The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

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 Elana Kaminka, peace activist and bereaved mother. On October 7, 2023, Elana's firstborn son, Lt. Yannai Kaminka, 20, a commander in the Home Front Command, was killed battling against Hamas at the Zikim IDF training base. His efforts and those of his fellow officers there saved the lives of almost 100 recruits, as charted in a recently released IDF probe into the failures on and leading up to October 7. In a frank and open discussion about what it means to choose a path of peace after losing her first child to terrorists bent on destroying her nation, Kaminka speaks with The Times of Israel just after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down in refusing to hold a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 disasters.  Kaminka made aliya from California as a lone soldier at age 18 and later married Eyal with whom she had four children. Prior to October 7, she was already active in groups committed to fostering empathetic, respectful and nuanced dialogue. After losing her son, she redoubled her efforts to promote engagement between Israeli Jews and Palestinians -- and to protest the Netanyahu government, which she holds accountable for her son's death. She is an active member of Tag Meir and the Parents Circle Families Forum and speaks tirelessly about the need to counter extremism and develop empathy and compassion among all levels of Israeli society. While advocating for a future of dignity and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike in the Land of Israel, she is also a mother of three additional children, including her son who was conscripted to a paramedics unit a mere six weeks following his older brother's death. And so this week, we ask Elana Kaminka, 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. Tens of thousands of IDF reservists are again being called up — Berman among them — and Israel appears to be standing at a crossroads in the Gaza War. In the first half of our program, we discuss Israel's strategy of conducting conflicts through a fighting force that is largely made up of reserve forces. Berman charts earlier wars and discusses the major takeaways from them. We then turn to the present war and discuss its rollout, pauses, surprises (beepers, anyone?) and successes. Berman discusses why it is imperative to end this war quickly -- for both Israelis and Palestinians. At this liminal moment, we take a look at the past, present and future of the operations in the Gaza Strip. 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: Undated image of IDF forces in the Gaza Strip. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emanuel Fabian, a military reporter at The Times of Israel, discusses the escalating conflict in Gaza, including recent deadly airstrikes and the impact on civilians. He highlights the IDF's manpower challenges, particularly in recruiting from the Haredi community, while emphasizing the rising participation of women in combat roles. Fabian also covers the death of a Hamas commander and the strategic developments in northern Lebanon, revealing the evolving dynamics of the military landscape amid the intensifying conflict.

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 episode. Following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a US truce with the Houthis, Magid discusses Jerusalem's surprise over that turn of events, given the ongoing Houthi attacks on Israel, including the Sunday morning attack that hit near Ben Gurion International Airport. Magid explores Israel's new plan for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza to prevent Hamas from diverting resources and getting the food into Gazans' hands. The plan includes working with humanitarian organizations and private US contractors and will allow some 60 trucks into Gaza daily through one border crossing. Food packages will be given directly to approved representatives of Palestinian families. Trump is expected in the Middle East next week but isn't including a stop in Israel. Magid examines how hostage families are viewing the trip as a possible opportunity to bring the remaining hostages home. Families have also expressed concern over recent statements from the US president, as well as Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over conflicting numbers of living hostages. Finally, Magid discusses a downgrading of US ties with the Palestinian Authority, with the elimination of the US Security Coordinator role, which helps bolster security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It's part of the broader reorganization of the State Department by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The conversation can also be viewed here: Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump announces US truce with Houthis, who say their strikes on Israel will continue IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion US hostage families see Trump’s May trip to region as chance for loved ones’ return US plans to eliminate security post tasked with bolstering Israel-PA security ties 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: Family members and representatives of the 59 remaining hostages stand in front of the Knesset on May 5, 2025, to state that the Israeli public agrees that victory cannot be achieved without returning the hostages (Courtesy Hostages Family Forum)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Horovitz, founding editor of The Times of Israel, dives into the recent airstrike by the Israeli Air Force on Yemen's port, a direct response to Houthi missile threats. He reveals the growing concern among Israelis as reservists are mobilized again for Gaza, with many supporting efforts to bring back hostages. The conversation addresses the government's vague strategy amid a complex geopolitical landscape and discusses public demand for accountability regarding the October 7th events, alongside insights from a U.S. envoy’s remarks on unity.

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. Late last night, Israel approved a plan to significantly broaden the military offensive against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip. The plan provides for the “conquering of Gaza” and retaining the territory. One voice was heard above all in warning, that of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who reportedly warned ministers that this could endanger the hostages held there. Fabian debriefs us on what he knows about this plan and what else is happening on the ground in Gaza. Yesterday morning, a Houthi ballistic missile struck the Ben Gurion Airport compound. Fabian explains the initial conclusions about the failure and discusses Israel's anti-missile array, including a Patriot air-defense system that will be refurbished and sent to Ukraine. Finally, we learn conclusions from the IDF's probe into the October 7, 2023, battles at Zikim Beach and hear that a squad of Israeli soldiers stationed near the border with the Gaza Strip abandoned civilians sheltering on the beach as Hamas terrorists invaded the coast. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Israel okays ‘conquering Gaza, holding the territories,’ as IDF chief said to warn ‘we could lose’ the hostages IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion UN humanitarian agency rejects new Israeli plan for Gaza aid deliveries Netanyahu threatens Houthis, and Iran, as cabinet convenes after missile hits airport Patriot air-defense system based in Israel to be refurbished, sent to Ukraine – NYT Most foreign airlines halt flights to Tel Aviv after Houthi missile hits airport In ‘massive failure,’ troops abandoned civilians at Zikim Beach on Oct. 7, IDF probe finds 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: Troops operating in the Gaza Strip in an undated photo released for publication on May 4, 2025 (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This discussion features Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter, and Sue Surkes, an environment reporter, who dissect the aftermath of a Houthi missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport. Berman reveals the significant blow to Israel's international reputation and the psychological ramifications for airlines operating in the region. Attention also turns to the escalating military conflict in Gaza and its implications for Israeli operations. Additionally, they touch on recent wildfires in the Jerusalem Hills and the need for improved environmental regulations.

Amy Spiro, News Editor at The Times of Israel and coordinator of the Those We Have Lost project, shares insights into the initiative honoring victims of the October 7th attack. She discusses the emotional challenges of memorializing over a thousand individuals, highlighting the importance of storytelling amid collective grief. Spiro also reveals the meticulous efforts to gather accurate information while ensuring that no one is forgotten. Through this project, she aims to keep the memories of the fallen alive and celebrate their unique legacies.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel, sheds light on Israel's complex hostage policies rooted in Jewish history. He discusses how ancient texts influence modern negotiations, revealing moral dilemmas and national security challenges. The conversation covers significant hostage exchanges, including the controversial Gilad Shalit deal, highlighting the evolving nature of these tactics and their societal implications. Berman's insights illuminate the intricate balance between ethics and the emotional impact of family advocacy in sensitive situations.

Haviv Rettig Gur, Senior Analyst at The Times of Israel, delves into the psyche of David Ben-Gurion on Israel's Independence Day in 1948. He shares insights from Ben-Gurion's diary, revealing his anxieties amid a nation on the brink of survival. The discussion touches on the Altalena Affair – a painful moment in Israeli history – and parallels current divisions in Israeli society to those of its founding. Rettig Gur emphasizes the need for united leadership in facing both internal and external challenges today.