The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

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 65 of the war with Hamas. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode, giving a longer overview of two months of war.

We hear how the war is going for Israel so far and what we understand could happen in the north with Hezbollah.

We learn who are Israel’s international partners -- and where there may be friction in those relationships.

Finally, we hear about the mood of the nation, 65 days on.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 10, 2023

IDF chief: Hamas rule in Gaza faltering; leaked video shows apparent gunmen surrender

IDF needs about 2 more months in Gaza to wrap up 1st stage of war, Israel believes

National security adviser indicates war against Hezbollah likely once Hamas is defeated

US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Black smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Yaroun, a Lebanese border village with Israel, in south Lebanon, December 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

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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 64 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

The airforce, navy and ground troops continue to operate in all parts of Gaza. As of this morning, 91 soldiers have fallen in the ground operation. We begin today's episode with a failed hostage rescue attempt between Thursday and Friday night in which two soldiers were seriously wounded and several hostage takers were killed, but no hostages were freed.

We hear updates on what is happening on the ground in Gaza, including the discovery of arms hidden inside a school's teddy bear. Fabian also explains the widely circulated pictures of Gaza men stripped to their underwear.

We turn to the northern border and learn about IDF drone strikes in Syria.

Fabian recently joined the 261st Brigade’s 8717th “Alon” Battalion, in the town of Salatin, on the outskirts of Jabaliya, in northern Gaza. We hear what he learned there.

A senior Israeli defense official was quoted in media reports that the Israeli military needs another three to four weeks to complete its current offensive in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis and a similar amount of time after that to wrap up the first stage of the war against Hamas. Fabian weighs in and explains what the next stages may look like.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 9, 2023

2 troops seriously hurt in failed Gaza hostage rescue; Gallant: signs Hamas is breaking

Footage shows numerous Gaza terror suspects who apparently surrendered to IDF troops

4 said killed in alleged Israeli drone strike in Syria; rockets fired from Lebanon

Hamas broke temporary truce in Gaza minutes after it began, senior IDF officer says

IDF needs about 2 more months in Gaza to wrap up 1st stage of war, Israel believes

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: An Israeli soldier lights candles on the second night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah near the Israeli border with Syria, December 8, 2023. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)

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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 63 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Schneider discusses Gadi Eisenkot receiving news of his reservist son's mortal injuries, as the former IDF chief of staff, now a member of Benny Gantz’s National Unity party and and war cabinet, was touring the southern command with Gantz.

Magid looks at comments made by US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer about Israel and its ongoing fighting in Gaza, wanting Israel to use lessons learned in first part of war.

He also discusses a conversation with top advisor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who has been condemning Hamas in meetings and phone calls but not publicly, because of possible future PA role in Gaza after the war.

Schneider talks about reservists given bulletproof vests made in 1963  in the US for the Vietnam War.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 8, 2023

War cabinet minister, ex-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot’s son killed in Gaza, along with 2nd soldier

Abbas denouncing Hamas, but criticism kept private due to IDF ‘aggression’ – top aide

Jon Finer: ‘Aspects of IDF campaign in north didn’t show sufficient care for civilian life’

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Israeli soldiers at a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border, November 30, 2023. (Photo by Flash90)

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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 62 of the war. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

Late last night, the war cabinet approved an increase in fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip. It’s not a decision they made easily and there was more than a little pressure from the Americans. Keller-Lynn tells us more.

At least 10 of the Israeli civilians released by Hamas, both men and women, were sexually assaulted or abused while in captivity, according to reports. What are we hearing so far?

Israel's political left or far-left has been relatively silent following the October 7 Hamas massacre. In a segment recorded before Labor head Merav Michaeli announced a planned retirement from political life in April, we hear about the crisis of faith in the left-wing.

Steinberg describes how some of the returned hostages are adjusting. We first hear about Noam Avigdori, 12, who hasn’t wanted to let her father, Hen Avigdori, out of her sight. We then learn of two mothers fighting to get their grown sons home.

Finally, we choose moving entries from Those We Are Missing, a series spearheaded by Steinberg.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 7, 2023

Following US pressure, Israel approves increase of fuel deliveries to Gaza

At least 10 freed hostages were sexually abused in Hamas captivity, doctor says

Released hostage Hanna Katzir, 78, in dire medical condition, family says

‘Age doesn’t matter’: Mothers want their abducted adult sons back home

Released from captivity, Noam Avigdori won’t let her father out of her sight

Taken captive: Guy Gilboa-Dalal, took a selfie with his brother for mom

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Israelis put up posters of the civilians held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, December 6, 2023. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

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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 61 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

The IDF says "fierce battles" with Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip continue. As of this morning, 83 soldiers have died in the Gaza ground offensive, as the Air Force continues to carry out strikes against more than 250 targets over the past day. Fabian describes what is happening on the ground, as well as an idea to flood terror tunnels.

In a rare statement, the Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday expressed regret for killing a Lebanese soldier while striking a Hezbollah-linked target earlier in the day, the first such death since cross-border hostilities began in October. What does this apology represent?

A European Union-funded school and some 10 homes in a village of the South Hebron Hills region of the West Bank have been demolished by "unknown parties" Sharon describes the incident and puts it into context with other attacks on activists who are attempting to protect Palestinians in the West Bank.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 6, 2023

IDF steps up fight against Hamas in south Gaza; UN says 80% of population displaced

IDF chief: Flooding Gaza tunnels with seawater ‘a good idea’; Khan Younis surrounded

IDF issues rare apology after strike kills Lebanese soldier

Homes and EU-funded school in West Bank village wrecked after threats by settlers

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: A temporary camp near the Egyptian border in Rafah set up for Palestinians who evacuated their homes in the southern Gaza Strip, December 5, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)

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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 60 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Schneider discusses the long-awaited statement made by the UN Women agency regarding the sexual assault and violence committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attacks, and how Gilad Erdan, Israel's UN ambassador, helped bring about the statement.

Wrobel discusses the state of the Israeli high-tech community since the start of the war, about hiring, investment and how it will survive this period.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 5, 2023

Eight weeks after Oct. 7 onslaught, UN Women condemns ‘brutal attacks by Hamas’

Amid war with Hamas, Israel’s Matrix is seeking to hire 700 new employees

Amid war, Israel to back angel investor clubs to help young startups nab funding

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 IMAGE: Demonstrators gather during a '#MeToo unless you are a Jew' protest outside of United Nations headquarters in New York City on December 4, 2023. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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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 59 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

75 IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza as of this morning. The IDF hit some 200 sites overnight and the ground offensive pushes ahead, now also in southern Gaza and all eyes are on civilian casualties. Horovitz describes the IDF's push-pull situation and how the US is reacting so far.

The relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is showing some cracks. Horovitz talks about a recent separate press conference and what happened in a stormy Likud faction meeting yesterday.

Spiro speaks about Those We Have Lost, the Times of Israel's massive project to memorialize the more than 1,200 victims of the October 7 massacre and the ensuing war. We bring a few stories that moved us in particular.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 4, 2023

Confirming ground push into southern Gaza, IDF chief vows ‘no less powerful’ campaign

White House says Israel ‘making effort’ to better protect Gaza civilians

Likud MKs attack allies, defense officials and left, drawing rebuke from Netanyahu

Lior Tarshansky, 15: Maccabi Haifa devotee with ‘shy smile’

Ashish Chaudhary, 25: Nepali student dreamed of supporting his family

Nadav, Yam Goldstein-Almog, 48 & 20: Father, daughter slain together

Bilha Epstein, 81: Kibbutz elder was eager to meet a 1st great-grandchild

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Palestinians look at the destruction by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah, December 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)

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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 58 of the war. Arab affairs reporter Luca Pacchiani and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

We hear what families of hostages are demanding from the government as fighting has resumed in Gaza. Lidor attended a massive rally in Tel Aviv last night and reports back.

Hamas has different views on why the truce fell apart, Pacchiani explains, and has vowed not to return any more hostages until the end of the war.

We also learn about the brave few who have returned to the Gaza envelope -- and the dangers of publicizing the encouraging images of "resettlement."

Pacchiani dives into the signs that support of Hamas in the West Bank has increased threefold.

And finally, we hear about a Torah scroll-writing project that is being conducted at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 3, 2023

IDF announces deaths of 2 more soldiers in Gaza fighting

Freed hostages urge release of those still in Gaza, but not all parents agree on price

Top Hamas official says hostage negotiations are off until war ends

With all eyes on Gaza, Hamas might send the West Bank up in flames

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Hamas supporters take part in a protest in support of the people of Gaza in Hebron, West Bank, December 1, 2023. (Wisam Haslmaoun/Flash90)

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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 57 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

We hear why the truce fell apart and what the US requests from Israel as the fighting pushes forward.

We learn about the renewed fighting in Gaza and how the Israeli military is beginning to use an evacuation map for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, for them to avoid active combat zones.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 2, 2023

US blames Hamas for end of truce, as rocket barrages fired at central Israel, south

Report: Truce fell apart after Hamas refused to release more female Israeli hostages

Blinken said to warn war cabinet Israel may not have months to topple Hamas

IDF carries out ‘extensive’ airstrikes in Khan Younis area amid heavy Gaza fighting

PA’s Abbas a ‘liability’ in planning for post-war Gaza, Arab officials say

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: This handout picture released by the Israeli army shows troops on the ground in the northern Gaza Strip on December 2, 2023 (Israel Defense Forces)

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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 56 of the war. Health editor Renee Ghert-Zand and education reporter Gabriel Fiske join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Ghert-Zand reports that most returning hostages are "okay," all undergo extensive medical tests and then get a tailored program for recovery. She adds information about some specific released hostages and the emotional care that continue.

Fiske updates on schooling in country's center and 351 pop-up schools created for evacuated K-12 children throughout the country.

He also looks at a special pocket edition of the book of Genesis for reserve soldiers, printed to use in the weeks since the war began on October 7.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 1, 2023

Photos, videos show emotional hostage reunions, as doctors say most in good health

Daughter of critically ill 84-year-old freed hostage: Red Cross ‘abandoned’ her

Tel Aviv area schools return to distance learning, partial classes as war resumes

Book publisher sends thousands of sacred texts to IDF soldiers

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: The reunion of siblings Maya and Itay Regev, released from Gaza days apart, with a third sibling at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, November 30, 2023, in handout photos by the hospital. (Courtesy)

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