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 51 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

Last night 13 additional Israelis returned to their families as part of the cease-fire agreement brokered by Qatar and the US between Israel and Hamas. We discuss the chaos around the second release process.

Horovitz also speaks to the seemingly increased dissonance between Israel's plans to renew operations in Gaza and world pressure to lengthen the truce -- even indefinitely. 

Ghert-Zand discusses the health of the freed hostages so far and medical professionals' preparations ahead of their release.

Finally, Ghert-Zand brings the stories of two families of fallen soldiers whose organs were donated.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 26, 2023

13 Israelis, including 8 children, freed by Hamas after 50 days held hostage in Gaza

Coming home: Health Ministry discloses strict protocols for treating freed hostages

Grieving their fallen soldier sons, families donate their organs, spread life

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 hostage in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, November 25, 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 50 of the war. Political correspondent Tal Schneider and Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

Last night 13 Israelis returned to their families as part of the cease-fire agreement brokered by Qatar and the US between Israel and Hamas. Another 13 are expected to be released shortly today. We discuss the nail-biting release process and the happy reunions.

Israel needs to “pay” for every one Israeli with three Palestinian prisoners. Who are the prisoners who are being released?

During this ceasefire, the expectation is that there will be an increase in humanitarian aid trucks allowed into the Gaza Strip. Is that happening so far?

Finally, even as international women’s organizations are still silent on the mass rapes committed by Hamas on October 7, today marks the United Nations-sponsored International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Keller Lynn reported on a troubling new trend in calls to crisis lines since the war.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 25, 2023

Israel awaits 2nd group of hostages to be freed Saturday late-afternoon

13 Israelis, including 4 kids, back in Israel after held hostage in Gaza for 49 days

Domestic violence exacerbated by wartime, raising concerns over looser gun policies

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: Doron Asher and her daughters Raz and Aviv after their release from Hamas captivity on November 24, 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 49 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

Seventy IDF soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground offensive as of the commencement of the temporary ceasefire this morning. Fabian explains how the IDF is maintaining its hold on its control of the northern Gaza Strip during this pause of offensive operations.

Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at northern Israel on Thursday in one of the largest barrages fired from Lebanon since October 7, sending thousands of people in northern towns and communities rushing to bomb shelters. How does this coincide with its stated plan to join in the Gaza ceasefire? 

Magid brings US concerns over the number of aid trucks currently entering the Strip, as well as a pressing request that the IDF present detailed plans for the population of southern Gaza as the military turns its eyes there.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 24, 2023

As sides confirm truce Friday, Israel notifies families of 13 hostages set to be freed

Hamas commander killed ahead of truce; Gallant: War will resume for at least 2 months

Hezbollah hits Israel with heavy rocket barrages, anti-tank missile attacks

US officials say Israel likely can’t make good on hostage deal promise to up Gaza aid

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: View of the 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, November 23, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/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 48 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

70 soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground offensive as of this morning. Instead of an expected ceasefire that was meant to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, the hostage release deal has been pushed off until Friday, according to reports. We hear from Goren how this played out.

Wrobel reported this week that the war with the Hamas terror group is costing Israel at least NIS 1 billion ($269 million) per day. How was this figure arrived at?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday agreed to extend the tenure of Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron for a second term following months of speculation. But convinced whom here?

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 23, 2023

War with Hamas costs NIS 1b a day, hitting economy harder than previous conflicts

Worker absence due to war poses main hurdle for manufacturers – survey

Bank of Israel head agrees to 2nd term following nod from Netanyahu and Smotrich

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: The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, as seen on November 21, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/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 47 of the war. Editor David Horovitz and culture editor Jessica Steinberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

69 soldiers have fallen in Gaza as of Wednesday morning and the IDF says it’s continuing to operate in the Gaza Strip, with ground forces clashing with Hamas operatives, and strikes being carried out against the terror group’s infrastructure until the timing of a formal ceasefire is reached. The cabinet resoundingly approved a first hostage release deal early this morning. Horovitz explains what Israel is getting and what Israel is giving up.

We hear who were the major players behind the deal as well as how it was received in domestic Israeli politics.

Children and women are the primary focus of the hostage deal. Steinberg gives us a sense of the 38 children being held, their age ranges and how they were taken.

Steinberg, who is spearheading the ToI's covering of the hostages, has met with several of their families. We hear about the Engel and Sharabi families.

Steinberg was inspired in Tel Aviv this week by a series of murals painted for the captured children in coordination with the Free Our Kids IL pop-up grassroots organization. What struck her?

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 22, 2023

Cabinet okays deal for release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 4-day Gaza truce

Most politicians welcome hostage deal; Smotrich explains why party ended up voting yes

Behind the scenes of the intense talks that led to the Israel-Hamas hostage deal

The children believed held hostage in Gaza, many of whom could be freed in Hamas deal

‘Life has stopped in the middle’ for families of 3 hostages, connected by teens’ love

Street artists paint Tel Aviv wall murals about child hostages

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: An installation of eyes on empty chairs symbol of the people missing and held captive in Gaza, in Tel Aviv Israel, November 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

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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 46 of the war. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and reporter Gavriel Fiske join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

There are unceasing rumors that a hostage deal and/or a ceasefire are close. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has released a statement on social media that the group is close to a “truce” agreement. But as of recording time, official Israel is tightlipped on any such deal and concentrating its PR efforts on displaying proof of Hamas’s use of Shifa Hospital as a base and other evidence found in the ground offensive. Rettig Gur expounds on why Israel is so terrible at public diplomacy -- and why it may work in the country's favor.

Reichman University’s Recanati International school launched its fall semester on Sunday. Fiske was there and spoke with several students who left what they felt were antisemitic environments for war-torn Israel.

Finally, Fiske describes Israel's number one hit song of the moment, "Charbu Darbu," an angry hip-hop anthem in support of the war with Hamas.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog November 21, 2023

Antisemitic incidents surged globally since Oct. 7 but most aren’t reported. Here’s why

Hip-hop war anthem reaches number one in Israel

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: Illustrative: Hundreds of Canadians attend a rally calling for the release of children held kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, in Toronto, Canada. November 20, 2023. (Doron Horowitz/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 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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