The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, provides sharp insights into U.S.-Israel relations. He discusses President Trump's executive review of the Muslim Brotherhood, questioning why Turkey and Qatar were excluded. Magid also highlights the controversial ending of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations and the ongoing U.S. reconstruction efforts in the Rafah area amid Israeli concerns over Hamas disarmament. Additionally, he reveals a clandestine meeting between U.S. Ambassador Huckabee and Jonathan Pollard, stirring controversy in U.S. policy circles.

Luke Tress, New York correspondent for The Times of Israel, provides an on-the-ground perspective on recent protests disrupting an Israel-immigration event at Park East Synagogue. He shares details about intimidating chants and community responses, including NYPD's apology at Shabbat services. The discussion expands on legal questions surrounding the FACE Act's applicability to synagogue protests and highlights a controversial interfaith event walkout at City College, revealing tensions over antisemitism on campus.

David Horovitz, Editor of The Times of Israel and a seasoned political commentator, dives into the fraught political landscape of Israel. He discusses the ongoing ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, highlighting the stark differences and growing influence of Hamas. Horovitz also analyzes Prime Minister Netanyahu's controversial hints at banning the Arab party Ra'am, framing it within the context of American politics. The podcast further delves into the public feud between IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz, raising concerns about its impact on Israel's deterrence.

Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent for The Times of Israel, provides deep insights into the recent killing of Hezbollah's military chief, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. He discusses Tabatabai's background and significance within Hezbollah, and the implications of his death for Israel's northern border readiness. Fabian also highlights the IDF's ongoing operations in Gaza, including a rise in airstrikes due to Hamas's intelligence operations. Tensions between IDF leadership are explored, revealing how public disputes can affect national security.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, brings invaluable insights on ongoing tensions in Gaza. He discusses Hamas's meetings in Cairo, revealing their strategy to strengthen control over the area while resisting disarmament. Berman shares details from his visit to the Civil-Military Coordination Center, where he highlights U.S. involvement in civil governance efforts. He also examines Prime Minister Netanyahu's stance against a Palestinian state and his unconventional media approaches, setting the stage for future diplomatic dynamics.

Film critic Jordan Hoffman joins to explore the Jewish-themed film 'Bad Shabbos' and Mel Brooks' classic 'History of the World, Part I.' Hoffman shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming movie 'Marty Supreme' starring Timothée Chalamet and dishes on Pope Leo's favorite films, uncovering a blend of cultural significance and humor. The duo dives into the unique portrayals in 'Bad Shabbos,' discussing its dark comedy and how it resonates with Jewish audiences. They also praise standout moments from the Brooks film, highlighting its humor and performances.

Explore the intriguing concept of nation-building and its historical contexts with insights from Japan and Germany's post-war transformations. Delve into the contrasting outcomes of state-building efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, analyzing key failures and successes. The discussion shifts to the potential implications for Gaza, raising questions about governance and security in a volatile region. Finally, the complexities of creating stabilized areas are examined, along with the significant obstacles that lie ahead in achieving meaningful progress.

David Horovitz, the founding editor of The Times of Israel, joins to dissect pressing issues in Israeli politics. He discusses the Supreme Court's push for a state inquiry into the events leading up to the October 7 Hamas attacks, arguing the government's self-serving probe will fail to deliver accountability. Horovitz also highlights a significant ruling against ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, referencing Justice Sohlberg's critique of Haredi exemptions. The conversation reveals the legal and political complexities surrounding these critical topics.

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, provides insights on the significant implications of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit. He discusses how Trump's policies elevate Saudi Arabia's status in U.S. foreign relations, impacting Israel's hopes for normalization. The UN Security Council's vote on Gaza redevelopment and the challenges of mobilizing an International Stabilization Force are also examined. Additionally, Magid interviews Fadwa Barghouti on her husband's potential release, emphasizing its significance for Palestinian unity and peace efforts.

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 and settlements correspondent Jeremy Sharon joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Justice Minister Yariv Levin of the ruling Likud party will head a ministerial panel to determine the mandate of the government’s commission of inquiry into failures surrounding the Hamas onslaught of October 7, 2023. Since the murders and atrocities, the government has resisted establishing an investigative body to thoroughly examine how such a disastrous military calamity could befall the country. We discuss first why the change of heart and ask whether the commission will be independent. Security forces and Civil Administration personnel on Monday conducted an evacuation and demolition operation against an illegal settlement outpost in the Gush Etzion region of the West Bank, in an apparent response to accusations from a local council head that there was “anarchy” in the area. Sharon delves into several reasons why this evacuation is significant, especially under the current coalition. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Levin to lead Ben Gvir, Smotrich and others in delineating government’s Oct. 7 probe Will government’s plan to set up its own Oct. 7 probe prompt top court to intervene? Several officers wounded in clash with settlers at demolition of illegal outpost Jewish extremists burn Palestinian homes and cars in West Bank; IDF searching for perps Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A candle bearing the portrait of 24-year-old Yulia Chaban, who was killed on the beach in Zikim during Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks, is left inside a bomb shelter on the beach in the southern Israeli Kibbutz of Zikim, the closest Israeli beach to the Gaza Strip, on October 16, 2025. (Maya Levin / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.