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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's show.

Magid discusses why former defense minister Yoav Gallant resigned from the Knesset, which appears to be primarily due to his opposition to legislation that would allow ultra-Orthodox men exemptions from army service. The move is somewhat confusing, given that Gallant's vote could have made a difference regarding certain legislation, but he seems to be leaving as a political move, to cement his future possibilities.

Magid looks at why the hostage talks are reported to have stalled, with obstacles that included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's not offering a viable alternative as to who would fill the void of Hamas leadership in Gaza, and the Hamas stance that it can't locate all the remaining hostages held in Gaza.

He also reviews a Palestinian Authority crackdown on armed terror groups in Jenin in the northern West Bank, and its relationship to the fall of Assad to rebel groups in Syria. Criticism of the Palestinian Authority's activity was broadcast on Al Jazeera, and the news channel was then barred temporarily from the West Bank.

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

Discussed articles include:

Gallant resigns from Knesset, denounces imminent bill to exempt Haredim from IDF

Hamas said willing to free only 22 of 34 living hostages demanded by Israel in deal

PA halts Al Jazeera West Bank broadcasts amid criticism of its terror crackdown

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: MK Yoav Gallant in the corridors of the Knesset on December 23, 2024. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.