The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Lazar Berman, Diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, delves into the complexities of the Abraham Accords as they approach their five-year mark. He discusses why the UAE and Bahrain were pivotal in the agreements and the implications of recent violence on Arab-Israeli relations. Berman also highlights the surge in Israeli tourism to Dubai and the limited reciprocal visits, while examining the UAE's delicate balancing act after the Gaza War. Through all this, he navigates the unpredictable terrain of Middle Eastern diplomacy.

David Horovitz, Editor at The Times of Israel, dives into the recent Israeli airstrike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, raising questions about U.S. awareness and implications for peace negotiations. He discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu's pushback against international criticism and the tense discussions between President Herzog and British PM Keir Starmer over the complex diplomacy amid the Gaza crisis. The podcast also touches on the impact of political tensions on Israeli artists, highlighted by the controversial disinvitation of the Munich Philharmonic from a major performance.

Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent, discusses the recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leadership and the uncertainties surrounding its success. Nava Freiberg, a diplomatic reporter, covers global reactions, including significant responses from US and Gulf state leaders. They explore the strike's implications for hostage negotiations in Gaza and analyze Qatar's military capabilities. Tensions rise as the UN Security Council convenes to discuss the fallout, with ongoing reports about the situation on the ground in Gaza.

Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent, shares gripping insights following a recent Hamas attack on an IDF camp that resulted in four fatalities. He discusses the IDF's retaliatory strikes in Gaza City and ongoing military operations against the terrorists' villages in the West Bank. Fabian also highlights the ethical concerns surrounding collective punishment for the attackers' families. Additionally, he sheds light on the IDF's actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and drone threats from Houthi rebels, reflecting on the complex security landscape in the region.

Jacob Magid, the US bureau chief for The Times of Israel, discusses President Trump's optimistic messages to Hamas concerning hostages. He outlines a new proposal from Israel that calls for the release of living hostages within 48 hours of a ceasefire, alongside disarmament plans for Hamas. Magid shares insights on a protest in Jerusalem that highlights Israeli unity and the strong belief that no one should be left behind. The conversation captures the complexities of diplomatic negotiations and the emotional landscape of Israeli society during these turbulent times.

Jeremy Sharon, a legal and settlements reporter for The Times of Israel, joins Amanda Borschel-Dan to dissect a new study challenging genocide claims against Israel. They explore how inaccuracies in data have fueled these accusations, emphasizing the need for factual analysis. The conversation also navigates the legalities surrounding Greta Thunberg’s latest peace flotilla to Gaza and discusses the High Court’s ruling on the Attorney General's dismissal, hinting at potential constitutional ramifications for the Israeli government.

Deborah Conway, a prominent Australian musician, and Tamar Paluch, editor and activist, discuss the surge of antisemitism in Australia following October 7. Their anthology, 'Ruptured,' features women's voices addressing this crisis. They share personal experiences of cancelled performances and public protests targeting Jewish artists. Paluch reflects on the silence of women's organizations regarding Hamas's actions, while both guests explore the historical context of Australian Jewry and its impact on identity. Their dialogue emphasizes resilience and the need for community solidarity.

Yaakov Katz, former editor in chief of The Jerusalem Post and author of 'While Israel Slept,' sheds light on the overlooked 'alarm bells' that preceded the October 7 attacks. He discusses how Israel's focus on technology blinded it to Hamas' true intentions. Katz elaborates on the strategic motives behind the assault, the goals achieved by Hamas leader Yahye Sinwar, and the importance of military and political unity in Israel. His insights on intelligence failures reveal significant gaps that led to grave vulnerabilities in national defense.

Jacob Magid, US bureau chief for The Times of Israel, offers a deep dive into Middle Eastern diplomacy. He discusses UAE special envoy Lana Nusseibeh's stark warning about Israeli annexation of the West Bank, labeling it a 'red line' for regional integration. Magid also explores Qatar's pivotal role in mediating the Gaza conflict and expresses frustration over the negotiation process. Plus, there's insight into the recent U.S. visa ban on Palestinian officials, affecting their participation in the UN General Assembly.

Lazar Berman, a seasoned diplomatic correspondent, dives into the current tensions in Jerusalem as protests escalate over a hostage deal. He discusses the IDF's preparations for its Gaza City offensive and the logistical challenges involved. Berman also addresses the complexities of ongoing negotiations with Hamas, highlighting the emotional toll on reservists who have petitioned to refuse rejoining the conflict. Additionally, he touches on potential visits from U.S. officials and international recognition efforts for Palestine amidst these turbulent political dynamics.