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 reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

According to a Channel 12 news report on Tuesday night, the United States and Arab states have launched covert talks with Iran for a comprehensive ceasefire aimed at calming all war fronts at once. Berman discusses what influence Iran may still have with its proxies.

Ahead of the planned phone call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, the apparently unease between the two leaders was writ large in headlines about an upcoming book by US journalist Bob Woodward. They haven’t spoken for over 50 days and last night the Defense Ministry on Tuesday informed the Pentagon that it is postponing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s planned trip to the United States -- reportedly because the two leaders have not yet spoken. Berman weighs in.

Netanyahu seemed to confirm on Tuesday evening that Israel had successfully assassinated projected new Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine, who was targeted in an airstrike in Beirut last Thursday, and claimed Israel has also killed the next in line for the job, however the IDF’s follow up statement was much less conclusive. Berman parses this out.

During a press conference in Jerusalem on Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot doubled down on French President Emmanuel Macron’s call last week for a partial arms embargo on Israel. Berman gives context and historical background to this new statement.

For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Discussed articles include:

Hezbollah rains rockets on Haifa as deputy leader claims capabilities intact

US and Arab states reportedly in talks with Iran for ceasefire on all war fronts

Netanyahu and Biden expected to hold call on Iran Wednesday after weeks of silence

Biden said to call Netanyahu ‘a f**king liar’ after Israeli troops entered Rafah

Netanyahu: Israel killed ‘Nasrallah’s replacement, and his replacement’s replacement’

Gallant’s trip to US delayed, reportedly after Netanyahu sets last-minute obstacles

French FM backs Macron’s calls for arms ban, argues it’s for Israel’s security

Macron speaks with Netanyahu, but doesn’t retract his call for arms embargo

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yoel Sigel.

IMAGE: IDF forces on the ground in southern Lebanon, October 9, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

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