The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

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.

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 on Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror. Since February, the IDF has begun releasing a series of probes into the disasters on and leading up to the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, massacre of some 1,200 and 250 hostages taken to Gaza. Today, we look at the recent reports on the battles at the Zikim IDF base -- notable for the bravery of its commanders in saving their recruits -- and two smaller communities, Nir Yitzhak and Ein Hashlosha. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak’s well-armed civil defense squad fought off dozens of Hamas-led terrorists, largely preventing them from rampaging through the community on October 7.This is in stark opposition to what happened at Ein Hashlosha, another community in the Gaza Envelope. Fabian fills us in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Commanders battled terrorists, saving 100 rookies at Zikim training base on Oct. 7 Outgunned, outnumbered Ein Hashlosha security team failed to resist Oct. 7 onslaught Nir Yitzhak security team resisted terrorists on Oct. 7, preventing murderous rampage 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. Check out yesterday’s Daily Briefing episode here: IMAGE: Cpt. Or Moses was killed on the Zikim base on October 7, 2023. (IDF)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 and political correspondent Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As an Israeli official states that Qatar isn't being helpful in the hostage talks and an Arab official tells The Times of Israel that reports are being manufactured by Israeli officials looking to harm the negotiations, Magid offers a deeper look. We hear about the last few days of the talks and the government's desire for victory in Gaza, which could lead Israel into a deeper, more extensive battle against Hamas. Magid reports on a conversation he had with Republican lawmaker Rep. Marlin Stutzman, one of the first US lawmakers to meet Syria's new Islamist leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Stutzman cautions against Israel's interest in dividing the fledgling government into several autonomous regions and the Syrian president's vehement opposition to that idea. Several top aides to former US president Joe Biden commented in a TV interview on several aspects of Israeli relations with the US during the Biden administration, including a missed opportunity to reach a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia last year. Magid fills us in. Sokol speaks about a demonstration of Haredi protestors outside one of two IDF recruitment centers on Monday, where ultra-Orthodox men harassed conscripts to the new ultra-Orthodox brigade. He discusses the IDF's inability to recruit 4,8000 Haredi men during the 2024-2025 draft cycle, given the lack of consensus in the ultra-Orthodox community, while Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Likud MK Yuli Edelstein is determined to finalize the draft of a law regulating ultra-Orthodox enlistment. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Arab source: To shield Netanyahu, Israel leaking false claim Qatar sabotaged talks GOP lawmaker cautions Israel against ‘dividing’ Syria, after meeting with Sharaa Biden officials vent frustrations in dealing with Netanyahu, decry missed chance of Saudi deal ‘Zionists are not Jews’: Haredi extremists harass recruits from their community at IDF centers IDF won’t meet 2024-2025 Haredi conscription targets, official tells Knesset defense committee Edelstein says Knesset close to drafting new enlistment law, won’t accept ultimatums 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.

Emanuel Fabian, a military reporter at The Times of Israel, discusses his recent observations in the Gaza Strip amid intense fighting. He shares the tragic stories of three Israeli servicemen who lost their lives during operations. Jessica Steinberg, the culture editor, reports on a poignant March of the Living event, uniting Holocaust survivors and hostages' families, intertwining history with current crises. They also touch on the implications of IDF airstrikes in Beirut and community solidarity efforts following the loss of the 'Beautiful 6' hostages.

Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon discusses Israel's recent procedural victory at the International Criminal Court, detailing its implications for war crimes jurisdiction and potential political fallout. He highlights the risk of a constitutional crisis following allegations against Prime Minister Netanyahu. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes shares insights on a rare shark attack in Hadera, linking it to environmental changes affecting shark behavior. Her visit to Ofakim also uncovers local challenges amidst rising tensions in the region.

In this engaging conversation, Prof. Manuela Consonni, Director of Hebrew University's Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism, sheds light on women's roles in resisting the Nazis. She reveals how women, both Jewish and non-Jewish, fought back in diverse ways while shouldering the heavy burden of family survival. The discussion also touches on the emotional layers of their resistance and the use of Holocaust language in today’s context, particularly regarding the ongoing crisis with Hamas. A powerful exploration of memory and resilience!

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. Over the Passover holiday, some 6,315 Jews visited the Temple Mount, a 37% rise over last year. Among them, Religious Zionism MK Zvi Sukkot, where he participated in a prayer service and prostrated himself on the ground in worship — activities that are nominally prohibited for Jews at the flashpoint holy site. Sukkot hailed the “tremendous change” since he was arrested for the same act 14 years ago. Meanwhile, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who oversees the Israel Police, which enforces law and security on the Mount, boasted that a shift in the unwritten status quo that governs the site was a result of his policies. He was up on the mount earlier in the month. In a statement, Ben Gvir said, “I’m happy to see that MK Zvi Sukkot, like many thousands, is prostrating himself and praying at the Temple Mount.. What wasn’t done for 30 years is being done on my watch, and I’m glad to have the honor, by the grace of God, to lead this huge change.” So this week, Berman delves into whether this is such a "huge change" and how we arrived at the current precarious balance. 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: Jewish visitors walk protected by Israeli security forces at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, also known as the Temple Mount complex to Jews, in Jerusalem on April 9, 2023, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, also coinciding with the Jewish Passover holiday. (AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacob Magid, US Bureau Chief at The Times of Israel, discusses several pressing topics. He dives deep into Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's scathing remarks about Hamas, urging them to release hostages. Magid reflects on the significant visits to Auschwitz for Yom HaShoah, emphasizing the historical weight of the day. He shares insights from a father of a hostage calling for renewed U.S. negotiation efforts, and he briefly reports on a tragic shark attack off Hadera’s coast, highlighting unexpected dangers in Israel.

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel, discusses significant geopolitical developments following a key phone call between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump. They delve into Hamas’s proposed ceasefire framework and its implications for Gaza. Berman also analyzes Pope Francis’s final message regarding the conflict, questioning whether it will mend Israel's complicated relationship with the Vatican. Additionally, the conversation addresses potential successors to the pope and their expected influence on Jewish-Catholic relations.

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 Sam Sokol and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol delves into comments made by leaders of the Knesset’s opposition parties, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of placing Israel in existential danger, after Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar alleged that the premier demanded his loyalty. Sokol notes that the opposition is exploring legal avenues against Netanyahu's actions, as political rhetoric in Israel becomes increasingly heated. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made it clear in an interview Monday morning that the hostages are not the priority of the government, which Sokol calls a clarifying statement of the coalition government, bringing tremendous criticism from hostage families and one ultra-Orthodox member of the coalition. Following the death of Pope Francis, Tercatin shares insights on the Jewish community in Rome, its relationship with the late pope and the community's deep historical connection to the Vatican. She also reports on archaeological findings related to the production of biblical purple dye, confirming an industrial-scale production of purple dye that took place in the region several thousand years ago. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates. For further reading: Opposition leaders say Netanyahu’s conduct, as described by Bar, endangers Israel Smotrich slammed for willingness to ‘sacrifice’ hostages Smotrich says returning hostages ‘not the most important thing,’ sparking fierce backlash For Rome’s Jews, ties with ailing pope are personal. And increasingly complicated Made from snails and fit for kings: First biblical-era dye factory found on Israel’s coast 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 protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in support of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, as a protestor carries a sign that says, 'Save the country from itself,'  at Habima Square, April 21, 2025 (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni//Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.