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.

Today is day 171 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Israeli officials seem to be giving the hostage release negotiations that are currently underway a 50-50 chance of success, but it sounds like the numbers and nuts and bolts of the potential deal continue to solidify. What is Berman hearing?

Late last week, Berman was embedded with the IDF near Khan Younis and Lt. Col. Ofir Caspi made headlines for some of his more controversial remarks. What did Berman see there and what did Caspi say?

Yesterday, US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday did not rule out consequences for Israel if it moves forward with a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but US President Joe Biden seems to be on board with targeted operations. How does Berman see that working out?

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Sunday in Cairo that delivering the necessary aid to famine-threatened Gaza “requires Israel removing the remaining obstacles and chokepoints to relief.” Berman speaks about the delicate balance the IDF must take while securing the aid conveys.

And finally, Berman puts on his old university chaplain hat and answers some questions about Purim.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog March 25, 2024

Israel said willing to free some 800 inmates for 40 captives, as talks given 50/50 odds

As Rafah waiting game continues, 82nd Battalion expands long fight in Khan Younis

Biden’s wished-for targeted operation in Rafah might not be out of the question

Kamala Harris doesn’t rule out consequences for Israel if it goes ahead with Rafah op

UN chief blames Israeli ‘obstacles, chokepoints’ for looming famine in Gaza Strip

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

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.

IMAGE: Smoke plumes billow after Israeli bombardment over Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 20, 2024, during the ongoing war against Hamas. (Said Khatid / AFP)

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