The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Day 498 - 3 freed hostages find new baby, murdered dad, captive brother

Feb 15, 2025

Emanuel Fabian, a military reporter for The Times of Israel, shares insights on the significant release of three hostages after 498 days. He discusses the propaganda surrounding their release and examines their health status. The conversation highlights the Israeli Defense Forces' readiness to confront tensions in Gaza and the ongoing military accountability issues faced by recently freed soldiers. Fabian also tackles the escalating unrest involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and the complexities of counterterrorism in the West Bank.

23:37

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Emanuel Fabian

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Quick takeaways

The recent release of three hostages after 498 days underscores the staged propaganda efforts by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad during this high-stakes political maneuvering.

The IDF's buildup in southern Israel reflects heightened tensions and preparations for potential conflict, highlighting ongoing counterterrorism operations in the West Bank.

Deep dives

Hostage Release Details

Three hostages, Sagi Dekelchen, Sasha Trufanov, and Yair Horn, were released after 498 days in captivity, marking a significant event as they were presented in a staged ceremony by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This release was notably the first joint ceremony between the two groups, showcasing an organized approach unlike previous chaotic releases. The released individuals received various gifts, including items symbolizing the claimed borders of Palestine, indicating Hamas's effort to leverage this moment for propaganda. Despite some hostages appearing in relatively better health, there were visible signs of distress, particularly in Yair Horn, who suffered from significant weight loss and limping due to an old injury sustained during captivity.

Intro

5min

Health and Hostage Accountability

9min

Tensions Rise: Hezbollah, Iranian Flights, and UNIFIL's Struggles

4min

Ceasefire Conversations: The Future of IDF Presence in Lebanon

2min

Counterterrorism in the West Bank

6min

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.

Released hostages Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Troufanov and Iair Horn crossed back into Israel this morning after being paraded on a stage in southern Gaza in a propaganda-filled release ceremony by the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups after 498 days in captivity. Fabian fills us in on the ceremony and their health status. We learn about how the IDF has handled the heightened tensions in the Gaza Strip this past week and its readiness to return to war-footing.

In a meeting on Friday morning, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi apologized to four recently released hostage soldiers for their warnings not being treated seriously before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, as well as for their long captivity. Halevi met with Agam Berger, Liri Albag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev, who were released from Hamas captivity after some 15 months. We learn what else was leaked from the meeting.

The outgoing deputy commander of UNIFIL was injured Friday, the international peacekeeping force said, after a convoy taking troops to the Beirut airport was attacked amid pro-Hezbollah demonstrations in the area. This occurred as the IDF is reluctantly readying a drawdown from Lebanon on February 18 -- which may or may not be its final withdrawal of troops, reports Fabian.

Finally, we hear updates on the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank and learn how much security cooperation there is with the Palestinian Authority for it.

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 the Pod-Waves.

For further reading:

Released hostages Dekel-Chen, Troufanov and Horn in Israel after 498 days in captivity

Hamas made surveillance troops watch torture videos of male hostages, says mother

IDF chief apologizes to freed surveillance soldiers for failing them on and before Oct. 7

‘I was starved and tortured’: Keith Siegel urges Trump to ensure all hostages freed

Two weeks after his release, former hostage Ofer Calderon hospitalized with pneumonia

UNIFIL’s outgoing deputy chief wounded as convoy attacked by pro-Hezbollah rioters

IDF strikes Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, citing ‘direct threat’ to Israel

Lebanon tells Iranian flight it can’t land, after IDF’s Hezbollah smuggling claim

Troops neutralize bomb-laden car, Palestinian shot dead near IDF base, in West Bank

IMAGE: A woman holds pictures of three released Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv on February 15, 2025 in the city's Hostages Square. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

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