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.

It is day 218 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Berman discusses the expansion of the targeted, moderate operation in Rafah, the US reactions to the operation so far and what that means for US-Israel relations.

He also updates what's happening with talks for a hostage deal and ceasefire, as well as the release of a Hamas propaganda videos of hostage Nadav Popplewell, which Berman believes is meant to put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sharon looks at an interview with the recent past president of the International Court of Justice, and her comments about the 'plausibility' term with regard to the court case about whether Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.

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

Discussed articles include:

US: Ongoing IDF op in Rafah doesn’t amount to major offensive we’ve warned against

‘Plausibility’ in the South African genocide case against Israel is not what it seemed

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: Israelis taking part in a protest calling for the end of the war and the release of the hostages, as they march through the streets of Tel Aviv. on May 9, 2024. (Photo by Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.