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.

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

An Iranian official said this morning that authorities verified at least 5,000 people had been killed in protests in Iran, including about 500 security personnel, since December 28. According to a Sunday Times report citing an account put together by a network of Iranian doctors, the toll is more than 16,500 dead -- most under 30 -- and at least 330,000 people injured. Berman delves into the conflicting reports and updates us on what US President Donald Trump said Saturday.

The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet on Saturday revealed the identities of several Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives killed in strikes across the Gaza Strip earlier in the week, which Israel said were carried out in response to a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire in western Rafah when gunmen opened fire at troops. With both sides claiming ceasefire violations, Berman reviews what a ceasefire entails. We also learn how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to reports that the executive board for Trump’s Board of Peace includes senior officials from Qatar and Turkey.

Syria’s army took control of swathes of the country’s north over the weekend, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory over which they had held effective autonomy for more than a decade. President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree declaring Kurdish a “national language” and granting the minority group official recognition. All this comes before the president is meant to speak with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Tuesday, as Germany seeks to step up deportations of Syrians. Is this the start of a great return to Syria?

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

For further reading:

In first, Trump appears to call for end of ‘sick man’ Khamenei’s rule in Iran

Deadly crackdown appears to have quashed Iran protests, residents say

Iranian doctors put death toll in suppressed uprising at over 16,500 — report

Hamas operative behind 1995 terror attack among those killed in Gaza strikes, says IDF

Netanyahu fumes at Gaza oversight panel makeup as Trump invites Erdogan to peace board

Syrian army extends hold over north, capturing areas held by Kurds for over a decade

Sharaa to meet with German chancellor as Berlin seeks to deport Syrian refugees

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

IMAGE: A protester has her face painted to resemble bullet holes during a rally in support of the Iranian people in Rome, January 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

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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.

The "Schmoovie" of the week is "Holding Liat," a remarkable documentary that charts the struggle of one Israeli-American family to return its loved ones who were taken hostage to Gaza during the Hamas murderous onslaught on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Short-listed for an Oscar for Best Documentary, "Holding Liat" is now playing at art theaters, including in New York and Los Angeles.

Produced by Hollywood filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and created by brothers Brandon and Lance Kramer, we learn in the film that during the siege on Kibbutz Nir Oz, educator Liat Beinin Atzili and her husband, artist and mechanic Aviv Atzili, were separately captured by the Hamas gunmen. 

The film follows American-born couple Yehuda and Chaya Beinin, kibbutznikim who immigrated to Israel in the 1970s, their daughter Tal, who emigrated from Israel to Portland a decade ago, and their grandchildren, primarily Netta, who barely survived the rampage at Nir Oz.

The filmmakers, cousins to the Beinin family, begin charting their relatives two weeks after the couple's capture. Through updates from the IDF, we understand that there are disturbing findings related to Aviv, but that Liat is thought to be relatively secure.

Yehuda, Tal and Netta journey to Washington, DC, to attempt to sway US politicians' hearts and minds to fight for their cause, but quickly see how each generation frames the conflict and its potential resolution.

Upon the joyous return of Liat during the 2023 temporary truce that saw 97 hostages freed, we learn that Aviv was slaughtered by the terrorists. However, Liat resumes her activism, pushing for a two-state solution to the ongoing conflict. 

Hear the conflicted reactions the intense, but nuanced film evokes 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: Still from 'Holding Liat' (courtesy)

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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 Israel Story producer Mitch Ginsburg.

On February 20, 1979, the last 33 Israelis returned from Tehran upon the forced closure of the Israeli embassy. After the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khoumeini's new regime, the Israeli trade mission's location was given over to the Palestine Liberation Organization, whose supporters immediately stormed the building.

In today's episode, we relay the untold saga of the derring-do that saw these final Israeli officials back to the Jewish state.

A story of four chapters, Ginsburg narrates the tale through the eyes of the Tehran embassy's military attache, Brigadier General Itzik Segev.

Hear how they walk the plank, assume false identities and eventually meet up with the American delegation, which was also fleeing the country.

Our conversation is followed by the complete episode of Ginsburg's recent Israel Story installment, "Frankly, My Deer," which tells the tale of the final and frantic days of the Shah’s regime, when an unlikely Israeli envoy — a cross between David Attenborough and Jason Bourne — landed in Tehran. His secret mission was to bring back something certain powerful people in Israel sorely wanted.

And so this week, we ask Mitch Ginsburg 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 the Pod-Waves.

IMAGE: In this December 10, 1978 file picture, demonstrators hold up a poster of exiled Muslim leader Ayatollah Khomeini during an anti-shah demonstration in Tehran at the Shayah monument which was built to commemorate the monarch's rule and symbol of his power. (AP Photo/Michel Lipchitz)

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

Starting December 28, Iran's cities and towns filled with protesters, but its political elite continues to show cohesion and confidence. Additionally, there have been no signs that security personnel are defecting or refusing orders.

This week, Berman -- looking back at previous protests and how they were squelched -- projects forward to how the current unrest may play out for the Islamic Republic's oppressive regime. 

We speak about the unpopularity of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the sense that Iran's youth taking to the streets increasing feel they have nothing to lose. 

Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

IMAGE: Lazar Berman (courtesy) / Demonstrators burn a poster depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, in Holon, Israel, January 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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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.

Zman Yisrael founding editor Biranit Goren and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Following the smothering of nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy, Goren discusses that US President Donald Trump appears to be backing down from his threats against Iran, possibly because the US hasn't made it a priority to topple the Iranian regime.

With the technocratic board members chosen for the second phase of the Gaza plan, Trump is determined to push forward to the second phase of the ceasefire, says Goren, despite the remaining issues of disarming Hamas and returning the final hostage body of Ran Gvili.

Kibbutz Be'eri is moving forward with its reconstruction, reports Surkes, with houses and several public buildings being rebuilt with primarily Tekuma Directorate funding, and expectations for residents to return in the summer.

Surkes also looks at the use of so-called poultry manure as cattle feed in Israel, a practice that has been banned in many Western countries.

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

For further reading:

Iran’s nationwide protests appear smothered, with fate of potential US action unclear

US, Britain issue travel warnings for Israel; several countries tell citizens to leave Iran

US bullish as bodies tasked with replacing Hamas take shape, despite disarmament hurdle

Kibbutz Be’eri chooses single burned-out house to bear testimony to October 7

Banned elsewhere in the West, Israel permitting farmers to use feces as cattle feed

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

IMAGE: People walk past a poster by artist TVBOY depicting President Donald Trump wearing a construction worker outfit and holding a placard reading in Spanish: My Gaza is your Gaza, is posted on a street in Rome, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Gregorio Borgia/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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

US President Donald Trump told protesters in Iran on Tuesday that “help is on its way” and urged them to keep protesting and take control of the country’s institutions. As the death toll rises -- with Iranian officials putting the figures at 2,000 and other sources stating over 5,000 -- we parse what Trump may be planning, from diplomacy to military force.

A Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. We hear about new efforts to create a board of Palestinian technocrats, as well as meetings held by former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov, who is expected to serve as a top official for the supervisory US‑backed Board of Peace in Gaza.

Israel has proposed using a portion of the several billions of dollars in clearance revenues it is withholding from the Palestinian Authority to pay for the clearing of rubble for construction projects in Gaza. Magid explains why Israel has these funds in its coffers and the blowback for using them to clear debris from the war.

And finally, US President Donald Trump addressed the rumors of rising antisemitism in his MAGA movement and the Republican party in a lengthy The New York Times interview. Magid fills us in on what Trump said.

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

For further reading:

Israel, Arab nations said to urge US to wait to strike Iran until regime further weakened

‘Help is on its way’: Trump urges Iranians to keep protesting, seize institutions

Palestinian technocrats invited to join transitional Gaza governing committee — sources

Palestinian Authority VP meets diplomat expected to serve on Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace

Israel proposed using PA funds to cover cost of Gaza rubble clearance — official

‘We don’t need them. We don’t like them’: Trump says MAGA has no room for antisemites

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

IMAGE: Iranians who live in Greece take part in a protest in front of the US Embassy in Athens, Greece, January 13, 2026, supporting the protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

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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.

Political reporter Ariela Karmel and tech editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As the government coalition advances a bill aimed at scrapping some of the offenses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial for, Karmel reviews this latest step in a series of efforts by the coalition to protect him.

Karmel also discusses the crux of an ongoing conflict between the High Court and the coalition concerning an investigation into the supervision of the ultra-Orthodox school system and how the Finance Ministry is handling the transfer of funds to Haredi schools.

Following the central bank's recent decision to lower interest rates, Wrobel notes that it's a sign of support for the economy, given the lower inflation rate and strong shekel currency, despite the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire.

Wrobel also reviews the recent farmers' protests about importing milk to Israel, a reform that would threaten the smaller dairy farms in a market of relatively few milk suppliers and manufacturers.

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

For further reading:

Coalition advances bill to cancel the criminal charge that Netanyahu faces in his trial

High Court orders state to disclose ultra-Orthodox school curriculum and oversight

In bold move, central bank cuts interest rates for 2nd straight time after ceasefire

Hundreds of farmers protest ‘destructive’ dairy reform plan at junctions nationwide

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

IMAGE: Protesters march toward the Supreme Court in Jerusalem holding signs reading 'Power, Money, Honor, Prison' against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, and in support of the Supreme Court, January 7, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/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.

Legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Police declared Yisrael Einhorn to be a “fugitive criminal,” making the declaration about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ex-campaign adviser for the first time. The comment came during a hearing in Rishon Letzion over the alleged leak of classified documents. We learn about Einhorn's alleged role in the Qatargate scandal.

Israel is in an election year and the government is set to attempt to pass a series of bills as part of its long-standing judicial overhaul. These bills are designed to loosen legal restraints on government decisions, actions and policies, and weaken the strength of the High Court. We delve into what is on the table and how it could impact Israeli society.

A Jewish American man who had a three-year Israel residency visa was recently refused entry to the country by immigration authorities on the recommendation of the police for being a “left-wing anarchist." We speak about this case and the Law for Entry into Israel, which was amended in 2025, to stipulate that foreign nationals can be denied entry into Israel if they publicly call for a boycott of Israel; deny the Holocaust; deny the October 7, 2023, massacres; or publicly support putting Israeli citizens on trial in foreign courts for war crimes.

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

For further reading:

Police declare Netanyahu’s ex-campaign adviser Einhorn a ‘fugitive’ evading arrest

Judicial overhaul redux: New laws aim to weaken legal checks on government action

Jewish American academic denied entry to Israel for being a ‘left-wing anarchist’

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

Illustrative image: Ex-aides Yisrael Einhorn (left) and Jonatan Urich (center) with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2019. (Courtesy/ File) 

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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.

Iran’s parliament speaker has threatened to attack Israel and US military and shipping targets, were the US to launch a strike on the country that is increasingly isolated from the world by the theocratic regime. As nationwide protests reached the two-week mark today, we discuss how Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi is trying to position himself as a player in his country’s future and the nexus between the anti-regime protests and Israel.

The US military said on Saturday that it had carried out multiple strikes in Syria targeting the Islamic State terror group as part of an operation that Washington launched in December after an attack on American personnel on December 13. At the same time, after talks in Paris last week, Israel and Syria agreed to create a mechanism that will facilitate de-escalation, diplomacy and commercial opportunities between the two countries, according to a joint statement from the two countries and the US that was released by Washington. We unwind what is happening on the ground.

Under a military aid package negotiated in 2016, Israel receives some $3.8 billion annually from the US, mostly in the form of subsidies to buy American-made arms. The aid package, which took effect in 2018, is set to expire in 2028. Recently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making statements that add up to a growing interest for Israel to wean itself from this aid. Berman weighs in.

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

For further reading:

Death toll in Iran protest crackdown said to pass 115; Trump reportedly considering strike

As Iranian regime shuts down internet, even Starlink seemingly being jammed

Iran’s exiled crown prince Pahlavi takes on leading role urging protests in former homeland

US military says it carried out strikes across Syria targeting Islamic State

Syria says Kurdish fighters being moved from Aleppo after days of deadly clashes

Israel and Syria agree on mechanism to share intel, seek economic ties

Netanyahu says he aims to end US military aid to Israel within a decade

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

IMAGE: Protesters participate in a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass anti-regime protests in Iran, January 10, 2026. (AP/Ebrahim Noroozi)

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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.

Magid reports that despite the difficulties, the Trump administration wants to unveil the various components of phase two of the fragile Gaza ceasefire. This includes the technocratic Board of Peace, which currently has six countries on board from Europe and the Middle East.

Magid notes that while senior aides to US President Donald Trump are sometimes frustrated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Middle East policies, the American leader's strategy is to keep the relationship warm, usually siding with the Israeli prime minister to keep moving forward on the various issues.

After years of being stuck with third-generation cellphone service in the West Bank due to Israel's security control, Magid reports, Palestinians will now have access to 4G service.

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

For further reading:

US plans to start 2nd phase of Gaza deal before Hamas disarmed, last hostage’s body returned

Trump’s effusive praise for PM part of strategy to keep disagreements private — sources

Israel grants 4G access to Palestinian West Bank cell companies after war delay

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

IMAGE: Tents are crammed together in a displaced Palestinians camp along the beach of Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana, File)

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