The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Jacob Magid, US bureau chief, shares poignant insights on the escalating conflict in Gaza. He discusses the tragic loss of children due to IDF strikes, emphasizing the need for careful reporting on civilian casualties. Released hostages reveal their frightening experiences and the uncertainty felt by families. Magid also addresses evolving strategies for humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, and highlights contrasting protests in Israel regarding military tactics and government actions. The conversation captures the profound human impact amidst the ongoing turmoil.

In this engaging conversation, Haviv Rettig Gur, a Senior analyst at The Times of Israel, decodes Trump’s recent speech in Saudi Arabia and its implications for the Middle East. He discusses the significance of Trump's approach to Israel, despite its minimal mention. The podcast also delves into the historical U.S.-Saudi alliance and critiques the efficacy of trade as a diplomatic tool. Lastly, Gur highlights the need for Israel to adapt its strategies amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes and evolving U.S. foreign policy.

Sam Sokol, a political correspondent focused on universal conscription, dives into the strikingly low IDF draft participation among Haredi men. With only 5% of eligible Haredi men beginning enlistment, Sokol discusses cultural barriers, historical contexts, and the community's ideological resistance to military service. He highlights the significant political implications of proposed changes to the draft laws that could reshape the coalition government. Furthermore, the pressures of poverty and a younger generation's desire for integration into society are examined.

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. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following the tragic shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, Schneider reviews what we know about the victims and the shooter, as well as security at public Jewish institutions in the US. Schneider also discusses the implications of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Wednesday night press conference, his first with the Israeli press in at least six months. The prime minister discussed key issues, including the government's demand that Gazans be relocated in its ongoing negotiations for the hostages. Schneider points out that the hostage families strongly criticized the prime minister for his statements regarding the talks. Netanyahu was also taken to task for his mistaken remarks about one Gaza envelope kibbutz and what happened to the community on October 7, as well as his downplaying of the Hamas terrorists who invaded Israel on October 7, remarking that they were wearing flip-flops and weren't a heavily armed force. Following Wednesday's High Court ruling that Netanyahu's firing of the Shin Bet chief was improper due to a conflict of interest, Sharon discusses the immediate implications of the ruling, commenting that the Shin Bet's independence is crucial for Israel's democratic governance and the government faces a potential constitutional crisis following the court's ruling. This conversation can be viewed here: Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Two Israeli Embassy staffers killed in shooting attack at Washington, DC, Jewish Museum Netanyahu sets implementation of Trump’s Gaza relocation plan as new condition for ending war High Court rules Shin Bet head’s dismissal ‘unlawful’, PM had ‘conflict of interest’ 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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch.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. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza over the past two days. Fabian describes the situations that led to the deaths of Staff Sgt. Danilo Mocanu, 20, and Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22. Even as Israel has begun to allow humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, the United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours. Yesterday, the United Nations received permission from Israel for 93 aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip, but questions remain over how it will get to the Gazans who need it -- and not be usurped by Hamas. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency said IDF strikes killed at least 19 people overnight, as Israel faces mounting international pressure over its military offensive. Dozens of others have been reported dead in unverifiable numbers in the past several days since the operation ramped up on Saturday. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned in a video statement on Tuesday that the IDF is prepared to capture more territory in the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not agree to release the remaining hostages it is keeping in captivity. We hear what appears to be the IDF's operational strategy during Operation Gideon's Chariots. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF soldier killed in Strip; Hamas-linked agency raises day’s Gazan death toll to 91 Israel allows UN to bring 93 aid trucks into Gaza as international pressure mounts Israel will seize more of Gaza if Hamas doesn’t free hostages, IDF chief warns 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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, in a handout photo published on May 11, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada issued a joint statement Monday condemning Israel’s handling of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling on the Jewish state to immediately halt military action in the enclave and allow in more aid, threatening “further concrete actions in response” if Jerusalem refuses. Likewise, an additional 19 countries issued a joint statement urging Israel to “allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately” after the partial lifting of its blockade on the territory. Horovitz describes what he says is a new, troubling sign in this round of global condemnations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his decision to allow limited humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip, saying that pressure on Israel had been “approaching a red line.” The step was necessary to press ahead with the expanded military offensive against Hamas, he said to his political allies, and had to begin despite the fact that IDF-secured distribution centers designed to keep the supplies out of the hands of the terror group were not yet ready. How has his coalition taken the news? In comments that have roiled Israel, Yair Golan, head of the opposition party The Democrats, issued a scathing denunciation of the government and the war in Gaza, saying that Israel was killing children in Gaza “as a hobby.” Later attempting to fend off widespread criticism over his comment, The Democrats chairman praised IDF fighters as “heroes” fighting on behalf of a “corrupt” government. Horovitz weighs in on what may have brought Golan to make these explosive statements. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: UK, France, Canada warn of ‘concrete actions’ if Israel doesn’t halt war, boost aid Five trucks of humanitarian aid enter Gaza, says Israel, ending two-month blockade Netanyahu defends Gaza aid resumption, acknowledges step stemmed from allies’ pressure ‘Insanity’: Hawkish politicians and groups pillory Netanyahu for resuming aid to Gaza Qatar PM says ‘fundamental differences’ between sides have stalled Doha ceasefire talks Outrage as opposition party leader Golan says Israel ‘killing babies as a hobby’ in Gaza 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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Leader of the Democrats party Yair Golan leads a faction meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem, on May 19, 2025. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)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 episode. Dozens of airstrikes were reported overnight and IDF spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, in a press statement from the Gaza border, says five divisions are now operating inside the Strip in the new offensive aimed at defeating Hamas. The ramped-up operation and Israel’s apparent determination have caused renewed determination to strike a deal. But the real question is which deal and whether the sides will bend at all. Magid fills us in. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate resumption of “basic” humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Sunday evening. Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages. We learn about the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and when it will be up and running.  Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Netanyahu orders immediate renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza, under heavy US pressure US said pushing 2-month ceasefire deal for 9-10 hostages; Hamas denies this is agreed Witkoff told mediators US not planning to force Israel to end Gaza war, officials say New aid group: We’ll start Gaza operations by June; Israel to lift blockade in interim 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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: A Palestinian man stands next to a truck carrying UNICEF aid supplies outside a shopping mall in Gaza City on May 12, 2025. (Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emanuel Fabian, Military correspondent for The Times of Israel, provides insight into the complexities of Israel's new military operation in Gaza, dubbed Gideon's Chariots, amid ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. He updates us on troop movements and the psychological impact on the Israeli public due to rising tensions and missile threats from Yemen. Fabian also discusses a targeted strike on a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon, shedding light on the strategic consequences along Israel's border. It's a gripping dive into current security challenges in the region.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Eurovision mega-fan Tal Dahan, straight from Basel. Dahan is a volunteer reporter with the Hebrew-language EuroMix website, which has been the number one source for Israelis about the Eurovision for decades. This year marks Israel's 47th time participating in the Eurovision, a song contest that was established 69 years ago to unite Europe through music. We are recording just after the first semi-final and ahead of Israel's participation in the second semi-final on Thursday night. It is expected that Israel's candidate, Yuval Raphael, will make it to the finals on Saturday night with her song, "New Day Will Rise." Dahan talks about the betting favorites going into Saturday's final and also discusses the politics of the competition. And so this week, we ask Tal Dahan, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, political correspondent Tal Schneider steps in for Berman. Unforgettable images of the Caracal's female tank unit crushing Hamas terrorists infiltrating southern Israel on October 7, 2023, brought home the realization that not only are women serving in the IDF, they're as eager -- and able -- to fight as their brothers in arms. Scheider describes a recent Knesset committee that discussed the phenomenon of the IDF's growing number of women warriors, which now make up almost 21 percent of all fighting forces. We review the history of battles to have female fighters in the IDF -- including several benchmark Supreme Court cases which paved the way for the next generation. Schneider, who has spent the past several months researching the contribution these women warriors made on October 7, talks about where the army stands today -- and what is on the horizon for other fighting units being opened up to women. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Mix-gender Caracal battalion troops at the end of their basic training. (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.