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.

Today is day 72 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

The accidental killing of Yotam Haim, Samar Talalka and Alon Lulu Shamriz was the main issue addressed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz in a three-way press conference last night. Horovitz reports on what was said.

Horovitz recently spoke with Maj. Gen. (res) Tamir Hayman, who spent 34 years in the IDF, culminating in more than three years as head of Military Intelligence in 2018-21. He is now the head of the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, a leading think tank. We hear highlights of the 13-point interview.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 17, 2023

Defense chiefs take blame for hostage killings, note complexities of Gaza battlefield

‘And suddenly darkness’: IDF’s tragic killing of 3 hostages a new, heartbreaking blow

How did we go so wrong: 13 questions for a former IDF intelligence chief

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

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IMAGE: Family and friends of Samer Fouad Al-Talalka mourn and bury him in Hura, southern Israel, on December 16, 2023. He was accidentally killed by IDF forces after being held captive by Hamas. (Flash90)

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