The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Day 507 - Tanks in the West Bank and IAF buzzes Nasrallah funeral

Feb 24, 2025

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel, provides fresh insights on critical developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He discusses the U.S. backing for Israel’s prisoner release strategy and the ongoing negotiations involving Hamas. Berman also reveals the unprecedented deployment of Israeli tanks in the West Bank and the long-term military plans there. Additionally, he highlights the political implications of a massive Hezbollah funeral in Beirut, indicating a shift in regional power dynamics.

21:01

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Lazar Berman

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Quick takeaways

The U.S. supports Israel's delay in releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners while emphasizing the humane treatment of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Israeli tanks have re-entered the West Bank after two decades, signaling a shift in military strategy focused on counterterrorism and regional threats.

Deep dives

Hostage Release Negotiations

Israeli negotiations regarding the release of hostages and the fate of 600 Palestinian security prisoners are currently in a critical phase. The U.S. supports Israel's decision to pause the release of prisoners, emphasizing the need to address the treatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas. As the first phase of the ceasefire ends, there are efforts to extend it or initiate a second phase of negotiations. Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, remains committed to achieving total victory over Hamas while balancing the imperative of securing the hostages' release.

Intro

2min

Negotiations and Hostage Dynamics in the Israel-Hamas Conflict

4min

Hostage Dynamics and Military Operations

5min

Military Readiness and Operational Strain Amidst Conflict

2min

Funeral Politics and Far-Right Rise

10min

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

Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing.

The White House says that it supports Israel’s decision to delay releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli hostages by Hamas. At the same time, we’re hearing for the first time from US President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff that he will come to the region this week to try and negotiate an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, which is supposed to conclude at the end of the week with the return of four additional bodies of hostages. Berman updates us on the current status of the talks.

Yesterday, Israeli tanks deployed to the West Bank for the first time in over 20 years and Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the IDF to stay for at least the next year in West Bank refugee camps that have been cleared of terror operatives and civilians, and not allow some 40,000 displaced Palestinians to return. Does the IDF have the manpower for such an operation?

Tens of thousands of black-clad mourners vowed support for the Hezbollah terror group Sunday at the Beirut funeral of slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, after the group was dealt major blows in its last round of hostilities with Israel. As the funeral began at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Lebanon’s biggest sports arena, Israeli warplanes flew at a low altitude over Beirut. What was Israel's message with this fly over?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a “warm conversation” last night with Friedrich Merz, the presumptive German chancellor after his CDU/CSU came first in the German elections yesterday. But the standout saga from these elections is the surge in support for far-right anti-immigration party AfD, which took a historic second place among the electorate. Berman weighs in.

On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has faced fierce criticism from the new US administration, leading Zelensky to offer to quit his post if it would mean that Ukraine could join NATO. Publicity stunt or authentic plea?

Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates.

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.

For further reading:

In first, Witkoff says US looking to extend hostage deal’s current phase

In visit to Tulkarem, Netanyahu calls to expand West Bank counterterror operation

Holding up photo of Bibas family, PM says Israel must ‘remember what we’re fighting for’

IDF deploys tanks in West Bank for first time since 2002, sending 3 to Jenin as it expands op

Tens of thousands shout ‘Death to Israel’ at Nasrallah funeral, as Israeli jets fly overhead

Germany’s rising far-right AfD is split over Israel. Jews call party ‘a danger’ either way

Responding to Trump, Zelensky says he’d resign if it meant Ukraine could join NATO

IMAGE: An Israeli tank drives towards the Jenin camp in the West Bank, February 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

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