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 181 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued an apology for the deadly Israeli strike on three World Central Kitchen cars in an aid convoy in Gaza, adding that it was a result of a “misidentification,” which was being investigated and learned from. Horovitz delves into some of the diplomatic and political fallout.

The IDF said yesterday that it has bolstered its air defense array and had called up reservists and today we hear that the IDF has canceled home leave for all combat troops, as the country prepares for a potential Iranian response to a strike in Syria on Monday. What are some of the assessments?

Yesterday, for the first time, coalition member and War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz called for Israel to hold early elections by September. Horovitz describes the political atmosphere that may have brought Gantz to this tipping point -- and speaks about other coalition members who perhaps could follow in making this call.

The Knesset is going on recess today, but not all of its members agree there should be a vacation at this time. Horovitz weighs in.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog April 4, 2024

Yet another ‘How could this have happened?’ tragedy prompts deep strategic concerns

Amid retaliation threats from Iran, IDF cancels home leave for all combat troops

Israel beefs up air defenses, calls up troops as Iran payback for Syria strike looms

Gantz calls for early elections in September to ‘renew trust’ in government

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: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (3rd L) visiting the navy base of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, in a picture released on February 2, 2024. (Iranian Presidency/ AFP)

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