The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following US President Donald Trump's comment about the ceasefire with Iran being on "life support," Magid reports on possible Iranian willingness to give up on stockpiles of highly enriched uranium that are buried far underground and Trump's frustration when those terms weren't included in their latest proposal. The European Union approved a round of sanctions against violent Jewish settlers, and Magid names the settler organizations involved in establishing settlements and outposts and the individuals associated with them, which now won't have access to funds from Europe. A donation of $100 million from the United Arab Emirates will help set up a Gaza police force to maintain internal security in the Gaza Strip, reports Magid, although he notes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not fully on board with this latest Board of Peace plan. Yasser Abbas, the millionaire son of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, is up for a position on the powerful central committee of Fatah, and Magid discusses the possible scenarios that could take place during the upcoming conference. Magid briefly notes a slight kerfuffle between Israel's US ambassador Yechiel Leiter and several American Jewish organizations that are cosponsoring an event with the Spanish government that has been strongly critical of Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump says Iran ceasefire ‘on life support’ after Tehran submitted ‘garbage’ proposal EU foreign ministers approve sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, Hamas leaders UAE sends Board of Peace $100 million for training of new Gaza police force — officials Abbas seen positioning son for Palestinian leadership, dismaying those seeking new blood Israeli envoy takes rare swipe at US Jewish groups for cosponsoring Spanish exhibit Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg in today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This week, host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with legal expert Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy. Almost immediately following Hamas’s murderous onslaught on southern Israel, humanitarian law expert Elkayam-Levy established and now heads The Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children. On May 12, the commission released a massive report that documents and chronicles Hamas’s systemic use of rape and sexual violence against women -- and men -- on October 7, while taking hostages and during their captivities. Elkayam-Levy visited The Times of Israel's Jerusalem studio for this wide-ranging conversation. Listener discretion is advised. Since the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel, Elkayam-Levy and her team of forensics and legal experts, alongside professional archivists and others, have carefully gathered witness testimony and over 10,000 pieces of visual evidence that prove the terrorists' use of sex abuse as a tactical war crime. We hear about 13 categories of abuse perpetrated on people from over 50 nationalities. We learn that the tactic of broadcasting the crimes via livestreams has made Hamas heroes in the eyes of some fundamentalists who are already importing the terror group's sadistic methods, as seen in Syrian attacks on Druze in July. Elkayam-Levy discusses the impossible mission of providing a voice for the voiceless and creating a historical database that accurately portrays the scope of the horror. She has faced unfathomable blowback and is clear-eyed about how the commission's report will be received. So this week, we ask Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.  IMAGE: Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy (Muki Schwartz) / On October 13, 2023, Israeli soldiers inspect the site of the Nova music festival where at least 340 Israeli festival-goers were killed during the attack by Hamas militants on Oct 7, near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, Iran handed over its much-anticipated response to the latest US peace proposal. US President Donald Trump quickly declared it "totally unacceptable." We delve into the ongoing skirmishes between Iranian drones and Gulf states, including Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and speak about potential scenarios facing Trump in the near future. In a lengthy "60 Minutes" interview last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the war is “not over” despite Trump’s apparent desire to end hostilities and insistence that Iran had been roundly defeated. We hear highlights from what was on -- and off -- camera, including his quasi-acceptance of some responsibility for the October 7, 2023, massacre on Israeli soil. The US will host the third round of ambassador-level talks between representatives from Israel and Lebanon on May 14 and 15. What are the aims of the ongoing talks -- and how feasible is any kind of agreement as long as Hezbollah is still firmly entrenched in Israel's neighbor to the north? A former senior US official and a former senior Israeli official are offering a new vision to restart their nations' bilateral relationship. Berman met with former US ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and former IDF Military Intelligence chief Amos Yadlin last week and brings back a vision with some cautious optimism. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Unacceptable’: Trump rejects Iran response to US peace offer, as Netanyahu insists war ‘not over’ UAE, Kuwait and Qatar all report drone attacks as Iran ramps up its threats Netanyahu concedes he bears some responsibility for Oct. 7, but says ‘everyone’ shares it IDF reservist killed in Hezbollah explosive drone attack in northern Israel Past top Israeli, US officials reveal new vision for ties rooted in tech partnership Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The 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 correspondents Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. The opposition parties are shaping up ahead of the upcoming elections, as Sokol and Karmel discuss the familiar and new political figures and the jockeying among parties to maximize votes. Karmel also reports on a new Druze political party, the first time the community has formed one in decades, following their deep sense of frustration with the government. As the Knesset returns to its first session after a prolonged break, Sokol and Karmel discuss the expected legislative blitz, including proposed laws to split the role of the attorney general, a controversial proposed political probe into October 7, restricting Israel’s broadcast media landscape, as well as the military exemption service law for the ultra-Orthodox. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen joins Eisenkot’s Yashar party After joining Yashar, ex-head of Shin Bet says Smotrich a ‘legitimate’ partner, but not Ben Gvir Amid speculation of merger, Eisenkot and Liberman say they’re ‘deepening cooperation’ Golan: Zionist opposition must partner with Arab party Ra’am to topple government Yisrael Beytenu, said to eye merger with Eisenkot, adds hostages’ brother to ranks Contentious proposals dominate planned legislative blitz as Knesset readies to resume PM said to ask Haredim to again shelve draft exemption bill — this time until after election Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: ToI political correspondents Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, the head of Realign for Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse. This week, the Board of Peace’s top Gaza envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, is in Israel in an attempt to kick-start the Trump peace plan. He has previously urged the international community to pressure the Hamas Palestinian terror group to disarm and prevent another cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip. This week, we hear why Alkhatib believes the current stalemate in Gaza is being embraced by both Hamas and official Israel. But first, Alkhatib paints a dismal picture of life in the Strip -- rat infestations, sewage in the streets and a strong Hamas presence on the ground. We learn about the recent elections for Hamas leadership and hear background about the leading candidates. Finally, among all the darkness, Alkhatib shares pinpoints of light from among the people who are still not cowed by the terrorist regime. And so this week, we ask Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, we dive straight into our two films for this week, the 2021 documentary "Bernstein's Wall" and Bradley Cooper's 2023 "Maestro." Our two classical music fans begin with the documentary, highlighting the parts of conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein's life that were previously unknown to them. We hear how the movie employs Bernstein himself as its narrator by weaving together clips from dozens of revealing interviews the celebrity gave over his life.  Shifting over to the Hollywood treatment, we zero in on the Maestro's relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. We learn where Cooper stayed true to the contours of the musician's life -- and where he missed the mark. Stick around to see if "Bernstein's Wall" and "Maestro" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Israel has had a rough time of it on the international stage since the Hamas invasion of October 7, 2023 and the subsequent wars. Allegations of collective punishment, genocide, and targeting of religious sites have been made by some of Israel's closest allies, and support for the Jewish state is plummeting in the West. Much of the criticism leveled at Israel, justified or not, revolves around what the world sees from the battlefield. The IDF has a large, well-oiled public communications machine. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit does things other militaries can only dream of. At the same time, there is a feeling in Israel and among its friends that the IDF is too slow and bureaucratic to effectively get its message out in the age of social media and AI. LTC Nadav Shoshani, who returned to active duty in the wake of October 7, argues that despite Israel's inherent disadvantages, the IDF is effectively communicating to the world. In an interview the day before he steps down as the IDF's international spokesman, Shoshani reveals his approach to speaking to the world about the war in Gaza. He admits that Israel's reputation is at a nadir and that the problem must be dealt with. Yet he stresses that Israel is facing structural disadvantages. Much of the world simply doesn't like war. Israel's enemies aren't held to the same standard of truth and accuracy, which allows them to quickly spread lies while Israel is still carrying out investigations. Shoshani lays out some of the lessons he's learned in the position. Israel has to fill information vaccuums, he says, even if it is a message that the country is investigating the incident at hand. He also opened many new social media accounts, in order "to be everywhere and to be active everywhere." Pressed on the persistent problem of IDF soldiers posting problematic content on social media, Shoshani says that he has invested significant effort into confronting the problem, with tangible results. "They understand what's happening," says Shoshani. "They're more sensitive. It's still not where we want it to be, but it is much better." Shoshani takes listeners back to key episodes in the Gaza war like the 2025 announcement by Defense Minister Israel Katz that nothing would be going into Gaza, and the GHF aid site fiasco in which Gazans were killed nearly daily around the food distribution sites. He says that the IDF has acted properly around prisoners taken from Gaza. Shoshani visited the Sde Teiman base, and says Hamas terrorists there are receiving food and medical care, and that there are lawyers on site to make sure the guards adhere to the law. Shoshani also argues that the IDF is doing everything it can to combat settler violence in the West Bank: "We see this as a core mission. Our mission in Judea and Samaria is to keep stability and to keep safety for all the people living in that area, to make sure there is no violence." The military recognizes the problem, he says, and is dealing with it, but that it takes time. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As the US and Iran continue talks regarding a permanent deal, Horovitz says the regime feels it has established control over the Strait of Hormuz and views the US as vulnerable. Horovitz discusses the deal-making tendencies of Trump, a way of thinking that ultimately worked in favor of the Hamas hostage deal, but is harder to achieve with the dilemmas in Iran, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Following Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent comment that former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s decision to include the Islamist Ra’am party in his 2021-2022 government was far worse than the governmental failures tied to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught, Horovitz comments on the level of political hostility and the absence of empathy among Netanyahu's government for all the bereaved Israelis and hostage families. Finally, Horovitz reflects on the recent Golders Green stabbing attack, an iteration of the antisemitic attacks happening all over the Jewish diaspora, and how the British government has handled the situation. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US, Iran said closing in on framework for permanent deal, as Trump renews bomb threats Board of Peace won’t hold Israel to truce terms if Hamas doesn’t okay disarmament offer Smotrich: Including Arab party in government ‘a thousand times’ worse than Oct. 7 failures We’re not in the 1930s… yet Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. IMAGE: ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Donald Trump says the US will be pausing the operation Project Freedom that it launched on Monday to assist vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to progress made in talks toward a permanent ceasefire with Iran. Magid parses Trump's Truth Social post announcement and updates us on statements made earlier in the day by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The US-led Board of Peace, the newly formed body tasked with overseeing the postwar management of Gaza, does not intend to hold Israel to the terms of the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire if Hamas does not accept the international panel’s framework for the terror group’s disarmament, a document obtained by Magid shows. We hear the potential implications of this new approach. And finally, we turn to a new report on a recurring issue: The US State Department informed Congress last month that the Palestinian Authority has not ceased making payments to the families of security prisoners and slain attackers, despite reforming, and ostensibly ending, its system of cash transfers awarded in accordance with the amount of time served behind Israeli bars. Magid unravels this knotty issue. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran threatens Hormuz shipping, as Trump said to shelve strikes amid diplomacy Iran ceasefire ‘not over,’ US ‘not looking for a fight,’ Hegseth says after Tehran fires on Gulf Draft UN resolution threatens sanctions on Iran unless it opens Strait of Hormuz Board of Peace won’t hold Israel to truce terms if Hamas doesn’t okay disarmament offer US says PA continuing to pay security prisoners despite reformed welfare criteria Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Iran fired over a dozen missiles and several drones at the United Arab Emirates on Monday, renewing attacks on the Gulf state for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold last month. Berman explains how US President Donald Trump really doesn't want to go back to war. But, at the same time, he might. Lebanon’s parliament speaker said on Monday there could be no negotiations with Israel without a halt to the war that has raged on in southern Lebanon in spite of a ceasefire. Since the Iran negotiations are so intrinsically tied to the conflict in Lebanon, Berman speaks about Israel's difficult position. In the final half of the program, we turn to the concept of "strategic independence." We hear how European leaders on Monday said that Trump’s snap decision to pull thousands of US troops out of Germany is a fresh sign that Europe must take care of its own security. And earlier this week, we heard from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future defense procurement will focus on expanding Israel’s capabilities and its independence. Berman weighs in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran restarts attacks on Emirates as US fights to restore traffic in Strait of Hormuz Lebanon’s Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker: No talks with Israel until war ends Europe seeks to ‘take charge’ of its own defense as US to cut presence of troops Netanyahu says project to counter drone threat underway, but ‘will take time’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war with the US and Israel, calling it unacceptable. Meanwhile, Trump said the United States would on Monday morning begin an effort to “guide” stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, which he is branding "Operation Freedom." Fabian fills us in on an IDF briefing he attended on Friday, which assessed the Iran war's achievements so far. Amid constant tit-for-tat explosive conflict between Hezbollah and the IDF, the ceasefire doesn't exist in southern Lebanon, states Fabian. We delve into the Iranian-backed terror group's use of relatively cheap drones that are guided by fiber optic cables, making them effectively immune to electronic jamming. US President Donald Trump’s ​plan for the Gaza Strip, which was initially embraced by Israel and Hamas, calls for Israeli troops to withdraw from the enclave and reconstruction to ⁠start as Hamas lays down its weapons. As Hamas is not showing any signs of disarming, how is the IDF preparing? Religious Zionist rabbis from a range of institutions representing the community expressed their concern over a plan to allow women to serve with men in the Israel Defense Forces Armored Corps, with at least some vowing to instruct the students not to serve in tanks as long as that remains a possibility. Fabian delves into the recent conscription data of fighters from the haredi community versus female fighters. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Latest Iran terms unacceptable; US on Monday to start guiding ships out of Hormuz IDF official says Iran war will be ‘one big failure’ if enriched uranium not removed Hezbollah fires rockets at troops in Lebanon, no injuries; IDF strikes terror sites Ministers set to discuss renewing Gaza war as Hamas refuses to disarm — report Religious Zionist rabbis say students will not enlist in Armored Corps with women Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Jewish world and real estate correspondent Zev Stub joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. WATCH the full episode here:   With London Jews feeling scared and angry about last week's stabbing attack of two men in Golders Green, Stub discusses the community sentiment that the government isn't doing enough to fight antisemitism, and similarities to events in Canada and Australia. Stub reports on his trip to the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, noting that the local economy, weakened by more than two years of war, has only 60% of residents who have returned after being evacuated. There is a need for more ultra-Orthodox housing, Stub discusses, reviewing possible government plans to create three Haredi hubs in the south and raising questions about economic viability and the various social service issues inherent in an ultra-Orthodox city. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.For further reading: Starmer booed at site of Golders Green terror; promises to tackle antisemitism, extremism ‘The city is dead’: Israel’s north struggles to recover as war leaves uneven economic scars Housing snapshot April 2026: Home prices continue slide, bringing yearly drop to 1.7% Separate cities or shared space? Ministries at odds over huge Negev housing plan for Haredim Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Jewish world and real estate correspondent Zev Stub joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing. (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, before diving into our two films for this week, we revisit the 1960 film "Exodus" with a few reflections based on listeners' responses -- and Hoffman's musing while sweeping. We then hear about the movie maven's night out enjoying the Boss, Bruce Springsteen, and the E-Street Band's longtime Jewish musicians. The first film we chew over in this week's episode is a short, 13-minute indie production called "How to Make Challah" by Sarah Rosen. The intergenerational look at New York Jewry is framed within footage filmed by Rosen's aunt of her grandmother making challah in 1975. Now #1 on Netflix in Israel, Sadie Sandler's new "Roommates" left the team almost speechless, but they valiantly rallied at the sight of Jewish acting greats Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll and Carol Kane.  Chloe East stars as Celeste, joined by Sadie Sandler as Devon. Does her apple fall far from the Adam Sandler tree? Stick around to see if "How to Make Challah" and "Roommates" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with The Times of Israel's senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur. On Sunday, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run for this year's Israeli elections.  Immediately, polling showed that the combined electoral slate, dubbed “Together,” would win a total of 26 seats if elections were held Monday, placing them ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud as the Knesset’s largest party, according to Channel 12. Later in the week, Opposition Leader Lapid told Bennett that he was willing to take third place, rather than second, on their joint electoral slate if it would help secure a broader merger with Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot. On this week's episode, in the spirit of the newly completed NFL draft, we play fantasy football and weigh the merits of the current parties and politicians vyying for the Knesset in this year's election. And so this week, we ask Haviv Rettig Gur what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Haviv Rettig Gur (courtesy) / Green Bay Packers quarterback Taylor Elgersma (19) throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, August 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. We open the episode with a recent annual national monitoring report, carried out on behalf of the Energy and Environmental Protection ministries, on the state of the Mediterranean Sea. Surkes describes how the sea is growing saltier, warmer and more polluted, and why it has become a home to invasive tropical fish. We discuss what that means for beachgoers and fish eaters as we head into the summer season. We then move on to the latest updates in an unusual court case: The Jerusalem District Court on Tuesday ordered the Interior Ministry to grant temporary Israeli status to a Syrian-born woman, the wife of a disabled IDF veteran, who converted to Judaism. The Syrian Alawite woman and her husband have faced a series of legal hurdles as they seek to build a life together in Israel. We hear about their saga. In the second half of the program, Surkes walks through her recent op-ed on Israeli energy policy, which she describes as a growing security risk. We end off the program with an account of her recent visit to the orangutans at the Jerusalem Zoo, who, 10 days ago, welcomed a new baby to their troop. This is not the first orangutan to be born in Israel, but it’s the first at the biblical zoo, and an important addition to the world’s shrinking orangutan population. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: The Mediterranean: Warmer, saltier, more acidic, and rising fast — report After years in limbo, court lets Syrian convert live in Israel with husband, a disabled vet True independence must include the air we breathe Great excitement as first orangutan is born at Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. It's no more Mr. Nice Guy for US President Donald Trump on Iran. At the same time, Trump said on Wednesday that talks with Iran have been taking place over the phone in recent days, after he canceled a trip over the weekend for US negotiators to travel to Pakistan to speak with Iranian officials. Berman brings us up to date on where things -- including the US military assets -- stand as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iran continue. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a visit to troops posted in southern Lebanon on Wednesday that there “is no ceasefire,” as Israel and Hezbollah continued to exchange fire despite a truce that’s been in place for almost two weeks. We hear how Israel is even more restrained today than it was prior to the Iran war in terms of its freedom of movement against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli Navy late Wednesday began intercepting an activist flotilla sailing to the Gaza Strip in a bid to breach Israel’s naval blockade on the Hamas-ruled enclave, according to the activists and Israeli officials. As of Thursday morning, a third of the vessels were intercepted near Crete. How is Israel handling the PR stunt this year? Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar appointed veteran diplomat George Deek to a newly created role as special envoy to the Christian world last week. Berman is cautiously optimistic, but has major reservations. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: After rejecting Iran’s proposal to open Hormuz, Trump says talks ongoing over the phone IDF chief says there’s ‘no ceasefire’ in south Lebanon amid continued fighting with Hezbollah Navy begins intercepting Gaza flotilla hundreds of miles from the Strip Israel appoints first special envoy to Christian world after scandals strain ties Suspect arrested in attack on nun yesterday in Jerusalem Old City Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. With the lack of progress in the negotiations between the United States and Iran, US intelligence agencies are studying how Iran would respond if US President Donald Trump were to declare a unilateral victory in the two-month-old war, according to a Reuters report. Magid weighs in on any potential schism within the Trump administration as Iran's newest proposal appears to shelve the issue of a nuclear program -- the very reason the war was launched. Amid a growing diplomatic incident, Israel said Tuesday it had yet to receive evidence that a shipment of Russian grain had been “stolen” from occupied Ukrainian territory, while Kyiv said it was preparing sanctions against those involved in the transaction. Magid unravels this tangled issue, which played out live on social media. A list backed by the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party won most races in the weekend’s Palestinian municipal elections, election officials said Sunday, in a vote that for the first time in nearly two decades included a city in the Gaza Strip run by Hamas, the terror group that violently ousted Fatah from Gaza in 2007. We hear why this vote was significant -- and why it was not. Last week, Wendy Sherman, who served as deputy secretary of state for much of former US president Joe Biden’s administration, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the perpetration of a genocide in Gaza. Magid explains how this opinion, coming from a former Biden official, is being heard more as the Democratic Party looks ahead to the next election. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US intel agencies examining how Iran would react if Trump declares victory in war Trump reportedly unhappy with Iran’s proposal to reopen Hormuz but shelve nuclear issue Israel says no proof Russian grain shipment ‘stolen,’ as Ukraine threatens sanctions Smotrich confirms Finance Ministry hasn’t transferred any tax revenues to PA for past year PA leader Abbas’s loyalists win local elections, including in Gaza’s Deir al‑Balah Biden’s deputy secretary of state: Netanyahu helped ‘create a genocide in Gaza’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Mideast and Russia expert Ksenia Svetlova joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Former MK Svetlova is the executive director of ROPES (Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security) and a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. We open the program with an exploration of Iran's historic and current ties with Russia, after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met yesterday with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Svetlova explores Russia's influence in the region -- specifically its direct ties to Hezbollah -- and assesses how much leverage Moscow may have in the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. In the second half of the program, we focus on Israel's relations with Arab Gulf states in the wake of the war in Iran. We hear how Israel deployed troops and the Iron Dome to its Abraham Accord partner, the United Arab Emirates. She discusses how the region is at a crossroads and the Gulf states are pragmatically discussing whether to deepen ties with Iran, or, potentially, with Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump reportedly unhappy with Iran’s proposal to reopen Hormuz but shelve nuclear issue In Saint Petersburg, Iran’s FM blames US for failure of Pakistan talks Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht edited this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The 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 correspondents Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmal join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol reports on the Sunday announcement of a joint campaign and list for former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid ahead of the 2026 elections, under Bennett's stewardship. Karmel and Sokol discuss that Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot is not part of the campaign and list, given his own entry into the 2026 race, that his decisions will test the fortunes of the Bennett-Lapid bloc. Members of the Likud party and government coalition reacted to the announcement, reports Sokol, and he and Karmel discuss the possible Likud B breakaway party that would offer an alternative right-wing option. Karmel and Sokol also discuss that the government coalition is dismissive of the Bennett-Lapid merger, reviewing the comments and memes immediately circulated about the two politicians and their announcement. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Launching joint slate, Bennett and Lapid promise ‘the era of division is over’ Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announce united run under Bennett in 2026 elections Bennett-Lapid reunion jolts electoral race, but path to unseating Netanyahu elusive as ever Eisenkot welcomes Bennett-Lapid union but says: To win, we need to bring in more votes Backing public transit on Shabbat, Bennett steers campaign into jammed center lane Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Political correspondents Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. WATCH the full episode here: Fabian notes that the Iranian ceasefire still stands, although the IDF and air force are ready to return to fighting if necessary. With a Lebanese ceasefire still in place, Fabian reports that Israel continues to demolish Hezbollah sites while the terrorist group carries out attacks on Israeli troops stationed in Lebanon. Fabian discusses the latest disclosure of two Israel Air Force technicians who spied for Iran, trading information about their base and imagery for small sums of money. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: PM instructs IDF to strike Hezbollah targets ‘with force’ after repeated truce violations Amid truce, Hezbollah attacks IDF in south Lebanon; troops kill 6 gunmen in Bint Jbeil Hezbollah fires rocket salvo at northern Israel shortly before ceasefire extended IDF probes soldiers seen damaging solar panels in south Lebanon Christian village 2 IDF aircraft mechanics charged with spying for Iran, leaking fighter jet info Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing. (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.