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.

Documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Ahead of the launch of season three of DocuNation, the online festival of Israeli documentary films for the Times of Israel Community, Nir discusses how the event got started in March 2020, during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus.

At the time, Nir's screenings were canceled, and he turned to Zoom to offer free screenings and discussions about his films.

DocuNation eventually included other Israeli documentary films that were screened for online audiences, with ToI offering the same concept for English speakers, with subtitled films or films that are mostly in English.

Nir talks about the kinds of films screened, those showing Israeli life and society, the parts of life usually not shown in the news, offering a more uplifting look at life during difficult times.

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

For further reading:

Wilfrid Israel, an unsung Holocaust hero, gets his due

In Arctic, polar bear is final frontier for famed Israeli wildlife photographer

He ain’t heavy, he’s my sibling

‘Dolphin Boy’ gets picked up by Disney

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.

 IMAGE: Documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir brings third season of DocuNation festival to ToI Community in October 2025 (Courtesy)

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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.

Culture editor Jessica Steinberg joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Today, we dive into aspects of Israel's culinary life and hear about Steinberg's most recent visit to Kibbutz Be'eri in the south: Just two weeks before Rosh Hashanah, Steinberg joined baker Yaki Sagi as he was pouring honey cake batter into loaf tins at the Lalush bakery in Be’eri's dining hall complex. We learn how Be'eri is slowly rebuilding and about Sagi's flourishing bakery.

We then turn to Tel Aviv, where Steinberg attended the 11th Whisky Live event. One of the whiskies she tasted is called Single Be’eri, a single malt project led by Be’eri resident and former Knesset member Haim Jelin, distilled at Tel Aviv’s Milk & Honey, with part of the proceeds donated to the rehabilitation of communities in the Western Negev.

And finally, we learn how nearly 10 months after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a new set of culinary tours by the Tel Aviv-based Asif Culinary Institute of Israel is aiming to boost restaurants in Israel’s north that are still struggling with the fallout of the war.

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

For further reading:

Can spinach pies infuse strength back into Kibbutz Be’eri? This baker hopes so

10 months after Lebanon war, culinary tours aim to help local eateries

Israel’s Whisky Live 2025 to feature local malt honoring Kibbutz Be’eri

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.

IMAGE: Chef Yaki Sagi and the Lalush brownies beloved by many Kibbutz Be'eri members (Courtesy)

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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 Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

More than half of the estimated one million Palestinians residing in Gaza City have evacuated to the Strip’s south, the military said Sunday, as Israeli troops moved deeper into the city amid an expanding offensive against Hamas in the area. We learn about IDF efforts on the ground.

IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin voiced frustrations about the lack of cooperation from international humanitarian organizations yesterday, saying, “At Kerem Shalom crossing, thousands of tents and supplies are waiting right now for collection by the UN and international organizations." He further said that Hamas is a major obstacle to distribution. We ask Fabian whether the IDF would consider becoming the point of aid distribution in the Strip.

The IDF will bolster its presence in the West Bank with eight additional companies during the Jewish holiday season in light of heightened security risks. Fabian compares the troop deployment to that of October 6, 2023, saying that with the additional troops in place, the Judea and Samaria Division will be staffed by the equivalent of 23 battalions.

An Israeli drone strike killed five people, including a father and his three children, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Sunday. Fabian explains what we currently know about how bystanders were killed as a Hezbollah operative was neutralized.

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

For further reading:

UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal announce recognition of Palestinian state; PM: Won’t happen

IDF troops push deeper into Gaza City, as half a million residents said to have left

Two rockets fired at Ashdod; IDF says ‘many’ Hamas fighters killed in Gaza City push

In southern Gaza, new anti-Hamas enclave emerges under militia claiming Israeli backing

IDF to deploy reinforcements in West Bank in preparation for Jewish holiday season

IDF investigating after strike on Hezbollah operative also kills 4 Lebanese civilians

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.

IMAGE: IDF forces operate in the Gaza Strip, September 22, 2025. (IDF)

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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.

Last week, ToI's founding editor took a whirlwind trip to Damascus as part of a small delegation of US Jewish leaders, scholars and rabbis, which was coordinated by the new Syrian government.

In today's episode, we hear that getting there was just the beginning of the adventure. What would have ostensibly been a three-hour car drive with open borders for Jerusalem-based Horovitz took three flights -- from Tel Aviv to Athens, then to Istanbul, and finally, from Istanbul to Damascus. 

He describes how, at the Damascus International Airport, the group immediately launched into their packed itinerary, which had the simultaneous dual tracks of a Jewish roots tour and a "friendship visit" with high-level Syrian officials. 

Horovitz describes at length what sounds like the pinnacle of the tour, a rare visit to the Dura-Europos synagogue, a 2,000-year-old shul in eastern Syria that was rediscovered in 1932. We learn about the seven-meter-high, vividly-colored wall paintings that lined the walls of the synagogue’s assembly hall and their near miraculous survival.

And finally, we learn what the Syrian government wished the delegation to take back home and pass on to their leadership -- American and Israeli. 

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

For further reading:

48 surreal hours in Damascus — an Israeli reporter’s travelogue from an enemy capital

After years of war, world’s oldest synagogue paintings seen intact in Damascus

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.

IMAGE: Times of Israel Editor David Horovitz and academic Jill Joshowitz stand near the Dura-Europos Synagogue wall paintings in the Damascus National Museum in Syria, September 16, 2025. (Times of Israel)

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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 Daniel Gordis.

Gordis, an author, scholar, rabbi, activist and sometime Times of Israel blogger, is the creator of the popular Substack blog and podcast, "Israel from the Inside." He recounts how he began the blog in 2021 to pull the curtain back on the Jewish state for those living abroad.

In this episode, we discuss the evolution Gordis's decision to be a pro-Israel, yet critical voice in a tricky global environment of rising antisemitism and uncertainty.

Wearing his rabbi hat, he speaks about how existential loneliness is a part of the experience of this season of High Holy Days and he further describes the loneliness of being Israeli at this time in history.

Gordis challenges American Jews to consider that Israelis are fighting for their homeland -- both in Gaza and during the ongoing protests in the streets.

And so this week, we ask Daniel Gordis, 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: Daniel Gordis (courtesy) / A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer detains a protestor while clearing a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel encampment after dispersal orders were given at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, on May 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (MARIO TAMA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday 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.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Wednesday this week that ongoing negotiations with Israel to reach a security pact could lead to results “in the coming days.” However, later on Wednesday, an Israeli foreign ministry official told AFP that Syria will seal several security and military agreements with Israel by the end of the year.

Despite the discrepancy in timing, it is clear that both countries are interested and invested in completing a security pact in the near future.

On this week's Friday Focus, Berman reviews other previous pacts with Syria -- and attempts -- throughout Israel's history. We learn how the civil war in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime have recalibrated how Israel operates inside its neighbor to the north. And we hear about the conflicting Israeli feelings in losing a strong leader who kept the border relatively quiet.

Finally, Berman discusses what Israel may demand from Syria -- where it's willing to withdraw and where it decidedly will not.

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

IMAGE: Lazar Berman (courtesy) / Syria's President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus, September 12, 2025. (SANA/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.

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

Magid discusses the draft of a developed proposal, formed by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, regarding a transitional body for post-war Gaza. He notes that Israel is still engaging with this topic and that the proposal does not call for the displacement of Gazans.

As security talks in the UK between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israel continue, Magid says an announcement could be within days, possibly coinciding with al-Sharaa's upcoming appearance at the United Nations.

The long-running 'pay-to-slay' program for the Palestinian Authority that critics claimed incentivized terror attacks against Israelis is over, according to Magid, with a new program instituted to pay people based on economic need. There haven't been any payments yet as the PA is out of cash and relies on revenues that Israel collects on its behalf, which Israel has been withholding over various issues.

After US Senator Bernie Sanders used the term genocide to refer to the ongoing war in Gaza, Magid discusses that Sanders has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel.

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

For further reading:

Revealed: Tony Blair’s US-backed proposal for ending the Gaza war and replacing Hamas

PA document shows ‘pay-to-slay’ has been scrapped, new system in place

Hostage families camp outside PM’s home amid rumored start to Gaza City ground op

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.

IMAGE: Former British Prime Minister and Middle East envoy Tony Blair (center) visits Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip, in his first visit to the Hamas-run enclave since being appointed, March 1, 2009. (Mahmud Hams/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.

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

At least 600,000 Gazans are still in Gaza City as the IDF ground offensive enters its second day, says Fabian, and the army is steering clear of them. Estimates suggest that the operation will take months, although Fabian notes that it is unclear if the government or international community will allow it to continue for that long.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was on the frontlines in Gaza City on Tuesday at the start of the offensive, says Fabian. He discusses the chief of staff's complicated role in leading the army and his need to present to the government the complications and risks to the troops and hostages in the Gaza offensive, as well as the possible opportunities.

The IDF struck the Houthi-held port of Hodeida on Tuesday and, in response, Israel received the 85th rocket strike from the Yemeni rebel force in the evening, which was intercepted. Fabian explains that the IDF has repeatedly hit the Yemeni port, as it is where the Houthis receive imports of Iranian weapons.

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

For further reading:

IDF begins major Gaza City ground offensive targeting Hamas; dozens of Gazans said killed

IDF chief insists it’s his duty to warn of Gaza City op’s ‘risks and opportunities’

Israel strikes Houthi-held port of Hodeida in response to drone and rocket fire

As Hamas urges Gazans to stay put, its leaders are trying to flee Strip, says Israel

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.

IMAGE: IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (right) speaks with 98th Division commander Brig. Gen. Guy Levi and other officers in Gaza City, September 16, 2025. (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.

Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Two IDF divisions, made up of tens of thousands of troops, began expanded ground operations in Gaza City overnight as the army launches a “new stage” of its offensive against Hamas. The early stages of the offensive, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots B” began several weeks ago with increased strikes on Hamas targets, including high-rise towers, and ground operations on the outskirts of Gaza City and in several neighborhoods in the west of the city. We learn what is happening on the ground in Gaza City so far and the responses from the families of the 48 Israeli hostages held in the Strip, 20 of whom are presumed alive.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while en route to Doha from Tel Aviv, announced that Qatar and the United States are on the verge of finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, after Israel’s attack targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar last week drew widespread condemnation. He also called for Qatar to continue its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Goren discusses what we're hearing from the Trump White House and how Israel could be connected to this finalized defense agreement.

In a speech yesterday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is facing increasing isolation on the world stage and will have to become more self-reliant in the years to come. He said, “We will increasingly need to adapt to an economy with autarkic characteristics,” he said, using the term for economic self-sufficiency. Describing the ongoing war and its effects, he said, “We are Athens and Sparta. But we’re going to be Athens and super-Sparta,” he said. “There’s no choice; in the coming years, at least, we will have to deal with these attempts to isolate us.” Goren gives context and weighs in.

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

For further reading:

Hostage families camp outside PM’s home amid rumored start to Gaza City ground op

Alongside Rubio, Netanyahu claims Qatar strike succeeded because it sent a ‘message’

Netanyahu admits Israel is economically isolated, will need to become self-reliant

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.

IMAGE: The 98th Division expands its ground operations in Gaza City, September 16, 2025. (IDF)

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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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Israel and at recording time has just finished his meeting in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Jerusalem office. On Friday, Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff had dinner with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in New York, after al-Thani held a four-hour-long meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Rubio at the White House.

We learn what Rubio has so far said during his meetings in Israel about Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in US-ally Qatar last week. We also speak about the stated agenda for Rubio's visit to participate in the opening of the Pilgrims' Path excavated tunnel that leads from east Jerusalem's City of David to the Temple Mount plaza.

Qatar is still fuming over last week's attack on its soil. Qatar’s prime minister accused Israel of “state terrorism,” and said its attack in Doha last week targeting Hamas’s leaders was “an attack on the principle of mediation itself,” but nevertheless vowed to continue efforts to reach a ceasefire. Berman explains why the country will continue to serve as a mediator, even as it may attempt to stir trouble for Israel in other realms.

Israel is building two new aid distribution sites, which, according to the military, will be handed over to the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the coming days. The IDF invited journalists to visit the sites on Wednesday before they become operational. Berman was there and reports back on what he saw, and how the war may look moving forward.

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

For further reading:

Rubio opens Israel visit with Netanyahu at Western Wall amid Gaza ops, Qatar fallout

Qatari PM says Israel must be ‘punished’ for strike, vows to continue ceasefire efforts

After Israeli strike, Qatar to host emergency Arab-Islamic summit to discuss response

Waiting for Gaza City residents to head south, Israel readies new aid sites in Rafah

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.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on September 15, 2025. (Haim Zach/GPO)

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