The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 45 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

65 soldiers have been killed so far in the ground offensive in Gaza. The IDF has presented evidence that several hostages taken from Israel into Gaza on October 7 were indeed in the Shifa Hospital compound and that one at least was killed there. Fabian fills us in.

Yesterday, we reported that Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed that they had hijacked an Israeli cargo ship traveling through the Red Sea. Israel, for its part, blamed Iran for the incident and denied that the vessel was Israeli. Fabian untangles the knot?

Even as the first mixed-gender unit entered Gaza yesterday, there are reports that senior commanders refused to heed the warnings of the young female surveillance soldiers tasked with watching the Gaza border in the weeks before the brutal Hamas massacre on October 7. The soldiers believe sexism was a factor in their being ignored, according to a Haaretz report.

The October 30 burial of Alina Plahti, who was killed by Hamas at the Supernova rave, roiled the nation because she was buried outside the main cemetery in Beit She'an. Her father is Jewish, she served in the IDF, but she dropped out of her conversion program three years ago. Lidor explains.

Lidor dives into the increase of inflammatory language out of South Africa, including the use of "genocide."

And finally, Lidor tells of a group of Jewish and Arab Israelis who are working together to clean up the bomb shelters in Haifa.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 20, 2023

IDF: Hostage was killed in Shifa; clip shows Hamas take 2 other hostages there on Oct 7

Surveillance soldiers charge sexism a factor in their Oct. 7 warnings being ignored

Yemen’s Houthis claim to hijack Israeli ship in Red Sea; Jerusalem: It isn’t Israeli

After Oct. 7 victim buried outside cemetery, fence separating non-Jews lowered

In Haifa, bomb shelter cleanup action fosters Arab-Jewish partnership

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of 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 terrorists bring a hostage into Shifa Hospital as seen on surveillance footage from October 7, 2023. (IDF)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 44 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and Luca Pacchiani join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

The IDF is expanding the ground operation in northern Gaza and as of this morning, 59 soldiers have fallen. On November 14, hundreds of families of hostages and supporters began a five-day trek to Jerusalem, which they reached yesterday. Tens of thousands of Israelis joined them. We hear Horovitz's impressions.

Also on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was heavy international pressure against Israel’s war on Hamas, as he pledged to continue pressing the military campaign in Gaza until the terror group is overthrown and the hostages it seized are returned. Where is the pressure coming from?

On Wednesday, the printed version of the Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad featured a front-page editorial in Hebrew titled “What will happen after Israel?” What is the story behind this newspaper?

Since the Hamas massacre of 1,200 on October 7, east Jerusalem has been what Pacciani calls, "eerily silent." We hear more.

Nearly 400 people gathered on Monday night in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Abu Tor for Jewish-Arab solidarity and coexistence amid the ongoing war between Israel and terror group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Pacchiani was there and reports back.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 19, 2023

‘Look us in the eye!’: 30,000 join Gaza hostages’ families on final march into Jerusalem

PM says bucking int’l pressure against Gaza op, stresses no hostage deal ‘as of now’

Jordanian newspaper features front-page Hebrew article predicting Israel’s collapse

All quiet on the eastern front? Jerusalem Old City sits empty — and heavily patrolled

Hundreds gather in Jerusalem to raise voice for Jewish-Arab solidarity

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of 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 attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza at 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, November 18, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 43 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

Today, finally, patients, staff and displaced people left the Shifa Hospital compound, leaving behind only a skeleton crew to care for those too sick to move and Israeli forces in control of the facility. What are the IDF's plans now?

The IDF says it is expanding operations in the Gaza Strip, with offensives being carried out in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, and in Jabaliya. Both the areas are regarded as Hamas strongholds. Where will the troops go from here?

The IDF and Shin Bet security service said Saturday that a number of terrorists killed in an overnight West Bank operation were planning “imminent” attacks on Israeli civilians and troops. Fabian describes the air strike in this West Bank area, followed by a raid and clashes between gunmen and soldiers.

The rockets are unabated from Lebanon and yesterday saw several civilians injured. Fabian describes the tit-for-tat fighting.

Late last week Fabian went inside Gaza City’s Shati camp with troops of the Nahal Infantry Brigade’s 50th Battalion. He describes what he saw. 

Yesterday, Israel agreed to regular daily fuel deliveries into the Gaza Strip for the first time since the war against Hamas began last month. Magid explains what this policy change signifies.

Israel’s window to operate in the Hamas-run enclave with Washington’s support is not closing, Magid hears from several officials. He explains why.

Magid brings the story of a pro-Israel lawmaker who is criticizing the Jewish state opening. Why is this happening?

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 18, 2023

Most patients, staff, displaced leave Shifa Hospital area; IDF pushes deeper into Gaza

Lebanon rocket attacks target northern towns; IDF strikes Hezbollah in response

IDF, Shin Bet: Terror cell planning ‘imminent attacks’ targeted in West Bank operation

In Gaza’s Shati camp, senior officer says ‘nothing’ can stop IDF advance on Hamas

In shift, Israel agrees to regularly let fuel into Gaza, drawing outrage in coalition

Israel doesn’t feel US closing window of support for IDF’s Gaza offensive – official

In a shift, US Jewish lawmakers ramp up criticism of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza

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: IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip in a handout photo distributed on November 17, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 42 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Schneider discusses IDF discovery of bodies of two female captives, Yehudit Weiss and soldier Noa Marciano, based on data that was collected, found in compound of Shifa Hospital.

Sharon talks about physical assaults against Palestinians in West Bank by extremist settlers and brigades of IDF reservists formed after October 7 who harass the communities, hoping to force them to leave.

Schneider looks at poll from Channel 12, an unusual move for wartime period, showing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity has plummeted and National Unity Benny Gantz has taken the lead, as he entered war cabinet "to help the country, not help Netanyahu."

Sharon speaks about an upcoming Saturday night rally in Tel Aviv calling for a ceasefire, and being allowed by police after a prolonged legal battle, but with certain limitations in place.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 17, 2023

Military recovers bodies of two Israeli hostages in area of Gaza’s Shifa Hospital

Facing violence and harassment, hundreds of Palestinians flee West Bank villages

Poll finds Netanyahu would be trounced by Gantz were elections held today

Police agree to Tel Aviv protest calling for ceasefire following High Court hearing

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: Parents of soldier Noa Marciano who was killed in Hamas captivity, comforted by families of those held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, on November 16, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 41 of the war. Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Keller-Lynn discusses how the police is proceeding with investigations of rape on October 7, although it's not yet clear how the cases will be built and who will be ultimately tried, given the lack of physical evidence.

Surkes looks at members of Israel's Arab Druze civilian community who have thrown themselves behind the war effort.

Keller-Lynn explains why two Arab MKS were suspended and had pay docked by Knesset Ethics Committee for remarks about IDF war crimes and denying October 7 atrocities.

Surkes talks about nature rehabilitation center for troubled teens in Tzur Hadassah, outside Jerusalem, where a lack of a bomb shelter hinders the program's progress now, when teens need it most.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 16, 2023

Police start building Oct. 7 rape cases, focusing on footage and testimonies

Israel’s tiny Druze community punches above its weight to help

Knesset sanctions 2 Arab MKs for ‘denying’ Oct. 7 atrocities, alleging IDF war crimes

Troubled teens cut off from nature rehab over lack of bomb shelter

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: Scenes of houses destroyed when Hamas terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, killing some 1,200, committing atrocities and taking 240 hostages into Gaza (Photo by Edi Israel/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 40 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

As of this morning, 48 IDF soldiers have fallen during the ground operation in Gaza. Since last night, a special targeted operation has seen IDF enter the Shifa Hospital compound, which the IDF has considered a headquarters of Hamas. What are we seeing so far?

On Tuesday, the IDF announced that it had captured a number of Hamas governmental sites in the heart of Gaza City. But while northern Gaza's above-ground area is under IDF control, the vast majority of Hamas operatives are believed to be underground, explains Fabian.

Also yesterday, nearly 300,000 people rallied in Washington at the March for Israel, calling for the release of the hostages held by terrorists in Gaza. Rettig Gur discusses the rally -- and questions why mainstream American media hasn't really covered it.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 15, 2023

IDF special forces raid Gaza’s main hospital, find weapons and Hamas assets inside

IDF says it has captured Hamas parliament, government seat and police HQ

‘Let our people go’: Nearly 300,000 rally in Washington for Israel, hostages’ release

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: IDF soldiers operate at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City overnight in a handout photo distributed on November 15, 2023 (Israel Defense Forces)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 39 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

As of this morning, 46 IDF soldiers have fallen during the ground operation in Gaza, and last night, the IDF confirmed that a woman who was pregnant when captured has presumably given birth. Goren updates on what we know about the hostages.

The IDF revealed what it said was proof that the basement of a Gaza City children's hospital was used by the Hamas terror group to hide arms and possibly hold hostages kidnapped on October 7. But Goren explains why time may be running out on the ground operation.

Fiske discusses new pop-up educational solutions for the children of the internally displaced throughout Israel. There are about 15,000 refugee students in Eilat alone. 

And finally, we hear about US cowboys who have come to volunteer on farms -- in the wild West Bank. 

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 14, 2023

IDF: Hamas operated command center, likely held hostages under Gaza kids’ hospital

Israel, Hamas near deal to release some 70 women and children held hostage – report

Woman abducted to Gaza on Oct. 7 has likely given birth in captivity — officials

Cowboys of the wild West Bank: The visiting US volunteers who ‘own guns, love Israel’

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 tunnel shaft found by IDF forces leading to underneath Gaza City's Rantisi Hospital, in a photo released by the military on November 13, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 38 of the war. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

As of this morning, 44 IDF soldiers have fallen during the ground operation in Gaza, which is now centered around the controversial Shifa Hospital compound. Fabian updates us on what is happening in the Shifa Hospital compound, even as the world is scrutinizing the IDF even more than usual.

Yesterday, at least 14 civilians were wounded, including one seriously, in an anti-tank guided missile attack by the Hezbollah terror group from Lebanon. In another attack, seven soldiers were wounded by a mortar near the northern community of Menara. Both attacks represent a sharp uptick in hostility, explains Fabian.

Official Israel has revised the estimated number of murdered in the October 7 attack from 1,400 to 1,200. Fabian goes over the numbers and adds them up.

Among all the deaths during this war, new life continues to be born. Ghert-Zand brings us how midwives and doctors are handling challenging circumstances.

No Mental Health Without Democracy, a large group of mental health professionals in Israel, has issued an urgent call to the government to prevent the planned showing of a film of the murderous atrocities committed by Hamas against Israelis on October 7 to the general public. Ghert-Zand explains why.

Hundreds of foreign medical professionals have signed up to volunteer in Israel. We hear who is already here and what they are doing.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 13, 2023

IDF says Hamas blocked fuel delivery to Shifa Hospital as troops advance in Gaza

21 wounded, 1 seriously, in Hezbollah missile, mortar attacks from Lebanon

Israel revises death toll from Oct. 7 Hamas assault, dropping it from 1,400 to 1,200

Shepherding life into the world following catastrophe brings hope to Israeli midwives

Mental health professionals implore Netanyahu not to show atrocities film to public

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: Zaka personnel and Israeli soldiers at the forensic center in the Shura military base near Ramle, where hundreds of dead bodies have arrived since the start of the war with Hamas, October 13, 2023. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 37 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

Over the weekend, Israel saw another five soldiers fall during the ground operation in Gaza. Horovitz fills us in on the status of the fighting alongside booby-trapped tunnels.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation and took reporters' questions last night. Horovitz brings highlights from Netanyahu's remarks, as well as what Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is saying about an expanded operation in Lebanon.

Yesterday was Armistice Day in London and there were hundreds of thousands of anti-Israel protesters in the streets. Horovitz describes the disconnect felt in England right now.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said there was “no justification” for Israel’s bombing of “these babies, these ladies, these old people” in the war against Hamas and reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Lidor gives background on why these statements represent such a betrayal for many French Jews.

Lidor reports back from the Gaza envelope, where he spent time with struggling farmers near the border.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 12, 2023

IDF: No siege at Shifa Hospital, we’ll help move babies to safety; 5 soldiers killed

Beloved educator and son of former Netanyahu aide among 5 reservists killed in Gaza

Netanyahu: We’ll defy the world if needed to defeat Hamas; PA can’t run Gaza after war

Macron’s comments on Gaza war are ‘factually, morally’ incorrect, Netanyahu charges

Macron: Israel must stop bombing babies, women, elderly; PM: Hamas to blame for deaths

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 seen at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, November 10, 2023. (Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Today is day 36 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Magid speaks about Israel's formalization of the daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza, after pressure from Biden administration.

Schneider discusses Netanyahu meeting with municipal heads of communities in Gaza envelope, more than a month after October 7.

Magid talks about the differing comments Netanyahu has made about what will happen in Gaza after the war, and reactions to that.

Schneider mentions soldiers talking about return to Gush Katif, the Jewish settlement bloc in Gaza that was forcibly emptied in 2005.

She also discusses New York Jewish Federation raising millions in first weeks of war, helping evacuees and survivors, filling vacuum of Israeli government.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 11, 2023

Israel formalizes daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza, in first since war’s outbreak

Netanyahu says IDF will control Gaza after war, rejects notion of international force

Israel isn’t seeking to displace Gazans or rule enclave, Netanyahu reassures US

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 walk on road after fleeing from their homes in Gaza City to the southern part of Gaza, November 11, 2023. (Photo by Atia Mohammed/Flash90)

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