

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

9 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 18min
Day 728 - With Adams out, Cuomo up against Mamdani in NYC race
Joining the conversation is Luke Tress, a New York reporter for The Times of Israel, known for his insights into NYC politics and protests. Tress discusses the shifting dynamics of the NYC mayoral race with Andrew Cuomo stepping in after Eric Adams' withdrawal. He highlights the Orthodox community's endorsements of Cuomo and the tensions surrounding them. They also delve into a recent ICC complaint against Iran linked to the October 7 invasion and explore how local protests against Netanyahu reveal deep political divides.

12 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 9min
Day 727 - Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted in complex Yom Kippur op
Emanuel Fabian, military correspondent for The Times of Israel, provides insight into recent events, including a horrific terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur. He details the tragic injuries sustained by congregants and highlights the heroic actions of the rabbi. The conversation shifts to Gaza, where Emanuel reports on IDF casualties amid ongoing conflict and Hamas's rocket fire toward Ashdod. He also discusses the navy's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the complex operations involved in managing the activists aboard.

21 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 23min
Day 726 - With 'peace' flotilla on horizon, Hamas weighs Trump plan
David Horovitz, Editor of The Times of Israel, and Emanuel Fabian, military correspondent, dive into the impending Global Sumud Flotilla, revealing Israel's strategies for potential interception of the activist vessels. They discuss Hamas's alleged involvement through its foreign arm and the implications of Trump's proposed peace plan, which Hamas is likely to reject. Horovitz elaborates on the group's objections, including loss of leverage and hostages, and speculates on Hamas's future focus shifting toward the West Bank while also considering regional mediators.

15 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 28min
Day 725 - ToI in DC assesses Trump's bombshell 'eternal' peace plan
Join Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, and Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent, as they dissect the implications of Trump's ambitious 'eternal' peace plan. They share insights from the dramatic White House announcement and the unexpected apology Netanyahu issued to Qatar. Listen in as they explore Trump's regional strategy, his provocative warning to Hamas, and how Netanyahu's political circumstances align with these diplomatic shifts. Their analysis sheds light on the potential success and challenges ahead.

23 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 22min
Day 724 - Gaza City nearly encircled as IDF deepens operations
Emanuel Fabian, Military correspondent for The Times of Israel, offers a gripping analysis of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He details the recent car-ramming attack in the West Bank and the IDF's intensified military operations in the Strip, including extensive airstrikes and naval engagements. The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by recent Houthi missile attacks from Yemen and evolving dynamics in Lebanon following Hassan Nasrallah's assassination. Fabian's insights provide a deep understanding of the current regional tensions and military strategies.

23 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 28min
Day 723 - Trump's 21-point Gaza plan, broken down
Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, provides a sharp analysis of Netanyahu's recent speech at the UN and the dramatic walkout it sparked. The discussion shifts to Trump’s 21-point Gaza plan, unpacking its strategies to encourage Gazans to stay and its ambiguous pathway to a future Palestinian state. Magid highlights the plan's complexities, including immediate ceasefire terms and the controversial role of an international stabilization force. Tune in for insights on how these diplomatic moves could reshape the region.

24 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 51min
Day 722 - Yossi Klein Halevi: Struggling to make moral sense of the Gaza war
Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and a prominent voice on Israeli society, tackles the moral complexities surrounding the Gaza war. He shares insights on why he feels compelled to lead the moral conversation among Jews who cherish Israel. Discussing the IDF’s evolving role, he emphasizes the necessity of self-questioning in the Jewish discourse. Halevi also critiques both Hamas and Israel’s policies, while highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing conflict for moral credibility and diaspora relations.

16 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 19min
Day 721 - Lazar Berman: Who's afraid of a Palestinian state?
Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, explores the recent surge in countries recognizing Palestinian statehood, with 145 nations now on board. He discusses the implications of this recognition, arguing that while it may be seen as an anti-Hamas gesture, it could inadvertently empower the group. Berman also critiques the notion that recognition will strengthen moderate Palestinian factions and delves into the legal consequences tied to statehood status. The conversation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and its effects on the ongoing conflict.

10 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 18min
Day 720 - Trump's Gaza plan pins hopes on Arab states
Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, discusses Trump's 21-point Gaza plan influenced by Tony Blair, emphasizing U.S. assurances against Israeli annexation of the West Bank. He compares this with a French stabilization proposal, which focuses on disarming Hamas and involves potential multinational forces from Arab states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Magid also highlights the challenges of disarming Hamas and the importance of a political off-ramp for the group, suggesting regional actors want durable solutions.

7 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 18min
Day 719 - ToI doc film event shows the other kinds of Israeli stories
Yonatan Nir, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of DocuNation, discusses the evolution of his online festival born out of the pandemic. He shares how DocuNation transformed from personal screenings into a community platform showcasing uplifting Israeli films that highlight resilience and human stories often overlooked in the news. Nir emphasizes the importance of emotional storytelling over sensationalism, and explains how his work fosters healing and connection through the power of documentary film.