Day 629 - Bromance blossoms as Trump sticks up for his friend Bibi

20 snips

Jun 26, 2025

Jacob Magid, US bureau chief at The Times of Israel, dives into the complex alliance between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, particularly in light of Trump's vocal support during Netanyahu's corruption trials. He addresses the upcoming US-Iran nuclear talks amidst conflicting intelligence and discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid deliveries have been disrupted by escalating violence. Magid also explores the mixed sentiments surrounding ceasefire negotiations and the challenges of securing humanitarian efforts while managing military strategies.

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INSIGHT

Trump's Defense of Netanyahu

Donald Trump publicly defended Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, demanding an end to his corruption trial.
This underscores the fluctuating yet firm personal and political bond between Trump and Netanyahu.

INSIGHT

Conflicting Views on Iran Strikes

Damage assessment from the US and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites is mixed, with Trump insisting on complete obliteration.
Israeli officials estimate a 2.5 to 3 year delay but acknowledge the program still exists.

INSIGHT

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Outlook

Upcoming US-Iran negotiations may focus on limits to Iran's nuclear enrichment.
The zero enrichment demand gains more traction as Iran appears weakened by recent strikes.

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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 Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded the end of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing criminal trial. Netanyahu is on trial in three corruption cases, facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Among other comments, Trump wrote, “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu. THIS TRAVESTY OF ‘JUSTICE’ CAN NOT BE ALLOWED!” Magid weighs in.

Yesterday, it was announced that US and Iranian officials will hold nuclear talks next week, even as Tehran insisted it will not give up its nuclear program and the US has claimed the program was "obliterated." Magid breaks down some of the conflicting information and offers insight into what kind of deal may take shape following the Israel-Iran war.

Israel reportedly halted aid deliveries into Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that he ordered the military to present a plan within the next two days on how to keep Hamas from stealing humanitarian assistance. Magid tries to makes sense of what is reportedly taking place on the ground.

Families of hostages held in Gaza hope the ceasefire with Iran, which went into effect on Tuesday will mark a turning point — one that could lead to a truce with Hamas and finally bring their loved ones home. “Those who are capable of reaching a ceasefire with Iran can also put an end to the war in Gaza,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. “Ending the operation in Iran without using it to return all the hostages would be a grave diplomatic failure.” Magid has some optimism for more talks and explains why.

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

For further reading:

Trump demands end to Netanyahu’s graft trial: ‘US saved Israel, now it’s going to save Bibi’

Trump says US will meet with Iran next week, asserts nuke deal ‘no longer necessary’

Hostage families hope Iran truce yields Gaza deal: ‘Hamas is at its weakest point’

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.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 7, 2025. (SAUL LOEB / AFP)

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