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.

Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

With nuclear talks between the US and Iran planned for Saturday, Horovitz discusses the implications of the upcoming talks and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be surprised by Trump's announcement of the diplomatic approach. He reviews past diplomatic efforts with Iran, and the role in the talks taken by Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, as well as Israel's role in potential military responses.

There are still 59 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza, and Horovitz talks about how Trump, perhaps uncharacteristically, gently and patiently hosted three freed hostages at an event this week, as the US president appears to be trying to grapple with the reality of what he's been told about the brutality of Hamas.

Horovitz also discusses the headline about the Israeli Air Force decision to
dismiss Air Force reservists who signed a controversial letter, appealing for the hostages over a return to a military campaign against Hamas.

Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

This conversation can also be viewed here:For further reading:

IAF to dismiss reservists who signed letter demanding prioritization of hostages over war

Trump: Israel would ‘be the leader’ of strike on Iran if nuclear talks fall apart

‘We owe our lives to you’: Former Gaza hostages implore Trump to help free the rest

Attacked online by PM’s backers, ex-hostage hits back: ‘Wish death upon Hamas, not me’

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: US President Donald Trump greets Israeli hostages who were released from Gaza, during the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) "President's Dinner" at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC on April 8, 2025. (SAUL LOEB / AFP)

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