The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Day 495 – With ceasefire stalling, Israel scrambles to respond

Feb 12, 2025

Jacob Magid, US bureau chief for The Times of Israel, provides a deep dive into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent policy flip-flops regarding the ceasefire and hostage negotiations. As the IDF prepares for potential escalations against Hamas, Magid highlights the U.S. support for Israel's military readiness. The episode also explores King Abdullah's humanitarian offer to assist sick Palestinian children while navigating refugee pressures. Additionally, Magid reviews controversial reforms to the Palestinian Authority's welfare payments for prisoners.

23:41

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Jacob Magid

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Quick takeaways

Prime Minister Netanyahu's shifting statements on the ceasefire and hostages reflect broader U.S. interests and the unpredictability of Hamas's responses.

Jordan's cautious approach towards accepting Palestinian refugees underlines the delicate balance between international obligations and national concerns amid ongoing conflict.

Deep dives

Ceasefire Negotiations and Hostage Release

Intense discussions are ongoing regarding the ceasefire and hostage negotiations in Gaza, particularly following a deadline set by the U.S. administration for the release of hostages. Israel seems to be preparing to resume military action if Hamas does not comply, as troop movements along the Gaza border indicate a potential escalation. Interestingly, there is speculation that Israel may accept a partial release of hostages, allowing for some to be freed under pressure from the Trump administration while resuming fighting simultaneously. The lack of a clear strategy on how to approach the ceasefire and negotiations indicates heightened tension and uncertainty as the situation develops.

Intro

3min

Navigating Uncertainty: Israel and Trump's Ultimatum

9min

Jordan's Delicate Balance: Refugees and Political Pressures

4min

Diplomatic Tensions: U.S. and Jordan's Balancing Act

4min

Reform of Welfare Payments Amid Criticism and Political Implications

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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Magid discusses how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flip-flopped Tuesday night with a series of statements regarding the current ceasefire and the number of hostages to be released on Saturday. Magid suggests it could be part of an ongoing effort to back US President Donald Trump's demands and to also keep Hamas guessing.

As the IDF prepares to move enlisted soldiers down south to the Gaza border and called on reservists to ready themselves, Magid says there may be more legitimacy from the US toward Israel to battle Hamas again in order to achieve the broader goals of the region.

Magid reviews Trump's meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah and Abdullah's offer to take in 2,000 sick Palestinian children, although it appears that Jordan is not interested in taking in mass amounts of Gazan refugees, and sees it as exporting the conflict.

He also talks about the Palestinian Authority agreement to review legislation regarding welfare payments for Palestinian prisoners and families of slain attackers who killed Israelis in terrorist attacks.

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:

Netanyahu: ‘Intense fighting’ to resume in Gaza if hostages not released by Saturday

Trump urges ending Gaza ceasefire if all hostages not released by noon Saturday

Abdullah says Jordan will take in 2,000 sick Gazan kids as Trump pushes relocation plan

Architect of US law against PA ‘pay-to-slay’ skeptical of Ramallah effort to end it

IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a plenum session at the Knesset on February 10, 2025 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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