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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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