Intro

Welcome to The 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 and diplomatic reporter Nava Freiberg join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As US special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the state of the ceasefire, Berman reports on the diplomatic push and pull with Hamas and the delayed release of hostage bodies, in violation of said ceasefire.

Berman notes that the US and Turkey are currently pressuring Israel to allow the safe release of some 100 Hamas fighters holed up in Gaza tunnels located on the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow ceasefire line in southern Gaza's Rafah in exchange for yesterday's release of Hadar Goldin's body, although that release was part of the initial hostage deal.

Berman discusses the lack of IAEA investigations into new Iranian nuclear sites, as Iran appears to be preparing for another round of the conflict with Israel.

He also talks about the diplomatic situation with Hezbollah, as Lebanon's disarmament of the terrorist group seems to be taking place at a slower pace than its rearmament, creating the potential for another Israeli operation to the north.

Following the release home of fallen soldier Hadar Goldin, Freiberg discusses the relentless struggle by the Goldin family over eleven years and their repeated calls to take a more aggressive stance against Hamas, criticizing any deterrence or concessions taken with the terror group.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Netanyahu meets with Kushner on Gaza ceasefire, remaining hostages

Another Israel-Iran war increasingly seen as just a matter of time, NYT reports

Israel said to accuse Lebanese army of failing to prevent Hezbollah from rearming

Hamas announces it will return body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, held since 2014

After decade of deadlock, return of Hadar Goldin’s body may bring closure to captive nation

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IMAGE: Leah and Simcha Goldin, parents of fallen soldier Hadar Goldin, offer a statement after the release home of their son's body outside their Kfar Saba home on November 9, 2025 (Yehoshua Yosef/Flash90)

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