The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

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. In the foreign policy portion of his lengthy State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump repeated his oft-mentioned talking points about Iran, Magid reports, noting the president's terminology about never hesitating to confront threats against the US. Trump has said he is "aware of" last week's killing of Palestinian-American 19-year-old Nasrallah Abu Siam in an armed settler attack in the West Bank, and Magid reviews why the US administration has not commented or gotten involved in this latest incident of Jewish settler violence. As the US Embassy in Israel announces first-time pop-up locations for consular services in the Jewish settlements of Efrat and Beitar Illit, Magid discusses the decision to hold the project in these new locations. With a formal communication channel established between the Board of Peace and the Palestinian Authority, Magid discusses how the PA is seeking legitimacy and aims to be as involved as possible in the Gaza reconstruction. Magid also reports on conversations with Arab and European diplomats involved in the Board of Peace, and their comments about the enormous amount of pressure required to be applied on Hamas and Israel for the disarmament of Hamas to succeed. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: US ‘wiped out’ Iran’s nuclear program ‘but they want to start all over again’ US avoids condemning settler killing of Palestinian-American in armed West Bank attack In first, US embassy to provide consular services at pop-ups in West Bank settlements US approves formal communication channel between PA and Board of Peace — officials Waving off the skeptics, US feeling bullish after Board of Peace inaugural confab Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: President Donald Trump exits the House Chamber after delivering the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool) 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. Archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin and diplomatic reporter Nava Freiberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. If Iran attacks Israel, it will be “perhaps the most serious mistake in their history,” warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday evening, threatening an overwhelming response to any aggression. As the world awaits US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tonight, Freiberg updates us with the push-pull diplomacy of the past day. The Palestinian technocratic body tasked with managing postwar Gaza announced last week that it was opening applications for “qualified candidates” seeking to serve in a “transitional police force” to be deployed in the Strip. This comes as Hamas appears poised to keep hold of its control of civilian and security infrastructure even as the Trump peace plan moves ahead. The Great Isaiah Scroll, the oldest nearly complete book from the Hebrew Bible ever found, is on display in its full length for the first time since 1968. Tercatin was on hand at Jerusalem's Israel Museum for the unveiling and fills us in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump said frustrated with limits of military leverage against Iran Netanyahu: An attack on Israel would be ‘most serious mistake’ in Iranian history Hamas seen working to maintain control of Gaza via Trump-backed bodies Gaza oversight committee seeks ‘qualified’ candidates to join Strip’s police force Great Isaiah Scroll, oldest near-complete biblical book ever found, on show in entirety for 1st time since 1968 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht produced this episode. IMAGE: Hamas gunmen in the Shijaiyah neighborhood of Gaza City, November 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversations around Israel and Zionism have become increasingly fraught, often resulting in heated arguments and a flurry of talking points. For many, finding space for context and nuance in such a charged and confusing landscape can be difficult. To address this void, the Jewish Federations of North America produced a series titled Getting Grounded in Israel and Zionism. They want to bring this sponsored episode to our Daily Briefing listeners to help you move away from slogans and explore the history, ideas, and tensions shaping today’s discourse. Today, we are sharing Episode 6 from that series, titled "The Debate: Simple Labels Don't Work." This episode examines why common terminology often fails to capture reality and encourages listeners to examine their own assumptions. Whether you are looking for a refresher on the historical context or trying to navigate the current social media environment, this episode offers a look at the intellectual and political framework of the region. You can find the full series, along with additional educational resources and videos, at understandingisrael.org or by searching for the show on your preferred podcast platform. Here is Episode 6 of Getting Grounded in Israel and Zionism, brought to you by the Jewish Federations of North America. 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. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The next round of talks between the United States and Iran is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Even as US military pressure mounts, Tehran expressed hope that a nuclear agreement could be reached that would avert a looming attack. Berman updates on where things stand ahead of US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tomorrow. We then turn back the clock to last week's inaugural Board of Peace meeting in DC. Washington secured some $7 billion in pledges toward Gaza’s recovery from key Mideast allies; five countries agreed to contribute troops to the International Stabilization Force tasked with phasing the IDF out of Gaza; and plans are advancing to deploy thousands of Palestinian police in Gaza within two months. What about Hamas demilitarization? Berman weighs in. In a program released Friday following his brief visit to Israel, right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson claimed the Israeli government targeted his family, called the Jewish state “probably the most violent country on earth” and aired numerous antisemitic tropes. We hear why the media personality is latching on to them -- and who is listening. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US, Iran to hold talks Thursday as Tehran claims ‘good chance’ of diplomatic solution Witkoff says Trump ‘curious’ why Iran hasn’t ‘capitulated’ under US pressure Waving off the skeptics, US feeling bullish after Board of Peace inaugural confab Tucker Carlson claims Israel targeted his family, Netanyahu ‘believes in blood guilt’; questions Israel’s right to exist Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht produced this episode. IMAGE: A hand-drawn swastika is seen on the front of Union Station near the Capitol in Washington, January 28, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) 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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Iranian officers briefed Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, Fabian discusses assessments regarding the Iranian proxy in Lebanon attacking Israel if the US strikes Iran and Iran strikes Israel, and the concurrent uptick in IDF attacks against Hezbollah in recent weeks. Fabian reports that the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, is about to reach the region, offering another stage of readiness for a possible US strike against Iran. After dozens of settler activists entered the closed military zone of the Gaza border on Thursday night, Fabian notes that the political action diverted the army’s attention away from defending against potential attacks. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Report: IRGC running Hezbollah, preparing it for war with Israel if US strikes Iran Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 12, including senior Hezbollah official Israeli officials believe US, Iran at unbridgeable impasse as they near open conflict Dozens of settler activists, including far-right MK, illegally cross into 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 Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Hezbollah supporters chant slogans during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes, at Nasrallah's grave in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, the head of Realign For Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse. We begin the conversation with a bleak update on how Gazans are faring on the ground and hear anecdotes of poor hygiene and price gouging in the Strip. As the festive holy month of Ramadan begins, the lack of basic necessities becomes more stark for those who must fast all day but cannot feast at night. We then turn to the sudden announcement this week from Doctors Without Borders that it has suspended non-critical medical activities at Nasser Hospital in Gaza’s Khan Younis due to the presence of armed men at the medical facility and “a recent situation of suspicion of movement of weapons.” Alkhatib brings multiple examples of prior knowledge of the "armed men" in the hospital since Hamas's October 7, 2023, onslaught on southern Israel. He accuses the NGO of looking the other way as the terror organization took over hospital wings and turned them into prisons and torture chambers. So why did the international humanitarian group in Gaza decide to take notice now? And so this week, we ask Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, 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 Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Palestinians hang decorations beside the rubble of destroyed homes as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. Movie maven Hoffman begins with a tribute to master documentarian Frederick Wiseman, who died this week, aged 96. We then hear about the Israeli film “Children No More: Were and Are Gone,” directed by Hila Medalia, which is nominated for Best Documentary Short Film. The film documents a vigil that began in March 2025 in Tel Aviv, as a handful of left-wing protesters held photos of children killed in Gaza. And in the final segment, the pair rewind the 50-year-old masterpiece, "All the President's Men." In addition to appreciating the film's 1976 fashions and antiquated good manners, they note parallels to today's deep exploration into the trove of documents connected with the Epstein case. Check out the "oy," the "meh" and "not bad" marks given to films in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has never been stronger. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has steadily rolled back its enemies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. A staunch friend of Israel is in the White House, and he might well launch a second wave of strikes on Israel's archenemy in Tehran. Or is Israel historically vulnerable? None of the adversaries it has taken on since the Hamas invasion are defeated. US President Donald Trump is an ally, but both the Democratic and Republican parties have influential and growing wings that are hostile to Israel, if not antisemitic. To make sense of this moment, one needs a grasp of military strategy, Middle East geopolitics, and the workings of the US-Israel relationship. Michael Oren, Israel's former envoy in Jerusalem and a leading Middle East historian, says that the post-October 7 wars represent "one of the greatest military victories in modern history, perhaps in all history." However, it remains to be seen whether Israel can translate the military victories into permanent strategic and diplomatic gains. On the potential for a US strike in Iran, Oren stresses the importance of missile defense for the US Navy, as Iran's greatest achievement would be the sinking of an American aircraft carrier. He predicts that after Trump issued clear threats and put his reputation on the line, he is not going to back down and leave a legacy that could be compared to that of Barack Obama. Looking at the future of the US-Israeli relationship, Oren notes that the US is going through domestic processes that Israel has no control over, but often use Israel to score political points. Given those trends, Israel should diversify its diplomatic relationships, but there will never be a replacement for American support. Oren firmly supports Israel moving off of US military aid, and transforming its relationship with Washington into one of equal partners working together to develop capabilities. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. 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. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. With reports of the US building firepower in the Middle East ahead of a possible strike against Iran, Berman discusses the possible timing and latest indicators, including US President Donald Trump's characterization of the recently concluded nuclear talks in Geneva. Berman details several of the latest locations of the US aircraft carriers, their offensive and defensive power in the region, and the ability of the US and Israel to carry out an extended campaign if necessary. He also reports on a brief visit of right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson to Israel to interview US ambassador Mike Huckabee, following Carlson's repeated claims that Israel oppresses Christians. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: White House: There are many arguments for striking Iran, they’d be wise to make a deal Iran atomic energy chief says no country can deprive Tehran of enrichment rights Israel, US envoy reject Tucker Carlson’s claim he was detained and interrogated at airport Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Demonstrators wave Iranian and Hezbollah flags as one holds a poster of the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. strike in Iraq in 2020, during the Muslim Shiite holiday of Eid al-Ghadir, which commemorates the Prophet Muhammad naming Ali, revered as the first Shiite imam, as his successor, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) 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. Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and religion reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Sunday, the cabinet approved the opening of a new land registration process for Area C in the West Bank, some 60 percent of the territory, which it and critics said would enable the state to declare large swaths of land in the territory as available for public development, meaning the creation and expansion of settlements and settlement infrastructure. Sharon weighs in on the trend of increasing Israeli civilian control of the territory, or de facto annexation, and Tercatin brings the example of legislation that would give the State of Israel control of archaeological sites in territory currently administered by the Palestinian Authority. Yesterday, for the first time in three years, representatives of the state and the Jerusalem municipality explained to the High Court why there is a delay in implementing a 2016 government-mandated upgrade to the egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall and restoring its direct access to the wall itself. Tercatin updates us on the ongoing saga and Sharon weighs in with the potential legal outcomes. We finish the program with a new reading of the New Testament's cleansing of the Temple, which brings out Jesus's more human aspects. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Cabinet OKs new West Bank land registration process, critics decry ‘de-facto annexation’ Local and state government trade blame over delays upgrading Western Wall egalitarian plaza Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Palestinians visit the Roman historical site in the West Bank town of Sebastia, November 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) 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. The US and Iran are set to hold indirect talks in Geneva today, with little indication of potential compromise as the United States continues its economic sanctions and ramps up its military presence in the Middle East while Iran holds large-scale maritime exercises. We hear what may be on the table as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner hold negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Israel plans to afford Hamas a 60-day period to disarm, and if it does not, the Israeli military will go back to war in the Gaza Strip, according to Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs on Monday. How does this align with the inaugural session of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, which is set for this Thursday? We learn which countries may be joining and what is hoped to be accomplished. And finally, last Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that President Isaac Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is standing trial for alleged fraud, bribery and breach of trust. Why were these remarks made out of the blue -- and do they actually help the Prime Minister? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump ally to ToI: Ayatollah staying in power would be ‘strategic victory for Iran’ Top Netanyahu aide: Hamas will have 60 days to disarm or IDF will ‘complete’ mission Indonesia says 8,000 troops ready to deploy to Gaza by June as Trump touts progress Sa’ar to represent Israel at inaugural Board of Peace meeting, after PM declines to attend Trump says Herzog should be ‘ashamed of himself’ for not pardoning Netanyahu Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A huge banner showing hands firmly holding Iranian national flags as a sign of patriotism, in Tehran, Iran, January 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File) 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. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. While the prospect of American intervention in Iran appears to be receding, Horovitz discusses the mixed signals from the US and Iran and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated remarks that Israel has multiple requirements for any deal that might take shape. As election season nears, Horovitz reviews the latest efforts by the prime minister to minimize the blame attached to him for October 7, including recasting the war in Gaza as a war of revival, with that term used on the gravestones of the fallen. Following a Haredi riot in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bnei Brak in which a mob attacked two young female soldiers visiting an ultra-Orthodox soldier, Horovitz discusses the riot, the lack of an immediate response from the police, and the idea that IDF soldiers can't move around freely in Israel. Finally, Horovitz and Steinberg discuss some of the latest issues facing the former hostages, as some choose to share the atrocities of their captivity, others have taken to crowdfunding to raise funds for their rehabilitation, and many are staying firmly out of the public eye. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: New anti-government chants reported across Iran after major rallies abroad Trump told Netanyahu he’d back Israeli strikes on Iran if talks fail – report 2 female soldiers attacked by rioting Haredi mob in Bnei Brak, rescued by police Former hostage couple dreams of space (travel) and time to recover and rebuild their home Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. Image: A recycle bin for papers set on fire after two female Israeli soldiers were rescued from riots that broke out while they were performing a welfare visit in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, February 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Associated Press, Oded Balilty) 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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. A group of at least five armed Palestinian terror operatives on Saturday evening emerged from a tunnel and approached troops in the northern Gaza Strip, on the Israeli side of a ceasefire line. We learn of the retaliatory strikes. Fabian, who was embedded with IDF troops outside of Gaza City last week, describes what he saw on the ground even as the IDF is finalizing plans for a potential renewed operation. We learn about the new policy for reservists as the army faces budget cuts. As part of “upgrading readiness for future threats” -- read: Iran -- the Defense Ministry said last week it successfully completed a series of “complex” tests with the David’s Sling medium-range air defense system. We learn the economic impact of repurposing the system. And finally, an Israeli military reservist and a civilian were indicted last week for using classified information to place bets regarding military operations on the popular Polymarket prediction market. What is this website and how dangerous was the intel leak? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF strikes gunmen who approached troops in north Gaza after emerging from tunnel Anti-Hamas militia says it is destroying terror group’s tunnels in Gaza IDF readying new Gaza offensive to disarm Hamas by force IDF says cutting back superfluous reservists, will reduce duty time Eyeing future missile threats, Israel successfully completes ‘complex’ David’s Sling tests Two indicted for using classified info to place online bets on military operations Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Smoke and flames rise from an Israeli military strike on a building in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, February 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. After Borschel-Dan reads out a listener's cottage cheese-themed email, Hoffman brings us a news "Jangle" involving "Marty Supreme" actress Odessa A'zion. Next, we hear how to pickle lemons, and then we turn to an Israeli student film, "The Butcher's Stain," that is up for an Oscar this year for Best Short Film. Hoffman weighs in on its chances. Finally, we explore Spike Lee's 2018 "BlacKkKlansman," which has several surprisingly deeply Jewish moments. Check out the "meh plus!" and "not bad" films in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Alice Miller, the CEO of Natan Worldwide Disaster Relief. Miller is nationally known for her landmark Supreme Court case in 1995, which opened the gates of the Israel Air Force to female fighter pilots. This decision paved the way for today's female combat soldiers and made Miller a household name. However, that was just the start of Miller's incredible journey that has taken her around the globe -- and her work as an aeronautical engineer may even reach the moon. Today, Miller serves as the head of an NGO that brings volunteer medical staff and therapists into international disaster zones. In the past year alone, teams have landed in Syria, Mexico and are shortly taking off for Mozambique. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught on southern Israel, the organization began work in Israel for the first time -- and eventually, also in the Gaza Strip. We learn about the principled decision that has Israelis serving Gazans as we ask Miller, 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 Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Only 16 days before the October 7, 2023, attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to the podium at the United Nations. As a Saudi diplomat listened intently, he said, "We are on the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough, a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.” The war that erupted with the Hamas invasion has, not surprisingly, pushed off normalization, but it was still seen as likely once the hostages came back and Hamas was beaten. That prognosis has been replaced by alarm in recent months. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE -- a close Israeli ally -- spilled out into the open in Yemen, and continues to simmer in Sudan and Libya. Meanwhile, Riyadh's relations with Ankara and Doha continue to improve. In parallel, Saudi media and clerics launched a bitter war of words on the UAE, Israel, and even Jews. Berman drills down into the economic, strategic, and military roots of the UAE-Saudi regional rivalry, and whether the idea of blocs in the Middle East is even accurate. He then gives his assessment of whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is really realigning the kingdom's foreign policy, and what it means for a peace deal with Israel. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. 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. US President Donald Trump met privately with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, and later said he had insisted to the Israeli leader that American negotiations with Iran continue. We unravel Trump's Truth Social statement and learn what Netanyahu released following the meeting. The inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace is set for next week in DC. Who is confirmed to attend -- and who is still on the fence? Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas received a draft constitution last week that aims to transition the PA to a full-fledged state. Magid weighs in on whether or not it may be ratified and delves into Israel's security cabinet announcement on Sunday that details new areas under Israeli control in the West Bank. Finally, we turn to a curious AIPAC campaign that thwarted a candidate who perceives himself as "pro-Israel." Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump says he ‘insisted’ to Netanyahu that Iran talks go on, as PM stresses ‘security needs’ US aims to fundraise for Gaza reconstruction amid fog over Hamas disarmament Abbas receives draft constitution that aims to transition PA to full-fledged state AIPAC defends spending $2.3m to thwart ‘pro-Israel’ NJ congressional candidate Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A member of the Revolutionary Guard flashes a victory sign while taking position as a man holds an Iranian flag under the Azadi, or freedom, monument tower during an annual rally marking 1979 Islamic Revolution at the Azadi square in Tehran, Iran, February 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) 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. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he planned to convey Israel’s position on US nuclear talks with Tehran during his meeting with US President Donald Trump today. Horovitz weighs in on what that position may be. Even as Hamas continues to refuse to lay down its arms, Indonesia is preparing for the potential deployment of 5,000 to 8,000 troops to Gaza under US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, according to the country’s army chief of staff, Maruli Simanjuntak. We hear why the largest Muslim nation in the world is ready to step into the Strip. After Israel's security council announced unprecedented steps to regulate the settlement of the West Bank, the Trump administration reiterated its opposition to Israel annexing the territory. What are among the series of measures aimed at expanding Jerusalem’s grip in the areas Palestinians hope will make up their future state? On Monday night, Netanyahu shared a post on social media accusing former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of falsifying the intelligence agency’s probe into the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault and positioning himself as “de facto prime minister” after the attack. Why lies behind this most recent social media storm? President Isaac Herzog continues his solidarity tour of Australia this week and is greeted with pro-Palestinian protesters at every stop. Horovitz expresses his shock and dismay. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Netanyahu ‘wants a good deal’ with Iran, nuclear talks this time ‘are different’ Jetting to DC, Netanyahu says he’ll present Trump with ‘our approach’ to Iran talks Trump stresses opposition to annexation after Israel takes steps to expand West Bank grip Security cabinet okays deepened Israeli control of West Bank; Hamas urges ‘escalation’ Netanyahu shares post accusing ex-Shin Bet chief of appointing himself ‘de facto PM’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: An Israeli soldier stands guard during the inauguration ceremony for the newly legalized Jewish settlement of Yatziv, near the Palestinian town of Beit Sahour, in the West Bank, January 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) 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. Australia correspondent Nomi Kaltmann joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Thousands gathered across Australia on Monday to protest the arrival of President Isaac Herzog, who is on a multi-city trip aimed at expressing solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. Herzog is visiting Australia this week at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the aftermath of the December 14 shooting at a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15. The visit has attracted the ire of some people in Australia, who accuse Herzog of being complicit in civilian deaths in Gaza. Pro-Palestine, anti-Israel groups organized protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday evening. We hear how the Australian Jewish community is welcoming the president's visit, what Herzog's goals may be in Canberra and whether there could be unintended negative consequences in light of the allegations of police brutality from Monday's explosive anti-Israel protest. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Will Herzog’s Australia visit and new legislation assuage Jews’ fears after Bondi attack? Australia urges calm after violent clashes in Sydney over Herzog visit Protests in Sydney against Herzog’s visit turn violent amid scuffles with police Arriving in Australia, Herzog pays tribute to Bondi terror victims: ‘We shall overcome’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Pro-Palestinian protesters take part in a demonstration against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia in Sydney on February 9, 2026. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when Emma Lazarus’s “The New Colossus” is no longer read as a civic creed, but as a provocation about who belongs—and what a democracy owes the vulnerable? In this episode, Yehuda Kurtzer reflects on what he perceives as the normalization of cruelty toward immigrants in America, the present state violence being carried out in Minneapolis, and the uneasy silence of Jewish institutions when civil rights are clearly under assault. He then turns his lens toward Israel—asking what it means for Jews in both democracies to draw the line not between “us” and “them,” but between cruelty and compassion. Learn more here and join our mailing list for more Hartman ideas. Subscribe to Identity/Crisis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you receive your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.