Welcome to The 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.