The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Emanuel Fabian, a military reporter at The Times of Israel, shares his insights on the IDF's investigations into the October 7 Hamas attack. He discusses the tragic outcomes of probes into areas like Kibbutz Nirim and the Supernova music festival, where many lost their lives. The conversation reveals critical military preparedness lessons, highlighting both the heroism of Israeli forces and the vulnerabilities exposed during this horrific event. Disturbingly graphic yet necessary, Fabian's analysis sheds light on courage amidst chaos.

David Horovitz, founding editor of The Times of Israel, shares his insights on critical U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and their unexpected impact on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He reflects on past diplomatic efforts and the potential military ramifications if negotiations falter. The tensions surrounding 59 hostages still held by Hamas take center stage, along with President Trump's nuanced engagement with freed hostages. Horovitz also discusses the backlash faced by Israeli Air Force reservists calling for prioritization of hostage release amid ongoing military campaigns.

Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon joins to unravel the chaos in the High Court surrounding Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's disputed dismissal. He discusses a contentious poll revealing that many Israelis would disregard the court's decision if it goes against the government. Sharon highlights the proposed compromise from Justice Noam Sohlberg amid escalating political tensions. Additionally, he delves into a controversial ceremony where government officials supported illegal settlement outposts in the South Hebron Hills, raising serious concerns about their impact on local Palestinians.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, shares his insights on Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent trips to Hungary and the U.S. He discusses the unexpected warmth from Hungary's Viktor Orban and highlights a surprising Oval Office meeting with Trump. Berman reveals Trump's bold statements on U.S.-Iran talks and tariffs on Israel, while the issue of 59 hostages in Gaza surprisingly took a backseat. The complexities of Israeli-Turkish relations, especially with Erdogan, add further intrigue to the diplomatic landscape.

Jacob Magid, the US Bureau Chief at The Times of Israel, dives into Prime Minister Netanyahu's unexpected trip to Washington, D.C. He discusses key topics like new tariffs on Israel and their implications for US-Israel relations. Magid reveals insights on hostage negotiations with Hamas, who is reportedly willing to release hostages for a permanent ceasefire. The podcast also shares an emotional tribute with the renaming of an orange butterfly to honor murder victim Ariel Bibas, connecting nature with loss and resilience.

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. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Saudi Al-Hadath channel reports that the US has transferred a second THAAD battery to Israel amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. The battery was apparently delivered yesterday.We hear what the THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, is an advanced anti-missile system, has recently been used for. Yesterday, Hamas released a propaganda video that shows hostages Bar Kupershtein and Maxim Herkin, in the first sign of life from both of them since they were abducted by terrorists on October 7, 2023. We hear the broad-strokes contents of the video. The Israel Defense Forces has detailed the initial findings from its investigation into the killing of 14 rescue workers in southern Gaza’s Rafah on March 23, when soldiers opened fire on a convoy of ambulances after mistakenly identifying it as a threat and buried their bodies. The military said it identified six medics as Hamas operatives. Fabian explains the findings and highlights still unanswered questions. The IDF released footage from the entry of the 36th Division into the so-called Morag Corridor, located between southern Gaza’s Rafah and Khan Younis, last week. It marks the first time since the beginning of the war that ground troops are operating in the area. On Thursday, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters that the IDF has entered a “new phase” in its fighting. What is this new phase that Defrin is referring to? Hassan Farhat, who had headed Hamas’s forces in the western sector of Lebanon, was killed in an airstrike on an apartment building in Sidon. Likewise, the IDF and Shin Bet on Friday said a terror operative who oversaw the kidnapping and likely was also involved in the murder of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza. We learn about these two Hamas terrorists and Fabian connects the Sidon strike to an earlier strike on a Hezbollah operative in Beirut. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US said to transfer 2nd THAAD missile battery to Israel as Iran nuclear tensions rise Hamas hostage video shows Maxim Herkin and Bar Kupershtein, in first signs of life IDF shares initial details from Gaza ambulance probe, says troops told UN of burial site Gazans flee expanding strikes in north, south as IDF says fighting entering ‘new stage’ Hamas says it won’t move hostages to safety, Israel responsible for their lives IDF widens ground operation in northern Gaza, kills top Hamas official in Lebanon IDF says it killed terrorist who led Bibas abduction, was likely involved in their murders 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: Bodies of Palestinian first responders who were killed March 23, 2025, in Israeli military fire on ambulances lie at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on March 30, 2025. (AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Dara Horn, a renowned author and scholar known for her works like "People Love Dead Jews," shares insights on Jewish identity and education. She discusses her whimsical graphic novel "One Little Goat," inspired by childhood memories of Passover. Horn emphasizes the need for nuanced Jewish education to combat ignorance and reshape cultural perceptions. The dialogue highlights the complex dynamics of anti-Semitism, the Jewish experience, and her initiative, Mosaic Persuasion, aimed at teaching young Americans about living Jewish culture.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel, discusses the ongoing Qatargate investigation involving two aides to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the implications of their alleged ties to Qatar. He shares insights into Netanyahu's recent visit to Budapest, highlighting the warm reception for the Israeli delegation and Hungary's announcement to leave the International Criminal Court. The conversation also touches on Hungary’s unique diplomatic stance within the EU, its populism, and the complexities of its relationships with Israel and historical issues.

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. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The provincial government in southern Syria’s Daraa says nine civilians were killed and several were injured in Israeli bombardment following an “Israeli incursion.” Soldiers operated on the ground in what is possibly the deepest into Syria that Israeli forces have advanced thus far. Fabian weighs in. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that advancing IDF forces were carving out a new security corridor across southern Gaza as Israel seeks to pile pressure on Hamas to free the hostages. Fabian explains the strategy behind the new “Morag Corridor,” named after an Israeli settlement that stood in the area before it was evacuated during Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, and compares the number of forces on the ground in the Strip with that of troops at the height of the war. On Wednesday, hundreds of Palestinians rallied in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, chanting “Hamas out” and “Enough death,” in renewed protests against the terror group. Residents were angered by new Israeli military evacuation orders, which the military said followed rocket salvos by terror groups from the area. We hear how the IDF is responding to the increase in rockets -- and who is claiming blame for them. Fifteen emergency and aid workers from the Red Crescent, the United Nations and the Hamas-linked Palestinian Civil Defense have been recovered from a grave in the sand in the south of the Gaza Strip, UN officials said on Monday. The IDF acknowledged Friday that it had fired on ambulances and fire engines, saying it had identified them as “suspicious vehicles.” Investigations are ongoing, but Fabian lays out what we currently understand from the IDF. Yesterday, Fabian toured an IDF post in Lebanon, on the edge of Markaba, which overlooks the Israeli border community of Margaliot. It is one of five strategic positions where the IDF has remained after a February deadline to withdraw from Lebanon, as part of an ongoing ceasefire that began in November. We learn what Fabian saw -- and what Defense Minister Israel Katz had to say about how long troops will be stationed there. This conversation can also be viewed here:   Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. 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. For further reading: IDF says several gunmen ‘eliminated’ after firing on troops in southern Syria IDF strikes hit ‘remaining military capacities’ at Syrian airbases Netanyahu says IDF carving new corridor across Gaza to cut off Rafah, pressure Hamas Hamas threatens protesters, as new mass rallies against terror group held in Gaza UN says 15 Gaza medics killed by IDF found in mass grave; IDF: We targeted terrorists In Lebanon, Katz says troops to stay ‘without time limit’ to defend border communities Katz says offensive aimed at seizing ‘extensive territory,’ as IDF pounds south Gaza ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Israeli soldiers on the border between Syria and northern Israel, March 14, 2025. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacob Magid, US bureau chief for The Times of Israel, shares profound insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He highlights the brave voices of released hostages, including Amit Soussana, who advocate for negotiations and share their raw experiences. The rare protests in Gaza against Hamas signal a shift in public sentiment and defiance, despite the grave risks involved, with one young protester tragically killed. Magid emphasizes the importance of keeping these protests genuine to influence the ongoing hostage negotiations.