

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
The Times of Israel
Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 22min
Day 662 – PM vows more aid to Gaza amid talk of siege, annexation
David Horovitz, the founding editor of The Times of Israel, sheds light on the complex situation in Gaza. He discusses the Israeli government's mixed messages regarding aid and military operations, amidst calls for tighter sieges and potential annexation. The challenges of independent journalism in Gaza complicate the narrative. Horovitz also examines the European Union's growing criticism of Israel and the troubling humanitarian crisis facing civilians, highlighting the emotional impact of these events on the international stage.

5 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 28min
Day 661 - Flood, not famine: Can Israel shift its Gaza aid strategy?
Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent, dives into Israel's humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, discussing recent airdrops and the impact of international pressure. He highlights France's bold move toward recognizing a Palestinian state and the potential ramifications for Israel-Hamas relations. The conversation also touches on the shrinking support from the Jewish diaspora amid the conflict. Meanwhile, a poignant account from Ukraine illustrates the resilience of the Jewish community during crises, linking the complex dynamics across regions.

6 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 22min
Day 660 - Israel does a 180 and begins aid airdrops into Gaza
Emanuel Fabian, Military correspondent for The Times of Israel, dives into Israel's significant policy shift as it begins humanitarian airdrops into Gaza. He shares insights from his recent trip to Gaza City, detailing the IDF's focus on dismantling Hamas infrastructure. The conversation also touches on the implications of this strategy for Israeli hostages, the recent arrest of a suspect in a car-ramming attack, and the interception of a boat attempting to breach Israel's maritime blockade. Join Fabian as he unpacks these pressing developments.

14 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 49min
Day 659 - Dan Ben-David: Israel's moment of truth is here
Dan Ben-David, a leading economist and professor at Tel Aviv University, discusses his urgent vision for Israel's future amidst pressing challenges. He advocates for a complete overhaul dubbed Israel 2.0, focusing on educational and budgetary reforms, changes in governance, and a constitution. The conversation highlights the role of the ultra-Orthodox community in this transformative process. Ben-David warns that Israel's demographic window of opportunity is narrowing, making immediate action essential to address educational disparities and socioeconomic inequalities.

Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
Day 658 - Lazar Berman on why Israel is misfiring its ties with Christians
Lazar Berman, the diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, delves into the strained relations between Israel and Christian communities. He highlights recent incidents, like a tank shell strike on a Catholic church, illustrating the urgent need for better dialogue. Berman argues for dedicated representation in Israel's government to engage with Christian affairs, a move that could strengthen ties with evangelical supporters. The discussion emphasizes the importance of bridging faith and improving diplomatic channels amidst growing geopolitical complexities.

4 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 20min
Day 657 - NYC fights antisemitism, anti-Zionism in public and private
In a compelling discussion, New York reporter Luke Tress delves into the city's new Anti-Semitism Task Force, highlighting its plans and the political fallout from rising hate crimes. Tress examines recent vandalism incidents linked to pro-Palestine activism, including attacks on politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He also explores the roots of anti-Zionist rhetoric, tracing it back to Soviet propaganda, and discusses how these historical narratives shape modern activism and leftist discourse.

Jul 23, 2025 • 21min
Day 656 - MKs, activists form action plan to undo 2005 Gaza pullout
Legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and Knesset reporter Ariela Karmel discuss the heated political climate in Israel. They delve into the government's attempt to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and explore a controversial Knesset conference advocating for the annexation of Gaza. The duo highlights the complexities surrounding the Tomb of the Patriarchs, noting the contentious control shift and its historical context. The discussion also touches on the international implications of investigations involving Canadian Israeli soldiers amid rising tensions.

8 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 23min
Day 655 - 28 nations call for end of Gaza war; Israel unfazed
In this discussion, David Horovitz, Editor at The Times of Israel, delves into critical developments surrounding the Israel-Hamas war. He highlights a joint statement from 28 nations urging an immediate end to the conflict, emphasizing humanitarian concerns. Horovitz also addresses the dire situation for journalists in Gaza, following calls for increased media access. Tensions within Israeli politics emerge as he examines the Likud party's internal strife over military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. The conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics shaping both local and international perspectives.

12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
Day 654 - Can chaos be removed from Gaza's aid distribution?
Join Jacob Magid, the US bureau chief for The Times of Israel, as he tackles the complexities of the ongoing situation in Gaza. He discusses the fraught U.S.-Israel relationship amidst IDF strikes in Syria and tensions with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Magid dives into the nuanced hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel, hinting at cautious optimism for a breakthrough. Additionally, he sheds light on the chaotic aid distribution in Gaza, where violence has erupted and a better system is vital to alleviate the grim humanitarian crisis.

18 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 21min
Day 653 - IDF poised to enter untouched Hamas stronghold
Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent, provides keen insights into Israel's upcoming ground operations in Deir al-Balah, revealing the strategic intricacies behind the decision. He discusses the tragic consequences of recent IDF actions, including an incident at a Catholic church that resulted in civilian casualties. Fabian also sheds light on the complexities of hostage negotiations and the challenges media face reporting in Gaza, contrasting this with the access granted to religious leaders. The conversation extends to Israel's role in the evolving situation in southern Syria.