Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. 

We are on day 13 of the war that Hamas instigation on October 7 in its murderous incursion into Israel which has left some 1,300 killed, hundreds wounded and 203 captive. Every day, more bodies are identified and the grieving continues.

The IDF reported today that it is still finding Hamas infiltrators here in Israel and that it estimates there are now 203 hostages in Gaza. Fabian updates us.

While the ground incursion is still on hold, what offensive steps has the IDF been taking in the last few days?

There have been increased arrests of Hamas terrorists in the West Bank over the past week and even as President Joe Biden was here, more rockets fell and action took place on the northern border. We hear updates on developments there, as well as reports of air strikes on Syria.

President Joe Biden was here yesterday for a solidarity visit. Goren gives bullet points from the trip and discusses its fallout.

On Monday, the security cabinet pushed off a vote on controversial regulations proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi that would empower him to shut down foreign media outlets. Goren describes a shrinking of freedom of the press.

For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Discussed articles include:

Live blog October 19, 2023

Northern border heats up with fresh rocket fire, Hezbollah attacks on IDF posts

Biden to Israelis: ‘Justice must be done,’ but don’t let rage guide wartime decisions

Biden: World did nothing in the Holocaust. We will not stand by and do nothing again

Vote on plan to shutter Al Jazeera delayed as legal concerns surface

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel

THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown

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IMAGE: US President Joe Biden is greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 18, 2023, in Lod. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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