The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, the head of Realign for Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse.

This week, the Board of Peace’s top Gaza envoy Nickolay Mladenov revealed the principles of the disarmament proposal submitted to Hamas earlier this month. He urged the international community to pressure the Palestinian terror group to accept the offer in order to prevent another cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip.

But before diving into what these principles entail, we place Hamas and the Gaza Strip into the context of the current US-Israel war on Iran.

Hamas, argues Alkhatib, triggered this war -- and potentially the downfall of the Islamic Republic -- through its murderous onslaught on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Will it now be the last terror proxy standing?

And so this week, we ask Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, what matters now.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 27, 2026. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

The war in Iran has reached a new, somewhat odd, phase. After hammering the Islamic Republic for four weeks, US President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell announcement this week -- that he was in talks with Tehran over an end to the war.

Iran initially denied the talks, then acknowledged that there were contacts, and released a series of demands for the war to end.

Now, the US and Israel continue to strike Iran, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and Trump talks about Iran talks.

Raz Zimmt, Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, joins Lazar to make sense of what is happening inside Iran, and where the war might go from here.

He explains who is running Iran, and why the country is moving in an even more hardline direction. Zimmt argues that Iran's motivation for building a nuclear weapon has gone up drastically, and Ali Khamenei's fatwa against one is no longer in place now that he is dead.

The regime shows no signs of cracking, Zimmt argues, though its military industries and capabilities have been badly degraded.

If talks with the US fail, he says, the war seems headed for further escalation. That may come in the form of an invasion of Kharg Island, which Zimmt says is the wrong way to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzhak Ledee.

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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.

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

In today's episode, we take a step back and take a look at the holistic picture that brought the US and Israel to declare war on the rapacious Iranian regime. We discuss attempts to initiate high-level negotiations with Iran and the potential consequences of a "premature" ceasefire.

Turning our gaze to Lebanon and Gaza, Horovitz describes how toppling Iran may be easier than the elusive "total victory" in Gaza or the suppression of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

We finish our conversation with a brief review of the stagnant status quo in Gaza amid a new effort from the Board of Peace to inject new momentum into the disarmament of Hamas.

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

For further reading:

Seeking a deal with different faces of the same regime, Trump risks subverting his own vital war goals

9 injured as Iran fires 6 missile salvos at Israel within hours, many with cluster warheads

Trump: Iran wants deal ‘so badly’; White House says campaign ‘very close’ to meeting goals

Hezbollah fires missiles at central Israel; 2 soldiers seriously hurt in Lebanon

Hezbollah chief rejects Israel talks as ‘surrender’ amid continued IDF strikes

Board of Peace envoy lays out principles of disarmament plan presented to Hamas

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Pro-government supporters wave Iranian flags during a rally in a square in western Tehran, Iran, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

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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.

Mideast expert Ksenia Svetlova joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

WATCH the full episode here:

https://youtu.be/7Ove9pjO0b0?si=scSvUXwQmNxtcMfq

Former MK Svetlova is the executive Director of ROPES (Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security) and a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly moving closer toward actively joining the fight against Iran, as the war in the Middle East threatens their economies. According to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, the Gulf states are “inching toward” a more active role, after Riyadh allowed US forces to use an air base within its borders.

In today's special episode, Svetlova gives context to the ongoing US and Israeli war with Iran, and sets the scene of the relationships between the Islamic Republic and the Gulf states it is currently hitting. We hear how Iran's proxy war -- a "ring of fire" -- was initiated against Israel, and also against Iran's neighboring Muslim states.

We explore what the goal of the 1979 Islamic Revolution was, and how -- when other Arab states failed to go along with it -- Iran has attempted to export the upheaval to the region.

And finally, drawing on Russian-language reporting, Svetlova assesses the status of Iran's regime and whether it is anywhere near being compromised.

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

For further reading:

Saudi Arabia and UAE ‘inching toward’ joining fighting against Iran — report

A long road to the end: The death throes of Iran’s regime could last for years

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht edited this episode.

IMAGE: A visitor walks past a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as it on display at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer)

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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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Following the bombshell announcement from US President Donald Trump that the US is engaged in talks with Iran on terms for ending the war, Magid discusses the potential for a deal and Trump's five-day postponement of threatened US strikes on Iranian energy sites.

Magid reports on the various mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt... and Vice President JC Vance, seen as a key US administration figure who wants this war to come to a swift end.

The Gulf states, by contrast, are not necessarily interested in a rapid conclusion that leaves the regime in power, notes Magid, as diplomats from several Gulf countries have indicated that they seek generational damage as opposed to de-escalation.

The IDF's former top Iran researcher, Danny Citrinowicz, told Magid last week that Iran isn't about to give up its ostensible right to enrich uranium, and that diplomacy would be needed in addition to the military campaign. Is he being vindicated?

Finally, Magid discusses the wait for a Hamas response to a new disarmament proposal for Gaza.

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

For further reading:

Trump: Deal with Iran to end war close; Israel will be happy; strikes on energy sites postponed

Netanyahu: Potential Iran deal touted by Trump would protect Israel’s ‘vital interests’

Gulf states opposed war with Iran. Most are now pushing to keep the fight going

War aimed at preventing Iranian nukes may actually lead to them, ex-IDF expert warns

Hamas given proposal for gradual weapon handover in months-long process — officials

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

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order on fraud in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2026 as Vice President JD Vance (C) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson (R) look on. (Annabelle Gordon/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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Just after recording time today, US President Donald Trump announced that the administration is conducting negotiations with Iran to end the war and has paused his threat to bomb power stations if Iran doesn't open up the Strait of Hormuz. 

We discuss how the focus of the war is currently on the Strait of Hormuz, and is even garnering increased support from Arab Gulf states. We hear Berman's projections on the length of the war -- and who may or may not join in the conflict.

We then turn to increasing reports that the IDF is planning a much wider ground operation in southern Lebanon than the "targeted" operation that was launched last week. Is there an endgame?

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

For further reading:

Iran warns it will hit Israeli, Gulf power plants if US targets Iranian electric stations

Trump’s shifting Strait of Hormuz strategies raise questions about US war preparation

How Trump’s Iran war goals and time frames have shifted over course of conflict

Israel blows up bridge allegedly used by Hezbollah to move troops into south Lebanon

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee produced and edited this episode.

IMAGE: A cargo ship carrying vehicles sails through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz in the United Arab Emirates, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo) 

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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.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As the IDF looks into the failure to intercept the Iranian missiles that struck Dimona and Arad, causing massive damage and injuries, Fabian discusses the air force's interception rate, which is around 90% for missiles heading to populated areas.

Fabian reports on the ongoing efforts of the IAF to track down and take out Iran's air defense systems, nuclear-related sites and ballistic missile launchers, which are scattered throughout the regime, with current weather conditions complicating the operation.

With four IDF divisions operating in south Lebanon, Fabian reviews the number of troops and their work to demolish Hezbollah sites, while the Iranian proxy continues striking northern Israel.

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

For further reading:

Over 150 injured, 11 seriously, in Iranian missile strikes on southern cities of Arad, Dimona

IDF says it hit Tehran university site used to develop components for nuclear weapons

US said to strike Iran’s Natanz enrichment site, IDF hits missile production sites

Hezbollah rocket injures 5 in north, buildings damaged in barrages as IDF strikes Lebanon

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

Image: The scene where a missile fired from Iran toward Israel caused damage to residential buildings in the southern Israeli city of Dimona, March 22, 2026 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

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Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with author and journalist Matti Friedman.

The first half of our episode is dedicated to an in-depth discussion of Friedman's newest book, "Out of the Sky," set for publication next week. The book is a deep dive into the meaning and myth surrounding a team of Jews living in British Mandate Palestine who -- after escaping the Holocaust -- parachute back into Nazi Europe in 1944.

The most famous of the unit is Hannah Senesh, whom readers will know as the tragic young woman who heroically attempted to save Jews and left behind Hebrew poetry, including "Eli, Eli." In his new book, Friedman busts myths surrounding the mission's participants and then tells their even more stunning real tales.

In the second half of the program, we draw upon Friedman's personal experiences in Lebanon, which he recounted in a previous book, "Pumpkin Flowers."

We discuss the crossroads Israel again finds itself as it contemplates a large ground maneuver on a road too well-traveled in southern Lebanon.

And so, this week, we ask Matti Friedman, what matters now.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Yitzhak Ledee.

Matti Friedman / Troops of the 300th 'Baram' Regional Brigade operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout photo issued by the military on March 18, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

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Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.

In today's Oscar episode, movie maven Hoffman gives us a Jewy recap of this year's Academy Awards. We learn about surprising Jewish roots among some winners and how a person we thought was a sure thing came home with nothing.

We then turn to the most recent installment of "Superman" and discuss the hero's Jewish roots and the film's political overtones. (Check out Hoffman's review of the film here.)

Stick around to see who got the "oy," the "meh" and the "not bad" marks in this week's The Reel Schmooze.

The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Close-up of Javier Bardem's political attire at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 15, 2026, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

Almost three weeks of the US-Israeli war on Iran have gone by. There are undoubtedly important achievements. This week, Israel assassinated Ali Larijani, perhaps the most important leader left in the Islamic Republic. It also took out leaders of the brutal Basij force, and there is no question that Iran's ability to launch ballistic missiles and drones at its enemies has been severely degraded.

Top officials in Gulf states are speaking out more openly about Iranian attacks, with a senior UAE adviser saying that the strikes will push the Gulf closer to Israel.

Despite the impressive -- even unprecedented tactical achievements -- key questions remain. How does this war end? How will Israel "create the conditions" for Iran's people to topple the regime, and will we be back at war again in the coming years if they don't?

Caroline Glick, a veteran journalist who has served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's international affairs adviser during both Iran wars, lays out why Israel is fighting against Iran less than a year after Netanyahu declared that the 12-day war last June achieved a historic victory.

She says that Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are aligned on the goals on the campaign, and reports of discord do not reflect reality.

Glick makes clear that it is up to the Iranian people to achieve their freedom, but Israel is doing what it can to pave the way from the air.

Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzy Ledee.

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