Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Political correspondent Ariela Karmel and diplomatic reporter Nava Freiberg join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As the Prime Minister's Office announces Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump on December 29 in the US, Freiberg notes that the two leaders will discuss the next phases of the Gaza peace plan. She says the emerging security arrangements between Israel and Syria are also on the table and discusses media reports that Netanyahu was meant to sign a security agreement with Syria in September, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Karmel and Freiberg review different aspects of the 40-signature debate earlier this week in the Knesset, in which Netanyahu publicly supported the current Haredi draft bill for the first time. The prime minister also defended Israel's international standing, pointing to the recent visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his regular phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Karmel discusses a special Knesset panel formed to advance Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s controversial media bill and bypass the Knesset Economics Committee run by Likud MK David Bitan, given the lack of consensus in Karhi's own Likud party over the bill meant to overhaul Israel's broadcast media.

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

For further reading:

Trump to host Netanyahu on December 29 for talks on advancing Gaza plan

Netanyahu denies report he refused to ink deal with Syria on sidelines of UN in September

Netanyahu backs ‘historic’ Haredi draft bill in fiery Knesset debate on wartime conduct

Panel chair assails press as special Knesset committee takes up media oversight bill

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.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at 40 signatures debate in the Knesset on December 8, 2025. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

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