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. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing, which is a bonus episode of our weekly What Matters Now podcast series. At a Cairo summit of Arab leaders on Tuesday, a consensus of states adopted an Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza that would cost $53 billion and avoid displacing Palestinians from the enclave -- in contrast to US President Donald Trump’s “Middle East Riviera” vision. The over 100-page “Early Recovery, Reconstruction, Development of Gaza” plan envisions a Gaza Administration Committee, made up of independent technocrats, to manage an initial six-month transitional phase. It also urges elections in all Palestinian areas within a year, if conditions support such a move. The rub? The plan doesn’t explicitly tackle the issue of Hamas and how the terror group will be disarmed -- if at all. It also pushes for a Palestinian state before addressing any of the armed Palestinian factions. Rettig Gur dissects elements of the plan and weighs in on its seriousness. 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: In this photo provided by Egypt's presidency media office, Arab leaders pose during the emergency Arab summit at Egypt's New Administrative Capital, just outside Cairo, March 4, 2025. (Egyptian Presidency Media Office via AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Daily Briefing, which is followed by a full episode of The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus with Lazar Berman. Magid focuses on some of the major developments in the hostage release-ceasefire negotiations, including Wednesday's revelation that the US has been conducting direct talks with Hamas to get hostages out. The US designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997. Does speaking directly with Hamas contravene some kind of protocol for dealing with terrorist entities? US envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff is pressing Hamas for an act of "goodwill" to release the final living US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander. How has Israel reacted to this? We learn how Magid believes the new direct negotiations with Hamas will reshape the contours of the mediated ceasefire deal and whether they will help them transition into phase two. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump defends direct US-Hamas talks as Israel seethes, attempts to sabotage them US talks with Hamas said to hit snag after media leak; PM unhappy they’re taking place Analysts: Direct US-Hamas talks reflect ‘dysfunction’ in ceasefire negotiations 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: President Donald Trump poses for photos with family members of Edan Alexander, a hostage held by Hamas, after visiting the gravesite of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, October 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s Daily Briefing. Justice Minister Yariv Levin initiated proceedings to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara from office. He has accused her of having politicized her office to thwart the will of the government and has long threatened to take action against her. We learn what steps were taken. A law dramatically changing how the state ombudsman for judges is chosen passed its third and final reading in the Knesset plenum early on Tuesday morning, following a full night of debate. We hear why this is such a potential game-changer. A new report by the Palestinian human rights organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel has alleged that Gazan medical personnel detained by Israeli forces and held in Israeli detention facilities during the war with Hamas were subjected to widespread and severe abuse, including beatings, various forms of torture, psychological abuse, medical neglect and the provision of insufficient rations. Sharon weighs in on how credible the report is. The UK Lawyers for Israel organization recently reviewed the allegations against Israel regarding widespread famine in the Gaza Strip during the war. In a report published last week, the group found that there was no famine in Gaza during the war, as defined by IPC standards — a UN-developed scale — and that even levels of acute malnutrition were only marginally higher than prewar figures.  Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Levin initiates process of firing AG; opposition says he’s destroying democracy, unity Coalition passes judicial overhaul law taking over appointment of judges’ ombudsman Gazan medical worker detainees ‘subjected to torture, beatings, medical neglect’ – report New study: There was no famine in Gaza… according to famine review groups’ own data 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: Israeli Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara and Justice Minister Yariv Levin at a farewell ceremony for retiring acting Supreme Court President Uzi Vogelman, at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on October 1, 2024. (Oren Ben Hakoon/POOL)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Daily Briefing. Following US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, in the presence of several recently released Hamas hostages, Magid discusses that Trump did not mention any of the former Israeli hostages by name, although some were in the audience. Magid speaks about his interview with a senior Qatari official who emphasized the need to stick to the current hostage deal and that any new ideas won't work, noting that Hamas won't accept releasing hostages en masse as suggested by the US, unless there's an end to the war. He reviews the much-anticipated summit of Arab states, which gathered to discuss alternatives to reconstructing Gaza, not aligning with Trump's plan of relocating Gazans. The current plan, led by Egypt, will have technocrats ruling Gaza for an interim period and dividing the area into zones before handing it over to the Palestinian Authority. Magid also discusses the positioning of the Palestinian Authority on the Gaza plans and the frustration of Arab countries with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, as they try to get him to be more flexible, or at least not be an obstacle to the planning in Gaza. Finally, Magid briefly looks at prisoner payment reform after an interview with a senior Palestinian Authority official, who spoke of a threat to cut ties with the Trump administration if the US president advances with his plan to take over Gaza. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘We are bringing back our hostages from Gaza,’ Trump says in address to Congress As Israel, US align on new hostage proposal, Qatar urges sticking to existing framework Aiming to stymie Trump’s ‘Riviera’ vision, Arab leaders endorse $53 billion Gaza plan Seeking funds abroad, Abbas ally touts prisoner payment reform that’s ‘unpopular’ at home Feeling heat from Trump to ‘solve’ Gaza, Arab states losing patience with PA’s Abbas 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: A tent camp for displaced Palestinians is set up amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City, on Monday, March 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emanuel Fabian, a military reporter for The Times of Israel, delves deep into critical IDF investigations following the devastating October 7th attacks. He discusses the shocking intelligence failures that left the IDF unprepared, as only 767 troops confronted over 5,000 attackers. Fabian highlights the bravery shown during the chaos, particularly the incredible story of Brig. Gen. Yisrael Shomer, who defended his home with a kitchen knife. The podcast also touches on Israel's ongoing military operations in Syria and the complexities of clearing explosives in the Golan Heights.

Biranit Goren, founding editor of Zman Yisrael, brings insightful commentary on the recent Haifa terror attack, likening it to past conflicts and its effects on public transportation safety. Freed hostage Eli Sharabi discusses his emotional journey and his commitment to advocate for fellow captives during his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Goren also highlights the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' critiquing the government's response and emphasizing the need for diverse narratives in Israeli cinema.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel, shares critical insights on the tense political landscape in the Middle East. He discusses a controversial ceasefire proposal inspired by Trump’s envoy, highlighting its reception and implications for region tensions. The episode dives into Israel's military strategies, including its unusually proactive defense of the Druze community in Syria. Berman also unpacks the conflicting proposals surrounding Gaza's future and the challenges posed by humanitarian aid amidst ongoing violence.

Film critic Jordan Hoffman shares his unique insights on films related to Israel and Jewish culture ahead of the Oscars. He evaluates the emotional depth of 'A Real Pain,' praising its blend of humor and Holocaust legacy. Hoffman discusses the controversial 'September 5,' which captures the Munich Olympics massacre’s impact on media representation. Plus, he delves into Bob Dylan's subtle Jewish influences in film and critiques a Palestinian/Jewish co-production, emphasizing its complex narrative rather than coexistence.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter, dives deep into the tumultuous situation in Israel. He discusses a recent terror attack that left multiple injured, shedding light on the investigation into military failures by the IDF. The podcast also highlights crucial negotiations in Cairo for hostage releases, unpacking the conflicting goals of Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. Berman emphasizes the importance of effective decision-making in securing hostages and the ongoing complexities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

David Horovitz, the founding editor of The Times of Israel, provides deep insights into the ongoing national mourning for hostages, including the Bibas family, who've become symbols of tragedy. He discusses the emotional impact on families and the community, as Israel receives four more bodies in a hostage deal. Horovitz examines Israel's military strategies and political dynamics, the U.S. perception of Hamas, and the critical role of Qatar in mediating the conflict, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle extremist ideologies.