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.

Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

This morning, Hamas released a statement saying that Israel’s military plans to conquer Gaza City show its “blatant disregard” for efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the nearly two-year conflict. As Israel continues to weigh the partial, phased truce proposal accepted by the terror group on Sunday, we hear about the various forms of backlash faced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- for both the Gaza City op and for the possibility of ending the war without achieving all war goals.

As a slew of nations announce their potential readiness to recognize a Palestinian state in September, a recent poll found that 58 percent of Americans believe that every country in the United Nations should recognize Palestine as a nation. The issue of a “two-state solution” couldn’t be farther from most Israelis’ minds. Horovitz delves into why the flirting with recognizing Palestine — now, during this war — is drawing such passion from the Israeli leadership, notably Netanyahu in his dealings with his Australian counterpart.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

As Egypt presses Israel on truce proposal, PM pushes ahead with Gaza City operation

Trump’s moment: How the US president can help Netanyahu make the wise choice on Gaza

Poll shows most Americans back Palestine recognition, view Israel’s Gaza war as excessive

Australia pans Netanyahu: ‘Strength not measured by how many people you can blow up’

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

Members of the Global Movement for Palestine wave a giant Palestine flag during a rally against Israel and the ongoing food shortages in the Gaza Strip, in Mexico City on August 17, 2025. (Yuri CORTEZ / AFP)

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