The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, dives into the intensive negotiations surrounding the Trump peace plan ahead of crucial talks in Cairo. He reveals Hamas's surprising acceptance of major shifts in the proposal, emphasizing their desire for a role in Gaza's future framework. Magid also discusses Netanyahu's cautiously optimistic hopes for hostage returns, balancing U.S. pressure with regional dynamics. With thorny negotiation challenges ahead, the conversation highlights the potential for change in the conflict's trajectory.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and an advocate for families of hostages, shares her journey through profound grief and mourning. She discusses the challenges of public grief, balancing gratitude with loss, and her evolving spiritual practices. Rachel emphasizes the importance of community and her ongoing advocacy for remaining hostages as a source of purpose. She reflects on the hope for communal repair and personal growth, using vivid metaphors of resilience and renewal amid her pain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.