition, Environment Minister Idit Silman, attempts to push through gender-segregated bathing at national parks. And Goren weighs in why this isn't a bad thing -- especially for Arab women. Discussed articles include: Security officials tell TV network PM trying to shift blame onto them for harm to IDF PM’s son shares a post calling Herzi Halevi the worst-ever IDF chief After cases of discrimination against women on buses, PM calls to punish offenders Teen girls told to sit in back of bus, cover up because of Haredi passengers Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Officials from the Civil Administration, backed by police, destroyed or evacuated five buildings in the “Aira Shahar” outpost near the settlement of Kohav Hashahar this morning. Why is this a surprise? On Friday, the chief of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, admitted that the state of the force’s readiness was “worsening” in the face of the reservist pilots’ refusals to serve, after which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a pretty explosive reaction. Fabian and Schneider weigh in. A Jewish Iranian man who arrived to Ben-Gurion Airport was deported soon after on Friday. What are the allegations against him? Last night, hundreds of right-wing activists protested in Jerusalem over settler brawler Yehiel Indore’s continued remand over the death of a Palestinian man on August 4. Fabian updates us on the case and evidence against him. Schneider speaks about the looming municipal elections, which are arguably Israel’s midterm elections. She explains that she's set to take a tour in search of furry friends in Bnei Brak. Discussed articles include: In rare move, security forces evacuate illegal West Bank outpost PM said to have shouted at IDF chiefs: ‘It looks like the army is running the country’ Air force head warns damage to military readiness worsening amid overhaul split Jewish Iranian stopped at airport on spying suspicions, sent back to Iran – Shin Bet Hundreds at protest call to free settler suspected of killing Palestinian; 2 arrests Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE - A rat crosses a Times Square subway platform in New York on January 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and heath reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode.  With the uptick in fighting in Ethiopia’s Gondar region, Israel extracted some 200 citizens and local Jews from conflict zones in Ethiopia Thursday. Today at 11 there is set to be a protest by veteran immigrants, including members of Knesset, saying this is just a drop in the bucket. How was the operation carried out? Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Jordan presented his credentials on Saturday to begin also serving as Riyadh’s first-ever non-resident ambassador to Palestine. Is this nod to the PA is basically checking the list before relations with Israel? The US and Iran reached a tentative deal in which Iran will release five American detainees in exchange for the release of several billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets. What did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have to say about this? On Thursday, Netflix’s dropped a six-episode limited series, “Painkiller,” which focuses on the prescription opioid crisis in the United States. On the same day, the US Supreme Court temporarily blocked a nationwide settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that would shield members of the Sackler family who own the company from civil lawsuits over the toll of opioids. According to “Painkiller,” what was the family’s knowledge of how addictive OxyContin really is? A collaborative team of researchers from several Israeli institutions has created an itsy bitsy beating heart from stem cells that is the size of a third of a grain of rice. We hear more about this and other human organoids. Discussed articles include: Israel rescues some 200 citizens and Jews from Ethiopia conflict region Saudi Arabia appoints its first ever non-resident ambassador to Palestine PM scorns US-Iran deal unfreezing Iranian assets in exchange for release of prisoners Netflix’s ‘Painkiller’ is mesmerizing drama about Sackler role in ongoing opioid crisis US Supreme Court blocks OxyContin bankruptcy deal that would shield Sacklers Created from stem cells, Israeli researchers grow tiny, beating model of human heart Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: In this file photo provided by Saudi Press Agency, SPA, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Israeli media is abuzz with the power struggle between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich over NIS 200 million ($55 million) budgeted for Arab Israeli economic development and education initiatives. We dedicate the entire episode to the ripple effects of this showdown and check in on Netanyahu's right-wing coalition. Discussed articles include: As Smotrich defends freeze, PM vows to transfer funds to Arab towns ‘with oversight’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a press conference on the planned construction of a new railway line from the northern city of Kiryat Shmona to the city of Eilat, in Jerusalem, July 30, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and religions reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Anti-Defamation League and partner organizations in France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain released a report focussing on on left-wing antisemitism. Why is this unusual? Yesterday, Opposition leader and former prime minister Yair Lapid met with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed in Italy to discuss bilateral ties and advance joint projects. Was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the know? Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman announced last week that two nature reserves near Jerusalem will remain open outside of the usual operating hours for visitors who require gender-segregated bathing. What happened next? Early this week in a Bloomberg English-language interview, Netanyahu indicated that his government will move ahead with changing the makeup of the Judicial Selection Committee and then stop. But will his own Likud MKs support him? We end with a curious story out of Haifa’s Stella Maris church where ultra-Orthodox Jews are increasingly making pilgrimage to what they consider is grave of the Prophet Elisha, Elijah’s disciple. Why the Jews’ sudden interest in this site? Discussed articles include: Europe’s far-left is normalizing antisemitism, report co-authored by ADL warns Lapid meets UAE foreign minister in Italy, amid hiatus in high-level visits Environment minister announces sex-segregated hours at parks, prompting legal review Netanyahu: Coalition will probably remake judicial selection panel, then halt overhaul PM doesn’t have the votes to remake judicial selection panel, Likud said to believe At a Haifa church, Jewish pilgrims test coexistence strained by painful history Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: View of the Stella Maris Monastery in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, August 1, 2023. (Shir Torem/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and News editor Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses Washington equating two weekend attacks, one in which a Palestinian shot and killed a Tel Aviv patrolman and another in which a Palestinian was shot and killed by a Jewish settler. Tress looks at the incident in Memphis, Tennessee, during which a man unsuccessfully fired a handgun at a Jewish school, and was later discovered to be Jewish, and a former student at the school who had suffered a familial trauma years earlier. Magid looks at some of the provocative comments made by the outgoing EU ambassador to the Palestinians, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, as he left his post and headed toward retirement. Tress talks about the recent incident with entertainer Jamie Foxx, who made antisemitic statement on social media, and later apologized. Steinberg mentions the small but meaningful new exhibit opening this week at the Israel Museum of the work of American artist Rashid Johnson, a Chicago born New Yorker who has long used his art to talk about life as a Black man. Discussed articles include: US calls both shooting of Israeli patrolman and young Palestinian ‘terror attacks’ Suspect in shooting at Memphis Jewish school was haunted by police killing of father Departing EU envoy: I won’t accuse Israel of apartheid, but it’s worthy of discussion Jamie Foxx apologizes for Instagram post that echoed antisemitic trope Rashid Johnson exhibit at Israel Museum seeks to create ‘discourse about Blackness’ IMAGE: EU Ambassador to the Palestinians Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff paraglides over Gaza on July 17, 2023. (EU Mission to the Palestinians) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and features writer Melanie Lidman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The security cabinet debated a series of measures on Sunday meant to prop up the Palestinian Authority. What could these measures be? In an interview published yesterday in the London-based Elaph Arabic-language new site, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen made a few promises regarding the Palestinian Authority and a potential Abraham Accords agreement with Saudi Arabia. What did Cohen say? Israelis increasingly report feeling pushed out of the country due to the judicial overhaul crisis. A recently published feature looks at the issue and includes an interview with Prof. Sergio Della Pergola, who explained why Israelis have left in large numbers in the past. What did he say? Many point to the idea that this judicial overhaul crisis could be Israel’s constitutional moment. Berman noted in an in-depth piece on the subject that having a constitution doesn’t necessarily mean all our problems will go away. What happened in the United States in the 1790s? A unique online exhibit, “Unsilencing the Archives: The Laborers of the Tell en-Nasbeh Excavations (1926-1935),” focuses on the Palestinian excavators who made archaeological digs possible in this era. What was the impetus for the exhibit? Discussed articles include: Security cabinet said set to advance measures to prop up PA, but delay announcement FM Cohen to Arabic outlet: Israel will make gestures to Palestinians for Saudi deal 'This is my red line’: Anguished Israelis talk relocation amid judicial overhaul push Why the deepening judicial crisis could be Israel’s constitutional moment Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE: Passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport, June 6, 2022. (Gili Yaari/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday evening, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group opened fire in a bustling area of Tel Aviv and critically shot 42-year-old patrolman Chen Amir, a married father of three. What do we know about the incident and its perpetrator? Two settlers suspected in the killing of a Palestinian man on Friday have been remanded until Wednesday. We hear about the suspects, Elisha Yered, a former spokesman for the far-right Otzma Yehudit party’s MK Limor Son Har-Melech, and Yehiel Indore. Last week Fabian toured the area straddling Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. We hear his first-hand impressions on how Hezbollah's escalations are affected residents. On Thursday, the High Court held a hearing over the recusal amendment to a Basic Law and a lot of very strong statements. Sharon weighs in on what we could see coming out from the court. Discussed articles include: Terrorist kills patrolman in Tel Aviv, is shot dead by 2nd officer IDF troops map West Bank home of Tel Aviv shooter for demolition Lawyers for settlers suspected in killing of Palestinian claim self-defense Jitters grow along Lebanon border as Hezbollah provocations become more brazen High Court calls PM recusal law ‘clearly personal,’ indicates it may intervene Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Elisha Yered, a suspect in the death of 19-year-old Palestinian Qusai Jamal Maatan in the West Bank village of Burqa last night, arrives for a hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, August 5, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. This morning, the High Court of Justice was holding a pivotal hearing on petitions against the Recusal Law, a Basic Law passed earlier this year that prevents the court from ordering the removal of a sitting prime minister. What is significant about this first, unprecedented showdown? Yesterday, the High Court of Justice ruled against a petition demanding the removal of the illegal West Bank outpost of Homesh. How does this square with the court’s reputation as left-leaning? For the first time ever, come September 12, the High Court of Justice will convene a 15-judge panel to hear petitions against the Reasonableness law passed last week to limit the court’s oversight of its own actions. Both Schneider and Rettig Gur weigh in on the hearing's implications. Discussed articles include: Top court holds key hearing on law shielding Netanyahu from removal from office High Court shoots down petition to evacuate illegal Homesh outpost in West Bank Unprecedented 15-judge panel to hear petitions against coalition’s reasonableness law Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Stickers for the struggle against the judicial overhaul seen on a street sign reading 'Supreme Court' in Jerusalem, August 1, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode.  Six Israelis were shot and wounded, one of them seriously, in a terror attack yesterday in the West Bank city of Ma'ale Adumim. Hamas claims it is in response to Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's recent visit to the Temple Mount. What do we know? Yesterday, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi described the tent that Hezbollah has set up in Israeli territory north of the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon as a “childish game.” We hear how Berman views Hezbollah’s seemingly increasing belligerence in this semi-border area. In a procedure Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem is calling the first known case of its kind in the world, doctors saved both ovaries of a newborn preemie after delivering her in an emergency cesarean section and performing surgery on her just half an hour after birth. How did the doctors realize her ovaries were in danger? A leading Israeli researcher is baking immunotherapy cookies to combat food allergies. How does this work? Finally, a group of presidents and chancellors of prominent historically Black colleges and universities in the US recently visited Israel. We hear from Berman and Ghert-Zand about the purposes of their visit and what they're taking back home.  Discussed articles include: 6 Israelis wounded, one seriously, in terror shooting in Ma’ale Adumim National security adviser: Hezbollah tent in Israeli territory is ‘childish’ move In what it says is world first, Hadassah medical team saves fetus’s twisted ovaries Years in the baking, Israeli doctor’s cookie could take bite out of peanut allergies In Israel, leaders of US Black universities laud partnership with Jewish community Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Police inspect the site of a terrorist shooting attack in the West Bank Israeli settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, August 1, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid looks at possible progress in talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, with White House visits to Jeddah and Israel’s Mossad chief in the White House. He discusses Bahrain's postponement of Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's planned visit following National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount last week. Magid also speaks about unexpected comments made by a senior Palestinian Authority Preventive Security Service officer in Washington, DC regarding Hamas pressure on impoverished Palestinian youth to carry out attacks on Jewish settlers. Wrobel discusses warnings made by credit agency Standard & Poor and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange regarding the effect Israel’s continued political turmoil over the judicial overhaul could have on economic growth. She also comments on the Knesset's approval of the Angels Law, granting tax benefits to investors in Israeli high-tech, a law that's been under discussion for some time, prior to the current political unrest. Finally, Steinberg briefly comments on the opening of the Israel Festival on August 1 and the likely closure of historic Jerusalem movie theater Smadar. Discussed articles include: Biden hints at possible progress in potential Israel-Saudi normalization deal Bahrain postpones plans to host Israeli FM, hours after Ben Gvir tours Temple Mount Senior PA security official: Hamas, PIJ recruiting youth ‘with nothing to live for’ Moody’s ‘wake-up call’: Tel Aviv Stock Exchange head warns of looming financial crisis Credit rating agency S&P warns lack of overhaul consensus imperils Israeli economy Israel approves tax benefits to boost tech, as judicial jitters imperil investments Mark Eliyahu lines up Rita, Shai Tsabari and more for Tu B’Av concert Doors may close on German Colony’s 95-year cinema Lev Smadar Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: (L) Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Press Agency via AP); (C) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem (Alex Kolomoisky/Pool/Flash90); (L) US President Joe Biden on November 2, 2022 in Washington, DC (Michael A. McCoy / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Knesset finished its summer session yesterday and managed to pass a few lingering pieces of legislation as well as start the wheels turning on others, including a loyalty pledge for senior diplomats and laws relating to domestic and sex abuse. Keller-Lynn breaks them down. Last night in a unanimous decision by a nine-judge panel, the High Court of Justice ruled that the so-called Tiberias law passed by the coalition earlier this month should enter into effect only after the upcoming municipal elections. Why is this important? Speaking from the Knesset podium yesterday, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid demanded an 18-month freeze on judicial overhaul legislation as a condition for his Yesh Atid party to return to negotiations with the coalition. What are the chances of agreement on that period? All eyes are on September when the High Court has slated hearings for many petitions against the newly passed reasonableness law, an amendment to Basic Law: The Judiciary. Sharon explains what scholars are saying about the chances of the legislation being struck down. Discussed articles include: Knesset advances bill demanding loyalty pledge from senior diplomats serving abroad Knesset passes domestic abuse monitoring law after long delays and squabbles Knesset okays stronger punishment for sex offenses motivated by terrorism or racism High Court rules unanimously against mayoral election law that would benefit Deri ally Lapid: Freeze judicial overhaul until 2025, or we won’t return to talks A time for reason: Will the High Court strike down government’s reasonableness law? Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President of the Supreme Court Esther Hayut and Supreme Court justices at the High Court in Jerusalem to hear in petitions against the so-called 'Tiberias law,' on July 30, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Last night marked the first weekend of protests against the government's judicial overhaul following the passage of its first piece of legislation last Monday. Have the protests changed in numbers or tone? Israeli media has reported on murmurings among some Likud MKs that they may not support more overhaul legislation. Likewise, Opposition head Yair Lapid has claimed that an agreement was almost reached. Horovitz weighs in. Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Friday that ahead of last week’s passage of the reasonableness law, the Military Intelligence Directorate sent four letters to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of the security consequences of his coalition’s judicial overhaul plans. The report breaks down how Israel’s enemies view deterrence into four areas. Last week, three Palestinian gunmen who were claimed as members of the Hamas terror group, were killed by Israeli forces while attempting to attack a small Samaritan community in the northern West Bank. How unusual is it for Hamas to attack non-Jews? And finally, we hear Borschel-Dan's quick impressions of the very Jewish "Barbie" movie. Discussed articles include: ‘Damage is enormous’: Over 200,000 at first weekend rallies since overhaul law passed Cabinet to discuss siphoning NIS 164 million from ministries to fund yeshiva students How do we safeguard Israel, when the government is at war with much of the people? Lapid: We had deal with Netanyahu on overhaul last week; he caved to Levin, Ben Gvir Likud denies any ‘rebellion’ in its ranks over judicial overhaul Military Intelligence warned PM 4 times overhaul rift harming deterrence – report 3 Palestinian gunmen killed by IDF when attacking Samaritan community near Nablus Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Activists protest against the government's judicial overhaul, in Tel Aviv, on July 29, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and health and science editor Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses White House response to the judicial overhaul vote, as Washington moves on from engaging on the issue but emphasizes it will not cut aid to Israel. He also looks at statements made by lawmakers frustrated with the Israeli government. Ghert-Zand reviews the latest round of protests by the organization of Israeli doctors and their reactions after being told by labor court to return to work. Magid talks about the new interim head of the US embassy in Israel after ambassador Tom Nides returned home and who may be the next ambassador to Israel. He also examines another twist in the ongoing US Visa Waiver Program as US citizens from the Gaza Strip are presently not receiving the same benefits. Finally, Ghert-Zand examines Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's heart issues and what he hasn't revealed about his heart over the last few years. Discussed articles include: US stresses it will not cut aid to Israel due to judicial overhaul White House laments unilateral passage of overhaul bill, as Democrats echo alarm Labor court orders doctors back to work after day-long strike to protest overhaul Career diplomat Stephanie Hallett now interim US embassy chief as Nides departs Despite US pledge of equal treatment, Gazan Americans left out of Visa Waiver Program Netanyahu underwent surgery to have pacemaker fitted. Here’s why, and what it will do IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote on the reasonableness bill at the Knesset on July 24, 2023 after being fitted with a pacemaker (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service published an issuer comment report that warns of risks to the economy following the passage of the first judicial overhaul legislation. We hear what was in the report and what other finance bodies are saying. Thousands of reservists have threatened to end their volunteer reserve duty in protest of the overhaul in recent weeks, and yesterday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi issued a rare video statement calling for unity within the military. How are Israel's enemies viewing this possibly weakened army? In a bold move, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara requested that the High Court of Justice strike down a law passed in March that prevents the court from ordering a prime minister to recuse himself from office. If the High Court agrees to intervene here, it would mark the first time the court strikes down one of Israel’s quasi-constitutional Basic Laws. Why else is this move noteworthy? Discussed articles include: Moody’s after overhaul law: Israel faces negative economic fallout, significant risk Almost 70% of Israeli startups act to shift funds, relocate due to judicial shakeup Israeli shares, shekel slide as passage of overhaul law crushes compromise hopes IDF says battle-readiness is weeks from being impacted as reservists decamp en masse IDF says no threat after Hezbollah members seen patrolling on northern border Attorney general asks High Court to strike down law shielding Netanyahu from recusal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustration of Israeli currency, July 9, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Yesterday, the Knesset passed in a 64-0 vote the first major bill of the government’s judicial overhaul. Chaos immediately erupted and protesters blocked roads and clashed with police across the country for hours. Keller-Lynn sets the scene for us. Horovitz wrote an op-ed yesterday that ended with the suggestion that while the coalition secured a victory, Israel has sustained a dangerous defeat. He shares thoughts on the mood of the country. The Biden administration quickly responded to the passage of the reasonableness bill, as did major Diaspora Jewish organizations. What were they saying? As of recording time, there are at least six petitions to the High Court over the bill's passage, including from the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG) and the Israel Bar Association. What are some of their arguments and are we heading to a showdown between the judicial and executive branches? This morning an additional bill is being floated by United Torah Judaism -- and it too has societal-rending significance. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul victory spells a tragic, disastrous defeat for Israel Coalition passes 1st judicial overhaul law, limiting review of government decisions Gallant explains vote for contentious overhaul bill: ‘Best that I stay at the wheel’ White House laments unilateral passage of overhaul bill, as Democrats echo alarm ‘First step to destroying democracy’: Diaspora groups alarmed as overhaul law passes High Court justices rush back from abroad to hear petitions against ‘reasonableness’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The fully black front pages of several Hebrew-language newspapers, an ad purchased by anti-judicial overhaul protesters, found in a shop in Jerusalem, July 25, 2023, a day after the reasonableness bill passed at the assembly hall of the Knesset. (Chaim Goldbeg/Flash90  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and religions reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.  President Isaac Herzog, fresh from his trip to the United States, spent yesterday evening visiting each of the major party leaders, trying to find some common ground. We hear how Rettig Gur sees the events of yesterday playing out. Yesterday began with a prayer for unity at the Western Wall. Lidor tells us what one of the organizers, Malka Puterkovsky, an influential Talmud teacher who lives in the settlement of Tekoa, explained about the motivations for the event. On Thursday of last week, an editorial in Yated Ne’eman -- an influential newspaper aligned with the United Torah Judaism political party -- seemed to push for compromise on some elements of the judicial overhaul, including the reasonableness bill. Is this a change of heart? Rettig Gur finishes the program by explaining who may be to blame for the deep-seated lack of trust felt in Israel today.  Discussed articles include: ‘Time of emergency’: Dueling overhaul rallies as Herzog makes final bid for compromise Activists on both sides of overhaul debate hold mass Western Wall prayer for unity Key Haredi newspaper questions wisdom of continued backing of judicial overhaul As judiciary fight reaches a climax, both sides set to lose Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Anti-overhaul activists block a road during a protest against the government's judicial overhaul, near the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. (Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Spiro updates us on anti-judicial overhaul protest activities taking place in Jerusalem, including a prayer service for unity the Western Wall, an attempt at a human chain to the Knesset, and more. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a pacemaker for his heart overnight. Schneider explains who held down the fort during the procedure and why his lack of a deputy is so problematic. Schneider gives a forecast for voting in the Knesset this week on the contentious Reasonableness Bill. The Histadrut, Israel’s largest labor union, held a five-hour “emergency meeting” Saturday night to discuss a general strike if no compromise is reached. Schneider describes why it has no teeth. Spiro gives a deep dive into Channel 14, Israel's "Fox News," and how it is influencing the face of Israeli media. Discussed articles include: Protests expected in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv as coalition set to pass reasonableness law Netanyahu has pacemaker fitted, on eve of final votes on coalition’s overhaul bill Netanyahu hasn’t designated an acting PM. What would that mean if he’s out of action? Knesset begins final votes on reasonableness law, curbing court review of decisions Top labor union holds 5-hour emergency meeting on overhaul, sets compromise deadline As divisions sharpen, an incendiary right-wing news channel finally finds an audience Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Anti-overhaul activists attend a special prayer at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, on July 23, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Bermanjoin host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid and Berman discuss the details of President Isaac Herzog's speech to the US Congress, including the focus on the judicial overhaul and the protests against it -- and whether or not they mark the strength of Israel's democracy. They note Herzog's skill in walking a diplomatic tightrope, bridging the gaps between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also look at Herzog's meeting with Biden prior to the speech, and why the Israeli president came to the US to speak to the US president at this point in time. Magid discusses a long-awaited pilot of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which will begin easing travel restrictions for Palestinian Americans to travel through Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport and at Israeli border crossings. Discussed articles include: In speech to Congress, Herzog lauds strong judiciary, says democracy in Israel’s DNA Herzog tells Biden Israel’s democracy ‘resilient,’ as overhaul protests rage at home Herzog’s ‘important’ speech to Congress wins plaudits from across political spectrum Israel launches pilot for US visa waiver, easing travel for Palestinian-Americans IMAGE: Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrives to speak to a joint meeting of Congress, July 19, 2023, at the Capitol in Washington, as Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California, look on. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Hundreds of anti-judicial overhaul protesters are making their way on foot from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as they seek to increase pressure on lawmakers ahead of an expected vote on the reasonableness legislation on Sunday. Keller-Lynn gives an overview of yesterday’s Day of Resistance, in which over 70 protestors were arrested. Sharon explains what is the current status of the Reasonableness Bill and discusses how earlier this week, in a rare public statement, conservative Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg distanced himself from the coalition’s bill. What did he say? On Monday at the faction meetings, Opposition leader Yair Lapid offered his analysis of the US-Israel relationship ahead of President Isaac Herzog’s current official visit to the States. What were his warnings? And finally, Keller-Lynn summarizes a rare, startling interview US President Joe Biden gave on the US-Israel relationship with The New York Times reporter Tom Friedman. Discussed articles include: Hoping to head off ‘reasonableness’ bill, protesters begin 4-day march to Jerusalem Police clear Ayalon Highway after long day of nationwide protests; 45 arrested in all Thousands mass at anti-overhaul rallies, block highway after rail station protests Marathon committee session on ‘reasonableness’ bill enters second day Judge who ‘inspired’ reasonableness bill says he didn’t intend legislative changes Biden warns ‘special relationship’ on the line in absence of consensus on overhaul Lapid: US is pulling away, national tragedy coming; Gantz to PM: It’s not too late Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The anti-judicial overhaul protestors have a full day of demonstrations and PR stunts for today’s Day of Disruption. What are we seeing so far on the streets? Inside the Knesset, the Opposition has put forward its own protest, in the form of 27,000 reservations to the Reasonableness bill. Is this unusual? Rettig Gur tells us about some practical applications of the Reasonableness Bill, including in the chief rabbinate elections and the mayoral elections in Tiberias. Last night, ahead of the official visit to the US of President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden had a long-awaited phone call in which, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu was invited to the US to meet with Biden. Is this the whole story? Discussed articles include: LIVE BLOG July 18 Biden invites Netanyahu to meet in US, stresses need for consensus on judicial reform Israel tells Morocco it recognizes its sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis block the entrance to IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv as they protest the government's judicial overhaul, July 18, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Diaspora reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met with a number of African officials in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Sunday. Hebrew media has reported on an off-record meetup with an official of a country that does not currently have ties with Israel. Which country could it be? President Isaac Herzog is flying to the US late tonight. Who is unhappy with the trip and what is planned for the president? During his weekly Saturday night sermon, Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of “sinning and causing others to sin” by visiting the Temple Mount. What instigated this outburst? In a story that lit up international headlines, a Muslim activist who had received permission to burn a Torah and a Bible outside the Israeli embassy in Sweden on Saturday said he was backing off from the move. What did local Jews have to say? The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has ended a so-called fast track for Russian and Belarusian applicants, citing low demand for the service despite increasing arrivals amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war. Lidor gives a 360-degree explanation. Discussed articles include: In Nairobi, FM said to meet with leader of African country with no ties to Israel Netanyahu said to bash Israeli ambassador to US over lack of White House invite Chief Sephardic rabbi: Ben Gvir’s Temple Mount visits are a ‘sin’ Activist backs off Sweden Torah burning: Trying to draw attention to Quran desecration Government ends fast-tracked immigration option for Russians, drawing criticism Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: A Hebrew Bible at a synagogue in Jerusalem, July 14, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.  A 35-year-old Israeli man was shot and seriously wounded, and his two daughters were lightly hurt, in a terror shooting attack in the West Bank near the settlement of Tekoa on Sunday morning. Fabian briefs us on what we know so far. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained overnight Saturday-Sunday at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan for observation. Ghert-Zand explains what we know about his diagnosis, including new information from this morning about heart monitoring.  In yet another overt provocation at Israel’s northern border, yesterday morning a group of Lebanese, including a parliamentarian, crossed the border into Israeli sovereign territory before being chased back to Lebanon by the Israel Defense Forces who fired warning shots. Fabian describes how far they get past the so-called “Blue Line” and what has happened there in the past week. After 28 weeks of anti-judicial overhaul protests, some 170 active reservists in the army’s top special forces unit say they will no longer volunteer for service. How vital are they to IDF operations? A pertussis outbreak in Jerusalem that began earlier this year spread to the north of the country last week. While the Health Ministry's June campaign raised awareness of the illness commonly known as whooping cough, Ghert-Zand brings some explanations for why it's on the rise.  Discussed articles include: Israeli man seriously injured, 2 daughters lightly hurt in West Bank terror shooting Netanyahu remains in hospital overnight, set to be released Sunday Lebanese lawmaker leads group across Israeli border; IDF fires warning shots Hezbollah members seen stealing Israeli surveillance tech from border tower Elite commando reservists said to refuse volunteer duty as overhaul protest widens Whooping cough outbreak spreads to north with new case in town near Nahariya Raz Hershko tops women’s international judo rankings, in historic first for Israeli Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, sits with former prime minister Ehud Barak, left, as former Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz walks during a press conference at the Tel-Nof Air Force base, October 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and news editor Amy Spiro join host Jacob Magid for Thursday's podcast. Spiro discusses NYT columnist Thomas Friedman's latest op-ed in which he claimed that the Biden administration has begun reassessing its relationship with the Netanyahu government, given the latter's "extreme" nature. The column received a lot of attention in both Israel and the US with officials from both governments quick to downplay the notion that times are a-changin', and Spiro helps put it all into perspective. Rettig Gur gives a sneak peek into a piece he is working on about how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz are struggling to gain support for their judicial overhaul stances beyond their respective bases. Rettig Gur lays out the dilemma: Neither side will succeed unless they cater to the roughly one-third of Israelis who prefer a more measured approach, but moving toward the political center would mean abandoning the more dominant ends of the political spectrum that are less interested in compromise. To close, Spiro discusses Hollywood superstar Helen Mirren's appearance Thursday evening at the Jerusalem Film Festival, where she will be receiving a reward for her performance in the biopic "Golda," which premieres at the event. Discussed articles include: NY Times’s Friedman: Netanyahu government making rethink of US-Israel ties ‘inevitable’ American, Israeli officials downplay columnist’s claim US reassessing ties with Israel ‘Not over’: Opposition vows to keep up fight after government advances judicial bill In reversal, Netanyahu beats Gantz in head-to-head race for premiership in TV poll Golda Meir biopic starring Helen Mirren to open 40th Jerusalem Film Festival ‘Golda’ director defends casting Helen Mirren: ‘She’s got the Jewish chops’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zandjoin host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Wrobel discusses the Bank of Israel's decision to leave the interest rate unchanged, but is still concerned about the possible effects of the contentious judicial overhaul on Israeli inflation. Ghert-Zand talks about the professional group of doctors who contacted Israel Police last week regarding injuries seen as a result of water cannons used against protestors, demonstrating a misuse of water cannon regulations. Wrobel looks at the decision to privatize Israel Post, a long-awaited decision, with the government now looking for a private investor to bring the postal service into the modern age. Ghert-Zand reviews some first-time and highly unusual surgeries that took place in the last few days — gender affirming surgeries in a Nahariya hospital, the first time done outside of the Tel Aviv area, and reversing an internal decapitation of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy. Discussed articles include: Bank of Israel holds rates for now, warns about judicial risk to economy Physicians urge police to suspend water cannon use after protesters badly wounded Israel kicks off much-sought privatization of Israel Post after recovery push Gender-affirming surgery performed at Galilee Medical Center for first time Hadassah surgeons reattach boy’s head to his neck after internal decapitation Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Anti-judicial overhaul demonstrators block Route 1 and clash with police during a protest near Ein Hemed, July 11, 2023. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Keller-Lynn and Sharon discuss the passage of the first reading of the so-called reasonableness bill late Monday night and why it was chosen from the proposed judicial overhaul. Keller-Lynn reviews events that took place in the Knesset Monday, including the removal of protestors from the building and remarks made by opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid regarding the bill. Sharon speaks about conversations with coalition and opposition MKs on the negotiating team, and what they had to say about the bill under discussion. Keller-Lynn also discusses Tuesday and the 'day of disruption' planned by anti-overhaul protestors, with gatherings planned in Tel Aviv, on major highways, outside the Knesset and at Ben Gurion International Airport. Steinberg briefly mentions the Monday night show of The Black Keys at Rishon Lezion Live Park and the sudden cancelation of blues guitarist Buddy Guy because of Israeli unrest. Discussed articles include: Bill to erase judicial ‘reasonableness’ test for politicians passes 1st reading Protesters forcibly removed from Knesset ahead of vote on ‘reasonableness’ bill The reason for reasonableness: A doctrine at the heart of the overhaul explained Lapid calls for talks as he slams coalition for seeking to appoint ‘obedient puppets’ Protesters block highways as they kick off ‘day of disruption’ against overhaul US rockers The Black Keys bring intense energy to first Israel show Guitarist Buddy Guy cancels Israel shows, citing ‘military operations’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Anti-judicial overhaul demonstrators protest against the judicial overhaul in Haifa, on July 11, 2023 (Photo by Shir Torem/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael founding editor Biranit Goren and ToI's diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jacob Magid for Monday's podcast. US President Joe Biden has shifted from criticizing the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "extremist" government. Berman fills us in on what's behind the shift, what it means for Netanyahu's chances to score an invite to the White House and how it'll impact US efforts to broker a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Goren discusses a recent cabinet meeting, which ministers used as an opportunity to lay into Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara's handling of the judicial overhaul protests. Goren talks about the comparison government officials make between law enforcement's handling of today's protest and the demonstrations during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement and whether the juxtaposition is valid. She also fills us in on the anti-overhaul moves latest moves as the coalition readies to pass through a first reading later Monday legislation that would block courts from exercising judicial review over the “reasonableness” of government decisions. Berman shares how President Isaac Herzog has decided to weigh in on a recent uptick in attacks by Jewish Orthodox extremists on Christians in Israel. He discusses the diplomatic ramifications of the trend and whether Israel is capable of addressing it. Finally, he lays out a recent interview Israel’s Ambassador to Kyiv Michael Brodsky in which he criticized Ukraine's voting record against Israel at the United Nations. Berman reveals what was behind the frustration and speculates on whether Kyiv is likely to change course in light of the criticism. Discussed articles include: Biden: Israeli cabinet has some of most extreme members I’ve seen; Saudi deal far off Ministers assail AG at cabinet meeting, demand protest crackdown, urge her removal Mall chain threatens strike if bill to curtail judicial oversight clears first vote Herzog condemns growing attacks on Christians as ‘evil’ and ‘a disgrace’ Ukraine’s backing of 90% of UN anti-Israel votes could hurt support — Israeli envoy Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) with then US Vice President Joe Biden in Jerusalem, 2010. (Avi Ohayun/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. ToI founding editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian speaks about the unusual step of Hamas taking responsibility for a string of recent attacks, including a terror shooting in West Bank settlement of Eli, the recent car ramming and stabbing in Tel Aviv and a shooting attack near Kedumim. He also looks at the intensive protests taking place outside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's home by anti-judicial reform activists, and their hopes of interference from the defense minister. Horovitz also discusses the intensifying anti-judicial reform protests, as the judicial reform bill is up for an initial Knesset vote on Monday and the anti-reform movement is gearing up for non-violent battle in the country's cities, Ben Gurion Airport and outside the Knesset. He also looks at the criticism from the European Union and United Nations regarding Israel's incursion into Jenin last week. Discussed articles include: In rare statement, Hamas claims responsibility for string of recent deadly attacks Reservists rally overnight at Gallant home, hoping he’ll intervene on overhaul again Protests ramp up for 27th week as bill to curtail judicial oversight set for 1st vote EU envoy tours Jenin refugee camp, says IDF operation violated international law UN chief: Israel ‘obviously’ used excessive force in Jenin; Israel demands retraction Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul, outside the president's residence in Jerusalem, on July 8, 2023 (Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.  Around 200 protesters blocked a key highway during rush hour this morning, as protests against the coalition’s advancement of its contentious judicial overhaul legislation showed no sign of letting up. This is on top of the demonstrations that erupted on Wednesday evening, with the Ayalon Highway blocked for hours, after Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed announced he was resigning from the force. Horovitz weighs in on what could be different in this week of ramped-up protests. Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli Middle East analyst who also holds Russian citizenship, was kidnapped in March in Iraq. Berman updates us with what we know so far. Last night, England beat Israel 3-0 to reach the final of the European Under-21 Championship. Horovitz explains why this defeat is still a win for Israel. Discussed articles include: Protesters block key highway as anti-overhaul demonstrations show no sign of easing Thousands take to the streets, block roads after Tel Aviv police chief steps down Anti-overhaul protesters target ultraconservative, influential Jerusalem yeshiva Knesset panel advances bill to end ‘reasonableness’ test for politicians’ decisions Israeli researcher abducted in Iraq by radical Shiite militia England dashes Israel’s hopes of reaching Under-21 Euro finals with 3-0 win Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis block the Ayalon Highway during a protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul and in response to the removal of Tel Aviv District Commander Amichai Eshed in Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian opens with updates on the Tel Aviv car ramming and stabbing Tuesday afternoon with seven injured and the terrorist killed by an armed civilian. He reviews the end of the 44-hour Jenin operation that IDF says won't be the last, in which one Israeli soldier was killed, possibly by friendly fire, as troops were pulling out. Attention then turned to Gaza as rockets were launched toward the Israeli town of Sderot. Magid reflects on the reasons behind the Jenin operation, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's change of tactics, not strategy, with brief incursion in order to take care of lack of Palestinian Authority control in Jenin. Steinberg speaks about the spate of international performers in Israel over the next few weeks, including this week's performances from UK's Morrissey, The Black Keys from the US in Israel next week and Christina Aguilera in early August. Magid also discusses the US Embassy July 4 party held at the Israel Museum, that was also a goodbye for US ambassador Tom Nides who is leaving his post after 19 months in the job. He notes that Netanyahu used the opportunity to reiterate Israel's friendship with the US, even as he plans a trip to China. Discussed articles include: 7 injured in ramming-stabbing attack in Tel Aviv; terrorist killed by armed civilian Soldier killed as massive Jenin operation winds down, all troops leave West Bank city Military begins withdrawing forces from Jenin after 44 hours of fighting Five rockets fired from Gaza at south, intercepted by Iron Dome — IDF PA freezes all ties with Israel over Jenin raid, as US urges closer cooperation Morrissey thrilled to be in ‘God’s country’ as he performs first of two shows Netanyahu calls US Israel’s ‘irreplaceable ally’ a week after announcing China trip Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits at an army base near the West Bank city of Jenin, July 4, 2023 (Photo by Shir Torem/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, Jenin saw some of the heaviest fighting in the area in two decades. Today, "Operation Bayit Vagan," as it's unofficially known as, sees its second day as Israeli political and security leaders agree to continue with the counter-terror operation. What goals have been met so far and where are we heading? During anti-judicial overhaul demonstrations yesterday evening, 37 protesters were arrested for disturbing the peace after overrunning barricades, blocking roads, and entering Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 3 arrival hall. Sharon sets the scene of the unusual protest. The testimony from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan is continuing in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial yesterday. We hear the salient points of his testimony and how there are contradictions in previous statements. Discussed articles include: IDF says Palestinian gunmen showing little resistance in Jenin, some targets remain Thousands flee Jenin as Israel indicates terror crackdown will continue More large raids planned for Jenin, army says, as Israel vows to press offensive Gallant: IDF dealt ‘heavy blow’ to terror, Jenin operation ‘progressing as planned’ Police tussle with anti-government protesters as chaos erupts at Ben Gurion Airport Prosecutor: Milchan feels uncomfortable with Sara Netanyahu in room during testimony Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Army vehicles are seen during an Israeli military raid on the militant stronghold of the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, July 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Israeli military forces launched a major operation in the West Bank city of Jenin early this morning. Large numbers of Israeli ground forces were seen entering tcity and refugee camp in an open-ended ground operation. Fabian talks about the stated goal of the operation, how long it's been in the works and what the forecast is so far. Berman discusses its potential diplomatic implications. Back in April, the Hezbollah terror group set up two tents set up in an area along the “Blue Line” between Lebanon and Israel, one of which was reportedly removed last night. What do these tents symbolize and how have they been kept out of the news? A massive day of anti-judicial overhaul protests is underway, with large-scale actions from Haifa in the north and on down. Keller-Lynn explains what is in store for us at Ben-Gurion Airport. On Thursday’s Daily Briefing, Keller-Lynn discussed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interview with the Wall Street Journal and his statement that the override clause is off the table. But new reports seem to indicate otherwise. What is she hearing? And finally, Keller-Lynn explains last week's manoeuver to continue ultra-Orthodox army deferment -- even as the law that provides them expires. Discussed articles include: IDF strikes in Jenin, launches ‘widescale effort against terror’ in West Bank city Hezbollah said to evacuate one of the 2 tents it set up on Israeli side of Blue Line Overhaul critics seek show of force in afternoon protest at Ben Gurion Airport In U-turn, Netanyahu said to reassure ministers override clause has not been shelved Cabinet shields Haredi youth from military draft, 5 days before exemption law expiry Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Smoke rises during an Israeli military operation of the terrorist stronghold of Jenin in the West Bank, July 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Early this morning Israeli fighter jets struck a Syrian air defense battery. What was this in response to? We’re again hearing threats out of the IDF reserves of refusal of service in light of the renewed judicial overhaul legislation. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Wednesday that a large-scale refusal would harm the security of the nation, but unlike three months ago, appears to crack down on the form of civil protest. What's changed? Last week, former Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich made controversial remarks regarding the cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking renewed theories that the trials are politically motivated. Rettig Gur reviews the arguments. Discussed articles include: IAF hits anti-aircraft battery in Syria after missile explodes over Israel Syrian anti-aircraft missile explodes over Israel as IAF said to strike in Homs Ex-police chief says he thought Netanyahu would resign following criminal indictment Turnout rises, several arrested as anti-overhaul protests enter 26th week Over 100 Air Force reservists say they will refuse to serve if overhaul advances Gallant says fresh boycott threats by IDF reservists ‘endanger’ Israel’s security Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: People attend a protest against the planned judicial overhaul in Tel Aviv, on July 1, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn. This week President Isaac Herzog called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of today’s Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, the second most important feast of the year. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also spoke with senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh. What was significant about these phone calls? Yesterday Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed administrative detention orders to hold four Jewish extremists involved in recent attacks against Palestinians without charges. What was the blowback from settler movement leaders and MKs? Could this ramped-up measure of administrative detention have anything to do with the call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen this week or Blinken’s double down yesterday in New York? This morning, the Wall Street Journal published an interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Any clues for the future? We end with Berman's recap of revolving diplomatic doors this week with ambassadors from Ukraine, Russia and Israel all being called to the carpet. Discussed articles include: Herzog calls Abbas to urge fight against terror, condemn settler violence Gallant orders four Israelis to be held without charge over West Bank riots Blinken says US extremely concerned about settler violence against Palestinians Blinken: West Bank unrest makes Israel-Saudi deal much ‘tougher, if not impossible’ Russia summons Israeli envoy for rebuke over comments by ambassador to Ukraine Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Thousands of Palestinians attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem's Old City, marking the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, June 28, 2023. (Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Tal Schneider and US correspondent Jacob Magid join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses his inside story regarding Washington's views of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government right now, and whether US President Joe Biden is looking to change his strategy regarding Israel. Schneider follows up with yesterday's phone call between Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, in which they discussed the outbreak of settler violence, and how the government is handling that. Schneider also speaks about Zman Yisrael's breaking story regarding Netanyahu’s announced trip to China — and what he wants that to mean in terms of his relationship with the US and President Biden. Magid and Schneider also look at the postponed Negev Summit in Morocco with Israel, the US and several Arab countries, due to escalating West Bank settlement activity and how that demonstrates changes in international treatment of Netanyahu. Discussed articles include: ‘Not alone in the driver’s seat’: US thinks Netanyahu has lost control of coalition Cohen speaks to Blinken, says Israel will bring violent settlers to justice Netanyahu confirms to US lawmakers that he is heading to China Morocco confirms US-Israel-Arab ministerial forum delayed, cites ‘political context’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen at the District Court in Jerusalem to as he arrives to listen to the testimony of businessman Arnon Milchan on June 27, 2023 (Photo by Oren Ben Hakoon/POOL)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and writer Melanie Lidman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, Israel broke a record when authorities advanced plans for some 5,700 additional new settlement homes, bringing the year total to some 13, 000. Where are some of the building starts? The United States said it would cut support to scientific and technology research in Israeli institutions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights. Which university specifically does this target? Yesterday, Sharon was onsite at the illegal outpost of Evyatar that was repopulated last week. Who is there now? He also visited the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya, where he met with the family of the man killed in unclear circumstances during last week's vigilante violence following the fatal shooting attack near Eli. Lidman brings us a study conducted by Hebrew University Prof. Yosef Garfinkel, who claims that he has found evidence of a network of biblical cities — including road infrastructure and communication between the capital and its satellites — that basically shores up the biblical narrative of a Davidic kingdom. And finally, we hear about how a team of scientists from Ariel University and Tel Aviv University has written a kind of Google translate for millennia-old Akkadian. Discussed articles include: Israel advances plans for 5,700 settlement homes, breaking annual record in 6 months US cuts science, tech cooperation with Israeli institutions in the West Bank Web of biblical cities depicts King David as major ruler, says Israeli archaeologist Groundbreaking AI project translates 5,000-year-old cuneiform at push of a button Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: People at the newly repopulated illegal Evyatar outpost in the West Bank, June 22, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Times of Israel editor David Horovitz and Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Three months after it was frozen, the judicial overhaul was officially restarted yesterday with deliberations in the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. Why do critics call it a “pathway to corruption”? Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan testified yesterday in the prime minister’s ongoing corruption trial, Case 1000. What did we hear? Yesterday, Police Commissioner Yaakov (Kobi) Shabtai said he would not seek a fourth year in his position. But Goren explains how this isn’t the only power vacuum we’re set to see in the police force. Discussed articles include: PM said ready to ‘go all the way’ with reasonableness bill to limit judicial review Knesset restarts judicial overhaul with bill to broadly outlaw ‘reasonableness’ test In testimony, Milchan confirms conveyor belt of cigars, champagne to Netanyahus Police chief says he won’t seek 4th year in office ‘under these conditions’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MK Simcha Rotman, Head of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, leads a committee meeting on the planned judicial reform, at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on June 25, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.  Yesterday, during Shabbat, several dozen settler vigilantes rampaged for the fifth consecutive day following Tuesday’s fatal shooting attack. This time through the Palestinian West Bank village of Umm Safa, setting fire to vehicles and homes. What else do we know about this attack and where was the IDF? Rettig Gur speaks at length about how Israel is failing to follow through on “managing” or “shrinking” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. What are some "boring" bureaucratic ways in which Palestinians are being blocked from basic necessities such as electricity and sewage? Discussed articles include: Settlers riot in another Palestinian village; IDF spokesman: ‘Shameful acts of terror’ Suspects in settler reprisals ordered to remain behind bars; fourth person detained Off-duty soldier among 4 detained in latest settler attack on Palestinian village IDF, Shin Bet and police heads slam settler attacks as ‘terror,’ vow to fight them Ministers slam security chiefs for calling settler attacks on Palestinians ‘terror’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Fields on fire near the Palestinian village of Qusra, in the West Bank, June 22, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Starting early Wednesday, hundreds of settlers, including leaders of the movement and members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, have traveled to the illegal West Bank outpost of Evyatar. What’s happening there right now? Also Wednesday, hundreds of Israeli settlers tore through the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya, setting homes, cars, and fields on fire and terrorizing residents shortly after Israeli victims of a Palestinian terror shooting in the West Bank were buried. One Palestinian is now dead under conflicting circumstances. Sharon weighs in. As a result of Tuesday's shooting, the government announced that the settlement of Eli will build 1,000 new housing units. But there's more to that story. For a second day yesterday, thousands of Druze residents of the Golan Heights rioted against the construction of a new wind farm near the town of Majdal Shams. What is the overall plan for wind turbines in the Golan and why is the Druze community up in arms. Lawyer Amit Becher scored a landslide victory with 73% of the vote in the election for Israel Bar Association (IBA) chairman on Tuesday. What are the ripple effects of Becher’s win? Surkes brought us a first-of-its-kind study this week: a Global Food Donation Policy Atlas. How does Israel rank? Discussed articles include: Settlers mass at Evyatar, vow to reestablish outpost in response to deadly attack Palestinian killed in unclear circumstances as settlers rampage in West Bank town 4 Druze seriously injured, 12 cops hurt in massive riots against Golan wind farm Renewable energy company starts testing first of 39 wind turbines on Golan Heights Winning bar contest, Becher spoils coalition hope of controlling judge picks, for now International review finds Israel can do more to donate surplus food to needy Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Settlement leadership, including Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan (second to right) and Samaria Council Municipal Chief Rabbi Elyakim Levanon (center right), at Evyatar illegal West Bank outpost, June 21, 2023. (Courtesy Nachala Settlement Movement)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. 17-year-old Nachman Mordoff, 17-year-old Elisha Anteman, 21-year-old Harel Masood and 64-year-old Ofer Fayerman were shot dead Tuesday afternoon near the West Bank settlement of Eli. Fabian takes us through what we know about the attack and its perpetrators. Following the attack, last night we saw a grim repeat of settler vandalization and violence in Palestinian locations near the settlement of Eli. What do we know so far about the damage wrought? Following the attack, US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides issued two condemnations. Magid breaks down how the doubling up occurred. Magid learned yesterday that Morocco has decided to cancel plans to host the second ministerial gathering of the Negev Forum. What is the country's reasoning? This week the White House has issued condemnations against announcements of settlement expansions and reminders of the need for consensus for the judicial overhaul. Magid fills us in. And finally, we hear an update about the potential for direct flights from Israel to Saudi Arabia. Discussed articles include: Two teens, recently discharged soldier among 4 killed in West Bank attack Netanyahu: ‘All options open’ in responding to deadly West Bank shooting attack Rampaging settlers torch Palestinian cars, fields near Nablus after deadly shooting US envoy backpedals after tweet bemoaning West Bank deaths sparks Israeli protest Morocco cancels next month’s Negev Forum over Israeli settlement announcements UN chief ‘troubled, alarmed’ by Israeli decisions to beef up settlement building US says overhaul consensus crucial as Netanyahu coalition unilaterally restarts push Flights between Israel and Saudi Arabia for Muslim pilgrims won’t be ready for Hajj Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: Friends and family attend the funeral of 21-year-old Israeli Harel Masood, who was killed in a terror attack near the Jewish settlement of Eli, in the cemetery in Yesodot, on June 20, 2023. (Liron Moldovan/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Monday morning an Israeli helicopter gunship carried out rare strikes in Jenin after six Palestinians were killed and eight Israeli troops were wounded during heavy clashes. Fabian debriefs. On Sunday, six Israelis who regained their eyesight thanks to donor corneas had a chance to thank the donors’ families in person. All donors were recent victims of Palestinian terror shootings, including the family of siblings Yagel and Hillel Yaniv, as well as the Dee family, who donated mother Lucy Dee’s corneas. Who were some of the recipients? After a decade of work, researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science say they have managed to create stem cell-derived human embryo models outside the uterus. How do these models differ from "natural" human embryos? Discussed articles include: 5 Palestinians dead, 8 IDF troops hurt in Jenin battle; Apache carries out airstrikes Families of terror victims Yaniv brothers, Lucy Dee meet recipients of their corneas In breakthrough, Israeli scientists say they synthesized human embryos from stem cells Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: An Israeli Air Force AH-64 Apache attack helicopter releases flares during an Israeli army raid in Jenin in the West Bank on June 19, 2023. (Jaafar ASHTIYEH / AFP)See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. ToI founding editor David Horovitz and Knesset correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz discusses extraordinary decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich full authority to expand existing settlements in Judea and Samaria. He also examines Netanyahu's disapproval of talks between Washington and Tehran and what that means for the US-Israel relationship. Schneider explains how Tuesday's elections at the Israel Bar Association could affect the Judicial Selection Committee, expanding on the two candidates for the position of chairman. Schneider and Horovitz discuss Netanyahu's statement that the coalition’s original legislation aimed at securing control over the Judicial Selection Committee will not be revived and what that means in terms of the judicial overhaul. They also look at US semiconductor giant Intel Corp.'s agreement in principle to build a chip manufacturing plant at an investment of $25 billion, and whether it is indeed a show of faith in the current economy. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu hands Smotrich full authority to expand existing settlements Netanyahu says Israel opposes nuclear ‘mini-agreements’ with Iran Intel to invest ‘unprecedented’ $25 billion in chip manufacturing plant in Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits at the Intel's Kiryat Gat plant on November 14, 2016 (Photo by Kobi Gideon/GPO)See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Last week's stormy Knesset sessions ended with a surprise twist as the Judicial Selection Committee vote was waylaid by a rogue Likud member, MK Tally Gotliv. Rettig Gur gives a brief recap of where things stand in terms of the vote and the judicial overhaul negotiations and theorizing on next steps for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the opposition. The Sky Sonic interceptor missile, which has been in development for around three years, will be shown for the first time at the upcoming Paris Air Show next week. What is this technology? Israel is in talks to sell used Merkava tanks to two countries, including one in Europe, in what would be the first such export of the armored vehicle. Likewise, annual Israeli arms sales reached a new record in 2022, reaching $12.5 billion last year. What are some of the factors that have caused the sharp increase? Discussed articles include: With fate of judicial panel in the balance, masses rally nationwide against overhaul Netanyahu finds he’s lost control of the populist tiger he rode to power Liberman: Judicial panel vote ‘one big show’ that Netanyahu staged with Lapid, Gantz Defense tech firm Rafael reveals first-ever hypersonic interceptor In first, Israel plans to sell vaunted Merkava tank to 2 countries, one in Europe Israeli arms sales doubled in a decade, hit new record of $12.5 billion in 2022 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: MK Tally Gotliv attends a conference at the Knesset in Jerusalem, on November 28, 2022 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday was a roller-coaster day in the Knesset with the long-awaited vote for the Judicial Selection Committee vote. What actually ended up happening was beyond our imagination. Keller-Lynn explains what happened on this most colorful day. There is increased talk of a “less-for-less” nuclear deal with Iran and according to Hebrew media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed officials about the details of a potential “mini” agreement and said that Israel would be able to accept it. What do we know so far? Berman met with a high-level Hungarian minister Gergely Gulyás, who was part of the team that wrote Hungary’s new constitution, the Fundamental Law of Hungary, in 2011. What brought him to Israel this week? Berman brought us insight into Egypt’s somewhat muted response following the lone gunman attack last week that left three IDF soldiers killed. What happened in October 1985? Discussed articles include: Coalition in chaos as opposition wins seat on judge-picking panel while Likud left out Coalition members accuse Likud ‘traitors’ after opposition wins judicial panel seat US, Iran said discussing informal, limited ‘political ceasefire,’ not full nuke deal Report: Netanyahu says US and Iran in talks for a ‘mini-deal’ Israel can live with Wary of harming Israel ties, Egypt looks to bury popular praise for border attack Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File: Israeli MK Karine Elharrar arrives at the Israeli parliament, for the opening session of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on November 15, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Tal Schneider and religion and diaspora affairs reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses the crucial voting taking place Wednesday for the selection of Knesset and government's representatives on the judicial selection committee, which chooses the nation's judges. She looks at how it's been done in the past and what may happen now, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to avoid mass protests, and how that may affect his coalition's voting. Lidor talks about what Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė said in her pro-Israel speech this week to the American Jewish Committee Global Forum taking place in Tel Aviv, and how it connects to Lithuania's World War Two history with Russia. He also looks at the new eruv erected by Hong Kong's Jewish community, explaining how the symbolic enclosure created by Jewish communities for the purpose of carrying on the Sabbath, was carried out. Steinberg offers the latest on concert tours coming to Israel, including funk pop star Bruno Mars who sold out one Tel Aviv show in two hours and scheduled a second, as well as a new album and performance from Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa. Discussed articles include: Coalition heads to meet Wednesday before crucial vote on judge-picking panel In Tel Aviv, Lithuanian PM extols Israel alliance but sidesteps Nazi collaboration Bruno Mars adds 2nd Tel Aviv show after first sells out in 2 hours Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, Dudu Tassa announce Tel Aviv gig after album release Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset on June 13, 2023 (Courtesy Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Opposition head Yair Lapid was in court yesterday for his first day of testimony in Case 1000 as a witness to talk about 2013 incidents when he served as finance minister. His testimony was wrapped up rather quickly. What are we hearing so far in the cross-examination? The next big fight between the coalition and opposition is over the two MKs that will be placed on the judicial selection committee. The vote is tomorrow. Rettig Gur speaks to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dilemma. Tel Aviv, get ready: Bruno Mars is set to "Uptown Funk you up” for two nights in early October. Goren gives insight into the ticket-buying craze. Discussed articles include: In court, Netanyahu’s defense attorney accuses Lapid of being an unreliable witness Lapid testifies at Netanyahu corruption trial: PM said Milchan tax law was ‘good’ Liberman claims opposition will fold in judicial talks, predicts deal by Wednesday Bruno Mars adds 2nd Tel Aviv show after first sells out in 2 hours Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem on June 13, 2023. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Israel’s national Under-20 soccer team clinched third place in the youth World Cup tournament on Sunday, ending its unprecedented run in the global competition with a 3-1 consolation match win against South Korea. Horovitz lauds the players. Head of the opposition Yair Lapid began testifying today in the Case 1000 trial. What do we know so far? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the Shin Bet to step into the fight against the wave of violent crime in the Arab community. Why is Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara reportedly claiming this is another strike against democracy? Ghert-Zand gives highlights from a deep dive into youth and smoking here in Israel. We hear about new research and what efforts are being taken for change. This week marks Israel’s 31st annual Skin Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Week. Every day in Israel, five people are diagnosed with malignant skin melanoma. How is the country promoting fighting and early detection of the deadly disease?Discussed articles include: Israel clinches 3rd place in soccer’s U-20 World Cup, capping thrilling run Overruling objections, PM says Shin Bet must join fight against deadly Arab mob crime Proposed bill said to give Ben Gvir, cops power to jail Israelis without charge With tobacco use on rise in Israel, kids and teens see their health go up in smoke In sizzling Israel, Skin Cancer Awareness Week shines light on safety in the sun Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security services speaks during a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, September 11, 2022. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Two men were shot dead in separate violent incidents in central Arab-majority cities Saturday night, bringing the first half of the year to an unprecedented number of dead in the community. What, if any, new steps are being taken to combat this wave? On Thursday, the IDF entered Ramallah to demolish the home of the Palestinian terrorist charged with carrying out a deadly twin bombing attack in Jerusalem last year. We remind listeners of the details of the November bombing and hear why entering Ramallah is unusual. Friday afternoon, the Israeli military clashed with Lebanese nationals along the northern border. How rare are such incidents and what is Israel doing to prevent them? Spiro talks about the new book "Ruth Blau," which describes the numerous incarnations of the longtime member of the extremist anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Neturei Karta sect who was pivotal in a kidnapping -- but never prosecuted. On September 6, 1970, 12-year-old Martha Hodes boarded a flight in Tel Aviv bound for New York, which was hijacked for six days and nights. Some 50 years later, the historian mines her journal and revisits her memories to make sense of the indelible experience. Discussed articles include: Two men shot dead, raising 2023 toll to 102, in devastating week for Arab community IDF razes Ramallah home of terrorist accused of deadly Jerusalem bus stop bombings Rioters hurl stones at IDF during standoff on tense Lebanon border Villain or heroine? New book documents the complex, astonishing life of Ruth Blau Trauma revisited: Historian reconstructs her week aboard a hijacked jet in Jordan Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli security forces demolish the house of Palestinian terrorist Eslam Froukh, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, June 8, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. A 10-week-old infant in Jerusalem has died of whooping cough and there’s been a 12-fold increase of whooping cough cases in 2023 over the same period in 2022. What is the Health Ministry recommending? The judicial selection committee is the current focus of political angst, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin addressing the issue yesterday from the podium. What did he say? Yesterday, Opposition parties got behind Yesh Atid MK Karine Elharrar as their candidate for a June 14 vote on selecting two lawmakers to serve on Israel’s judicial appointments panel. But in the coalition, we're not seeing complete alignment. What's the deeper story here? For those who are contemplating immigrating to Israel, on Tuesday, the interior minister got one step closer to having the power to refuse to issue a passport to a new immigrant who arrived under Israel’s Law of Return until the immigrant has proven that their center of life is in Israel. We hear what are some reasons behind this change. The first known case of the genetic disease progeria, commonly called Benjamin Button disease, was reported yesterday in Israel. What is this disease? Some good news for a change: Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new bio-sensing technology that predicts cancer patients’ response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy. Ghert-Zand explains how it works. Discussed articles include: 10-week-old infant dies of whooping cough in Jerusalem Levin calls current judge selection process ‘invalid’ and ‘unworthy’ of a democracy Ending squabble, opposition aligns behind Yesh Atid’s Elharrar for judicial panel Wrangling over nominations for judicial selection panel strains overhaul talks Government moves to reinstate 1-year residency requirement for passports Israel sees its first-ever case of rare rapid aging ‘Benjamin Button’ disease New Israeli technology improves prediction of patient response to immunotherapy Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: File: Heads of opposition parties Yesh Atid head MK Yair Lapid, National Unity head MK Benny Gantz and leader of the United Arab List MK Mansour Abbas hold a joint press conference in Tel Aviv, on March 16, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and Diaspora reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Last night, an Israeli driver was lightly hurt in yet another shooting attack near the northern West Bank town of Huwara. His vehicle was hit with some dozen bullets at this flashpoint, which saw another attack earlier this week. Fabian explains what makes this such a ripe target for terrorism. Fabian updates with more details of the perpetrator of the shocking tragic killing of three IDF soldiers on the Egyptian border on Saturday. At about 3 am local time Tuesday night, the Nova Kakhovka dam exploded in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy calls Europe’s largest human-made disaster in decades. The masses of water have flooded two dozen villages and forced the evacuation of 17,000 people. Lidor updates on the status of the Kherson Jewish community. On Thursday, 2-year-old Mohammed Tamimi and his father were hit by gunshots as Israeli soldiers returned fire at Palestinian gunmen who had shot at the settlement of Neve Tzuf. Mohammed died at Sheba Hospital on Monday and was buried yesterday. Fabian explains how has the IDF responded to his death and what happened after his funeral yesterday. The decade-long charged saga involving the site of a Jewish cemetery in Vilnius that was slated to become an events center has come to a resolution. Lidor describes the site now meant to be used for and talks about the Foundation for Jewish Heritage's recent report on how similar sites should be handled. Discussed articles include: Israeli motorist lightly hurt in terror shooting near flashpoint Huwara — IDF Egyptian cop who killed IDF troops is named, said to have griped about border duty Ukraine, Russia trade blame for devastating dam collapse that displaces thousands Kherson Jews among thousands forced to flee rising water after Ukraine dam rupture Clashes erupt as Palestinians hold funeral for toddler mistakenly shot by IDF Lithuanian city vows to preserve ancient Jewish cemetery it had sought to dig up Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Streets are flooded in Kherson, Ukraine, June 7, 2023, after the Kakhovka dam was blown up. (AP Photo/Libkos)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. This morning, activists opposed to the proposed judicial overhaul demonstrated outside the Tel Aviv home of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid in what seems to be a new tactic. What are they asking for? Over the weekend, New York hosted its annual Israel parade and the anti-judicial overhaul protestors were there, too. Horovitz shares what were some of the scenes there as opposed to what we've been seeing in Jerusalem. The US again appears receptive to restarting nuclear talks, in what many are calling a “less for less deal.” What would the new deal likely involve -- and how could it benefit Israel? Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana is set to visit Morocco tomorrow in the first official visit by a Knesset speaker to the parliament of a Muslim country. Why else is it significant? Horovitz interviewed comedian Dan Ahdoot, who is wrapping up a tour of Israel with Comedy for Koby. We hear about the rising star who charmed audiences throughout the country.Discussed articles include: ‘No compromise’: Anti-overhaul protesters rally outside Lapid’s home Anti-overhaul protesters disrupt Economy Minister Barkat’s speech at NY conference On 22nd week, anti-overhaul protests enjoy bump in turnout amid anger at police Echoes of the Judean People’s Front: Monty Python’s in Jerusalem, and it isn’t funny Iran unveils claimed hypersonic missile, says it is able to beat air defenses Casting wary eye on IAEA, Israel fears US laying groundwork for new Iran deal Knesset speaker Amir Ohana set to visit Morocco’s parliament this week Comedy for Koby’s Dan Ahdoot: Why Falafel Phil and over-tipping hold the keys to peace Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: In this picture released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a ceremony commemorating the death anniversary of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, shown in the poster at top right, at his mausoleum just outside Tehran, Iran, June 4, 2023. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Environment reporter Sue Surkes and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Jacob Magid for Monday's podcast. Some 300,000 Israelis lost power Friday at the peak of a heatwave that reached over 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country. Surkes discusses how the outages exposed Israel's ill-preparedness for extreme weather caused by climate change. Relatedly, she shares the bleak findings of a recent Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report that found Israel faired very poorly on a range of environmental issues compared to other countries in the 38-member bloc. Surkes discusses how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is working to close those gaps, comparing its performance to that of the previous unity government. Steinberg provides an update on the concert schedule for the summer in Israel while also recapping last week's performance from British pop star Robbie Williams. She shares which artists have come under pressure from the anti-Israel Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to cancel their scheduled appearances and why some have been unmoved by the noise. To close, Steinberg reviews “My Happy Ending,” an Israeli-written new film featuring Andie MacDowell. The Hollywood star plays actress Julia Roth, who strides into a small oncology day clinic outside London for chemotherapy, and while seeking privacy and anonymity given her familiar face, ends up meeting fellow patients who make her rethink her own life goals. Discussed articles include: Power outages spark heated accusations as grid fails to meet sweltering demand Government greenlights 2 gas-fired power stations to meet electricity demands OECD slaps Israel with poor marks on environmental performance in new report Robbie Williams at Tel Aviv show: ‘You have something incredibly f*cking special here’ Robbie Williams bonds with Noga Erez ahead of Tel Aviv show Andie MacDowell stars in Israeli film about life choices, based on Cameri play Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Firefighting trucks near the scene of a blaze in central Israel on June 2, 2023. (Fire and Rescue Service)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast. Three combat soldiers in the Bardelas Battalion tasked with guarding the border with Egypt were shot and killed yesterday by an Egyptian police officer. We hear about the timeline of the incident that killed Staff Sgt. Ori Yitzhak Iluz, Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan and Sgt. Lia Ben Nun. An estimated 30,000 marched in solidarity with Jerusalem’s gay community on Thursday. And, despite threats earlier in the week, it seemed to go off without a hitch. Sharon shares what he saw, heard -- and smelled -- at the march. Former Supreme Court Yaakov Turkel, who served with distinction in the judiciary for 38 years, died last week at the age of 88. We learn how he too was an ally of the gay community and what were other key points of his legacy. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu vows to probe deadly shooting of troops by Egyptian policeman ‘to the end’ Troops killed along Egypt border named: Ohad Dahan, Lia Ben Nun, Ori Yitzhak Iluz 30,000 march in Jerusalem Pride Parade under tight security but without incident Former Supreme Court justice Yaakov Turkel dies aged 88 In sensational upset, Israel downs Brazil 3-2 to reach U-20 World Cup semifinal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers and rescue forces seen at Mount Harif military base in the southern Negev desert, close to the border with Egypt, on June 3, 2023. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon discusses the stream of far-right coalition member proposals, including the Jewish right to settle the entire land of Israel and banning the waving of the Palestinian flag at Israeli campuses, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to put a halt to all proposals for now, and why. Rettig Gur follows those politics of negotiation with a look at what's happening with the ongoing talks at the President's Residence between coalition and opposition members regarding the judicial overhaul, and which parts of the overhaul could possibly be considered by both sides. Sharon speaks briefly about Jerusalem's Gay Pride march taking place Thursday afternoon, with police on high alert amid threats of violence from far right group Lehava whose leader was once a close political ally of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Steinberg mentions Thursday night's Tel Aviv concert of UK pop rock star Robbie Williams, where he's hosting indie singer Noga Erez, as well as the grand reopening of the Tower of David Museum, which just completed a six-year $50 million renovation that included making the 3,000-year-old citadel almost completely accessible and brought together technology and archaeology in some very surprising ways. Discussed articles include: Why Netanyahu has put a halt to a handful of radical coalition measures – for now Police on high alert ahead of Jerusalem Pride Parade threatened by violence ‘Incredibly excited’: British pop star Robbie Williams lands in Israel Modern and ancient coexist in $50 million Tower of David renovation Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A woman at the annual Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem, on June 2, 2022, holds up a sign with the biblical phrase 'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and religions reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, 32-year-old Meir Tamari was fatally shot while driving near the settlement of Hermesh in the northern West Bank. Goren gives us more information about this terrorist attack. Hundreds of thousands of Haredi Israelis attended the funeral of Gershon Edelstein, an influential Ashkenazi Haredi who died in Bnei Brak earlier in the day at the age of 100. Lidor was there. Goren explains how his death has left a sort of a vacuum. What do we know about who may fill it? On Sunday, a tour boat capsized on an Italian lake, killing four people, including an Israeli man. But ever since, the facts are increasingly mysterious. Goren fills us in. Also on Sunday, Christian worshipers who prayed at an archeological park bordering the Western Wall, were met by hundreds of Jewish protesters, including Jerusalem’s deputy mayor, shouting at them to leave over claims of proselytization. Lidor gives background. And finally, after 96 minutes without a goal for either side, Israel’s national Under-20 soccer team scored a 97th-minute goal to upend Uzbekistan 1-0 in the World Cup tournament in Argentina last night. Discussed articles include: Israeli father of two killed in northern West Bank terror shooting Followers of Rabbi Gershon Edelstein honor late Haredi leader’s pragmatic devoutness ‘Like Moses’: Hundreds of thousands attend funeral for Rabbi Gershon Edelstein Report: Israeli, Italian secret agents were on ill-fated party boat to swap intel Near the Western Wall, Jewish radicals shout at Christian Evangelicals to ‘go home’ 97th-minute stunner over Uzbekistan sends Israel to U-20 World Cup quarterfinal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Thousands attend the funeral of Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva, and spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah party in Israel, in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish city of Bnei Brak, on May 30, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. There are initial reports of threats against Thursday’s gay pride parade in Jerusalem. Fabian fills us in on what we know now. The judicial overhaul package is still officially frozen, but according to leaked statements yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Likud party that it is “not dead.” Keller Lynn explains what else is going on -- including with else did he say? Yesterday, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana set the vote on the two Knesset representatives to the panel for June 14. Keller Lynn drills down into why this is so controversial. Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces launched a large-scale two-week-long drill across the country, simulating a potential multi-front war, which the IDF has dubbed “Firm Hand.” What makes this drill unique? Last week Keller Lynn spoke with one of the main anti-judicial overhaul organizers, Weizmann Prof. Shimka Bressler. What were some of her thoughts on the massive sums being collected through grassroots fundraising -- and why is the protest not proposing its own platform? And finally, Fabian tells us about a unique ceremony yesterday near the coastal southern city of Ashdod that marked the Israeli Air Force’s first operation. We hear how immigrants were involved in its success. Discussed articles include: ‘Deadly Thursday’: Far-right activists threaten violence at Jerusalem Pride Parade PM tells Likud overhaul is ‘not dead’; Gantz says any deal must cancel current bills IDF launches major drill focused on preparing for all-out multi-front war Protest leader says ‘grassroots’ initiative raised NIS 50m to fight judicial overhaul Successful but scrappy: Air Force marks 75 years since its 1st-ever strike mission Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Leader of the far-right Israeli group Lehava, Benzi Gopstein (R), seen at a press conference with his lawyer Itamar Ben Gvir, in Jerusalem on August 11, 2015. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazer Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. A new building for a yeshiva at the illegal West Bank outpost of Homesh was constructed overnight at a new location on state-owned land. Horovitz talks to us about the symbolic nature of this overnight construction. Among other leaders, Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent his congratulations to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his runoff win. Hamas and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also released statements, with Hamas saying it hoped for a new era of “strengthening Islamic-Arab ties and support for the Palestinian issue.” Could Turkey become a player in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? All eyes are on the judicial overhaul again and most especially the Judicial Selection Committee. However, senior Likud member David Bitan said yesterday that much of the frozen legislation will probably stay that way. Horovitz weighs in on that, as well as Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s reported statements from the cabinet yesterday about the reasons behind the need for Jewish Israelis to sit on the Judicial Selection Committee. President Isaac Herzog is meant to visit Baku on Tuesday. What is he meant to accomplish there and who else may soon be flying out on strategic visits? Discussed articles include: Yeshiva gets new home in north West Bank outpost as legalization efforts gather steam World leaders congratulate Erdogan on reelection victory in historic runoff Likud MK says Netanyahu won’t bring back overhaul since he knows he ‘made a mistake’ Overhaul talks return to fore as opposition sets ultimatum on judge selection panel Levin said to call for judges who ‘understand’ why Jews don’t want to live near Arabs Herzog to meet Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev in Baku as ties expand Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Illustrative: Visitors walk by the water tower on the ruins of the evacuated settlement of Homesh on August 27, 2019. (Hillel Maeir/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. On Thursday, the White House published a 60-page document outlining its plan to fight American antisemitism, including more than 100 recommendations. We hear about the plan's genesis, some highlights and, the inevitable backlash. Amid unusual seasonal weather, Israel experienced yesterday over 170 fires. Surkes sets the stage. A bill that would limit Israeli nonprofits’ ability to take donations from foreign governments will apparently be at least temporarily shelved after mountains of criticisms from Israeli allies — including the US, Germany and France. What essentially is their criticism and will this bill affect private foreign funding as well? There is a current mass die-off of black sea urchins in the Red Sea, which one scientist compares to the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic. What does he mean by that? Finally, for a change, we’ll hear some good news about the environment: The Gaza Wetlands are coming back to life. How did this come about?Discussed articles include: Biden plan to combat antisemitism calls for online reforms, more security funding White House plan to fight antisemitism takes on centuries of hatred in America White House raps Republican who said its antisemitism strategy targets conservatives Homes and hikers evacuated as firefighters battle over 170 blazes amid heatwave Likud bill targeting NGOs’ foreign funding set to be shelved amid uproar Epidemic wipes out all Eilat Bay urchins; coral reefs face suffocation by algae UN breathes life into once-polluted Gaza wetland Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Joe Biden talks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, May 26, 2023, as he heads to Camp David for the weekend. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Just after 6 am this morning, MKs voted to approve the final parts of the two-year budget. We hear about the events of the night. Yesterday at the Herzliya Conference, IDF head Herzi Halevi warned of potential “negative developments” regarding Iran’s nuclear program that would cause Israel to react. Fabian explains the context of this and further statements Halevi and others made at the conference regarding Iran. There are a lot of rumors lately that the White House will broker a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia and Israel, but in return, Israel must halt its judicial overhaul and restart peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. Schneider weighs in on how true these rumors may be. Two Israel Defense Forces soldiers were filmed practicing at a firing range last week while stark naked. Each was sentenced to 21 days in jail on Sunday, as well as the officer who filmed them. Fabian fills in some gaps.  Discussed articles include: Knesset approves 2023-2024 budget in all-night vote, patching coalition rift Thousands in Jerusalem rally against budget, deals for ultra-Orthodox IDF chief on Iran nuke program: ‘Negative developments’ could prompt Israeli response Iran’s latest subterranean nuclear site likely impenetrable to US bunker busters US wants Israel to shelve judicial overhaul in return for Saudi normalization — TV IDF soldiers jailed for naked firing range practice Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE - This photo released November 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran shows centrifuge machines in Natanz uranium enrichment facility near Natanz, Iran (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran via AP, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog received an invite from the United Arab Emirates yesterday. But Berman explains why it’s not exactly the invite Bibi was looking for. The annual Herzliya Conference took place yesterday. We hear why it’s so newsworthy and some of the major headlines that came out of it. Lidor wrote a troubling piece about how the lack of a 10-second circumcision inspection is holding up the conversion of dozens of men in Israel. What is going on here? We hear about nonprofit ITIM's annual conversion report, which shows that the number of conversions is decreasing even as the number of "without religion" grows -- along with the conversion authority's budget. How does this add up? Israeli media is filled with rumors of direct flights from Israel to Jeddah. Is this -- or a larger agreement -- really on the offing? And finally, we hear from Lidor about the grim state of several smaller European communities. While leaders are hanging on, he has found that their children are increasingly making aliya to Israel and there is a question about these communities' continuation.Discussed articles include: After months of delays, Netanyahu receives invitation to visit UAE for world summit Defense Ministry to invest heavily in AI in bid to improve intel on Iran Judicial fight is ‘source of pride for the country,’ says Herzog A single absentee mohel is thwarting dozens of converts at very end of their journey Israel reportedly in ‘advanced’ talks for direct flights to Hajj in Saudi Arabia Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) receives an invitation to the COP28 climate summit in November in Dubai from Mohamed Al Khaja, the UAE ambassador to Israel, May 25, 2023 (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Following a visit by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Temple Mount yesterday, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US is “concerned by today’s provocative visit to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem and the accompanying inflammatory rhetoric,” adding that, “This holy space should not be used for political purposes, and we call on all parties to respect its sanctity.” Why are Israeli MKs and ministers increasingly ascending the mount? Rettig Gur drills down into the failure of Israeli and ultra-Orthodox to create a self-sustaining haredi culture. He explains how, by caving into haredi leadership's demands in the budget, the coalition is creating an increasingly fractured Israeli society. Last week, the United Nations General Assembly marked Nakba Day for the first time, including a keynote address by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Horovitz explains what was remarkable about Abu Mazen’s speech. Discussed articles include: US flogs Ben Gvir for ‘provocative, inflammatory’ tour on tense Temple Mount On the way up to the Temple Mount, Likud is becoming Otzma Yehudit Ad-libbed at the General Assembly, Mahmoud Abbas’s full-blown rejectionism Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at a UN event commemorating the Palestinian 'Nakba,' in New York, May 15, 2023. (Screenshot: UN; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. This morning National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascended the Temple Mount. What were his message while up there and how do they relate to the looming budget vote? We hear about what actually went down during Thursday's Flag March through the Jerusalem Old City from Keller Lynn, who was onsite. Noa Kirel garnered a third-place win at last week’s Eurovision. However, some remarks she made after being awarded full marks from Poland are causing diplomatic reverberations. Spiro weighs in. Spiro explains how New York Times reporter Isabel Kershner's new book, “The Land of Hope and Fear: Israel’s Battle for Its Inner Soul," which she wrote prior to the judicial overhaul struggles, was incredibly prescient. Finally, we hear about a new SHOWTIME miniseries, “Ghosts of Beirut,” created by international team, including the originators of the hit series, "Fauda." Discussed articles include: Ben Gvir visits Temple Mount, says it proves Israel ‘in charge’ at holy site At Jerusalem Flag March, chants of ‘Death to Arabs’ and assaults on Palestinians ‘It’s painful for us’: Poland invites Noa Kirel for visit after Eurovision remarks Coalition tensions escalate amid Haredi demands for more funds ahead of budget vote A house divided: New book explores roots of the rifts between Israel’s many ‘tribes’ Hunting for a ghost: New show depicts CIA-Mossad pursuit of most-wanted terrorist Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, center, visits the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, May 21, 2023. (Courtesy: Minhelet Har Habayit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. The Flag March commemorating the unification of Jerusalem in 1967 is set to take place this afternoon, with tens of thousands of mostly far-right youth parading through Jerusalem’s Old City. Rettig Gur gives background and perspective to the flashpoint march. We speak about new ultra-Orthodox demands regarding the budget ahead of the May 29 deadline, as well as blowback from secular Israel. Ghert-Zand brings us news that Proton therapy for cancer treatment has arrived in Israel. What is this therapy and what are its advantages? She discusses new Israeli research that combines molecular and computational neuroscience has uncovered a molecular basis for why women living with Alzheimer’s disease experience more rapid cognitive deterioration than men. We close the program by hearing about American-Israeli filmmaker Laura Bialis's new film “Vishniac,” which explores photographer Roman Vishniac's life from the perspective of his daughter Mara Vishniac Kohn. Discussed articles include: Tensions ahead of contentious Flag March through Jerusalem Old City’s Muslim Quarter Haredi faction threatens to oppose state budget if NIS 600 million demand not met Thousands march through Bnei Brak against Haredi ‘pillaging of the public coffers’ Proton therapy, touted as cancer killer without side effects, set for Israel debut Israeli study reveals molecular basis for female Alzheimer’s patients’ rapid decline Daughter helps turn lens on pioneering photographer father Roman Vishniac in new film Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE: With the Dome of the Rock on the right, an Israeli man covered in a flag watches Israelis wave the national flag as they march in the Jerusalem Day parade in Jerusalem Old City, June 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. The Flag March commemorating the unification of Jerusalem in 1967 is set to take place Thursday afternoon, with tens of thousands of mostly far-right wing youth parading through Jerusalem’s Old City. Jeremy explains how National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is preparing the police forces. We hear about sex-segregated routes and how the youth generally behave during the parade. We hear an update from Keller Lynn about what is happening in the Knesset with the now pressing battle over the budget. Yesterday, Hadash head Ayman Odeh, the longtime leader of the country’s main Arab political bloc, said he will not run for office again. There are some rumors he may run for Haifa mayor. Keller Lynn sheds light. After two months of judicial overhaul negotiations at the president’s residence, it appears President Isaac Herzog is losing his patience. What happened yesterday? Borschel-Dan ends the program with a 2,000-year-old inscription discovered in Jerusalem's City of David. While mundane in content, it offers potentially deep insight. Discussed articles include: Police brace for all possibilities at Jerusalem Flag March as Hamas issues threats Arab political leader Ayman Odeh says he won’t run for office again Herzog urges progress at overhaul talks as sources indicate little movement 2,000-year-old ledger found in City of David points to widespread 2nd Temple literacy Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MK Ayman Odeh arrives to the Israeli parliament for the opening session of the Knesset, November 15, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political and diplomatic correspondent Tal Schneider along with religion and diaspora affairs correspondent Canaan Lidor join host Jacob Magid in today's episode. Just two days have passed since Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad reached a ceasefire to end the latest Gaza conflict, and the focus of the Israeli news cycle here has shifted almost entirely from security to political.  Schneider discusses the status of the judicial overhaul negotiations between the coalition and opposition, which hit another roadblock on Monday, as the initiative's architects threatened to rush forward with the initial legislation if the talks fall apart.  She also reviews the 180 degree shift in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, whose ouster was unceremoniously announced just seven weeks ago but is now seen standing alongside the premier at just about every opportunity.  Lidor reflects on the ramifications of last week's deadly shooting attack outside a synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba where hundreds of Jews had gathered for a Lag B'Omer pilgrimage.  Currently on a reporting trip in Portugal,  Lidor shares how the country's Jewish community has grown in recent years while simultaneously grappling with several scandals related to citizenship applications.  Discussed articles include: Knesset to elect Judicial Selection Committee MKs but Levin unlikely to convene panel Rothman: Some overhaul bills will be passed soon if talks with opposition fail From pariah to bosom buddy in 7 weeks: Netanyahu’s rehabilitation of Yoav Gallant Two worshipers killed in attack at Tunisia synagogue during pilgrimage Tunisia terror attack threatens to deal ‘mortal blow’ to rare Jewish pilgrimage Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, left, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a pre-Passover toast, April 4, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. After five days of fighting, the ceasefire ending Operation Shield and Arrow is holding. While the IDF, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant all claim its goals were met within seconds, Horovitz discusses why it was so difficult to lockdown a ceasefire.  Hamas did not overtly join in on the barrage of rocket fire that rained upon Israel. What can be read into the passive permission Hamas gave to what Horovitz calls its "evil little Iranian-mobilized sister"? Inconclusive elections were held in Turkey yesterday and a run-off is set for May 28. Berman weighs in on what either winner means for relations with Israel. Borschel-Dan chimes in with a massive 1,800-year-old cargo of precious marble building materials that was recently discovered off the coast of Israel.   Discussed articles include: Rocket launched from Gaza shatters calm, but fragile ceasefire appears to hold Israel’s Gaza operation met its goals in seconds; trouble is, it went on for 5 days Hamas, undeterred, sat on the sidelines as Islamic Jihad and Israel slugged it out Turkey set for historic run-off vote after Erdogan falls short of majority Swimmer discovers precious marble cargo from 1,800-year-old Mediterranean shipwreck Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinian Hamas supporters take part in a festival in Nablus to support the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and the West Bank, May 11, 2023. (Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. After five days of fighting Operation Shield and Arrow has ended with a ceasefire brokered by Egypt. Fabian briefs us on the events of the past several days, as well as the victims of the rocket attacks on the Israeli side. We hear about the IDF's goals going into the operation and whether they were met. What was the role of Hamas in the rocket fire? And why are we seeing increased prominence of Palestinian Islamic Jihad? Thursday marks the controversial right-wing flag march in Jerusalem’s Old City. Can we assume the ceasefire will hold? Spiro is here to discuss Israeli singer Noa Kirel's performance in the Eurovision.   Discussed articles include: Tense calm between Israel, Islamic Jihad appears to hold, ending 5-day conflict Gaza rocket killed Palestinian Abdullah Abu Jaba, also seriously injured his brother Israel reopens Gaza crossings, shut since launch of Operation Shield and Arrow Sweden wins 2023 Eurovision, while Israel’s Noa Kirel finishes in 3rd place Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Noa Kirel of Israel during the flag ceremony before during the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, England, May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We are on the third day of Operation Shield and Arrow. Fabian debriefs on the events of the past 24 hours, including a targeted killing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad military commander Ali Ghali. We hear about the first real-world interception for the David’s Sling air defense system. Berman discusses the lack of a long-term strategy as Israel appears to face the same scenario in these too-often cycles of rocket attacks and air strikes.  We hear how the world at large is responding to Operation Shield and Arrow in the diplomatic sphere. Magid drills down into events that took place at the United Nations yesterday. How is the Biden administration responding to the fighting -- and what is different this time to previous flareups.  Discussed articles include: Live blog May 11 Homes damaged as Gazan rockets bombard south, hampering ceasefire efforts David’s Sling downs rocket headed for Tel Aviv in first real-world interception Israeli airstrike in Gaza kills commander of Islamic Jihad’s rocket forces Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Police and army at the scene where a rocket fired from Gaza into southern Israel, hit and caused damage between houses in the southern city of Ashkelon, May 10, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, political correspondent Tal Schneider and Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian discusses tension as Israel awaits response from Hamas terror group following the air force targeted killing of three senior members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group that also killed 10 civilians including four children. He looks at restrictions placed on Israelis living close to the Gaza border, where schools are closed and residents are being told to stay close to shelters. Schneider speaks about the current relationship between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu given the Gaza operation, just weeks after the prime minister had fired the defense minister over his opposition to the judicial reform. Keller-Lynn speaks about opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid and their unsurprising support of the Gaza operation along with fellow opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman who offered his stance on the stalled talks regarding the government's judicial reform. Steinberg mentions the advance of Israeli pop singer Noa Kirel to the grand final of the 2023 Eurovision in Liverpool late Tuesday night following her performance during the contest’s first semifinal. Discussed articles include: All eyes on Hamas as IDF awaits reprisal for assassination of Islamic Jihad leaders Thousands of Gaza border residents evacuated by IDF as precaution Gaza op gets broad political support as some trade barbs over Ben Gvir ‘Legitimizing the illegitimate’: Liberman urges Gantz, Lapid to end overhaul talks Israel’s Noa Kirel rides ‘Unicorn’ to Eurovision grand final Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Israeli soldiers block a road near the border with Gaza, southern Israel, on May 10, 2023 (Photo by Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren, and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Operation Shield and Arrow was launched with an early morning surprise attack in the Gaza Strip, targeting three high level Islamic Jihad leaders. At least 13 were killed after a coordinated attack throughout the Gaza Strip around 2:30 am Israel time. Fabian debriefs on who were the attack’s targets. Fabian takes us through the airstrikes, which involved 40 aircraft, including fighter jets, that carried out the main strikes within seconds of each other, at three locations in the Strip. We hear how they are similar to previous IDF strikes. As Israel awaits reprisal rockets that are expected to come after the three leaders’ funerals, the IDF’s Home Front Command has issued instructions for residents of areas near Gaza. Fabian updates on closures and other instructions, including for the Mount Meron site where thousands are celebrating Lag B'Omer. Also today, the IDF is continuing to conduct raids in the West Bank and stop alleged terrorist attacks. We learn what happened in Nablus this morning. Operation Shield and Arrow comes days after Gazan terrorists led by Islamic Jihad fired 104 rockets toward Israel on May 2. The right-wing fringes of the coalition were frustrated by Israel’s perceived lack of response then. Many coalition critics are suggesting that last night’s attack was in part to appease those elements -- or to deflect attention from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, in which a key witness, Ari Harrow, is set to take the stand. Goren weighs in. The show must go on: Noa Kirel is set to represent Israel in the first Eurovision semi-final tonight. Spiro explains Kirel's chances -- especially in light of the new system of popular voting to determine who makes it to the grand final on Saturday night in Liverpool. Discussed articles include: Live updates Tuesday, May 9 Top Islamic Jihad terrorists killed as IDF bombs Gaza; south girds for rockets Gaza op gets broad political support as some trade barbs over Ben Gvir Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Palestinian man inspects damage to his building following Israeli airstrikes on an apartment of an Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza City, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and religions reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. The razing of Khan Al-Ahmar has become something of a symbolic battle for many since demolition orders were first issued in 2009. Rettig Gur describes the hamlet and delves deep into the many-sided issue, following the High Court of Justice's decision to let the government decide on the timing of its demolition. Two years ago, the world watched with horror as we heard the news of the loss of 45 lives, many of them children, in a crush in a crowd at Mount Meron during Lag B’Omer celebrations. Lidor spoke with several family members who say that today, they feel even more connected to the place. Ahead of tonight's celebrations, we hear what new safety measures have been implemented since the disaster two years ago. Discussed articles include: High Court rejects petition seeking immediate razing of Khan al-Ahmar On Meron disaster anniversary, relatives of victims connect to the site ‘even more’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: View of the illegal Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar, just off of Road 1 in the West Bank, February 2, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. To start the program, the panel weighs in briefly with thoughts on King Charles III’s coronation yesterday. Unfortunately, over this weekend, there were numerous reports of violent incidents and murder. Fabian puts the numbers in the context of the past bloody week, as well as the total murdered this year. On Thursday, two Palestinians accused of killing Lucy Dee and her daughters Maia and Rina in a shooting attack in the Jordan Valley last month were shot dead by Israeli troops in the West Bank city of Nablus along with a third Palestinian gunman. Leo Dee, the husband and father of the victims, said he was grateful the operation was “done in a way that has not endangered the lives of Israeli soldiers, nor innocent Palestinian civilians — in a way that only the Israeli army knows how to do.” Fabian explains how the operation was carried out. Last week Surkes wrote about two environmental reports that indicate that Israel isn’t living up to its promises. The first reviewed existing data through the end of 2021 and states that Israel isn’t fulfilling its global warming emissions targets. The second report discusses an ombudsman’s findings on pesticide misuse and lack of environmental enforcement. She describes a dire situation. For years, Surkes has followed the building and promised opening of the Tolerance Museum in Jerusalem. When will it finally be opening its doors? Israel Aerospace Industries announced Thursday that it has been developing its first large autonomous underwater vehicle. It’s called BlueWhale and it is meant to gather covert intelligence and detect enemy threats. Fabian describes its capability. Discussed articles include: The Royal Family’s 800-year relationship with Britain’s Jews, in 7 historical tidbits Young Arab man shot dead in apparent brawl on northern road; another killed in Acre ‘Scores settled’: IDF kills Palestinians who allegedly shot dead 3 Dee family members Israel falling far behind its own global warming emissions targets Number of Israelis harmed by pollution more than doubled in past decade — ombudsman Climate bill delayed as Energy Ministry argues it should head panel on emission cuts Tolerance Museum, a ‘people’s parliament,’ will partially open in mid-May Israel Aerospace Industries unveils BlueWhale unmanned spy submarine Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: In this March 13, 2021 file photo, Jewish and Arab Israelis protest in Tel Aviv against police inaction, the surging crime and violence in Arab communities. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode from our Jerusalem office. We have a lot to discuss as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is threatening to break apart and today’s “day of disruption”. Lazar is here with better relations with the EU and what Israel can do to help get Ukrainian children back. The protest movement against the government’s judicial overhaul is staging another “Day of Disruption,” with acts of civil disobedience and road closures around the country. The Knesset is now in session and the judicial overhaul legislation package is still frozen. Horovitz weighs in on whether it's possible that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make keep it frozen indefinitely, similar to what happened with the Western Wall compromise. The stability of the coalition is being threatened by its members. We hear why National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Housing and Construction Minister Yitzhak Golknopf are making waves right now. Deputy speaker of Kyiv’s parliament Olena Kondratiuk was in Israel on Monday to ask for Israel’s help in the release of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children taken illegally from their homes to Russia. Berman explains what aid she is requesting and what the country can do. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell met in Brussels on Tuesday to bury the hatchet after a period of strained relations with the EU. Why now? Horovitz, just back from London, gives some color ahead of Saturday's coronation of King Charles. Discussed articles include: Protesters block Ayalon highway, other roads in ‘day of disruption’ against overhaul Likud: If Ben Gvir doesn’t like how Netanyahu runs government, he can leave Government will ‘fall apart’ without law on Haredi military exemption, warns minister EU’s Borrell wins over foreign minister during long one-on-one chat Foreign Minister Cohen buries hatchet with EU foreign policy czar Borrell Help us get our kids back from Russia, urges senior Ukraine lawmaker visiting Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir walks next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers in the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, on May 1, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Ghert-Zand discusses new research regarding Israel's growing opiod problem, which reached these shores later than in the US and other countries and is now being grappled with by doctors, HMOs and the health ministry. Lidor speaks about his interview with Jewish Federation chairperson Julie Platt following last week's General Assembly in Israel, with interruptions and cancelations caused by the ongoing protests against the government's planned judicial reform. Ghert-Zand talks about Sheba Hospital and its collaborative efforts with Dr. Anthony Fauci, in his soon-to-be former role as director of US infectious diseases institute. Lidor looks at an unexpected glimpse of interfaith communal efforts in Haifa, where a Catholic march celebrating the Virgin Mary brought together Catholics and Moslems and Israeli and Palestinian flags. Discussed articles include: Now world’s no. 1 opioid consumer per capita, Israel faces addiction epidemic JFNA Chairwoman Julie Platt ‘inspired’ by protesters despite Israel confab disruption Sheba Medical Center presents Dr. Anthony Fauci with award for COVID cooperation In Haifa, Catholics fly Israeli flags at mass march celebrating Virgin Mary IMAGE: A teacher leads his students at the Virgin Mary Procession in Haifa, Israel on April 30, 2023. (Canaan Lidor/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider, military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group's Khader Adnan died in Israeli custody on Tuesday after an 86-day hunger strike. Fabian updates on what we know so far and weighs in on how concerned citizens should be at this point after Gaza terror groups have vowed reprisal. The Knesset’s summer session opened this week. Schneider tells us about yesterday’s stormy session and what the opposition is saying about the ongoing negotiations at the President’s Residence. At a special Knesset plenum, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy pledged that the US would continue to fully fund Israel’s security needs. Sharon fills in what else McCarthy said in his very polite and enthusiastic speech. Also yesterday at the Knesset, Likud lawmaker May Golan was confirmed as Minister for the Advancement of the Status of Women. Why was she ejected from the Knesset floor a few minutes later? Discussed articles include: Rockets fired, terror groups warn ‘price to be paid’ as hunger-striking suspect dies Senior member of Islamic Jihad dies in Israeli prison after 86-day hunger strike Knesset summer session opens with slugging match over judicial overhaul Gantz: No progress in talks with government on judicial reform compromise McCarthy extols ties at Knesset, vows full support for Israeli security against Iran Likud’s Golan made a minister, ejected from Knesset plenum during row minutes later Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE: Protestors shout slogans during a demonstration in support of Palestinian Khader Adnan, a senior member of Islamic Jihad who is jailed in Israel without a trial, at the Al-Aqsa mosque in the old city of Jerusalem on June 5, 2015. (Sliman Khader/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Israel awoke to news of another murdered woman, this time, alongside two of her very young children, in the northern town of Taibe. Fabian explains what we know so far and puts these murders into context with the troubling increase of murders in Israel's Arab community. Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy is in Israel and even before his planned Knesset plenum session and press conference, he’s grabbing headlines with an "invitation" to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu to speak in Congress. Berman breaks this down. Over the past week and a half, amid a rise in intelligence surrounding the potential of violent terrorist attacks, the Israel has imposed heavy restrictions on movement in and out of the West Bank city of Jericho. Fabian explains happened there early this morning. Arab foreign ministers from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria will gather in Jordan today to discuss Syria’s long-running conflict. This will effectively end Damascus’s diplomatic isolation in the region. Looking at it from Israel’s standpoint, is this a positive step? At Thursday’s protest in support of the judicial overhaul, an IDF officer with the rank of major who was filmed at the event. Fabian discusses why his subsequent punishment is somewhat controversial. Discussed articles include: Mother and two baby sons found stabbed to death in Taibe US House Speaker McCarthy: If Biden doesn’t invite Netanyahu to DC soon, I will Ahead of Knesset address, US House Speaker McCarthy calls Israel ‘blessed nation’ Palestinian teen killed, six others hurt during IDF raid near Jericho Jordan to host Arab regional discussion on way forward with Syria IDF officer ousted from his position for attending pro-overhaul rally in uniform Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy attends a bilateral meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, at the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, in Jerusalem, Israel, April 30, 2023. (Amir Cohen/Pool Photo via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. For the 17th straight week, protesters against the judicial overhaul took to the streets Saturday night. Organizers claim that nationwide, about 430,000 people were out throughout the country, about 200,000 of which were in Tel Aviv. Last Thursday in Jerusalem, another 200,000 or more people were out in support of the judicial overhaul. Rettig Gur describes the scene in Jerusalem and the protest's significance. The Knesset is reopening today and it appears that the judicial overhaul will be on the back burner and all eyes are on the budget. Rettig Gur weighs in. Spiro speaks about Netflix's new series, “Rough Diamonds,” which she describes as “The Godfather” meets “Shtisel.” We hear about the Israeli creators -- and the non-Jewish actors taking lead roles and why. Spiro also recently interviewed Aleeza Ben Shalom, the star of the new reality TV show “Jewish Matchmaking.” Why would Netflix put this on its roster? Discussed articles include: Masses rally against prospect of fresh overhaul push, as Knesset about to reconvene Pro-overhaul protest showed the right’s strengths — and the government’s weakness ‘Godfather’ meets ‘Shtisel’: New Netflix thriller delves into Haredi diamond dealers Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a TV show? ‘Jewish Matchmaking’ set to hit Netflix Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this weekend's What Matters Now episode: https://omny.fm/shows/times-will-tell/what-matters-now-to-prof-gil-troy-identity-zionism IMAGE: Right-wing Israelis attend a rally in support of the government's planned judicial overhaul, outside the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on April 27, 2023. (Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Today, the capital is preparing for a “March of the Million,” in which supporters of the coalition and the judicial overhaul are being pushed to show up in great numbers andorganizers are hoping for upwards of 250,000 demonstrators. Who is doing the pushing? On Monday night, the beginning of Israel Memorial Day observance, Keller-Lynn attended the annual joint ceremony in Tel Aviv in which Israelis and West Bank Palestinians mutually commemorate those lost on both sides of the conflict. What did she see there? At the opening of the Independence Day ceremony on Tuesday night, one of the 12 torches was lit by an unusual pair of doctors. Shock trauma pioneer Prof. Avi Rivkind of Hadassah and infection control expert Dr. Khetam Hussein of Rambam. We hear about their dedicated work. Internationally renowned Weizmann Institute of Science professor of neuroimmunology Michal Schwartz received the Israel Prize for science yesterday afternoon, only the fourth woman to do so. We learn about Schwartz's scientific breakthrough. Also at the Israel Prize ceremony, there were two ripples of protest -- in a speach from Amnon Shashua, the president and CEO of Mobileye, and from Michal Rovner, who won the prize for her work in plastic art. Rovner was filmed handing Netanyahu a personal note on stage as she received her award. What was the content of their protests? Keller-Lynn reminds us that the Knesset opens again next week and shares her thoughts on what can we expect. Discussed articles include: Israeli teen girls win first, second place in annual Bible quiz Religious, settler groups lead charge on Thursday’s pro-overhaul ‘Million March’ 15,000 attend controversial joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day event Doctors tapped for Independence Day torchlighting hope to heal fractured nation For scientist Michal Schwartz, Israel Prize is rewarding milestone in ongoing journey Meeting PM at Israel Prize event, two recipients warn of danger to society Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out yesterday's Daily Briefing episode: https://omny.fm/shows/the-daily-briefing/what-would-israels-founding-parents-think-about-it IMAGE: The 75th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 25, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. The Times of Israel's partner podcast Israel Story joins the Daily Briefing for a special Independence Day episode. We hear Israel Story creator Mishy Harman and producer Mitch Ginsburg discuss their new project, "Signed, Sealed and Delivered?" with host Amanda Borschel-Dan. The 40-odd episode series, still currently being rolled out, looks at our founding moral compass -- the Declaration of Independence. Through the descendants of the men and women who, with the stroke of a pen, gave birth to Israel, the podcast team asks questions about Israelis and the nation as it turns 75. At times surprising, but always provocative, what these children and grandchildren of the 37 men and women who founded the nation have to say is anything but predictable. Discussed Israel Story episodes include: Introducing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered?” Signed, Sealed, Delivered? David Ben-Gurion Signed, Sealed, Delivered? Rachel Cohen-Kagan Signed, Sealed, Delivered? Zorach Warhaftig Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The signers of Israel's Declaration of Independence, at a ceremony at the Tel Aviv Art Museum, May 14, 1948. First prime minister of Israel David Ben Gurion stands up to speak during a session of the new Israeli government. (AP Photo)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and diaspora affairs and religion reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Just before Israelis heard the morning siren marking Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, Lidor discusses some of the gatherings for the General Assembly of the Jewish Federation of North America, including protestors who tried to infiltrate the speeches and the interruption of one talk being given by MK Simcha Rothman. Berman speaks about the Jordanian MP who smuggled 200 guns into Israel via the Allenby crossing, and how the Foreign Ministry is presenting the situation as the individual actions of MP Imad al-Adwan and not representative of the Jordanian government. Berman also looks at the events marking Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and the complex efforts of Jerusalem's Armenian community to understand why the Israeli government works with Turkey and Azerbaijan, the countries that committed atrocities against the Armenians. Lidor talks about Christians in Haifa marking Iftar and the end of Ramadan with their Moslem neighbors, part of a complex relationship that has changed over the years, partially due to educational shifts in the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood. Discussed articles include: Don’t give up on us: Lapid urges US Jews to stand by Israel despite overhaul strains ‘The Jewish people won’t forgive, won’t forget’: Protesters target Rothman at JFNA Israel arrests Jordanian MP for trying to smuggle 200 guns into West Bank, says Amman FM Cohen: We don’t hold Jordan responsible for its MP’s weapons smuggling attempt On genocide memorial day, Jerusalem Armenians hold out hopes for Israeli recognition In mixed, tolerant Haifa, Christians are discovering the benefits of Ramadan Cinematheque opens archive to global viewers for Israel’s 75th Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Protesters against the government's judicial overhaul greet participants of the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly in Tel Aviv, April 23, 2023. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and ops&blogs editor Miriam Herschlag join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We begin the program with a few minutes of President Isaac Herzog’s speech last night at the Jewish Federations General Assembly in Tel Aviv, in which he announced his idea of Kol Ha’am—Voice of the People: The President’s Initiative for Worldwide Jewish Dialogue. Horovitz provides some initial reactions to the initiative, including what he thinks are its chances of success. He also updates on the ongoing judicial overhaul negotiations taking place in the President's Residence. Herschlag presents a new project on The Times of Israel's blogs platform called, That Song. The collection of short essays from different bloggers explores Israeli songs that mattered to them at a particular moment (and maybe continue to matter to them today). The public is invited participate and to draft short pieces in which they remember where they were when they first heard a song, and how they felt about it. (The project will be launched this week.) Discussed articles include: Herzog’s global Jewish dialogue initiative is laudable, as long as it’s not too late Herzog announces launch of ‘Voice of the People’ initiative for global Jewish dialogue Israel’s greatest existential threat is from within, Herzog tells Jewish Federations Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Isaac Herzog speaks at the Jewish Federations General Assembly in Tel Aviv, April 23, 2023. (Nimrod Gluckman)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism, Fabian breaks down for us the numbers of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Rettig Gur gives insight into the very personal nature of the day marking Israel's fallen. Fabian explains the messaging of a united front being put forth from all sides of the judicial overhaul conflict ahead of the national and local ceremonies marking the soldiers and terror victims. On Thursday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant gave a briefing for reporters and warned that Israel would likely no longer see limited conflicts on single fronts, but rather would have to face a multi-front escalation in the near future. Fabian explains why Gallant believes that and what the IDF is dong to prepare. Several of Israel’s main television networks have commissioned polls on feelings about the country’s future leading up to our 75th independence day this week. Rettig Gur shares the dire results and explains why there is room for optimism. Discussed articles include: With memorial candles, protesters across Israel rally against judicial overhaul 59 soldiers added to list of Israel’s fallen since last Memorial Day Halevi calls to keep ‘noise of debate’ out of IDF cemeteries on Memorial Day Gallant warns multi-front war far more likely for Israel than limited conflicts Ahead of Israel’s 75th anniversary, majority pessimistic about nation’s future – poll Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul in Tel Aviv on April 22, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider, diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We begin with a short report from the Turkmenistan-Iran border from Schneider, who is with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen as he is set to open Israel’s first embassy in the Islamic nation today Berman discusses why the new Turkmenistan embassy is important to Israel's strategic position in the region. Reports are circulating that young MK May Golan may be up for the important role of New York Consul. Why is she a controversial choice? Surkes explains how the crazy spring weather could pay off with a late-season wildflower boom. Where should be go to find them? And finally, Jews all over the world are currently counting the Omer. Before Surkes dives into the agricultural reasons, Berman explains this practice is. Discussed articles include: Turkmenistan looking to open embassy in Israel, president tells FM Cohen Top diplomat Cohen arrives in Turkmenistan to open embassy near Iran border Netanyahu said looking to appoint far-right firebrand as New York consul Israel’s total rainfall normal, despite dry start; cold promises late floral show Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Voters applaud dancers wearing national costume at a polling station in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Alexander Vershinin)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and Diaspora affairs reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Lidor offers color and perspectives from March of the Living in Poland, as some 9,000 people made the trek between two former Nazi-run death camps, in Oswiecim, Poland, marking Holocaust Remembrance Day. Magid discusses what US Senator Lindsey Graham told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, following his recent visit in the region. Magid also dives into his analysis of the US visa waiver program, pushed by US Ambassador Tom Nides who wants Israel in the program, but has conditioned it upon allowing Palestinian-Americans to travel freely through Ben Gurion Airport. Steinberg mentions a new album of 13 songs, “Paskol Shlishi” (Third Soundtrack), written by headlining Israeli musicians, the latest endeavor that aims to connect the third and fourth generations to the tragedies and lessons of the Holocaust. Discussed articles include: At Auschwitz March of the Living, displays of Jewish unity in a sea of Israeli flags Halina Birenbaum survived the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. She saw heroism elsewhere GOP senator: Window for Israel-Saudi normalization deal could close within a year Senior Hamas delegation seen in Saudi Arabia ahead of expected rapprochement talks Despite baggage, some Palestinians rooting for Israel to secure US visa waiver Mainstream Israeli artists make an album of new music to connect youth to Holocaust Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: People participate in the annual 'March of the Living', a trek between two former Nazi-run death camps, in Oswiecim, Poland, on April 18, 2023 to mourn victims of the Holocaust and celebrate the existence of the Jewish state. (AP Photo/Michal Dyjuk)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on this episode marking Yom Hashoah, Israel’s National Holocaust Remembrance Day. Even as President Isaac Herzog called for the Israeli people to put aside their differences over the judicial overhaul last night during the official ceremony marking Yom Hashoah at Yad Vashem, in Tel Aviv MK Boaz Bismuth of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party was forced to leave a ceremony at a synagogue after participants heckled him and threatened violence. Why does this worry Goren ahead of next weeks Memorial Day ceremonies? In the year since 2022's Yom Hashoah, the Tracing Services at Magen David Adom — the Israeli branch of the International Red Cross — has received 150 requests for help in locating relatives and renewing family ties. Over the years, it has aided in the reunion of hundreds of relatives, including six siblings. How does it go about this work eight decades following World War II? Israel’s Labor party suffered a crushing blow in the November elections and now the four-seat party seems to be in disarray. This week we heard that it’s dropped out of the judicial overhaul negotiation talks at the President's Residence and yesterday we learned that its few MKs are forcing leader Merav Michaeli to get their approval for her decisions. What’s happening here? Finally, we hear about a European grassroots effort in which several young leaders are taking the initiative and organizing coexistence clean-up projects for the thousands of Stolpersteine or stumbling blocks that are embedded in sidewalks in European towns and cities. Discussed articles include: Israel grinds to a halt as siren wails to commemorate 6 million Holocaust victims As Israel remembers Holocaust, Herzog says commemoration must be ‘above all dispute’ Likud MK shouted down by anti-coalition hecklers at Holocaust Remembrance Day event Magen David Adom aids Shoah survivors seeking lost relatives Labor MKs seek to replace leader Michaeli, claim party’s future depends on it Citing ‘deals in the dark,’ Labor party quits judicial overhaul talks with president In grassroots effort, young Europeans clean ‘stumbling stones’ to gleam like beacons Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Visitors at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem light memorial candles dedicated to individuals killed in the Holocaust, April 17, 2023. (Yad Vashem)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Late on Friday, Moody’s Investors Service lowered the country’s economic outlook from positive to stable. We hear why this is significant -- and what were the reasons. How did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu respond and what are we hearing from experts in the field? Yesterday, Netanyahu held a meeting with some of his coalition partners to discuss potential new legislation on the military draft — specifically, weighing lowering the age at which members of the ultra-Orthodox community can get a formal exemption from service. Why is this controversial? Israel’s Eco Wave Power has developed technology to harness clean energy from the motion of waves. It has inked a first agreement with the Israeli National Electric Company to connect its wave-energy power plant and sell electricity to Israel’s power grid. How far away are we from wave energy in Israelis' homes? Discussed articles include: Dismissing Moody’s downgrade, Smotrich says any economic damage is fault of protests Netanyahu in talks on new IDF draft law that would lower age for Haredi exemption In first, Eco Wave to supply electricity generated from waves to Israeli households Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: NIS 100 bill. December 31, 2017. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. For the 15th straight week, anti-judicial overhaul protesters took to the streets throughout the country, with an estimated several hundred thousand throughout the country. Rettig Gur weighs in on why the protests have continued even as negotiations are taking place under the auspices of President Isaac Herzog. Israel suffered a series of Hamas rocket attacks over the first Passover holiday weekend, including from Lebanon. Fabian explains what Israeli experts are saying about this seemingly new alliance between Hamas and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. A senior delegation representing the Palestinian terror group Hamas is reportedly set to visit Saudi Arabia today. Rettig Gur describes how Iran and Hamas have finally built and activated their alliance, which allows Hamas to continue expanding the Gaza front to more theaters. What can we can learn from what just happened over the past week about the effects of Israel’s domestic strife on the broader region? And finally, Likud MK Tally Gotliv gave a rare English-language interview to an international reporter last night during a rally in support of the judicial overhaul last night. Rettig Gur responds. Discussed articles include: Hundreds of thousands rally against judicial overhaul plans for a 15th straight week With support of Iran and Hezbollah, experts believe Hamas well established in Lebanon Saudis said set to host top Hamas delegation, further dimming Israeli hopes for ties Saudi-Iran detente marks latest twist in decades of fraught ties Israel’s efforts to forge Saudi ties said on ice as tensions with Palestinians spike Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: Hamas supporters wave green Islamic flags during a protest to show the solidarity with Al-Aqsa Mosque, in Jebaliya City, northern Gaza Strip, April 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attendance at a post-Passover Mimouna celebration on Wednesday night, de rigeur for politicians, with hundreds of protestors outside as the prime minister called for unity inside. Schneider talks about her piece reviewing the government's first 100 days, detailing the jump into the judicial overhaul and the nearly immediate protests that have since continued. She also looks at the reinstatement of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who spoke out against the judicial reform several weeks ago and was fired and then reinstated by Netanyahu, part of the prime minister's longstanding, difficult relationships with his various defense ministers. Surkes speaks about discoveries made by Israeli scientists regarding the various types of communication offered by plants. She also looks at a new recycling factory for appliances opened in Sderot, aiming to make a dent in the disposal of household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Discussed articles include: Hundreds of protesters outside as Netanyahu extolls Jewish unity at Mimouna event The Hundred Days War: Chronicles of a government in chaos and a nation at the brink In groundbreaking research, Tel Aviv U team records plants ‘talking’ for first time Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attend a Moroccan Mimouna in Hadera on April 12, 2023. (Photo by Rami Shllush/POOL)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and Diaspora Affairs correspondent Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. In light of the current terror wave, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a public address on Monday night during primetime news. Magid explains what was significant. Israeli high school trips to Poland were put on hold last year after a series of acrimonious statements between the two governments. On Monday, a draft agreement to resolve the stand-off was published by Haaretz. What are the draft’s contents and why are they so controversial? Former Adass Israel School principal Malka Leifer was convicted for sex abuse last week, but for one of her accusers, the victory was bittersweet. Magid reports on a moving conversation with Nicole Meyer. Lidor shares impressions from covering a "monotheistic feast" in the Old City on Easter Sunday, when he covered the priestly blessing at the Western Wall, saw the Christian celebrations and preparations for Muslims' iftar break fast. Discussed articles include: ‘Polish propaganda’: Critics assail deal to resume Israeli youth trips to Poland Malka Leifer accuser takes solace in ‘collective win’ after partial guilty verdict Wary amid terror fears, thousands of Jews receive priestly blessing at Western Wall Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on April 10, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Sharon was at the Kfar Etzion settlement yesterday for the funeral of 20-year-old Maia and 15-year-old Rina Dee, who were murdered in a shooting attack on Friday afternoon in the Jordan Valley. He describes a truly remarkable family embraced by its community. A poll published yesterday on Channel 13 shows a dramatic drop in support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. Goren explains the significance of who is on the wane and who is on the rise. Three mayors in border towns in the north -- from Metulla, Mateh Asher, and Shlomi, northern communities and regions that took rocket fire this week — were allegedly blackballed from a strategic defense briefing on Sunday. Why? A three-kilometer march in support of the wild cat West Bank settlement of Evyatar took place today at noon, with several government ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and other coalition members. Sharon and Goren explain why this march is so controversial. Leaked documents allegedly stemming from the CIA spurred incredible reports in US media that senior Mossad officials encouraged spy agency members and citizens to protest the government’s judicial overhaul plans. Fake news? Discussed articles include: ‘How will I explain to your mother?’ wails father of terror victim sisters at funeral Poll shows dramatic drop in support for Likud, surge in backing for National Unity Gantz says 3 mayors he had met with were excluded from Netanyahu security call Right-wing West Bank march Monday will strain stretched security forces – officials US intel says Mossad heads stirred anti-overhaul protests; PMO: ‘Completely false’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis march to the Evyatar outpost, near the West Bank city of Nablus, during the Passover holiday, on April 10, 2023. (Sraya Diamant/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. In the past several days, Israel has seen attacks on most fronts and throughout the country. Two Israeli sisters from the West Bank settlement of Efrat, 20-year-old Maia Dee, and 15-year-old Rina Dee, were shot dead in a terror attack on Friday. Their mother, Lucy is in critical condition. Separately, Italian tourist Alessandro Parini was killed in a car ramming attack on Friday night. Fabian unravels the sequence of events. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was ostensibly fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he continues to serve in the role. Fabian weighs in on whether this instability is emboldening Israel's neighbors. Horovitz discusses how Iran, now cozying up to Saudi Arabia, is another actor in the region. Almost three weeks ago, Justice Minister Yariv Levin gave an interview to the pro-Netanyahu TV station Channel 14, which in a recent op-ed Horovitz called “astonishing” and “astounding.” Hear why. Discussed articles include: Sisters gunned down in Friday terror attack named as Maia and Rina Dee Italian tourist dead, 7 others hurt in car-ramming on Tel Aviv promenade IDF: 6 rockets fired from Syria at Golan Heights; military retaliates with strikes 34 rockets fired from Lebanon at Israel in worst barrage in years; Hamas blamed US navy sends nuclear submarine to Middle East amid soaring Iran tensions Our enemies smell weakness ‘Democracy will win’: Amid terror threat, hundreds of thousands protest overhaul Minister behind overhaul admits it would end democracy, falsely claims he’s fixed it Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Jewish worshipper attends the priestly blessing prayer near the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, April 9, 2023. (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and health and science reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Goren discusses the current status between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who spent part of Monday together at pre-Passover toasts, while Gallant's ministerial status is up in the air after the prime minister fired him last week for his comments about the judicial overhaul. She also talks about the appearance of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir at the high court Monday, and his surprisingly strong legal defense on a petition demanding he be disqualified from his ministerial position. Ghert-Zand looks at how Israeli hospitals are already dealing with the renewed ban of leavened hametz products from their institutions over the course of Passover. She also discusses findings about green tea, the naturally caffeinated plant that may be causing liver disease. Ghert-Zand talks about a new trial at Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek hospital, testing the effectiveness of an osteoporosis drug for preventing breast cancer tumors in BRCA1 carriers. Discussed articles include: In first joint appearance since firing attempt, Netanyahu and Gallant tout IDF unity ‘I made mistakes’: Ben Gvir tells High Court he’s ‘refined’ since entering politics Hospital confiscates pregnant woman’s cookies as new hametz law goes into effect Green tea can be dangerous for some people, Israeli study concludes Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir arrives for a court hearing at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on April 3, 2023. (Photo by EriK Marmor/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in our Jerusalem office. Government ministers voted to pass the formation of a national guard under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir yesterday prior to the Knesset's Passover recess. How it will be funded was a sticking point during the voting yesterday. Horovitz weighs in. The judicial overhaul compromise talks resumed today at President Isaac Herzog’s residence, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his greater intervention in the overhaul process. Horovitz explains some of the reasons Netanyahu's lawyers give for ostensibly breaking his corruption trials’ conflict of interest agreement with the Attorney General. Israel hosted an iftar “break fast” meal last night for diplomats from Muslim countries serving in Israel and local Muslim leaders, but there were a number of notable absences. Who didn’t show and what does this say about the strength of the Abraham Accords? Jordan’s King Abdullah II stated yesterday, “It is the duty of every Muslim to deter Israeli escalations against… holy sites in Jerusalem.” Berman explains the context to this statement. Ukrainian Jewish communities are preparing for Passover under drone fire again this year. The Dnipro Tiferet Matzot Bakery, the main matza factory for Ukraine, was set ablaze last week. Hear why the matza is so emblematic of freedom of worship in this former Soviet country and why Passover observance is on the rise. Discussed articles include: Ministers approve Ben Gvir-led national guard, major budget cuts to fund it Herzog’s office says overhaul compromise talks to resume on Monday UAE, Bahrain ambassadors skip Foreign Ministry iftar meal for Muslim diplomats Jordan king says Muslims have ‘duty to deter Israeli escalation’ in Jerusalem Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: Palestinians read the Quran during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the Great Al-Awda Mosque in the city of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 1, 2023. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in The Times of Israel's Jerusalem offices. Keller-Lynn reports on the pro-judicial overhaul protest in Thursday where some 20,000 self-proclaimed "right-wing" citizens rallied in support of the coalition's reform package. Keller-Lynn compares the moood with the many anti-overhaul protests she has attended. The cabinet is set to vote today on what many are calling National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s “private militia.” Sharon explains who is meant to make up the National Guard and what the unit is assigned to patrol. Last Sunday night, reports of the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant set off a chain of events leading to the eventual pause of the judicial overhaul package. What is his status a week later? Sharon looks into the much-cited case of the High Court overriding the Knesset with the legislation against African asylum seekers. Finally, we hear from Keller-Lynn what she expects in the political realm during the Knesset's Passover break. Discussed articles include: ‘They’re stealing the election’: Thousands attend Tel Aviv rally backing overhaul Mounted police officer beats protester at anti-overhaul demonstration in Tel Aviv Government made ‘mistake of their lives’: Hundreds of thousands protest overhaul Cabinet vote Sunday on Ben Gvir bid for 2,000-strong national guard under his command Ex-police chief: Ben Gvir could use proposed national guard to launch coup Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Illustrative image: Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir takes part in the annual parade marking the Jewish holiday of Purim in the divided West Bank town of Hebron, March 7, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The United States and Israel relationship continued to grab headlines yesterday, including statements from Vice President Kamalla Harris and White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. We hear updates from Berman and analysis from Schneider. Yesterday, most of the Knesset’s parties sat with President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem with the aim of forming a compromise to the judicial overhaul package. Schneider weighs in. Berman delves into the recent spate of disturbing attacks on Christians and Christian property here in recent weeks. Why is the police still considering them isolated incidents? Discussed articles include: US praises Netanyahu call for compromise, lowering heat after Biden overhaul rebuke US vice president Harris joins Biden in expressing concern over Israeli upheaval As attacks on Christians become more frequent, a crisis looms for Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Church of the Holy Sepulchre on March 10, 2020. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and religion and diaspora affairs reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid offers a deep dive into the current crisis in Israel-US relations, as US President Joe Biden delivered an unexpected statement about US views on the judicial overhaul on Tuesday, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that Israel won't bow to overseas pressure. Lidor speaks about the different kinds of protests and responses that took place late last week in ultra-Orthodox Bnei Brak and the working class town of Or Akiva, where some other sides of the situation came into play. Lidor also describes the Karaite community of Israelis who seek their own signs of spring in order to celebrate the upcoming holiday of Passover, given that they do not hold by the Israeli rabbinate and its definitions of the Jewish calendar and other rituals. Discussed articles include: For months, PM ignored mounting US concerns; Biden decided to drive the point home Biden: Israel ‘cannot continue down this road’; no Netanyahu invite in ‘near term’ Breaking silence, GOP lawmakers lament overhaul’s security ramifications for Israel US ‘deeply concerned’ after PM fires Gallant, urges compromise on judicial revamp In Or Akiva, social strife driving overhaul conflict rises to the surface Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in Morrisville, N.C., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, en route to Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. After the Histadrut labor union teamed up with private sector leaders yesterday and deployed its so-called “nuclear option” of a general strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech calling for a delay in legislation until April 30. Goren analyzes the speech and the move's significance. To maintain his coalition, Netanyahu promised Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to establish a national guard. Keller-Lynn explains why this isn't a new promise. Keller-Lynn shares the mood in Jerusalem at the Knesset -- inside and out. Goren boils down the next steps towards talks, which are set to be held at the President's Residence. She also speaks to how, for the grassroots protest movement, there is no "pause." Discussed articles include: Netanyahu says he’s delaying overhaul to allow dialogue, but vows reform will happen To okay overhaul delay, Ben Gvir gets promise for ‘national guard’ under his control In first, tens of thousands rally to back overhaul; ministers promise it will pass Over 100k at Knesset as PM delays planned speech; right organizes counter-protest Herzog phones PM, Gantz, Lapid to launch talks on compromise after overhaul paused Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.IMAGE: Israelis protest outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem against the government's planned judicial overhaul, March 27, 2023. (Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz, political correspondent Tal Schneider, senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on this special extended episode. Mass spontaneous protests erupted throughout the country last night with hundreds of thousands estimated to have taken to the streets after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who asked for a pause in the judicial overhaul on Saturday night. Today, unions and manufacturing heads have joined together in an unprecedented mass general strike, including hospitals and the airport, that one analyst has called, deploying the nuclear option, even as the judicial overhaul marches ahead in the Knesset. Horovitz starts us off by weighing in on whether the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant could be the tipping point in changing the course of the judicial overhaul. Schneider updates on what has been happening inside the Knesset last night and this morning, including the passage in committee of key legislation. Head of the massive Histadrut union Arnon Bar David announced a nationwide strike aimed at stopping “the country’s descent into the abyss.” Wrobel updates us on the status of the market leading into the massive strike and what it may do to the economy. This widespread mercantile unity is unprecedented. Rettig Gur explains what it may signify. Our analysts project what could be some of Netanyahu's options now, as the country waits for an official announcement. Discussed articles include: Live blog, March 27, 2023 Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Gallant for calling to pause judicial overhaul Amid protests after Gallant fired, calls grow in coalition to halt judicial overhaul Firing his defense minister, Netanyahu raises public anger at his rule to new heights Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul, in Haifa, March 27, 2023. (Shir Torem/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Yesterday, two Israeli soldiers were wounded in a drive-by shooting attack in the flashpoint northern West Bank Palestinian town of Huwara, where brothers Hallel and Yagel Yaniv were killed on February 26. Fabian updates on the soldiers' health and a further incident following that attack. Last night, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant delivered explosive remarks in support of a legislative pause of the overhaul package as hundreds of thousands of protesters attended rallies across the nation. What has been the fallout so far? Just ahead of flying to London, on Thursday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech in which, among other topics, announced that he no longer will restrain himself from interfering in the process. Horovitz weighs in. Finally, Ramadan began this weekend. What special measures are in place to ensure peaceful prayer on the Temple Mount? Discussed articles include: IDF: Two soldiers wounded in shooting in West Bank town of Huwara Hundreds of thousands join nationwide protests, with key overhaul law about to pass With dire public warning, Gallant tries to compel Netanyahu to put state before self Full text of Gallant’s call to pause judicial overhaul over danger to state security PM said to mull firing dissenting defense chief Gallant, tapping Dichter instead Gallant calls to pause judicial overhaul, citing ‘tangible danger’ to state security 200 more pilots to skip weekly training flight over PM’s refusal to halt overhaul Netanyahu crushes a potential mini-revolt, insists on politicizing the judiciary Jerusalem security forces on alert as tens of thousands at 1st Friday Ramadan prayers Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, left, speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a vote in the Knesset plenum in Jerusalem, February 15, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Early Thursday morning, the Knesset passed into law a bill that would protect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from a potential future court order to recuse himself, in a final vote of 61 Knesset members in favor and 47 against. Keller-Lynn sets the scene. Earlier this week, the Knesset passed a repeal of part of the 2005 Disengagement Law. Schneider discusses the blowback from the United States and Israel's Abraham Accord partners ahead of tonight's start of Ramadan. Keller-Lynn reported yesterday that a "grinning" Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was enveloped by 20 opposition members when he stepped down from the podium in “a chaotic spectacle even by the Knesset’s often indecorous standards.” What was so objectionable about his speech? We hear about the many bills that are on deck for next week, including judicial overhaul legislation -- and initial discussions on the budget. And finally, we hear about Schneider's interview with one of the grassroots protest leaders, Shikma Bressler that she wrote for our Hebrew sister site Zman Yisrael. Shortly after recording today's Daily Briefing episode, Bressler was detained by police while protesting on Israel's Route 4 highway. (To hear more about -- and from -- internationally recognized physicist Bressler, check out this week's What Matters Now podcast, which is released every Friday.) Discussed articles include: Knesset passes law shielding Netanyahu from court-ordered recusal 61-47 Israeli envoy called to US State Department in protest of Disengagement Law’s repeal PM’s failure to secure calm on home front hastens inevitable breakdown in US ties MKs confront Ben Gvir with cries of ‘shame’ as bill to monitor abusers voted down Anti-overhaul protesters block roads, rally at MKs’ homes in ‘day of paralysis’ Knesset panel to resume vote on reservations to judicial appointments bill on Sunday Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. Image: A convoy of motorcycles with Israeli flags as part of a protest against the planned judicial overhaul, in Herzliya, on March 23, 2023. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and New York reporter Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses more missteps made by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, this time in Paris, where his remarks about Palestinians and the greater Israel created a diplomatic event with Jordan. Tress talks about the growing numbers and locations of anti-judicial overhaul protests in New York and New Jersey, and how the American Jewish community views this controversial issue. Magid speaks about President Joe Biden's phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the judicial overhaul and the US president's words about Israel's democratic values. He also reviewed the meetings between Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the US and the Palestinian Authority in Sharm el Sheikh about the increase in tensions as Ramadan begins Thursday, with some guarded optimism about the cooperative efforts. Tress reviews the latest Ben & Jerry's brouhaha, this time as the Vermont ice cream maker is being sued for child labor, seemingly inconsistent with its declared social mission that caused the company decided to stop selling its ice cream in East Jerusalem and the West Bank two years ago. Discussed articles include: Jordan summons Israeli envoy over ‘racist’ Smotrich speech, ‘Greater Israel’ map Hundreds demonstrate in New York, London against Israeli judicial shakeup plan On trip to the US, high-level IDF veterans issue warning against judicial overhaul Israel activists in New York take aim at US group backing judicial overhaul push Leading NY rabbi: Israeli government speeding ‘headlong toward abyss’ with overhaul Biden voices concern over judicial overhaul in ‘candid’ phone call with Netanyahu Israel, PA renew vow to curb violence and halt unilateral moves at Egypt summit ‘Hypocritical’: Ben & Jerry’s sued over child labor, after attempted Israel boycott Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Ben & Jerry's ice cream store is seen in Watkins Glen, New York on Monday, November 1, 2021 (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. MK Simcha Rothman's revised version of the bill changing the mechanism of judicial appointments is set to be brought before Rothman’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee today to be readied for its second and third (final) readings in the plenum. Horovitz explains what the new bill entails and its significance to the judicial branch as a whole. The United Nations released its Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Synthesis Report yesterday. With a focus on Israel, Surkes breaks down some areas where the country is moving away from its commitments. Surkes recently visited the Hula Lake where she investigated what's happening with migrating cranes. She describes the natural grandeur. And finally, Horovitz gives some insight into Israe's surprisingly high fourth-place ranking in the UN-sponsored World Happiness index. Discussed articles include: Ostensibly softened, Rothman bill gives coalition broad control over choice of judges Changes to judicial overhaul leave just 10 days to re-do constitutional framework ‘Red line we won’t accept’: Levin warns Court not to block judicial appointments bill Scientists urge further cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 to meet Paris goals Israel soars to 4th place in global happiness list, highest since ranking started Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Cranes seen at the Hula Lake in northern Israel on January 26, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon discusses a last-minute addition in the judicial overhaul, a late-stage proposal from the coalition, in which it would get to choose two new judges without opposition input, and any further appointments would be more balanced. Berman talks about the meeting that took place in Sharm El Sheikh between Israel, the US, its Arab neighbors and the Palestinian Authority ahead of Ramadan, which begins Wednesday, in an effort to calm tensions during the month-long religious holiday. Sharon also discusses the latest tensions between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the high court, as it ruled he can't issue orders to the police forces, which Ben Gvir has attempted to do during recent protests. Berman reviews remarks made by Israel's consul general in New York about the judicial overhaul, bringing his personal politics into the public diplomatic persona. Berman also reports on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's latest European visit, to Berlin late last week, a trip that the prime minister appeared to enjoy, including a lengthy conversation about public policy and the judicial reform with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Discussed articles include: Coalition to bring judicial appointments bill for final votes before Passover Top court says police don’t take orders on protests from Ben Gvir, who slams ‘coup’ Israel’s envoy in NY summoned to Jerusalem over criticism of judicial overhaul Netanyahu says he is ‘attentive’ to protests, vows ‘responsible’ judicial changes Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MK Simcha Rotman, Head of the Constitution Committee, at a committee meeting at the Knesset on March 20, 2023. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. For the 11th straight week, protestors against the judicial overhaul took to the streets all over the nation. According to a count by company Crowd Solution that was cited by Channel 13 news, a combined 260,000 people demonstrated across the country. But what appeared to be different this time was an escalated level of violence between protestors and counter-protestors. Fabian updates. On Saturday, two German tourists who entered the northern West Bank city of Nablus in an Israeli ride-sharing vehicle from Tel Aviv were violently attacked by Palestinians. Fabian explains what we know so far. On Wednesday night all eyes were locked on President Isaac Herzog as he unveiled his “People’s Framework” proposal to replace the government’s plans to radically overhaul the judicial system. Rettig Gur explains how, even after hours of talks, Herzog likely dropped the ball. Discussed articles include: As violence against protesters escalates, opposition blames Netanyahu’s ‘incitement’ ‘Destroying Zionism’: Masses protest overhaul; rise in violence against demonstrators Two German tourists attacked by Palestinians after entering Nablus with Israeli car Warning of civil war, Herzog unveils framework for judicial reform; PM rejects it Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Thousands of Israeli protesters rally against Israeli Goverment's judicial overhaul bills in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on March 18, 2023. (Gili Yaari /Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses the protests and protestors who gathered outside during Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s speech to the Israel Bonds gathering in Washington, DC, as well as the finance minister's conciliatory words and gestures following his previous remarks about the Huwara riots. Magid also looks at how Smotrich spent his four days in the US, given his lack of invitations from US officials as well as from mainstream Jewish organizations. Wrobel talks about the consumer price index released on Wednesday, with Israeli inflation numbers higher than expected in February and central bank governor Amir Yaron's interview on CNN on Wednesday. She also discusses the reactions and unity of the Israeli high-tech community following the failure of the Silicon Valley Bank, and plans to recover. Discussed articles include: Overhaul or occupation? Smotrich trip dredges up Israeli-Diaspora rift at DC protest In US, Smotrich walks back Huwara remark, touts unity, as hundreds protest; 7 arrests In New York, Smotrich predicts compromise on overhaul that ‘mainstream’ will accept Israeli inflation higher than forecast in February, boosting odds of more rate hikes Tel Aviv shares drop as SVB failure triggers cash-flow concern for Israeli startups Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich leads a Religious Zionism faction meeting in the Givat Harel settlement in the West Bank, February 14, 2023. (Sraya Diamant/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Keller Lynn starts of the program with a quick lowdown on where key parts of the judicial overhaul legislation stand right now and what we could expect from today's Knesset plenum. Yesterday evening, senior MK Yuli Edelstein was sanctioned by his Likud party for missing two key votes tied to the judicial overhaul. We hear what Edelstein's camp is saying about why he missed the votes and also the consequences of his punishment. A bill that Edelstein sponsored passed its first reading on Monday night that would repeal the clauses of the 2005 Disengagement Law that ban Israelis from living in the region where the four settlements of Homesh, Ganim, Kadim and Sa-Nur previously stood in the northern West Bank. What could be the bill’s significance beyond these four settlements? In a statement last night, Kohelet, the right-wing think tank that has been a firebrand force in instigating the judicial overhaul package, seems to be pushing for a broad consensus compromise. Sharon weighs in. Keller Lynn reported Monday that four of the Knesset’s opposition parties plan to boycott final votes to pass the government’s judicial overhaul, currently expected before the end of the month. Since the coalition obviously has a majority, what is the weight of this move? Discussed articles include: Likud sanctions Edelstein for skipping votes on judicial overhaul Hours before Knesset votes, Edelstein questions coalition’s judicial overhaul push Disengagement repeal law for northern West Bank approved in first reading Right-wing think tank that inspired judicial overhaul calls for compromise Opposition heads vow to boycott final votes on overhaul; PM attacks ‘leftist’ media Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein leads a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on February 12, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political writer Tal Schneider and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider reviews the judicial overhaul bills advanced Monday night in the Knesset, as the coalition pushed through several key bills, including the override clause. Berman discusses his analysis about why Saudi Arabia signed a major agreement with Israel’s archenemy, Iran, when Netanyahu had said he would be working on an agreement with Riyadh, expanding the Abraham Accords. Schneider talks about President Isaac Herzog's emerging role in the volatile judicial reform situation, his willingness to try and create a compromise and what he might say Tuesday night in a public statement. Berman speaks about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Rome last weekend, one of several European trips he's making at the moment, given the lack of invitations from the US or Abraham Accord countries. Discussed articles include: MKs approve 1st reading of override clause, in major step toward judicial overhaul As Saudis sidle up to Iran, some see US apathy, Israeli political chaos to blame Far from Tel Aviv, news of attack clouds Netanyahu event with Italian Jewish leaders Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israel's President Isaac Herzog attends a Honorary Citizenship Ceremony in Tel Aviv, March 13, 2023 (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. On Thursday night, while Or Asher, Rotem Mansano and Michael Osdon, were on the way to a friend’s wedding, a 23-year-old Palestinian terrorist opened fire on them outside a Tel Aviv cafe. Fabian updates on the status of the three friends and on the investigation into the planning of the attack. As Horovitz noted in an op-ed he wrote following the Tel Aviv attack and a Thursday night speech by President Isaac Herzog, it fell to the newly dismissed Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed to oversee the aftermath of the shooting. What is the broader significance of Eshed's dismissal and the ripple of controversy since? Amid the apparently growing unrest among reservists, over the weekend, IDF chief Herzi Halevi made the comment, “a secure dictatorship is better than an unprotected anarchy.” What is the context of this statement, which he has since walked back? On Friday, head of the opposition Yair Lapid released a statement again calling for a formal constitution. In addition to codifying the Declaration of Independence, the Lapid constitution would also include three overarching laws: a declaration of the supremacy of the country’s Basic Laws, a determination of the number of Haredi men that Israeli society and the economy can support in full-time study and a definition of the possibilities for judicial review of Knesset legislation. Horovitz weighs in. Discussed articles include: Three victims in Tel Aviv terror shooting were en route to friend’s wedding Tel Aviv’s ousted top cop said to tell police commissioner he’s ‘unfit’ to lead force A speech, a sacking and a terror attack underline that Netanyahu must change course Tel Aviv police crisis presages potential constitutional showdown IDF chief says military can only function in a ‘Jewish democratic state’ Lapid proposes constitution for Israel to extract itself from ‘terrible crisis’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Chief of Police Kobi Shabtai speaks with IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi (left) at the Police headquarters in Jerusalem on January 27, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. On Thursday night on primetime news, President Isaac Herzog denounced the government’s judicial overhaul legislation as “oppressive” and harmful to democracy, and called for it to be abandoned immediately and replaced by a framework for consensual reform. Rettig Gur gives highlights from the speech and talks about one of the main roots of continued strife -- a lack of trust. Spiro wrote a in-depth look at the potential closure of KAN, the public broadcasting conglomeration that includes radio, nightly news and programs such as Teheran. She explains who is spearheading the potential closure — this time at least. Noa Kirel has unveiled her new Eurovision song, "Unicorn." We hear response to it so far. Discussed articles include: Anti-overhaul protesters call to turn up heat as over 300,000 estimated at rallies Herzog tells coalition to abandon its ‘oppressive’ overhaul package, seek consensus Likud minister slams ‘hysterical’ Herzog speech calling for overhaul to be abandoned No Kan do: How Israel’s public broadcaster ended up in the government’s firing line Noa Kirel unveils her Eurovision song contest entry Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Head of the Yesh Atid party Yair Lapid and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the assembly hall for a special session in memory of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, on November 8, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Ahead of protestors of the judicial overhaul's Day of Resistance today, Schneider spoke with the head of the opposition Yair Lapid and asked him what he thinks about the refusal to serve in reserve duty, how President Isaac Herzog can serve as chief negotiator and how he, Lapid, is working toward compromise. Several high-profile thinkers, including former justice minister Daniel Friedmann and former national security adviser Giora Eiland, offered a "compromise" judicial overhaul plan. Sharon tells us more about this plan before Schneider explains why it may all be a smokescreen. Schneider drills down into what potential role Herzog could serve as chief negotiator and what tools the president actually has. What are his five options that she set out in a Zman Yisrael article? Discussed articles include: Overhaul protesters gear up for ‘day of resistance’ throughout the country Thursday Government tentatively welcomes judicial overhaul compromise, opposition unimpressed ‘A bad plan’: Think tank, legal scholars reject Friedmann overhaul compromise Coalition to speed judicial overhaul bill toward final Knesset votes next week Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis who oppose the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul protest outside the home of Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, March 3, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, US correspondent Jacob Magid and NY reporter Luke Tress join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. The alleged terrorist behind a deadly shooting attack that killed Israeli brothers Hallel and Yagel Yaniv in the northern West Bank town of Huwara was one of six Palestinians killed as Israeli troops raided Jenin and exchanged fire with gunmen Tuesday. Fabian briefs us on the events of the raid. Magid also explains what we know so far about the Biden administration’s reaction to yesterday’s raid in Jenin and how it differs from other recent IDF raids. Magid dives into last week’s much-scoffed-at-Aqaba summit and explains why the mere fact that it took place at all is noteworthy. Tress takes a look at the significance behind the trial of Saadah Masoud, 29, a pro-Palestinian activist who was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison for hate crimes against Jews. Authorities in Texas have charged Hayim Nissim Cohen with a slew of sex crimes after he apparently fabricated his Jewish identity, adopted nine boys, paraded his “unique family” on social media to hundreds of thousands of followers and allegedly abused a number of children.Tress unravels part of this tangled story. Discussed articles include: Alleged Huwara terrorist among six Palestinians killed as IDF raids Jenin Rocket sirens sound in southern Israel after deadly West Bank raid US backs Israeli right to self-defense after deadly IDF raid in Jenin Top Abbas aide: Israel hasn’t fulfilled Aqaba promise to transfer withheld PA funds Pro-Palestinian activist went looking to beat Jews at NYC Israel rally – prosecutors Pro-Palestinian activist gets 18 months in prison for attacks on Jews in New York Texan who posed as Hasidic Jew and adopted 9 boys charged with sexually abusing kids White House to host first-ever Jewish women’s forum Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Mourners carry the body of a Palestinian who was shot dead by Israeli security forces during a military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on March 7, 2023. (Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Rettig Gur unpacks the latest line of protests from IDF reservists, from pilots to rank-and-file reservists and what that means in terms of national defense and further separations in Israeli society. Surkes discusses Israel's stretch of Mediterranean Sea after the tar spill two years ago and the budgets necessary now to continue to protect the shoreline. She also looks at a popular urban nature spot in Jerusalem, dubbed Lupine Hill for its stretch of blue lupine flowers in the spring, currently under threat of development from an expanded police complex. Steinberg talks about the slow local growth of pickleball, the game that combines badminton, squash and table tennis, being played mostly by retirees, along with walking soccer, for those who love team sports but don't want to run around as much. Discussed articles include: IDF chief warns Netanyahu that reservist protest refusals could spread in military Tarred and shuttered: Anatomy of the oil disaster that closed Israel’s beaches Court halts major Jerusalem Hills urban plan, orders environmental assessment Kibbutz pickleballers have a ball while courting more team members Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE: People visit at a field of blooming lupine flowers, in Jerusalem on March 1, 2022. (Photo by Gershon Elinson/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. ToI founding editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz discusses the various statements being made regarding the judicial overhaul, and the effect of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's comments last week about Huwara on reserve duty pilots who have now expressed concern about possibly having to carry out illegal orders in the future with a muted high court. Berman expands on how companies of reservists -- including his own -- try to keep politics out of their continued army service, and that there is broad consensus that the judicial reform is of concern in army circles as well. Horovitz and Berman also discuss the growing world criticism from allies, including European diplomats who have watched the nationalism in Hungary and Poland, statements made by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and whether Smotrich's comments about Huwara will affect his upcoming US trip. Discussed articles include: Pilots’ alarm shows Israel now in danger of entering a death spiral Gantz urges IDF reservists to show up ‘no matter what,’ opposes any refusal to serve Lapid, Liberman oppose reservists refusing to serve, but say their fears justified Netanyahu welcomes Smotrich’s retraction of ‘inappropriate’ call to wipe out Huwara Michael Bloomberg warns Israel ‘courting disaster’ with judicial overhaul Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the graduation ceremony of new Israeli Air Force pilots at the Hatzerim Air Force base, December 31, 2015 (Photo by Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Organizers of the anti-judicial overhaul protests throughout the country claim that some 400,000 came out Saturday night. Police again used horse-mounted cops and water cannons against the demonstrators as they sought to disperse them. Keller Lynn sets the scene and previews Thursday's announced Day of Distubance. On Thursday a Jerusalem court ordered police to release all of the suspects in the rampage on the Arab city of Huwara following the murder of two brothers Hallel Yaniv and Yagel Yaniv from the settlement of Har Bracha, on Sunday. But the Defense Ministry signed off on an administrative detention order for two of them, including a minor. What does this mean? On Wednesday, Israeli troops arrested the alleged terrorists who carried out a deadly shooting attack Monday that killed Israeli-American Elan Ganeles near Jericho. Fabian explains how it played out. On the heals of the riots in Huwara, several politicians have weighed in, causing waves of response, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionists party. Keller Lynn describes his statements and their continued ripple effect. A soldier was arrested late last night for attempting to smuggle two Palestinians through a checkpoint near the West Bank city of Elad. We hear what is unusual here. And finally, ahead of what appears to be another stormy week for and against the judicial overhaul in the Knesset, Keller Lynn gives us a rundown of what to expect. Discussed articles include: Hundreds of thousands protest government; new ‘disruption day’ called for Thursday Soldiers, Israeli peace activists clash as army blocks solidarity march to Huwara Two suspects in Huwara rampage, one a minor, sent to administrative detention IDF arrests suspected terrorists behind deadly Jericho attack as victim is buried Smotrich’s DC visit still on amid uproar, but US officials not planning to meet him Netanyahu welcomes Smotrich’s retraction of ‘inappropriate’ call to wipe out Huwara Israel’s judicial overhaul: What is the coalition planning and where does it stand? What Matters Now to Haviv Rettig Gur: Taking advantage of this ‘moment of decisions’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotirch holds a press conference in Jerusalem on February 28, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's packed episode. Yesterday’s widespread Day of Disruption saw anti-judicial overhaul protestors stop traffic at strategic junctions to slow down the nation. The reprisal in Tel Aviv was shocking to many. Keller Lynn was there and tells us what she saw. Goren explains the symbolism of last night’s "siege" on Sara Netanyahu’s hair stylist. What happened there? Fitch Ratings affirmed Israel’s A+ credit rating with a stable outlook on Wednesday, while at the same time warning that the government’s planned judicial changes could have a “negative impact” on the country’s credit profile. A group of economists wrote another open letter this morning protesting the judicial overhaul. Who was signed on? In the past day, a plethora of Israeli leaders have made public speeches for and against the judicial overhaul, from President Isaac Herzog, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, National Unity head Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Goren explains what conclusions can be drawn after hearing all these voices? And finally, Keller Lynn fills us in on the current status of the judicial overhaul legislation. Discussed articles include: As protests sweep nation, police use aggressive means to clear Tel Aviv rally Officers said to accuse top cop Shabtai of using force to impress Ben Gvir Sara Netanyahu accosted by protesters at Tel Aviv hair salon, extricated by police Fitch affirms Israel’s A+ rating, but warns of impact of planned judicial overhaul Netanyahu compares Tel Aviv protesters to settlers who set fire to Huwara Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Mounted police are deployed as Israelis block a main road to protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government to overhaul the judicial system, in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political reporter Tal Schneider and US correspondent Jacob Magid join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses Wednesday's planned 'day of disruption,' with protests across the country, as voting continues in the Knesset and law committee on aspects of the planned judicial overhaul.  Magid talks about the US response to the riot begun by Jewish settlers in the Palestinian town of Huwara, and US expectations of prosecution of those who took part. Schneider speaks about remarks made by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit at the INSS conference Monday, in which he described the government’s judicial overhaul program on Tuesday as “a regime coup." Magid unpacks the comments slung back and forth between US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. Discussed articles include: Roads, trains blocked as thousands march in ‘day of disruption’ against overhaul US says it ‘expects’ Israel to prosecute settlers involved in Huwara rampage US State Department report says Israel failing to prevent settler attacks Former attorney general: High Court must strike down ‘regime coup’ laws if passed Clapping back at minister, envoy Nides says US won’t stay out of Israel’s business Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis clash with police during a protest in Tel Aviv on March 1, 2023 against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul (Photo by Erik Marmor/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes and legal affairs and settlement reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon discusses attempts by Israel's border police to evacuate the Evyatar settlement outpost on Monday, after settlers spent the night on the West Bank hilltop following the terror shootings of brothers Halleli and Yagel Yaniv. Surkes looks at the rehabilitation plans for a section of the Jordan River, which has experienced shrinkage, partially because of water being diverted by Syria, Jordan, and Israel for human needs.  Sharon talks about some possible first signs of compromise on the highly controversial judicial reform during Monday's Constitution committee, as chair MK Simcha Rothman and opposition MK Yariv Kariv held a constructive debate. Surkes describes an Israeli-run company that uses compost to make a variety of products, including biodegradable plant pots. Discussed articles include: Security forces begin emptying Evyatar outpost, reoccupied by settlers after attack Environmental groups to press for rehabilitation of Jordan River, Dead Sea First hint of compromise on judicial review legislation emerges at Knesset panel Who chooses judges: The evolution and planned radical overhaul of judicial selection Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Settlers protest for the return to the Evyatar outspot, near the West Bank city of Nablus, on February 18, 2022 (Photo by Sraya Diamant/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Yesterday 21-year-old Hallel and 19-year-old Yagel Yaniv were shot dead in a terror attack in the northern West Bank town of Huwara. Residents of the nearby Har Bracha settlement, they were shot while in a traffic jam on the Route 60 highway that bi-sects the Arab city. Fabian tells about the brothers and explains what we know about the murders. In retribution for the attack, last night a protest march held by dozens of Israeli settlers turned violent as they allegedly set fire to Palestinian property near the spot where the two Israeli brothers were shot dead. Where was the IDF or the Border Police during all of this? The manhunt is ongoing for the brothers’ murderers. What steps is the IDF taking to find the gunman? Rettig Gur weighs in on the brothers' murders and the subsequent "pogrom" by Jews at the murder site. He asks, where are the newly minted ministers who are tasked with National Security -- Otzma Yehudit head Itamar Ben Gvir -- and settlements -- Religious Zionism head Bezalel Smotrich? Discussed articles include: Two Israeli brothers shot dead in West Bank terror attack — IDF Palestinian killed as settlers rampage in Huwara after deadly terror attack Settler rioting slammed by US, Abbas as some point finger at government IDF bolsters forces in West Bank amid manhunt for Huwara gunman, after settlers riot ‘We need burning villages’: Coalition lawmaker backs unprecedented settler rampage Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: View of a car burned by Jewish settlers during riots in Hawara, in the West Bank, near Nablus, February 27, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We start with an update from last night's rallies where, for the eighth week in a row, Israelis took to the streets throughout the country to protest the looking judicial overhaul. According to organizers, some 300,000 took part in rallies around the country, making the latest demonstrations the largest ones yet. In the past several weeks Wrobel has extensively covered the financial implications of the overhaul package, from hi-tech leaders threatening to pull their companies out of Start-up Nation, to the tanking shekel. We start with the shekel and move on to warnings from Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron. We marked a year to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Friday. Berman reflects on his several trips there for on-the-ground reporting and how things have shifted over the past year. Today Jordan is hosting a “political-security” meeting between Israel and the Palestinians to try and restore calm to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. What does Berman expect to come out of this meeting? Berman fills us in with a bit of news for us regarding Papua New Guinea's soon-to-open embassy. Sharon, finally to take us out, as I was waiting on line in the supermarket on Friday, I just kept thinking, isn’t there a better way? So tell us, is there? Discussed articles include: ‘Largest protests yet’: Masses around country rally against curbing of judiciary Amid mass protests, government set to keep advancing legal overhaul at full steam Central bank chief said to warn economic crisis could break out at any moment A year of war in Ukraine: A reflection A year into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ‘What Matters Now’ to Ksenia Svetlova Jordan to host Israel, Palestinians for Sunday summit in bid to restore calm Startup’s clip-on device for smart carts deployed at Shufersal Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis march in Tel Aviv during a protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul, February 25, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and Diaspora affairs reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Israeli warplanes carried out bombing raids against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip early Thursday morning, hours after Palestinians fired six rockets into southern Israel in an apparent revenge attack for a deadly Israeli incursion into Nablus. Fabian explains what happened in Nablus then moves forward in the timeline until this morning's airstrikes. Is a bigger war on the close horizon? Yesterday morning, clashes that broke out at the Western Wall as hardline Jews blocked and harassed supporters of the Women of the Wall group while they tried to hold a combination protest-prayer service at the holy site. Is there anything new here? Unusually, on Tuesday, the Jewish Federations of North America sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition head Yair Lapid against the government’s plan to legislate an “override clause.” Is this a sign that US Jews will increasingly weigh in on internal Israeli politics? Discussed articles include: Israel bombs Hamas sites in Gaza hours after rockets shot toward Ashkelon, Sderot Reform rabbis assailed as they try to bring Torah scrolls to women at Western Wall In highly unusual move, major US Jewish group decries proposed judicial overhaul Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Palestinian gestures to Israeli military vehicles during clashes in the West Bank city of Nablus, February 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider offers overview of bills being discussed in preliminary voting in Knesset on Wednesday, including the much-discussed Override Clause that would enable the parliament to re-legislate laws struck down by the Supreme Court, as well as granting more authority for local rabbinical courts to be able to rule using Jewish law, and the Aryeh Deri bill, to reinstate the Shas politician. Schneider also discusses comments made by former US ambassador to Israel David Friedman regarding the proposed judicial overhaul, and specifically the Override Clause. Rettig Gur discusses who are the coalition forces radicalizing this judicial reform and preventing compromise, and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling for negotiation, adopting President Isaac Herzog's suggestions, but his own coalition won't let him compromise. Discussed articles include: In highly unusual move, major US Jewish group decries proposed judicial overhaul Netanyahu urges talks on overhaul; Lapid fires back that legislation must stop first Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a discussion and a vote in the Knesset on February 20, 2023 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Keller Lynn talks about the scenes outside and inside the Knesset on Monday, as tens of thousands rallied against the judicial reform, while the first, key piece of legislation was voted on by the coalition committee. Sharon discusses some of the comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the faction meeting and his clear message that there would be no slowing down of the reform process. He also explains a new part of the bill introduced by MK Simkha Rothman, in which the right to freedom of expression and other basic civil rights would all become unprotected if the government’s proposed legislation passes into law and the reactions to that new information. Keller-Lynn closes the podcast, reviewing the passage of the first bill in the first of three readings, 63 votes in favor and 47 against, in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Discussed articles include: Tens of thousands rally near Knesset ahead of 1st plenum vote on judicial overhaul Knesset legal adviser: Overhaul leaves equality, freedom of expression unprotected Knesset passes first reading of bill to give coalition control over choosing judges Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Opposition MKs holding Israeli flags during the discussion and vote on the government's judicial overhaul plans in the Knesset, February 20, 2023 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Potentially tens of thousands of Israelis are converging on Jerusalem for another mass demonstration outside the Knesset today. Some protestors have taken the step of blocking main roads and select MKs' homes to prevent them from voting on the pivotal legislation. We hear whether Horovitz thinks this a legit form of protest. Yesterday, President Isaac Herzog said he believed a compromise agreement for judicial reform based on the five-step proposals he made last Sunday could be achieved in a matter of days. Realistic? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to narrow her interpretation of his conflict of interest clause -- which lets him be prime minister during his active trials -- and allowed to directly deal with the judicial overhaul. Horovitz explains why this would be a severe conflict of interest. Surkes explains how the Knesset chaos has led to a power struggle over who gets to control Israel’s garbage between the Interior and Environment Ministries. Also in the halls of the parliament, a new infrastructure bill has activists stating it is “a declaration of war on environmental and climate governance in Israel.” What is so objectionable? Finally, Surkes tells us about Grace Breeding’s NFT Bio-Fertilizer that seeks to boost crop yields sustainably and strengthen the resilience of plants to climate change. Discussed articles include: Protesters block homes of MKs as mass protests set to descend on Jerusalem Herzog says compromise over judicial overhaul program achievable ‘within days’ Netanyahu said to ask AG to narrow conflict of interest deal on judicial legislation Environment group: Bill to limit objections to public works a ‘war declaration’ Israeli company touts nature-based alternative to toxic fertilizers for crops Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Women protest against the government's planned judicial overhaul, in Tel Aviv on February 20, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Berman reports on Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's one-day trip to Kyiv last week. While Israel is still not offering Ukraine its anti-missile air defense systems, the country has stepped up with hefty loan guarantees. Berman explains how much, and how the Jewish community is faring. According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the Israeli Air Force carried out a strike late last night targeting a residential neighborhood in Damascus. Fabian gives insight as to why now. Yesterday, an Israeli observer delegation at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa was kicked out of the opening ceremony on Saturday. Berman puts this puzzling event into context. There is a very public, ongoing power struggle between police commissioner Kobi Shabtai and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Fabian shares some recent events that have exacerbated the friction. Discussed articles include: What Matters Now to… Prof. Suzie Navot: Guarding against a ‘Frankenstate’ With first Knesset readings due Monday, tens of thousands protest judicial overhaul FM Cohen in Kyiv pledges Ukraine loan guarantees, help with airstrike warning system Back on track: FM Cohen overcomes diplomatic hurdles en route to thaw with Ukraine Likening Russia to Goliath, Zelensky says Ukraine needs David’s Sling from Israel Syria says 5 killed, 15 wounded in Israeli strike on Damascus residential area Israeli observer delegation kicked out of African Union summit in Addis Ababa Police chief warns of potential for political assassination: ‘Lower the flames’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Women walk by a building damaged by Russian shelling in the Saltivka district of Kharkiv, Ukraine, February 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a new weekly podcast exploration into one key issue shaping Israel and the Jewish World — right now. On Monday, tens of thousands of Israelis took a day off work to protest outside the Knesset against the proposed judicial overhaul that was -- at the very same time -- being discussed at a stormy session of the Constitutional Committee inside. The crowd was a sea of blue and white Israeli flags. Mostly secular, they sang, shouted, laughed and cried together against the bills that were, despite all their raucous energy, indeed passed for preliminary readings. Many in Israel who support the judicial overhaul say that by adopting practices from other countries’ judicial systems, they are bringing the country in line with the standards of the international community. Many who oppose the legislation do agree to a need for reform, but say they are frightened that in cherry-picking from around the globe -- an override clause from Canada, a law from Norway and elements from the United States -- we will be headed toward a “Frankenstate.” In 2013, Princeton University Prof. Kim Lane Scheppele coined the visceral term in her article, "Not Your Father’s Authoritarianism: The Creation of the "Frankenstate.'" In that essay, she writes, “A Frankenstate is an abusive form of rule, created by combining the bits and pieces of perfectly reasonable democratic institutions in monstrous ways, much as Frankenstein’s monster was created from bits and pieces of other living things. No one part is objectionable; the horror emerges from the combinations.” This week, I made my way to the heart of old Jerusalem to the Israel Democracy Institute where I asked IDI vice president Suzie Navot, professor of Constitutional Law, what could happen if other legal systems are grafted on Israel’s judiciary. Born in Uruguay, Navot made aliya to Israel at age 14. A polyglot, she has taught at the Sorbonne as a visiting professor as well as on the faculties of the Striks Faculty of Law at the College of Management and the National Security College in Israel. Navot specializes in constitutional law, law of institutions, parliamentary law and comparative constitutional law, which gives her unique insight into what could happen if indeed this global mosaic of legislation does pass. After this tempestuous week, we hear What Matters Now to leading Israeli legal expert, Prof. Suzie Navot. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on iTunes, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, PlayerFM or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Vice president of the Israel Democracy Institute Prof. Suzie Navot at the IDI, December 2022. (Michal Fattal/IDI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and real estate writer Danielle Nagler join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast, with a brief update from political correspondent Tal Schneider currently in Kyiv with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. Magid discusses how the right-wing nature of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partners has perhaps scuttled the chance of any invites for the prime minister to the US and UAE, while the second Negev Forum for ministers, initially planned for Morocco in March, is on the back burner. Magid also looks at the Palestinian Authority is pushing forward a vote in the United Nations Security Council to support a resolution to halt settlement activity, following the recent approval in the Knesset of several new outposts. Nagler explains the Tama 38 building development plan in Israel, created to upgrade existing housing and make buildings earthquake-safe, but so far only carried out in larger cities, and not yet in the areas that are more vulnerable, but less attractive from a real estate perspective. Magid talks about the emotional statement made by Channel 12 journalist Yair Cherki on Tuesday, when the Orthodox 30-year-old came out of the closet publicly and was greeted with widespread support from a range of followers and politicians. Nagler speaks about the new, dramatic Bezalel School of Art and Design building in downtown Jerusalem, designed to join the avant garde art created by the students and the mixed population of the city. Discussed articles include: Palestinians readying Security Council resolution slamming Israeli settlement plans Prominent Orthodox Israeli journalist Yair Cherki comes out as gay Knesset committee fails to update earthquake construction framework Israeli buildings face major earthquake risk, despite efforts to upgrade them Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to a vote in the Knesset on February 15, 2023 (Courtesy Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and health and science writer Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Rettig Gur discusses why the architects of the judicial reform, head of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rothman Simcha Rothman and Justice Minister Yariv Levin are in such a rush to push through their proposed legislation, and what role President Isaac Herzog can play during the tense discussions taking place and whether he can succeed. Jeffay looks at scientific research carried out in three very different areas; he explains the work done by a startup lab that has taught rats to detect lung cancer by sniffing urine, and how that process could allay the first stages of cancer detection. He also talks about certain hair straightening chemicals found to cause kidney failure, now banned in Israel. Finally, Jeffay looks at high number of nearsightedness cases in Haredi men, presumably due to Talmud study, as those who learn full time pour over columns of small text for hours each day. Discussed articles include: The judiciary fight is fueled by deep distrust; that makes compromise elusive Lab claims it teaches rats to detect lung cancer with 93% accuracy by sniffing urine Some hair-straightening products can cause kidney failure – pioneering Israeli study Haredi men three times as likely to be nearsighted, probably due to Talmud study Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: From L-R President Isaac Herzog, MK Simcha Rothman, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, National Unity leader Benny Gantz (Flash 90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan to report on what happened yesterday at the Knesset -- inside and out. We begin with a sense of the magnitude of Monday's protest as Keller Lynn describes her commute by train from Tel Aviv and the scene that awaited her in Jerusalem. At the same time, Sharon was inside the Knesset stormy Constitutional Committee meeting, which is headed by MK Simcha Rothman, who was the subject of this weekend's What Matters Now podcast. Sharon sets the scene inside the Knesset. Police sources estimated that about 90,000 people attended the protest, while organizers put the number at some 130,000, and a high-tech group affiliated with the demonstrators even went as high as 300,000. Keller-Lynn compares Monday's protest with those she's covered for The Times of Israel on Saturday nights in Tel Aviv and discusses just who is organizing them. We hear where we now stand on the legislation that was heard yesterday and that will be presented in the Knesset this week. Israeli President Isaac Herzog took to prime-time television on Sunday night and proposed five steps toward compromise. Last night, the architects of the judicial overhaul, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Rothman, appeared to agree to compromise talks at the president’s residence. Are these statements sincere? Discussed articles include: Tens of thousands rally at Knesset against overhaul: ‘Worried for Israel’s future’ 90,000 or 300,000? Why estimates of crowd size at Jerusalem protest vary so widely Lapid: Justice overhaul ‘tearing Israel apart’; PM: Opposition leading us to anarchy Israeli flags as far as the eye can see, as protesters plead for an overhaul rethink First judicial overhaul legislation approved in committee amid ferocious opposition Judicial overhaul bill likely to come up for first plenum vote next Monday Justice minister offers talks on overhaul; Opposition: Legislation must stop first What Matters Now… to MK Simcha Rothman? ‘The people should appoint the judges’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Protest against the judicial overhaul, outside the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 13, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz and religion and diaspora affairs reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz discusses the scenes taking place Monday afternoon in Jerusalem, as thousands gather outside the Knesset to protest the judicial reform while inside, the Knesset committee moves forward with the tremendously contentious bill amid a stormy session. Horovitz explains the judicial compromise laid out by President Isaac Herzog in a televised speech Sunday night, and wonders whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to listen. Gross talks about the scenes in Marash, Turkey, where he spent much of last week reporting on Israeli and local rescue teams working to retrieve survivors from Monday's earthquake, and the impossible decisions rescuers had to make in the midst of herculean efforts. He also speaks about the female protester at the Western Wall on Sunday who stripped down to a bathing suit in protest of the contentious bill that would criminalize immodest dress at the holy site. Discussed articles include: Opposition MKs ejected from stormy Knesset panel session on judicial overhaul bills Worried Herzog sets out sensible ideas for reform, but is Netanyahu ready to listen? In devastated Turkey, rescuers battle cold, concrete to save those trapped by quake ‘She helped us, told us when to do what’: Israeli doc describes rescuing Turkish girl Israeli rescuer who helped in ’99 earthquakes returns to Turkey to save lives Woman strips down to swimsuit at Western Wall in apparent protest of modesty bill Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Thousands protest against the judicial overhaul outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on February 12, 2023 (Courtesy Arie Leib Abrams/FLASH90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We begin with an update from last night’s protests against the proposed judicial overhaul. For those who are interested in hearing from the architect of the proposed bills that are getting a first reading on Monday, please check out our most recent episode of What Matters Now with MK Simcha Rothman. What Matters Now is our new weekly podcast focusing on one issue that is shaping Israel and the Jewish World, right now. Fabian updates on a car-ramming that occurred just before Shabbat on Friday, in which a terrorist plowed his car into a group of people in Jerusalem’s Ramot neighborhood, killing three. We hear about the victims and what sanctions are being placed on the family of the perpetrator. The death toll from a massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria will “double or more” from its current level of around 28,000, according to UN relief chief Martin Griffiths. An Israeli military field hospital established near the Turkish quake epicenter has so far treated around 200 people, including Syrian refugees living in the country. We hear some anecdotes. Berman weighs in on President Recep Erdogan’s performance so far in dealing with the disaster and how it may affect his political future. A Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli settlers in the West Bank on Saturday. The Israeli army said it was aware of the case and said soldiers were not involved in the fatal shooting. Fabian explains what we know so far -- and what we don't. And finally, it’s Super Bowl Sunday. Berman gives us a rundown of every potential Jangle (Jewish angle). Discussed articles include: Tens of thousands rally against judicial overhaul; organizers claim over 200,000 What Matters Now… to MK Simcha Rothman? ‘The people should appoint the judges’ Police seal family home of terrorist who rammed Ramot bus stop IDF field hospital in Turkey treats 180 wounded in quake, including Syrian refugees Palestinian man said shot dead by settlers in West Bank Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Medics and police officers at the scene of a deadly car-ramming terror attack near Ramot Junction in Jerusalem on February 10, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi Daily Briefing listeners, welcome to our second episode of What Matters Now, a new weekly podcast exploration into one key issue shaping Israel and the Jewish World — right now. In a rare moment of agreement, Israeli media from all sides of the political spectrum is closely following the proposed legislation for judicial overhauls — some of which will have their first preliminary votes early next week. And while almost everyone seems to agree that there is a need for a judicial overhaul, many ask, why so extreme and why so fast? For weeks we've reported on protests in the street, sharp rebukes from legal experts, and businessmen threatening to take their money elsewhere. The President of Israel Isaac Herzog waded in and asked legislators for a pause for reconsideration and potential compromise. But one who doesn't think the overhaul is all that radical is the Member of Knesset who wrote the bills that are being determinedly pushed through, Simcha Rothman from the Religious Zionism party. For the past decade, Rothman, a lawyer by training, has worked towards this legislation through his advocacy work at Meshilut, the Movement for Governability and Democracy. A fixture in the halls of the Knesset, Rothman has written books and lobbied for what he terms a stronger democracy -- through a rebalancing of power from the Supreme Court to the Knesset. A member of Knesset since 2021, Rothman is clearly one of the most driven lawmakers in the new coalition. As the chair of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, he is fast-tracking these first points of reform, which include judicial appointments, curbing the Supreme Court’s test of reasonability, a slim override clause and severely limiting the High Court of Justice’s ability to strike down Basic Laws. This week, days before a first vote on Monday for two proposals, I made my way through the labyrinth of the Knesset to speak with Rothman and hear why these reforms, and why so quickly. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on iTunes, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, PlayerFM or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MK Simcha Rothman gives his first remarks at the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem, August 3, 2021, as current Justice Minister Yariv Levin looks on. (Noam Moskovitch/Knesset Spokesman)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US reporter Jacob Magid and New York reporter Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast, with a report from Judah Ari Gross at the earthquake site in Turkey. Gross speaks with a Hadassah doctor serving with the Hatzolah team in Turkey, helping extract earthquake survivors from the devastating wreckage. Magid discusses the across-the-board US push for calm in the region, following the visits of several senior Biden administration officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CIA director Bill Burns.  Tress speaks about a recent closed meeting of US congress members with Jewish leaders in New York, and their show of support for Israel and its recent actions.  Magid talks about the start of the Malka Leifer trial in Melbourne, Australia, expected to last six weeks as it uncovers the sexual abuse reportedly committed by Leifer against her students while she served as principal of an ultra-Orthodox girls school in the early 2000s. Discussed articles include: CIA director: Current Israeli-Palestinian tensions resemble Second Intifada Coalition party vows settlement building will continue, despite US request for pause After international pressure, PM delays East Jerusalem razing sought by Ben Gvir US pushing Abbas on plan to boost PA security presence in northern West Bank In now annual tradition, US urges Israel to keep friction in check ahead of Ramadan Skirting concerns over new government, NY lawmakers vow firm support for Israel 13 years after bolting, 6 since arrest, Malka Leifer extradited to Australia Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A rescuer walks on a destroyed building in Gaziantep, southeastern Turkey, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian, Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's packed episode. The death toll is mounting in Turkey and Syria even as rescuers are continuing to pull survivors out of the rubble. What do we currently know about the work that the Israeli delegations are doing on the ground? Our reporter Judah Ari Gross arrived in Turkey yesterday evening and sent in a report late last night. We hear his first impressions of the quake zone. Yesterday the High Court of Justice issued a sharp rebuke of the government’s recent request for another delay in the court’s order to evacuate the illegal Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin encampment in the West Bank. We hear from Sharon why this is so counterintuitive in light of the right-wing government. Keller-Lynn updates us on all the various legislative balls that are in the air at the Knesset. We also hear about how an unhappy leading Likud member was appeased with a new ministerial position -- in a ministry that already has a minister. Discussed articles include: Minor earthquake hits Israel, West Bank IDF to set up field hospital in Turkey; Israel’s search and rescue team starts work Another Israeli aid delegation takes off for southern Turkey after deadly quakes Court rebukes government for seeking to again put off Khan al-Ahmar demolition Supreme Court critic Amsalem to join Justice Ministry as 2nd minister Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli army and rescue forces seen near the city of Kahramanmaras, Turkey, to assist in rescue efforts after the earthquake on February 8, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. In the wake of the deadly earthquake yesterday in Turkey and Syria, the IDF has sent already two teams of military rescue experts to Turkey. What kind of expertise is included in the teams making up operation Olive Branches? Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel also plans to send aid to Syria, including tents, medication, and blankets. Who is meant to carry it out? Out of the 31 ministries in the current government sworn in at the end of December, not one minister has appointed a woman to serve as director general. Twenty-three of the positions have been filled by men. This is regrettable, but is it so unusual? Several Palestinian gunmen were killed in a military raid near Jericho, as part of an operation to apprehend suspects involved in a shooting attack on a restaurant located about 20 minutes from the Dead Sea, close to Jericho. Fabian explains the historic nature of the operation. Finally, based on her recent in-depth feature on the Hapoel Jerusalem women's soccer team, Spiro describes the factors that have contributed to the relatively equal opportunities afforded to the team. Discussed articles include: ‘Great privilege to reach out to our neighbor’: IDF aid delegation heads to Turkey ‘Request was received’: Israel to send earthquake relief to Syria as well as Turkey New government has so far appointed zero women as ministry directors general At least 5 gunmen killed as IDF targets West Bank terror attack cell, officials say End goals: The Jerusalem team trying to shake up how Israel treats women’s soccer Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Emergency teams search for people in the rubble of a destroyed building in Adana, southern Turkey, February 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses the latest casualties in the devastating earthquake that struck northern Syria and southern Turkey, and Israel's immediate offer of aid to Turkey. She recalls the last time Israel helped Turkey following an earthquake in 1999, and Schneider and Rettig Gur discuss whether Syria would accept aid from Israel as well, as it has at times in the last decade during the revolution there, when patients were even hospitalized in Israel. Schneider also unpacks several comments recently made by several prominent Israelis threatening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She discusses how those calls for incitement, which were quickly investigated by the police, appeared to draw out President Isaac Herzog to publicly urge a slowdown on the proposed judicial reform process. Rettig Gur talks about the Israeli left and the seeming absence of the left-wing leadership from the weekly protests around the country as well as from the Knesset and government committees, with a concurrent increase in violent talk from the left. Discussed articles include: Israel offers to dispatch emergency aid, teams to earthquake-stricken Turkey President urges pause to judicial shakeup; Levin: I’m not stopping ‘for a minute’ Ex-pilot who bombed Iraq nuke reactor walks back comment justifying PM assassination Probe opened into lawyer who said he’d take up arms if legal overhaul implemented Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Firefighters carry the body of a victim in Diyarbakir, in southeastern Turkey, Monday, Feb. 6, 2023 where a powerful earthquake that struck southeast Turkey and northern Syria has killed more than 640 people with hundreds injured (AP Photo/Mahmut Bozarsan)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Diaspora Affairs reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We begin with a brief update on this weekend’s rallies in which tens of thousands of Israelis protested the proposed judicial reforms for a fifth week in a row. Along with the main protests in Tel Aviv, smaller demonstrations were held in rainy Jerusalem, in Haifa and elsewhere.Speaking from the Haifa rally, Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the protesters had come “to save the country.” Berman landed early this morning from France where he flew to report on this first meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and French President Emmanuel Macron since January 2020. What are the headlines? President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno opened a new embassy in Tel Aviv last week. What makes this opening so historic? The Times of Israel sat with CEO of the Conference of Presidents William Daroff last week in our Jerusalem offices. What struck Gross from the wide-ranging discussion? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in the region last week and Berman wrote an analysis that states that maybe his statements promoting democracy should be heard in a different light. And finally, Gross describes what happened when the northern city of Harish canceled the screening of a Holocaust documentary because the film’s subject, Alfred Hirsch, a German Jew who saved children in Auschwitz, was openly gay. Discussed articles include: Tens of thousands rally against planned judicial overhaul for 5th straight week What Matters Now… to philosopher Micah Goodman? Preventing civil war Macron warns Netanyahu over judicial overhaul, settlements Hosting Netanyahu, Macron raises alarm over ‘headlong’ Iran nuclear rush Netanyahu joins Chad’s president to open new embassy in Israel US Jewish leader Daroff warns: ‘Crisis of divisiveness’ is tearing Israel apart Blinken’s focus on democracy could also be sign of US desire to cooperate on Iran An Israeli city nixed an LGBTQ Holocaust docu showing; residents screened it instead Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our inaugural episode of What Matters Now, a new weekly podcast exploration into one key issue shaping Israel and the Jewish World -- right now. Now, I don't know about you, but even for newshounds like me, sometimes the 24/7 headline barrage zooms by so fast that I feel like I don't catch all the nuance. There are so many hot-button issues that understanding the arguments for and against them feels like a Herculean task. So each week, we'll sit for an in-depth conversation and find out what matters now to one journalist, thinker or newsmaker. For this first episode, I turned to philosopher and author Dr. Micah Goodman. While his books are read by the country's leaders, he's made a career of explaining Israel and all her nuances -- even to Israelis themselves. Goodman is the author of the best-selling "Catch-67," as well as "The Wondering Jew" and several surprising bestsellers on canonical Jewish texts, including works on Maimonides. For this perplexed journalist, understanding this moment in Israel meant having tea with my friendly neighborhood philosopher. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on iTunes, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, PlayerFM or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Dr. Micah Goodman, February 1, 2023. (Amanda Borschel-Dan/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. United States correspondent Jacob Magid and New York correspondent Luke Tress join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We begin with an update on Israel Air Force warplanes that carried out overnight sorties in the Gaza Strip in response to a rocket attack on southern Israel, as a new round of rocket alarms sounded in Sderot and nearby towns. Tress updates on the COI Elimination Act that is being reintroduced to the US Congress. The COI stands for the Commission of Inquiry that the United Nations is carrying out against Israel. Who brought the bill this time? Magid updates on the last leg of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to the region and what came out of his meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Tress attended an event with former prime minister Naftali Bennett recently in New York where Bennett officially put his yarmulke back into the circus ring of Israeli politics. Magid explains how Israel is one step closer to joining the US’s visa waiver program. But celebrations may be premature. And finally, Tress spoke with former KISS frontman Gene Simmons at a United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day event last week. The glam rockstar had some advice. Discussed articles include: Israel bombs Hamas sites in retaliatory Gaza strikes; rocket sirens sound in Sderot Bill calling to end UN probe into Israel reintroduced to US Congress US pushing Abbas on plan to boost PA security presence in northern West Bank In meeting with Abbas, Blinken laments deaths of ‘innocent Palestinian civilians’ Bennett vows return to politics; urges US Jews: ‘Don’t give up on Israel’ Israel clears major hurdle in bid to qualify for US Visa Waiver Program Kiss frontman Simmons wants to rock Holocaust memorials with Never Again concert Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken boards the plane to leave Israel on January 31, 2023, stating, 'Concluded another productive trip to Israel and the West Bank, where I met with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts and leaders from civil society. We will continue to support the parties and all efforts to deescalate tensions.' (Twitter) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon and investigative reporter Inna Lazareva join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We discuss three of the cases described in Sharon's recent article on eight massive court interventions. We first focus on a case in which the court broadened legislation in the February 2005 Disengagement Law. The second case we discuss is when the High Court annulled an amendment passed by the Knesset passed an amendment to the 1954 anti-infiltration law that allowed the state to detain asylum seekers and migrants for a minimum of three years. What was the basis of the High Court’s intervention? The third High Court intervention took place in 2014 and surrounds the construction of a mikveh or ritual bath for residents of Kfar Vradim. Why did the court compel the municipality to construct one there? Finally, Lazareva discusses her lengthy investigation into the world of illegal broker fees for foreign workers, a multi-million dollar scandal. Discussed articles include: From a rogue MK to Haredi subsidies, 8 times High Court struck down laws, decisions Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Settler in the Gaza Strip settlement of Netzarim argues with soldiers who have come to evacuate him from his home, accusing them of betraying Jewish values, during the disengagement from Gaza, August 22, 2005. (Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is now in Israel. We begin by discussing his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blinken's advice for Israel's leader. Both during Blinken’s meeting with Netanyahu and with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Blinken also seemed to urge Israel to expand its security support for Kyiv. Is it possible that Israel will begin providing security support to Ukraine? Blinken arrived to the region on Sunday, with a first stop in Egypt where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. Could the US see Egypt as playing a potentially larger role in brokering the increasing armed conflict in the West Bank? Yesterday, in a resounding 89-8 vote, a bill to revoke the Israeli citizenship or residency of terror convicts who receive financial support for their acts from the Palestinian Authority passed its first reading. At the same time, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Monday he would advance legislation allowing Israel to impose the death penalty for certain terror offenses. Do either of these measures counter Israel’s founding principles? For the past several weeks, The Times of Israel has played host to an animated series called “Whispered in Gaza.” Horovitz reminds listeners what this project is and where they can find it. Discussed articles include: As Netanyahu talks Iran, Blinken makes US concerns over judicial shakeup clear Diplomatically but firmly, Blinken advises Netanyahu not to harm Israeli democracy Bill to strip Israeli citizenship from terror convicts paid by PA passes 1st reading Ben Gvir to push for death penalty bill in wake of Jerusalem attack Darkest tragedy, unrealized dreams: ‘Whispered in Gaza,’ the final interviews Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, meets with Israeli emerging leaders at 'Feel Beit,' an Israeli-Palestinian art and culture collective in Jerusalem, January 31, 2023. (Ronaldo Schemidt/Pool via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian offers update on aftermath of Friday night terrorist attack that killed seven, following press conference Sunday with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who said the police had sealed the terrorist's family home and that Israel would revoke rights of family members and deport them, if needed. Schneider discusses the latest in the government’s planned overhaul of the legal system, as attorney Gur Bligh, legal advisor of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, pushes back at Knesset law panel chair MK Simcha Rothman, suggesting holding off on the judicial reform package until the next election cycle. Fabian speaks about the Saturday night drone attack that struck a defense facility in the Iranian city of Isfahan, and was carried out by Israel, according to reports from The New York Times. Fabian discusses the purpose behind the reported attack, ostensibly to protect Israel's own security interests. Discussed articles include: Defense minister: Every terrorist will either go to court or the cemetery Knesset law panel chair seeks to expedite judicial upheaval, with some changes Knesset legal adviser: Judicial overhaul should take effect only after next election Report: Israel carried out drone attack on Iranian defense facility Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks to reporters after an assessment at the IDF's West Bank headquarters, January 29, 2023. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and political analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Steinberg reviews the Friday night terror attack outside a synagogue in Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood that killed seven, as well as a spate of shootings and attempted attacks over the course of Saturday. Rettig Gur discusses the reactions of Public Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the terror attacks and how his responses are worrying for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the government moves forward with its response to the situation. Rettig Gur also examines the Palestinian discourse with regard to the terror attacks, and Palestinian reactions to the changes in Israel's government. Berman talks about the official diplomatic condemnations of the Friday night attack, including from the Gulf and UAE, and with many diplomats highlighting that it took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Berman discusses Netanyahu's meeting last week with Jordanian King Abdullah II, their first in four years and the issue of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount, which is under the administration of the Jordanians, and has been a source of tension between the two governments, given the increase in visits from Jewish religious nationalists, including Public Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. He also speaks about President Isaac Herzog's trip last week to Brussels, which included an address to the European Parliament to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and time spent with the local Jewish community. Discussed articles include: ‘His soul is eternal’: Funerals held for 3 victims of Jerusalem terror attack Washington, UN, UAE, many others condemn ‘heinous, tragic’ Jerusalem terror shooting Netanyahu and Abdullah meet in Jordan, signaling they want to move past tensions Netanyahu vows to maintain Temple Mount status quo in meeting with Jordanian king Herzog welcomed by Belgian king ahead of meetings with EU, NATO chiefs Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks to the press at Jerusalem's Shaare Tzedek hospital on January 28, 2023 (Courtesy Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Goren discusses the last 30 days of what she's been calling 'Black January,' for the endless news cycle and changing headlines of the new government, creating a sense of pressure more intense than periods of war or conflict. Fabian reviews overnight clashes in Jenin that killed nine Palestinians in clashes with the IDF and a teen shot dead in East Jerusalem while wielding what turned out to be a fake gun. He also talks about a Shin Bet report regarding the arrest of dozens of West Bank Palestinians with ties to Hamas operatives in Gaza, although many of the young suspects didn't realize that Hamas was using them, often to smuggle guns into the West Bank. Goren describes a new AI-powered new robot helping wildlife cross the roads in Israel by learning their reactions and how to startle them into stopping them from risking their lives. Discussed articles include: 9 Palestinians killed as gunmen clash with IDF soldiers in Jenin Masked Palestinian shot dead after aiming fake gun at police in East Jerusalem Shin Bet reveals Hamas attempts to recruit West Bank Palestinians for terror Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Nubian ibex on a mountain above the Dead Sea, 2009 (Courtesy Matanya Tausig/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal affairs correspondent Jeremy Sharon and diaspora and religion writer Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon explains the complex legal situation unfolding with the barring of Shas leader Aryeh Deri from the government as a cabinet minister and what he would need to be reinstated. Gross looks at a conference of left-wing religious Jews gathering together for the first time, as this grassroots movement bands together from across the religious spectrum. Sharon discusses the evacuation of an illegal West Bank outpost of religious settlers, and how far-right politicians, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Public Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, equated the situation with the ongoing debate over illegal Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank. Gross talks about the shortage of ulpan teachers, instructors who teach Hebrew to new immigrants, caused by a lack of wage negotiations and complications with finding alternatives. Discussed articles include: Deri v. High Court: What did he actually pledge in his 2022 plea bargain? Eyeing their community’s rightward shift, left-wing religious Jews form new movement Illegal West Bank outpost evacuated for second time as coalition tensions persist Likud MKs call on government to evacuate Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar immediately After clash over West Bank outpost, Gallant and Smotrich meet with Netanyahu MKs demand solutions to Hebrew teacher shortage that is vexing new immigrants Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Shas leader Aryeh Deri during a Shas party meeting at the Knesset on January 23, 2023 (Courtesy Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and real estate writer Danielle Nagler join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider talks about the building quarrel between Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding her supposed plans to order him to take a leave of absence because of  conflict of interest. Schneider offers some background information about Baharav-Miara as the first female attorney general, her role and why the prime minister sees her as a threat. She also discusses Culture Minister Miki Zohar and the brouhaha over his statement Saturday, saying he intends to shut down cultural activities funded by the government taking place in the upper Galilee on Shabbat, and the prime minister's comments pedaling back Zohar's statements. Nagler takes a look at housing prices across Israel that haven't fallen yet as expected and are up some 19% compared to previous years. Meanwhile, rental prices are also up, compounding the issue for those finding it hard to buy. Nagler also discusses a survey looking at the best places to live in Israel, placing Rishon Lezion at the top of the list with the best quality of life followed by other central locations, including Ramat Gan and Kfar Saba with Jerusalem scoring low on the list. Discussed articles include: Coalition warns AG any move to suspend Netanyahu akin to coup; she denies weighing it New Culture Minister Zohar vows to withdraw funding for art that ‘defames Israel’ Rise in housing prices slows but still up almost 19% from 2021 First of Zion: Rishon is Israel’s best city to live in, statistics bureau finds Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Newly appointed Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara seen during a welcome ceremony for her in Jerusalem on February 8, 2022. (Courtesy Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and health and science writer Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Berman discusses plan for Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to visit Kyiv, 11 months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, possibly signaling new direction for Israel-Ukraine relations. Jeffay explains the components of a new robot, made with the antenna of a locust and intended to replace sniffer dogs and high resolution cameras in the future. Berman talks about the visit of US envoy Jake Sullivan last week, the first opportunity of the Biden administration to discuss aspects of the new Netanyahu government as well as Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Jeffay looks at new research on medical clowning, a well-known aspect of hospital life in Israel, but looking at better collaboration between doctors and clowns. Discussed articles include: FM Cohen to visit Ukraine, most senior Israeli official to do so since war began Israeli robot fitted with locust antenna gains scent superpowers Meeting US national security adviser, Netanyahu stresses bid to build Saudi ties Science of silliness: Israeli study deconstructs medical clowning so MDs use it more Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Foreign Affairs minister Eli Cohen at the Foreign Affairs ministry in Jerusalem, January 2, 2023 (Courtesy Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Keller-Lynn reported from the rallies in Tel Aviv last night where some 110-150,000 protesters gathered. We hear some highlights of the event. The media is rife with rumors and reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be ordered by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to step down for a leave of absence. We hear whether this is within the scope of her purview. Rettig Gur delves into how Shas head Aryeh Deri's 1993 corruption scandal helped launch the current campaign against the High Court’s expansive powers. Discussed articles include: ‘Night is descending on Israel’: Over 100,000 rally in Tel Aviv; largest protest yet ‘A gun to the head’: Likud MKs decry reports AG could order Netanyahu to step down AG: Netanyahu still bound by conflict of interest rules set up for his graft trial Netanyahu expected to dismiss Shas’s Deri during Sunday’s cabinet meeting How 3 decades of Deri’s legal troubles now see Israeli judicial independence at risk Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Minister of Health and Internal Affairs Aryeh Deri seen outside his home in Jerusalem on January 19, 2023.  (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Israeli democracy in danger? A proposed High Court override clause has many concerned about a possible tyranny of the majority. Join us as a diverse set of legal experts discuss with ToI editors what’s currently at stake. In this fourth episode, Dr. Tamar Hostovsky Brandes argues that undermining the powers of the courts is a common tactic adopted by regimes that seek to restrain democratic rights. Brandes teaches and researches in the areas of international and constitutional law, focusing on the intersection between international law, constitutional law, and political theory. Her work in these areas has been published in leading law reviews and collections. Her article, “The diminishing status of international law in the decisions of the Israeli Supreme Court concerning the Occupied Territories” won the 2021 International Journal of Constitutional Law Best Article award. Brandes spoke at a Times of Israel live-streamed event on December 15 at the Israel Democracy Institute in Jerusalem on the topic of judicial reform. Times of Israel editor David Horovitz introduces Brandes and asks some follow-up questions. IMAGE: Dr. Tamar Hostovsky Brandes of the Ono Academic College Faculty of Law at a ToI Live event in Jerusalem’s Israel Democracy Institute, December 15, 2022. (Oded Antman/IDI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon and US correspondent Jacob Magid join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon discusses the bombshell High Court ruling that bans Shas leader Aryeh Deri from serving as a minister, reviewing what brought Deri back to court after his criminal conviction last year. He also looks at how this latest event with Deri could play out in prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government, given the sweeping changes the coalition aims to make with its reform package and whether the government's effort to severely restrict judicial review over Knesset legislation could lead to a constitutional crisis. Magid then talks about a delegation of US senators who arrived in Israel on Tuesday and asked not to meet with far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir or any members of their hardline factions, and what that means, if anything, for US president Joe Biden's current attitude toward Israel. He also discusses US envoy Jake Sullivan's short trip to the region this week, including the envoy's meetings with President Isaac Herzog and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as with Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas. Discussed articles include: In bombshell ruling, High Court nixes Shas head Deri from serving as minister As coalition looks to radically rebalance power, a messy constitutional crisis looms Delegation of visiting US senators asks not to meet with Smotrich and Ben Gvir Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Health and interior minister Aryeh Deri outside his home in Jerusalem on January 18, 2023 (Courtesy Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Jordan’s ambassador to Israel Ghassan Majali’s visit to the Temple Mount on Tuesday caused a mini-diplomatic incident. How does this relate to the idea of the status quo? On Monday, Hamas released a video taken of, it claims, Israeli prisoner Avera Mengistu, whose identity was seemingly verified by his family and confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In terms of Hamas’s geopolitical strategy, why would the terror group release the video now? A Bar Ilan University-produced peptide just may eventually stop tumors causing secondary cancer. Jeffay breaks it down for us. The New York Times has reported that the United States is moving stockpiles of some 300,000 artillery shells from Israel to Ukraine. Could this affect Israel’s relations with Russia? And finally, we hear about the science of silliness. Israel is a leader in medical clowning and a new study documents the method behind the madness. Discussed articles include: Diplomatic flurry as Jordan envoy briefly delayed at Temple Mount entrance Jordan unveils new 50-dinar banknote featuring Temple Mount in Jerusalem Mom of Gaza captive Mengistu: ‘His voice is different, I want to look into his eyes’ Netanyahu says Gaza captive Mengistu ‘is alive,’ Hamas responsible for his fate Israeli scientists say substance prevents cancer’s spread in mice with 90% success US quietly shipping ammo to Ukraine from massive stockpile in Israel — report Science of silliness: Israeli study deconstructs medical clowning so MDs use it more Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: The Dome of the Rock Mosque is reflected in rainwater as worshippers gather for Friday prayers on a cold, rainy day at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, January 6, 2023. (AP Photo/ Mahmoud Illean)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Yesterday, thousands of students in more than a dozen university and college campuses around the country held a one-hour coordinated “strike” Monday afternoon against the new government’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, saying they were fighting for their futures. Schneider explains when previous protests have changed governments. Blue and White head Benny Gantz is willing to collaborate on bills pushing for a judicial overhaul. But why should Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu need or even want Gantz’s cooperation? Both guests weigh in. Schneider recently spoke with Rushan Abbas and her husband Abdulhakim Idris, two Sunni Muslims from China’s far-northwestern Xinjiang province. Why were they here in Israel? And finally, Borschel-Dan speaks about previously unpublished photographs taken by a Polish firefighter of the aftermath of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Revolt that were released today by POLIN: Museum of the History of Polish Jews ahead of an April exhibition. Discussed articles include: ‘This is an emergency’: Thousands of students rally against judicial makeover plan PM says protests won’t deter judicial push as Gantz presses for compromise talks Netanyahu trial boosted backing for judicial overhaul push, justice minister says She exposed China’s crimes against the Uighurs; now she needs the world to save them 21 never-published photos of Warsaw Ghetto Revolt’s aftermath found in Poland attic Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Jews being deported from the Warsaw Ghetto following the revolt, April-May 1943 (Z. L. Grzywaczewski / from the family archive of Maciej Grzywaczewski, POLIN Museum)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. The Annual Israel Democracy Index showed that Israelis as a whole mistrust the country’s governing and adjuring institutions. The survey was conducted mostly in the summer, with some polling in October. Our guests weigh in on whether the findings would be different today? We then discuss what has been the response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition so far to the widespread protests against the government's judicial reform bills. Rettig Gur talks about a proposed reform that even right-wing politicians and thinkers are wary about. Finally, we hear about a new 25-part short animated series The Times of Israel is hosting on the website called, “Whispered in Gaza.” Discussed articles include: Israelis deeply split on courts and rights, but united in gloom, distrust — poll Netanyahu shrugs off protest, says millions of voters demanded judicial overhaul Battle over High Court exposes frailty of Israel’s piecemeal system of government Introducing ‘Whispered in Gaza’ — 25 short, animated interviews on life under Hamas Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israeli lawyers protest against the expected changes in the legal system, outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, January 12, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian and reporter Michael Horovitz join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz describes scene of massive Tel Aviv protest Saturday night demonstrating against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government and the coalition's planned judicial overhaul. Fabian discusses recent spate of West Bank clashes amidst plans by finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir to change defense and policing systems in the region. Fabian also dissects some of the comments made by outgoing IDF chief of staff Aviv Kohavi regarding Smotrich's West Bank powers and why the IDF should only report to the defense minister. Steinberg comments on a new documentary, "The Narrow Bridge," making rounds of film festivals, created by Australian trauma psychologist Esther Takac about healing process of four people grieving from tragic losses due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussed articles include: ‘A plan to change Israel’s DNA’: 80,000 rally in Tel Aviv against judicial overhaul Palestinian shot dead by IDF troops in West Bank amid apparent scuffle Army chief spurns Smotrich’s W. Bank powers: IDF reports only to defense minister Documentary places lens on transformation from grief to reconciliation Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: More than 80,000 protest against the current Israeli government at Tel Aviv's Habima Square on January 14, 2023 (Courtesy Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Israeli democracy in danger? A proposed High Court override clause has many concerned about a possible tyranny of the majority. Join us as a diverse set of legal experts discuss with ToI editors what’s currently at stake. In this second episode, Prof. Amichai Cohen gives an overview of the historical balance of power of Israel’s judiciary. Cohen is a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute's Center for Security and Democracy.  He is a member of the Faculty of Law at Ono Academic College and previously served as its Dean. Cohen has written numerous books, including his 2020 work on Israel’s Supreme Court entitled: "The Constitutional Revolution and Counter-Revolution," where he explained the changing role of the High Court of Justice in maintaining the checks and balances of Israeli democracy. Cohen spoke at a Times of Israel live-streamed event on December 15 at the IDI in Jerusalem on the topic of judicial reform. Times of Israel editor David Horovitz introduces Cohen and asks some follow-up questions after his remarks. IMAGE: Prof. Amichai Cohen at a ToI Live event in Jerusalem’s Israel Democracy Institute, December 15, 2022. (Oded Antman/IDI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Justice Minister Yariv Levin published draft bills that will enact his judicial reforms Wednesday night and this morning MK Simcha Rothman also proposed a reform bill. We've known they're coming for months. Are there any surprises here? Also last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a triage plan to combat the high cost of living. How much will this really be felt by the average Israeli? Yesterday in the Knesset, the bill that would revoke Israeli citizenship for terrorists advanced. We hear more about this mostly consensus piece of legislation. Finally, Zman Yisrael published an article on Israelis' eating habits versus international standards. Spoiler: We find out why obesity is rising in the Holy Land. Discussed articles include: Levin unveils bills to neuter High Court, deny it almost all means to rein in gov’t Government unveils 'emergency' economic plan to reduce utility, gas and tax hikes Bid to revoke citizenship of PA-paid terror convicts advances with opposition’s help Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Justice Minister Yariv Levin speaks during a constitution committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on January 11, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and health and science writer Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Berman speaks about the diplomatic experience of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will need to bring to his government, specifically because of actions from his coalition partners, particularly public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Jeffay discusses the findings of Israel's largest health care fund, showing that the new Covid boosters cut hospitalization rates significantly for the 65-plus group, although booster rates have slowed overall in Israel. Berman talks about foreign minister Eli Cohen who will be speaking soon to the Ukrainian foreign minister, and how the new government's attitudes toward Russia may shift Israel's ability to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Jeffay looks at an open letter signed by obesity experts to Israel, expressing outrage at the scrapping of a year-old tax meant to slow sales of sugary soft drinks. He also explains the US licensing of an Israeli immunotherapy that demonstrated a 56% remission rate in cancer. Discussed articles include: A week in, Netanyahu government already at odds with Biden administration Israel, most Arab partners meet in UAE to prepare for Negev Forum summit in Morocco Israeli study: Omicron-fighting boosters cut hospitalization in over-65s by 81% Backlash from top international obesity experts after Israel scraps soft drink tax After demonstrating 57% remission rate, Israeli immunotherapy licensed by US firm Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE:  Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and health and science writer Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Berman speaks about the diplomatic experience of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has had some bumpy first weeks in his government, specifically because of actions from his coalition partners, including public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Jeffay discusses the findings of Israel's largest health care fund, showing that Covid boosters cut hospitalization significantly for the 65-plus group, although booster rates have slowed overall in Israel. Berman also talks about foreign minister Eli Cohen who will be speaking to the Ukrainian foreign minister, and how the new government's attitudes toward Russia may shift Israel's ability to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Jeffay looks at an open letter signed by obesity experts to Israel, expressing outrage at the scrapping of a year-old tax meant to slow sales of sugary soft drinks.  He also explains the US licensing of an Israeli immunotherapy that demonstrated a 56% remission rate in cancer. Discussed articles include: A week in, Netanyahu government already at odds with Biden administration Israel, most Arab partners meet in UAE to prepare for Negev Forum summit in Morocco Israeli study: Omicron-fighting boosters cut hospitalization in over-65s by 81% Backlash from top international obesity experts after Israel scraps soft drink tax After demonstrating 57% remission rate, Israeli immunotherapy licensed by US firm Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a government conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem on January 3, 2023 (Courtesy Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and religions and diaspora reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider discusses comments made by new communications minister Shlomo Karhi regarding the possible dismantling of the public Kan broadcaster, as well as the smaller, popular IDF radio station. She also talks about national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir's plans to break up protests at roadblocks, despite his own long history as a demonstrator and his remarks regarding the use of water cannons as a method of dispersing crowds. Gross speaks about his interview with new Jewish Agency director Doron Almog, with a long professional history in the IDF and unexpectedly finding himself in the midst of what could be a battle over the Law of Return and who is eligible for Israeli citizenship in his new role. He also discusses the most recent immigration numbers in 2022, affected greatly by the influx of immigrants from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, and a downturn from western countries. Discussed articles include: New communications minister says ‘no place’ for public broadcasting in Israel Ben Gvir tells police to start arresting anti-government protesters who block roads Jewish Agency chief preaches unity, but readies for battle over Law of Return Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Israelis protest against the current Israeli government, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, on January 7, 2023 (Courtesy Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and investigative reporter Inna Lazareva join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Former Supreme Court head Aharon Barak gave a series of television interviews over the weekend in which he stated unequivocably that he is worried about new Justice Minister Yariv Levin's proposed judicial reforms. What were some of Barak's statements? Three drivers employed by the Prime Minister’s Office for roughly 30 years as part of the premier’s motorcade were reportedly fired earlier this week, amid reports that Benjamin Netanyahu is clearing house of staff who served in the previous government. However, the drivers are set also to serve as prosecution witnesses in the ongoing trial against Netanyahu. Horovitz connects some dots. A team of Israeli archaeologists from the Universite of Haifa and the Hebrew University has discovered what it claims is the earliest evidence of silver being used as currency in the Levant, dating back more than 3,600 years. The analyzed silver hoards are found in strata that date to 500 years prior to previous estimates. Borschel-Dan gives some context. Finally, Lazereva shares some of the horrors she uncovered during her in-depth investigation into what many Ukrainian women who fled their homes for Israel face when they get here. Discussed articles include: Ex-top judge Barak: ‘Put me before a firing squad’ if it’ll stop move to tyranny 3 motorcade drivers fired by Netanyahu are witnesses in his corruption trial Netanyahu fires three veteran motorcade drivers who also ferried Bennett and Lapid Newly analyzed 3,600-year-old silver pieces are 1st currency in Levant, study shows Raped, abused, exploited: Ukrainian women seeking refuge in Israel find no haven Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Women walk past apartment buildings in Mariupol, Ukraine, damaged during heavy fighting, November 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. A report by the Beirut Observer on Saturday stated that Lebanese security officials are urging Hezbollah to prevent a Lebanon-based Hamas cell from carrying out an attack against Israel. Fabian explains why. On Wednesday, new Justice Minister Yair Levin finally officially unveiled the government’s plans for judicial reforms. We hear what are the four reforms and how the country is reacting. On Thursday, the High Court held a six-hour hearing for a petition against Shas head Aryeh Deri’s appointment as interior and health minister. What were the main arguments? On Saturday, three Fatah officials came to visit the recently freed security prisoner Karim Younis in the northern Israel town of ‘Ara. Who is Younis and how did new Defense Minister Yoav Galant respond to this entourage? Discussed articles include: Report: Lebanon urging Hezbollah to prevent local Hamas cell from attacking Israel Justice minister unveils plan to shackle the High Court, overhaul Israel’s judiciary Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against new government, judicial overhaul plans Court to Deri: ‘You can’t quit Knesset in plea bargain, then get appointed minister’ Gallant revokes entry permits of 3 PA officials who visited freed terror convict Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listens to Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri during a meeting with his nationalist allies and his Likud party members, at the Knesset, Israeli Parliament, in Jerusalem, March 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Israeli democracy in danger? A proposed High Court override clause has many concerned about a possible tyranny of the majority. Join us as a diverse set of legal experts discuss with ToI editors what’s currently at stake. In this third episode, Prof. Moshe Koppel objects to what he describes as the unchecked and unbalanced power of the court, which he says has decided that every issue is justiciable and that anyone has the standing to petition the court. Koppel is a professor (emeritus) of computer science at Bar-Ilan University and the founding chairman of the Kohelet Policy Forum. His most recent book is "Judaism Straight Up: Why Real Religion Endures." Koppel spoke at a Times of Israel live-streamed event on December 15 at the Israel Democracy Institute in Jerusalem on the topic of judicial reform. Times of Israel editor David Horovitz introduces Koppel and asks some follow-up questions. Subscribe to 'Israel’s Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your podcasts.  IMAGE: Prof. Moshe Koppel at a ToI Live event in Jerusalem’s Israel Democracy Institute, December 15, 2022. (Oded Antman/IDI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Jacob Magid and US reporter Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Magid discusses the UN security council emergency meeting regarding National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's visit this week to the Temple Mount. Tress looks at another recent UN resolution against Israel and the many condemnations of the United Nations regarding Israel over the last year. Magid talks about the upcoming trip being planned for US national security advisor Jake Sullivan and what the Biden administration is thinking about with regard to Israel and its new government. He also briefly discusses US senator Lindsey Graham, usually a friend to Israel, and his warning about the new government's plan to remain quiet about Russia's war in Ukraine. Tress discusses ultra Orthodox group Agudath Israel and its protest against The New York Times' coverage of yeshiva education that is sharply critical about the lack of secular studies. Discussed articles include: UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir UN asks world court to weigh in on Israeli ‘occupation’ and ‘annexation’ Top Biden aide set to visit Israel amid fears over Netanyahu’s plans for West Bank GOP senator pans new government’s plan to ‘stay quiet’ on Russia’s war in Ukraine US Orthodox group launches campaign against New York Times yeshiva coverage Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Tourists visit at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, on January 3, 2023 (Courtesy Jamal Awad/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and Diaspora Affairs correspondent Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Yesterday, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara announced Tuesday that she will not defend the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri as interior minister and health minister in High Court of Justice proceedings. How rare is this refusal? Gross reported on a first announced Deri policy as Interior Minister in which new immigrants will be required to prove they’ve settled in Israel in order to be eligible for an Israeli passport. What is required to enact this? On Monday, the state informed the High Court that rather than demolish the Homesh outpost, it had decided to legalize it by repealing part of the 2005 disengagement law. What was the reason to demolish the settlement then, and how is the state justifying this reversal? Israeli and Diaspora-based heads of top international Zionist groups sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning him against his incoming government’s plan to alter the Law of Return. Gross explains what is unique about this move. Yesterday, Poland said it has been informed by Germany that it does not intend to engage in negotiations on any World War II reparations to Warsaw as Berlin considers the matter closed. Has the country exhausted all options? Discussed articles include: AG refuses to defend government in court against petitions over Deri’s appointment Netanyahu meets AG for tense talks, reportedly on plan to split her role into two New immigrants will need to prove they’ve settled in Israel before getting passports High Court demands government explain refusal to demolish Homesh outpost Leaders of top Zionist bodies warn Netanyahu against altering Law of Return Germany rejects Poland’s request for $1.4 trillion in WWII reparations, says Warsaw Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara attends a conference at the University of Haifa, December 15, 2022. (Shir Torem/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode, which marks two years of the daily podcast. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascended to the Temple Mount this morning in a visit that is being condemned by The Palestinian Authority’s Foreign Ministry as an “unprecedented provocation.” We hear how Horovitz sees this playing out. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his 11-member security cabinet, stacked with staunch supporters. Is this a signal to his coalition partners? According to a report from the Israel Democracy Institute, by the end of the decade, ultra-orthodox Jews will constitute 16% of the total Israeli population. Rettig Gur explores what this means for Israel. And finally, we hear about the Academy of the Hebrew Language's word of the year, bol'an or sinkhole. Discussed articles include: Ben Gvir visits Temple Mount for 1st time as minister, despite indicating he’d delay ‘People will die’: Lapid calls on Netanyahu to prevent Ben Gvir’s Temple Mount visit Netanyahu set to pack security cabinet with loyalists alongside far-right ministers Haredim are fastest-growing population, will be 16% of Israelis by decade’s end Hebrew Academy picks ‘sinkhole’ as its word of 2022 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visits the Temple Mount, January 3, 2023 (Courtesy Minhelet Har Habayit)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and military reporter Mannie Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Schneider sets the scene for the ministerial handovers at the finance, public security and education ministries, where the new government's ministers began setting the tone for the government's new, right-wing direction. Fabian discusses the ceremony at the Defense Ministry and what former defense minister Benny Gantz told the new defense minister Yoav Gallant with regard to political interference in the army. Schneider also speaks about the upcoming minor fast day on Tuesday and new public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir's plans to visit the Temple Mount, his intentions and the tensions that could arise as a result of his actions. Fabian talks about the Israeli airforce strike early Monday morning on Damascus International Airport, putting it briefly out of service. Discussed articles include: In 1st move as minister, Smotrich orders taxes on plasticware, sugary drinks nixed At defense handover, Gantz warns Gallant not to allow political interference in IDF New police minister Ben Gvir gears up for Temple Mount visit, possibly this week Syria says IAF strikes briefly put Damascus airport out of service, kill 2 soldiers Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join Amanda Borschel-Dan on this New Year's Day episode. On Friday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to refer Israel’s “occupation… of Palestinian territory” to the International Court of Justice. What are Israel's next steps? On Thursday, the new government was sworn in. Keller-Lynn describes the stormy Knesset proceedings, including demonstrations outside. We discuss the final parceling out of the ministries, including a few last-minute ones to a pair of women. We hear about a precedent-setting Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana, and what message is being sent with his appointment. Former pope Benedict XVI, who in 2013 became the first pontiff to resign as head of the Catholic Church since the Middle Ages, died on Saturday aged 95, leaving a somewhat mixed legacy. Berman explains how he will he likely be remembered by the Jews. Berman also fills us in on an annual interfaith ceremony that took place at the President’s Residence on Thursday. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu pans ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Jews cannot be occupiers in their own land Likud’s Amir Ohana becomes Israel’s first openly gay Knesset speaker Netanyahu offers condolences for death of ex-pope Benedict, recounts Israel visit Former pope Benedict XVI, the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, dies at 95 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE - In this May 12, 2009 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI places a note in the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City. (AP Photo/David Silverman, Pool)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Israeli democracy in danger? A proposed High Court override clause has many concerned about a possible tyranny of the majority. Join us as a diverse set of legal experts discuss with ToI editors what’s currently at stake. In this eighth episode of our limited series podcast, Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with Dr. Susan Weiss about how the proposed legislation may affect women's rights. Weiss is the founder and director of the Center for Women’s Justice, an NGO defending women's rights whenever they are violated by the state in the name of religion. We speak about five main areas in which implementation of the override clause "should terrify women." Ahead of a live-streamed Times of Israel event on judicial reform that took place in Jerusalem's Israel Democracy Institute on December 15, Weiss wrote an op-ed exploring these themes for The Times of Israel explaining her viewpoints. Subscribe to 'Israel’s Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your podcasts.  IMAGE: Dr. Susan Weiss, head of the Center for Women's Justice (courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and religion and diaspora affairs correspondent Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Sharon talks about the final details of the coalition deal, including Border Police control for Otzma Yehudit's Itamar Ben Gvir and settlement expansion powers for Religious Zionism's Bezalel Smotrich, creating unprecedented, dramatic changes in Israel's incoming government. Gross discusses the background of Likud MK Amichai Chikli, being appointed Diaspora Affairs minister and what that could mean for future debates of the Law of Return and the grandchild clause, under attack from the Religious Zionism party, and their belief that it alters the Jewish identity of the state. Gross also talks about the legacy of Rabbi Chaim Druckman, considered a founder of the settler movement, and who was buried earlier this week. Discussed articles include: Otzma Yehudit deal includes control over Border Police, major boost to police funds Religious Zionism coalition deal: Settlement growth, changes to discrimination laws Political deals over Law of Return set stage for fight over future of immigration Rabbi Chaim Druckman, spiritual leader of political religious Zionism, dies at 90 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Likud leader MK Benjamin Netanyahu with Otzma Yehudit party head Itamar Ben Gvir at a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset on December 28, 2022 (Courtesy Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Ops&Blogs editor Miriam Herschlag and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Fabian reported yesterday on an arrest in connection to the double bombing in Jerusalem that took place on the morning of November 23 that killed two and wounded over 20. Who is currently in custody for the attack? On Monday, the Shin Bet security agency announced it foiled an attempt by terror groups in the Gaza Strip to carry out a bombing attack in Israel and arrested four West Bank Palestinians on December 14. Who was behind the planned attack? Fabian wrote a deep dive into Israel's porous border with Jordan, stating that Israeli authorities say they are beginning to gain the upper hand in a relentless battle to stymie the mass smuggling of arms into Israel and the West Bank. How is the tide turning? Herschlag compiled a list of her top dozen posts from the past year. She explains how she assembled the list and we speak about three that particularly moved us. Discussed articles include: Arab Israeli with Islamic State ties arrested for bombings at Jerusalem bus stops Shin Bet busts Gaza-directed terror cell planning ‘major’ bombing in Israel On porous Jordan border, Israel starts to see success against rampant gun-smuggling Voices of 2022: A dozen posts that moved and shook us New ToI podcast miniseries: 'Israel's Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?' Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Voices of 2022 (from top left): Rachel Sharansky Danziger, Grzegorz Kwiatkowski, Mark Shinar, Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, Karen Feuer, Guy Lieberman, Alla Borisova-Linetskaya, Ori Golan, Daniel Landes, Shira Pasternak Be'eri, Grant Arthur Gochin, Ruth EfroniSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Yesterday, new Speaker of the Knesset Yariv Levin made an announcement. What was it? As the clock winds down for incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, what is happening with the pieces of legislation that his coalition partners and Likud wanted to pass before the swearing in? Surkes recently wrote about how Israeli scientists are trying to revolutionize the egg industry and have produced hens that are the first in the world to lay eggs that only produce females. Also on the theme of waste reduction, we hear about OPA and its 100% recyclable take-out bowls now hitting Tel Aviv. And finally, space, the final frontier: A US-born Israeli academic has designed a conceptual plan to rig the moon with solar panels. Why in the world did Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Gordon of Ben-Gurion University turn to this particular problem? Discussed articles include: Netanyahu government set for swearing-in Thursday, but hurdles remain Days before coalition is to take power, law clears path for ministers Deri, Smotrich In first, Israeli scientists program hens to lay eggs that carry only female chicks Start-up offers reusable, 100% recyclable bowls for takeout food Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: In this photo provided by NASA, the Earth and its moon are seen from NASA's Orion spacecraft on November 28, 2022. (NASA via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz speaks about the various pieces of legislation being proposed and discussed by the incoming government, including one that could allow places of business to bar certain customers, depending on owners' religious beliefs. He and Schneider discuss the potential racist legislation, President Isaac Herzog's response and the possible reasons for the continued silence of Netanyahu’s Likud partners. Schneider also talks about her recent interview with Zohar Palti, the former intelligence director in the Mossad, and his remarks about Iran's nuclear program, as well as the need to keep the peace with Jordan and how the incoming, right-wing government could handle these potentially delicate political situations. Discussed articles include: Hanukkah 2022, when Netanyahu began turning out the lights on Israeli democracy No ban on racist MKs, a curbed judiciary, more yeshiva funds: 12 key coalition plans Former Mossad intel chief says Israel must prepare for an imminent attack on Iran Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Ministers and MKs seen during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, on December 20, 2022 (Courtesy Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. New York-based culture critic Jordan Hoffman joins Amanda Borschel-Dan for an extended Daily Briefing with Hoffman's top ten moments of Jewish entertainment this year. Those listeners who would prefer a podcast of more weighty matters should please check out our recently released miniseries about looming legislation that could shift the face of Israel. You can find "Israel’s Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?" anywhere you get your podcasts. Buckle up and get ready for Hoffman's 2022 top ten. Discussed articles include: New ToI podcast points lens at looming, highly influential judicial reform ToI culture critic’s top 10 moments of Jewish entertainment for 2022 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Israeli democracy in danger? A proposed High Court override clause has many concerned about a possible tyranny of the majority. Join us as a diverse set of eight legal experts discuss with ToI editors what’s currently at stake. In this first episode of 'Israel's Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?,' we speak with Prof. Yaniv Roznai, Vice-Dean at the Harry Radzyner Law School and Co-director at the Rubinstein Center for Constitutional Challenges at Reichman University. His scholarship focuses on comparative constitutional law and constitutional theory. Roznai is among those legal scholars who are leading the charge against the potential game-changing legislation. He explains why in a brief conversation ahead of a live-streamed Times of Israel event on judicial reform that took place in Jerusalem's Israel Democracy Institute on December 15.  Subscribe to 'Israel’s Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your podcasts.  IMAGE: Prof. Yaniv Roznai at a ToI Live event in Jerusalem’s Israel Democracy Institute, December 15, 2022. (Oded Antman/IDI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and NY reporter Luke Tress join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's Hanukkah-flavored episode. Yesterday, during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Joe Biden made reference to Hanukkah, saying that it is “A time when Jewish people around the world, President Zelensky and many families among them, honor the timeless miracle of a small band of warriors fighting for the values and their freedom against a much larger foe and how they endured and how they overcame.” Is this overt normalization of the Jewish holiday another White House effort to combat antisemitism? On Tuesday night, US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides attended a candle-lighting ceremony hosted by the Reform movement at the egalitarian section of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Was this some kind of protest against the incoming Netanyahu coalition? The Biden administration stated it intends to hold Netanyahu responsible for his coalition partners. What does it mean practically? The FBI’s recent report on hate crimes in the US in 2021 did not contain any data from New York City, most of Florida and all of California, areas where some of the largest American Jewish populations are located. What are the consequences? The Ben & Jerry's saga appears to have been resolved. Sweet success for the pro-Israel camp? Discussed articles include: Meeting Zelensky, Biden likens Ukraine’s fight against Russia to Hanukkah story US envoy Nides attends Reform candle lighting at Western Wall’s egalitarian plaza US said planning to hold Netanyahu responsible for actions of far-right ministers US lawmakers urge FBI to improve hate crimes data collection after limited report Ben & Jerry’s settles its lawsuit against parent company over settlement boycott Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office of the White House, December 21, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and founder of the pioneering podcast Israel Story, Mishy Harman, join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Facing a Wednesday night deadline, designated prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to declare later in the day that he is able to form a government. Schneider explains the potential snags. Netanyahu’s corruption trial is ongoing and yesterday, Former Israel Police commissioner Roni Alsheich said that he believes Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara should seek a plea deal, saying “Our democracy is not yet ready to prosecute a sitting prime minister." Why would he say that? Finally, we hear from Harmon, the creator of the award-winning Israel Story podcast. The wildly popular podcast will now be hosted on The Times of Israel, featured alongside the ToI podcasts. This will commence next month with the upcoming seventh season of Israel Story. Discussed articles include: Netanyahu expected to announce new government ahead of midnight deadline Ex-police chief says he recommends seeking plea deal in Netanyahu corruption trial Times of Israel announces partnership with podcast Israel Story FIRST EPISODE of a new Times of Israel podcast -- Israel's judiciary: Reform or ruin? Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: FILE - Israeli prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, center, at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, December 13, 2022.(AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We all waited last week for the incoming coalition to push through four bills. And yesterday, the first was finally passed. What is this bill? Current Prime Minister Yair Lapid had some strong words for the presumed Netanyahu government on Monday. “The incoming coalition has a new slogan: ‘Bite me.’” What were the reactions in the Knesset? Deputy Attorney General Amit Marari said yesterday she has reservations about another bill, which would expand ministerial authority over police leadership and policy. What is this "problematic" piece of legislation? Rettig Gur is back from a trip to the United States and notes changes in how American Jews view their relationship with Israel. Discussed articles include: New Knesset passes its first law, meant to thwart potential internal Likud rebellion Lapid pans Netanyahu bloc for ‘Bite me’ attitude toward critics of contentious moves Deputy AG: Despite amendments, Ben Gvir’s policing bill grants unbalanced powers Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: A flag of Israel and an American flag are displayed on a table during a meeting between Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the Pentagon in Washington, August 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. We begin the show by hearing highlights from last night's Qatar World Cup final and how the country was inclusive of Israelis -- to a point. Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent a Hanukkah video message to the Diaspora. Any strong statements here? Horovitz discusses a recent op-ed he wrote about possible threats to the Law of Return with the incoming Netanyahu coalition. What makes him concerned? We hear from Jeffay about new Israeli research that spotlights major benefits of stress reduction measures, specifically for women who are at elevated risk of cancer. Some 15 percent of the world’s most influential studies on COVID-19 vaccines were written by Israeli scientists. No shock here? And finally, we hear about another piece of research from Tel Aviv University in which Israeli scientists say they have found a way to boost the ability of bones to heal themselves. Discussed articles include: Israeli soccer fans rejoice over long-awaited World Cup win for Messi, Argentina Messi’s black Qatari robe at World Cup trophy lift draws mixed reactions from fans Don’t mess with the Law of Return Reducing stress can be life-changer for women with high cancer risk — Israeli study Israelis produced some 15% of world’s top COVID vaccine studies, analysis shows Israeli gel boosts ability of bones to heal themselves, mice trial finds Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, December 18, 2022. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. An Israeli driver came under gunfire by Palestinians in the northern West Bank on Friday and last night the Lion’s Den militant group reportedly claimed responsibility. Fabian fills in details. Fabian attended a large-scale military and medical drill at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem on Thursday. Should patients feel safe, based on what he saw? Spiro recently interviewed Mixed Martial Arts fighter Natan Levy who had some fighting words for Kanye West. Tonight, the Hallmark channel is airing "Hannukah on Rye." Why is this "perfect timing," according to Israeli star Yael Grobglas? And finally, Borschel-Dan speaks about how archaeologists have uncovered a cache of 2,200-year-old silver coins near the Dead Sea, which they say is the first physical proof that Jews fled to the Judean Desert during the upheaval and persecution under Hanukkah villain Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Discussed articles include: Israeli car comes under fire near Nablus, driver escapes unharmed IDF drills at Jerusalem hospital for potential war, heavy rocket attacks on capital UFC’s only Israeli fighter believes all Jews ‘should know how to defend themselves’ Hallmark’s new Hanukkah movie is ‘perfect timing’ amid antisemitism spike, says star 2,200-year-old coin hoard gives hard proof of Book of Maccabees, say archaeologists Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: 2,200-year-old silver coins that were discovered in a wooden box inside a cave in Wadi Muraba‘at near the Dead Sea. (Shai Halevy, Israel Antiquities Authority)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and real estate reporter Danielle Nagler join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Tonight The Times of Israel is holding a live-streamed event in which our Editor David Horovitz is hosting legal experts for a nuanced discussion about the possible consequences of the Override Clause proposal. Keller-Lynn explains what the clause is. This has been a chaotic week in the Knesset as the incoming coalition attempts to push through four key pieces of legislation. What has been going on as clock ticks down to prime minister-designate's December 21 deadline? The government published data yesterday showing that home sales in October plummeted by a staggering 65 percent compared to the same month last year. Could it be that people are no longer willing to pay the prices demanded by sellers? Nagler recently finished a three-part series on how one can invest NIS 300,000 in Israel and abroad. We hear about the adventures of a fictional young couple, Dina and Ilan Discussed articles include: Live event TODAY: Reform or ruin? The next coalition’s plans for the judiciary Knesset legal adviser: Bill to let convicted person be minister clearly ‘personal’ MKs advance bills to let Deri take ministry; grant Ben Gvir, Smotrich broad powers Yariv Levin elected ‘temporary’ Knesset speaker, will facilitate crucial bills No house, no problem: NIS 300,000 can still buy a ticket on the real estate express For Israeli house hunters, NIS 300,000 goes further when you are farther from home It’s not Boardwalk or Park Place, but NIS 300,000 puts you in Israel’s property game Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Likud Head MK Benjamin Netanyahu surrounded by MKs after a vote for the new Knesset speaker at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on December 13, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. US correspondent Jacob Magid and US reporter Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Tress offers update on announcement of New York State prevention unit meant to help crack down on antisemitism, which has been on a steady rise in the last few years. Magid discusses his separate interviews with ex-Meretz MK Yair Golan and Hadash-Ta’al’s Ayman Odeh at the recent J Street conference, each with their own differing views regarding what's next for resurrecting Israel's left. Tress talks about uncovering anti-Israel comments made on social media by a UN investigator now tasked with reporting on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories. Magid speaks about lessons from the World Cup, where there has been an overall sense of pro-Palestinian sentiments amidst the playing field of the Abraham Accords. Discussed articles include: New York launches bias prevention unit as leaders vow to tackle antisemitism The Israeli left has fallen apart. Will Jewish-Arab partnership save it? UN Palestinian rights official’s social media history reveals antisemitic comments Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Morocco's players celebrate with a Palestinian flag at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between Morocco and Spain at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 6, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and religions reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian discusses the death of 16-year-old Jana Majdi Assam Zakarna, found dead on the roof of her Jenin home late Sunday after a gun battle between Palestinians and Israeli border police, and Israel's attempts to figure out what happened. Gross looks at the latest reports of attempts by the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party to spread Haredi measures across Israel, as well as the results of a poll showing that few Israelis support these kinds of demands. Fabian talks about Gaza operatives' attempts to contact Israelis through social media. Gross looks at a Momentum trip to Israel for Russian and Ukrainian women, which went ahead despite political concerns and emotions, and offered surprising results. Discussed articles include: IDF says sniper likely mistakenly killed Palestinian girl during Jenin raid Few Israelis support religion-and-state blitz mulled by incoming coalition – poll Shin Bet: Gaza operatives try to ‘catfish’ Israelis with fake social media accounts Russian and Ukrainian Jewish women bond during first-of-its-kind trip to Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MK Moshe Gafni speaks during a meeting of the United Torah Judaism party at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on December 5, 2022 (Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's podcast. This Thursday, will host our first Times of Israel live-streamed event, “Israel’s Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?” We hear what’s on the program. Preliminary voting is expected to begin Monday on three bills that are key to the makeup of the next government. Likud MK Yariv Levin is also expected to become the new speaker of the Knesset at 16:00. What are these bills and what are their consequences? Yesterday it was announced that a Libyan man suspected in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing of a Pan Am passenger jet that killed all 259 people aboard the plane was taken into US custody. The suspect is called Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. How does his arrest influence the leading narratives of the bombing's perpetrators? COVID is on the rise again here in Israel, but so are two other viruses, Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV, and common influenza. What did Sheba Medical Center pediatrician Prof. Moshe Ashkenazi have to say? And finally, we hear about a world first in which Israeli scientists have derived male and female stem cells from the same person. What is significant about harvesting these almost identical cells, aside from their sex? Discussed articles include: Join ToI’s live event: Reform or ruin? The next coalition’s plans for the judiciary Incoming coalition’s 1st legislative blitz begins Monday as Levin takes speakership Lockerbie bomb suspect announcement puts spotlight back on decades-old investigation RSV hospitalizations jump 31% in a week, stoking ‘tripledemic’ fear In world first, Israeli lab derives male and female stem cells from same person Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Unidentified crash investigators inspect the nose section of the crashed Pan Am flight 103, a Boeing 747 airliner in a field near Lockerbie, Scotland, December 23, 1988. The plane crashed two days before, killing more than 270 people. (AP Photo/Dave Caulkin, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Palestinian Affairs correspondent Jack Mukand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in The Times of Israel's Jerusalem offices. Mukand digs into Palestinian Authority President Abbas's media blitz, with interviews on Wednesday and a speech on Friday. Why the sudden spotlight? Three members of Iran’s small Jewish community have been arrested as part of the crackdown on the ongoing anti-regime protests. The community has previously condemned the protests. What else do we know so far? Peru has its first female president, Dina Boluarte. Do we know anything yet about how the surprise new government may view Israel? Berman speaks about the recently deceased Jewish Ukrainian soldier who was killed last month fighting Russian forces. Who was Vladislav Shain? Mukand watched the Morocco-Portugal quarter-final last night in east Jerusalem. He explains why Moroccan soccer supporters fly the Palestinian flag. Discussed articles include: PA chief urges world to shun an Israeli government not committed to two states PA’s Abbas says he opposes armed resistance, for now 3 members of Iran’s Jewish community arrested amid protests; 1 released Jewish Ukrainian soldier killed fighting Russian forces ‘Indescribable’: Ecstatic Israelis, Palestinians celebrate Morocco World Cup success Arab world, Palestinians, join Moroccans’ celebrations of advance to World Cup semis Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Morocco's Achraf Daria, with a Palestine flag, celebrates next to his teammate Sofiane Boufa after the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Morocco and Portugal, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, December 10, 2022. Morocco won 1-0.(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and United States correspondent Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Schneider briefs us on the final coalition agreements that have been signed and what ministries Sephardic religious party Shas has received even as its leader Aryeh Deri is still barred from being a minister. We hear what Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism is asking for in its 100-some demands that are an appendix to its coalition agreement. Among them, barring the Women of the Wall from prayer at the Western Wall. The second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, convened a round table discussion yesterday on the subject of antisemitism. Who attended and what came out of this event? How is the future opposition shaping up its campaign against the incoming government's proposed changes? Schneider discusses this weekend's upcoming "overpass" protests." We hear what came out of the J Street confab that took place this week. The headlines surrounded remarks made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but that's not the full story. Discussed articles include: Likud inks deal with Shas, finishes doling out government posts to coalition allies Haredi party said to demand law banning all non-Orthodox prayer at Western Wall At White House antisemitism roundtable, Doug Emhoff laments ‘epidemic of hate’ Blinken: US will judge the next Israeli government on policies, not personalities With Biden cautious on new Israeli gov’t, Dems at J Street ready to take gloves off Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks as his image in seen on a large screen behind him at the J Street National Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, December 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Diplomatic correspondent Lazer Berman and Diaspora Affairs correspondent Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We begin by hearing why the Foreign Ministry summoned UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland yesterday. We hear about Berman's recent trip to the Gulf with President Isaac Herzog. Did it meet its goals? And how was the kosher food? Gross just returned from a trip to Moldova where he spent time with Mark Dovev, who works with an organization called Nativ. What is happening on the ground with Ukrainian immigration to Israel? Far-right Noam head Avi Maoz has historical and current connections to Nativ and the flight for Soviet Jewry. We hear how he fought alongside Natan Sharansky for decades. Discussed articles include: Foreign Ministry summons UN Mideast envoy over sympathy for Palestinian attacker Meeting UAE president, Herzog assures him all Israelis support Abraham Accords Herzog meets with small Bahrain Jewish community in Manama Aiding Ukrainians, immigration official finds what it means for Israel to be a haven He campaigned for Soviet immigration. Now Avi Maoz is poised to fight against it Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Jewish Ukrainian who fled war zones in Ukraine wait to receive their entry papers to Israel, at an emergency shelter in Chisinau, Moldova, March 15, 2022. (Yossi Zeliger/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Mannie Fabian and health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Fabian discusses comments made by top military intelligence official Amit Saar at a recent military think tank conference, positing that Israel needs to better understand the causes of the recent West Bank attacks, often carried out by younger, frustrated Palestinians using firearms and posting their attacks on social media platform TikTok. Jeffay talks about an Israeli study regarding the psychosomatic side effects of Covid vaccines and how that affects those gearing up for their next boosters. Fabian explains the partnership between the US Lockheed Martin and Israel’s Rafael weapons manufacturer who are developing a laser interception system, with mutual investment and development teams from both companies. Jeffay talks about an Israeli sociology study finding that gynecological research has overlooked women going through menopause or who are post menopause. Discussed articles include: Top military intel officer: West Bank violence only going to get worse Side effects of COVID vaccines often ‘psychosomatic’: Israeli peer-reviewed study Lockheed Martin joins Iron Beam project to build variant of system for US market Gynecology research neglects women after onset of menopause — Israeli study Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Palestinian demonstrators clash with Israeli security forces during a protest in the village of Kfar Qaddum, near the West Bank city of Nablus, December 2, 2022 (Courtesy Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Horovitz discusses Benjamin Netanyahu's quizzical decision to appoint extremist MK Avi Maoz as a deputy minister at the helm of a new “national Jewish identity” government agency, an appointment that will give him control over external subjects taught at schools.   He also looks at the newly released details of the coalition agreement that will give Bezalel Smotrich's far-right Religious Zionism party extensive influence over the Israeli government’s civilian activities in the West Bank. Surkes discusses the most recent findings regarding Israeli pension funds that hold some $17 billion in companies that profit from oil, gas, coal and other polluting energy sources. Horovitz talks about Iran and the increase in press information being disseminated lately regarding the disbanding of its morality police and hijab laws. Surkes looks at the recent sharp increase in bird flu in Europe and whether it's spreading in Israel, given Israel's location as an avian highway and the predominance of cranes and other birds stopping in the country during the winter months. Discussed articles include: Likud on back foot as dozens of towns say won’t let anti-LGBT MK dictate education Deal will reportedly give Smotrich say in filling sensitive West Bank defense posts Smotrich primed for authority over key West Bank appointments in deal with Likud At least NIS 57.6 billion of Israelis’ pensions invested in fossil fuels — watchdog Bird flu detected in Israel in 2nd case within days Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Noam head Avi Maoz speaks during a function meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 28, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Just before he stepped on a plane to Bahrain, diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman briefs listeners on what we should expect from President Isaac Herzog's two-day visit to Israel’s allies in the Persian Gulf region. On Thursday, details of the final terms of the coalition agreements with the Religious Zionism bloc were released. What do we know about what each party got? Head of the Religious Zionism party MK Bezalel Smotrich is often called a "zealot" or an "ideologue." How is that expected to affect his performance as head of the Civil Administration and COGAT? Sharon explains what kind of reactions we are hearing from settler leaders and well as opposition lawmakers and former high-ranking IDF officers. Spiro recently watched season 2 of “My Unorthodox Life” and spoke with its lead, Julia Haart. Buckle up. Discussed articles include: ‘Message of peace’: Herzog lands in Bahrain for 1st state visit by Israeli president New Smotrich powers likely to see settlements flourish, Palestinian building limited Netanyahu gives Smotrich broad powers over settlements, Palestinian construction How Bezalel Smotrich rode unfiltered radicalism and unforgiving politics to power Former lawmakers, top soldiers blast deal giving Smotrich authority over West Bank Messy divorce, religious battles headline season 2 of Netflix’s ‘My Unorthodox Life’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: MK Bezalel Smotrich, center, waves an Israeli flag during the annual 'Flags March' next to Damascus gate, outside Jerusalem's Old City, June 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.